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Experience the best of Costa Rica's natural landscapes with combined excursions to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall. These guided trips handle transportation and entrance fees so you can focus on hiking jungle trails, crossing hanging bridges, and relaxing in hot springs.
Free Cancellation Explore La Fortuna’s rainforest, waterfalls, and lava fields before relaxing in natural hot springs.
Free Cancellation Discover the area's top three parks on an active, small-group tour designed for wildlife sightings and crowd avoidance.
Free Cancellation Experience La Fortuna’s waterfall, volcano, hanging bridges, and natural hot springs in one seamless, guided day trip.
Free Cancellation Day trip from Jaco to Arenal: swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, hike volcano lava trails, and soak in natural hot springs.
Free Cancellation Hike through Arenal's ecological park to La Fortuna Waterfall and finish with a soak in a natural thermal river.
Free Cancellation Ride through dense tropical trails to reach the 200-foot drop of the La Fortuna Waterfall.
Free Cancellation Explore Arenal’s lava trails, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the rainforest canopy bridges in one full-day excursion.
Free Cancellation Hike through Arenal Volcano National Park and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall on this half-day tour including lunch.
Free Cancellation Explore the region with local guides who tailor the day to you, including a traditional lunch with a local family.
Free Cancellation Hike through hanging bridges and volcanic lava flows before swimming at the base of the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Arenal Volcano — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Tours of Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall offer a mix of rugged volcanic history and lush tropical rainforests. Expect to navigate old lava flows, descend deep into jungle canyons for waterfall swims, and spot incredible local wildlife with the help of expert naturalist guides.
Walk the 1.1-mile trail directly over the jagged basalt rock formations left behind by the catastrophic 1968 eruption. On clear days, this path offers completely unobstructed views of the volcano's steep, conical peak.
Descend 500 steps into a dense jungle canyon to witness this roaring 75-meter (246-foot) cascade. The reward at the bottom is a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, cool natural pool.
Trek across suspended bridges sitting high above the rainforest canopy. This elevated vantage point is perfect for spotting sloths, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds hiding in the trees.
Relax your muscles after a long day of hiking by soaking in naturally heated thermal pools. Many full-day combo tours finish at beautifully landscaped hot spring resorts deep in the jungle.
Take a covered boat ride or walk the paved Peninsula Sector path for up-close perspectives of the volcano's western flank. The lake itself generates 12 percent of Costa Rica's energy.
Follow local bilingual guides who use spotting scopes to point out camouflaged creatures. You might see howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, and even phosphorescent arrow frogs on a night hike.
Planning a trip to Arenal and La Fortuna requires knowing your physical limits and understanding exactly what is included in your tour package. Here are the most important details to keep in mind before you book.
You can choose from full-day 4-in-1 combo tours (10-11 hours) that cover the volcano, waterfall, hanging bridges, and hot springs, or opt for half-day excursions (6-7 hours) focusing on just two main sights. Most are small-group tours capped at 12-14 people, though private options are available.
Most guided tours include the mandatory national park fees and private reserve admissions, which saves you a lot of hassle. If you visit independently, Arenal Volcano National Park costs $15 plus tax for adults, and you must pay by credit card.
These tours involve moderate physical activity. The hike to La Fortuna Waterfall requires descending and climbing back up 500 steps. Additionally, the lava field trails feature uneven, jagged basalt rocks that require good balance and sturdy footwear.
Almost all tours offer free round-trip transportation from hotels within a 6-7 km radius of downtown La Fortuna. If you are staying further out (like Arenal Observatory Lodge or Chachagua), expect an extra fee or a designated meeting point in town.
Full-day combo tours typically include a traditional Costa Rican lunch, and some even add dinner if they end at a hot spring resort. Check your specific itinerary, as fresh fruit snacks and bottled water are often provided by the guides.
Weather in this tropical region changes rapidly, even in the dry season. Bring sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes (not sandals) for the lava rocks, a lightweight rain jacket, and a swimsuit for the waterfall and hot springs.
The standard policy across most operators in La Fortuna allows for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. This gives you flexibility if your travel plans change.
| Full-Day 4-in-1 Combo Tour | Half-Day Volcano & Waterfall Tour | Horseback Riding to Waterfall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10-11 hours | 6-7 hours | Half-day |
| Best for | Seeing all major highlights in one day | Travelers with limited time | Families (ages 7+) and nature lovers |
| Includes | Transport, guide, park fees, lunch, hot springs pass | Transport, guide, park fees, lunch, fruit snacks | Horseback ride, guide, helmet, transport |
| Price from | $105 - $199 USD | $170 USD | $97 USD |
Volcano Sector: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at 2:30 PM.
Peninsula Sector: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM.
Arenal Volcano is located about 140 km (87 miles) northwest of San José. Travel time is typically 3 to 3.5 hours.
Note: There is no direct public bus to the national park entrances from downtown La Fortuna. You will need a rental car, taxi, or a booked guided tour with transport.
Dry Season (December to April): This is generally the best time to visit for clear, unobstructed views of the volcano's peak. The weather is sunny and dry, making hiking the rugged lava trails much more comfortable.
Rainy Season (May to November): The peak wet months of September, October, and November present the most challenging conditions. Heavy rainfall frequently cloaks the summit in thick clouds and turns dirt trails muddy. However, the rainforest is incredibly lush during this time, and waterfalls are at their most powerful.
Accessibility varies greatly depending on the specific site you visit:
Payment: The national park only accepts credit cards for the entrance fee ($15 + tax for adults, $5 + tax for children). Cash is strictly not accepted.
Amenities: Restrooms are available at the main park entrances. There are also water refilling stations, as single-use plastic bottles are prohibited inside the park. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle.
Food: There are no major restaurants inside the park gates, but guided tours usually provide snacks, and combo tours include lunch at local restaurants.
To protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, the following rules are strictly enforced:
Yes, Arenal is still considered an active volcano, though it has been in a quiet, resting phase since October 2010. Prior to this, it experienced over 40 years of continuous eruptions starting with the famous 1968 explosion.
No, hiking to the summit is strictly prohibited due to safety regulations. The upper slopes are designated as high-risk zones because of lethal gases, landslides, and sudden volcanic activity.
Visitors must descend approximately 500 steps to reach the base of the 75-meter waterfall. You will also have to climb those same 500 steps to get back up, so a moderate level of fitness is required.
Yes, swimming is allowed and highly encouraged! There is a crystal-clear, cool natural pool at the base of the canyon where visitors can safely swim and relax after the hike down.
The entrance fee is $15 USD plus tax for foreign adults and $5 USD plus tax for children. You must pay with a credit card at the gate, as cash is not accepted.
Most of the day tours listed for Arenal and La Fortuna only offer pickups within a 6-7 km radius of La Fortuna town. If you are coming from San José, you will need to arrange a private transfer or shuttle to the area first.
No, drones are strictly prohibited inside Arenal Volcano National Park and all other national parks in Costa Rica. Do not bring them, as they are not allowed past the entrance gates.
No, a standard rental car is perfectly fine for reaching both sectors of the national park year-round. The roads leading to the park entrances are paved and well-maintained.
You should wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers for the jagged lava rocks. Also pack lightweight clothing, a rain jacket for sudden showers, and a swimsuit for the waterfall and hot springs.
Children are welcome, but the main forest trails are not stroller-friendly, so parents will need a baby carrier. For families with strollers or mobility needs, the paved 1-mile path in the Peninsula Sector is highly recommended.
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This full-day tour covers the most iconic sights around La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. You will hike through jungle trails, climb forest staircases, and cross high hanging bridges to reach the La Fortuna waterfall. The itinerary includes visits to a butterfly garden, a giant tree forest, and a Maleku Indian village to learn about local culture. We also stop at "el lago verde" and keep a lookout for wildlife throughout the journey. In the afternoon, we head toward the volcano to walk across ancient lava rock fields and reach the highest scenic viewpoint in the area. To end the day, you will visit a hot spring resort to relax in natural mineral waters. The package includes all entrance fees and the services of an expert guide. For meals, a traditional warm lunch is provided, along with a fruit break, a coffee break, and a local Cacique cocktail.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour is designed for active travelers who want to see the region's highlights in a single day. We visit the three most renowned parks in the area, focusing on dense natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. By starting our activities early in the morning, we stay ahead of the larger tour groups, ensuring a quieter experience and better opportunities for photography. Our small-group setting allows for a more personal pace as we search for local wildlife. You can expect to see and photograph monkeys, sloths, amphibians, reptiles, and a variety of tropical birds. Throughout the day, we provide high-quality meals to keep you energized for the trek, making this an efficient option for those with a limited travel schedule.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in La Fortuna or the surrounding area. We manage all transportation and entrance fees so you can focus on the sights. The first stop is the La Fortuna Waterfall, where you will have two hours to explore the forest trails and spend about 40 minutes swimming at the base of the falls, provided weather conditions are safe. Next, we head to the base of the Arenal Volcano for a moderate 2.5-hour hike through volcanic rock formations and secondary forest. After the hike, the group stops for a 30-minute traditional Costa Rican lunch. Following the meal, you will spend 2.5 hours walking the Mistico Hanging Bridges, which offer a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to spot local wildlife. To end the day, we visit the natural hot springs of El Choyín on the Tabacón River. You will have 40 minutes to soak in the warm volcanic waters before being driven back to your accommodation. This tour includes all logistics, a shared group setting, and a balanced itinerary designed to cover the region’s four main highlights without the need for a rental car or separate bookings.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip from Jaco takes you to the Arenal Volcano area to experience its most famous natural sites. The day begins at La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can walk down to the base of the falls to swim in the natural pool or take photos of the surrounding rainforest. After the waterfall, the tour continues to the base of Arenal Volcano for a hike along the historic lava trails. These paths offer a close look at the volcanic landscape and provide clear views of the mountain's peak in good weather. The day ends at Paradise Hot Springs and Gardens, where you can soak in several thermal mineral pools and relax in the tropical gardens before the drive back to Jaco.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour focuses on three major landmarks near Arenal: La Fortuna Waterfall, a private ecological park, and a natural hot river. The hikes are designed to be accessible and steady, prioritizing clear views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest over strenuous physical activity. It is an ideal route for those who want to see the area's highlights at a comfortable pace. Your guide will lead the way, pointing out sloths, birds, and other wildlife that are often difficult to spot alone. Along the trails, they provide context on the region’s volcanic history and local culture. The day ends at a natural hot river, where you can swim and relax in thermally heated water flowing through the jungle landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you through the secondary rainforest on the outskirts of La Fortuna. As you navigate the woodland trails, you will have the opportunity to observe local wildlife, such as sloths and tropical birds, among the dense native vegetation. Upon reaching the waterfall site, you will head down a canyon path to the base of the 70-meter falls. The area features a natural pool at the bottom of the drop where visitors can swim and rest before the return journey through the forest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour covers three major sites near La Fortuna. You’ll begin with a 3.5 km hike through El Silencio Reserve, crossing old lava fields and primary forest to reach a viewpoint overlooking Arenal Volcano and the lagoon. Following the hike, the group visits the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls. After a break for an à la carte lunch with five different meal options at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This final leg involves walking across 15 different bridges through the rainforest canopy to see the local flora and fauna from a higher elevation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This half-day excursion covers two of the most popular sites in the Arenal region without requiring a full day's commitment. You will start with a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, crossing through secondary forest and over old lava flows while learning about the landscape's volcanic activity. Following the hike, the tour continues to La Fortuna Waterfall. Here, you can descend the forest stairs to the base of the 70-meter falls for a swim in the river or view the scenery from the observation deck. The trip includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Our local guides are lifelong residents who focus on creating a personal experience rather than a scripted tour. Since they know the terrain so well, they can adjust the day's itinerary to match your specific interests, whether you are looking for hidden viewpoints or particular local landmarks. The highlight of the trip is a stop at the Rodriguez family home for lunch. Instead of a standard restaurant visit, you will join the family at their table to share a meal and conversation. It is an authentic way to experience local hospitality and learn about the community’s way of life while surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins with a 2.5-hour guided walk across the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This two-mile circuit includes 15 bridges—six of which are suspended high in the canopy—offering a vantage point for spotting birds and wildlife. Your naturalist guide will share details about the local ecology and history as you move through the rainforest. Next, head to the Arenal Volcano Reserve to hike the trails surrounding the base of the volcano. The route crosses through forest and over solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Following the hike, you will stop for a fresh lunch at El Salto waterfall park, a scenic spot used by locals near the center of La Fortuna. The tour concludes at the La Fortuna Waterfall. Reaching the swimming area requires a 500-step descent down a canyon and a hike back up afterward. Once at the bottom, you can swim in the river or photograph the falls before returning to your accommodation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish