Panoramic photo of Arenal Volcano from Drone

Arenal Volcano Tours

Adventure awaits at Costa Rica's iconic volcano

Discover the magic of Arenal Volcano with authentic adventures in Costa Rica's most spectacular region. Our local guides will lead you through lush rainforests, natural hot springs, and trails with stunning views of the active volcano.

4.7 READ MORE

Most Popular Arenal Volcano Tours

Discover our most popular Arenal Volcano tours. The must-do adventures and visitor favorites for those with limited time.

Entrance of Arenal hanging bridges park where tour starts
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Arenal Volcano & Hanging Bridges Tour

Experience three unforgettable activities on this full-day tour from La Fortuna: hike the volcanic trails of Arenal Volcano witnessing dramatic lava rock formations and diverse wildlife including white-faced capuchin monkeys and exotic birds, swim in the refreshing natural pool beneath the stunning La Fortuna waterfall cascades, and walk through the rainforest canopy on 15 suspension bridges at Mistico Park offering breathtaking aerial views of the region's magnificent landscapes, with a delicious traditional Costa Rican "Casado" lunch and hotel pickup included.

4.9
8 hours
2912+ bookings
$149 per person
Hot springs with panoramic view of Arenal Volcano
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Arenal Volcano Full Day Tour, Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour

Discover La Fortuna's natural wonders on this full-day guided adventure featuring a scenic forest hike along the crystal-clear river to a panoramic viewpoint, a thrilling descent down jungle staircases and across a high suspension bridge to the magnificent 70-meter La Fortuna waterfall where you can swim in its refreshing pool, a cultural visit to a Maluku Indian village for an authentic lunch and insights into indigenous traditions, and a trek through primary forests and dramatic lava fields at the base of Arenal Volcano to witness spectacular views of the lake and valley before unwinding at a natural hot spring resort with a complimentary cocktail, all with round-trip transportation from your accommodation included.

4.8
10 hours
5786+ bookings
$101 per person
Horseback Riding Experience and Tour to Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
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Arenal Volcano Horse Riding Tour

Perfect for beginners and experienced riders – horses are mellow and very patient for first-time riders and you’ll be matched with a horse ideal for your riding capabilities. Ride through rainforest trails with stunning Arenal Volcano views and visit the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall where you can swim. You’ll see the only nature reserve with direct access to La Fortuna Waterfall and well-treated horses on beautifully kept grounds. Highly rated by travelers who call it “an absolute must-do” and “highlight of our Costa Rica trip.

5.0
25 hours
380+ bookings
$99 per person

Popular Extreme & Adventure Tours

Arenal's unique combination of volcanic terrain, dense jungle, and wild rivers makes it Costa Rica's adventure capital, where tourists can zip-line, rappel down waterfalls, and raft world-class rapids all in one place.

Photo from Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Tour

Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Tour

Escape the crowded public trails and experience the ultimate La Fortuna adventure on this exclusive Arenal Volcano ATV tour through 90% private jungle property, crossing rivers and rainforest paths with spectacular photo opportunities of the volcano's iconic conical shape and stunning Fortuna Valley views, spotting diverse wildlife along the way, and visiting a hidden Maleku indigenous home to learn about their sacred traditions and rich ancestral culture, all with ATV rental, safety equipment, and expert guides included for an unforgettable family-friendly experience.

4.7
2 hours
5620+ bookings
$130 per person
Photo of one of the ziplines during Arenal volcano tours in Costa Rica
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Arenal Volcano 12 Zipline Cables Experience

Experience the thrill of flying through Costa Rica’s lush rainforest canopy on 12 ziplines, including the spectacular highlight of soaring directly over La Fortuna Waterfall – something you won’t find on any other tour. As you glide from platform to platform, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato while expert guides share fascinating insights about the area’s incredible biodiversity. This family-friendly adventure welcomes all skill levels with comprehensive safety briefings and top-quality equipment.

4.9
2.5 hours
7890+ bookings
$107 per person
Action shot during Arenal Volcano Waterfall Rappelling
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Arenal Volcano Waterfall Rappelling

Unleash your adventurous spirit on this thrilling canyoning experience in the Arenal River canyon, rappelling down 4 spectacular waterfall walls, jumping into 3 crystal-clear natural pools, soaring across the canyon on 2 exhilarating ziplines, and walking through refreshing waters surrounded by stunning rainforest scenery and wildlife, all with professional guides providing step-by-step instruction and top-quality safety equipment perfect for beginners, followed by a peaceful riverside walk and authentic Costa Rican lunch at La Roca restaurant, with round-trip transportation, bilingual guides, water, and all gear included.

5.0
3 hours
10239+ bookings
$105 per person
Photo from Arenal volcano rafting tour. Costa Rica.

Whitewater Rafting at Balsa River

Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you tackle the wild rapids of the Balsa River! This isn’t your average lazy river float – you’ll be paddling hard through Class II and III whitewater, including the notorious “Congo Loco” section that’ll have your heart pounding and everyone screaming with excitement. Between the thrilling rapids near Arenal Volcano, you’ll drift through peaceful jungle sections where howler monkeys swing overhead and colorful toucans dart between the trees.

4.8
4 hours
3187+ bookings
$80 per person
Arenal Volcano river safari at Peñas Blancas

River Safari & Waterfall

Experience the best of Costa Rica's natural wonders on this unforgettable combo tour featuring a serene safari float down the Penas Blancas River spotting monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and tropical birds in their natural rainforest habitat, enjoying an authentic Costa Rican lunch at the welcoming Rodriguez family's riverside ranch, and descending into a lush natural canyon to swim in the refreshing crystal-clear pool beneath the magnificent 70-meter La Fortuna waterfall or admire the spectacular views from the observatory above.

4.5
7 hours
80+ bookings
$170 per person
Arenal Volcano: Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning

Arenal Volcano: Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning

Experience Costa Rica's most extreme canyoning adventure at Gravity Falls near La Fortuna, rappelling down an impressive 150-foot tropical waterfall into crystalline pools, jumping from a thrilling series of 10 to 40-foot waterfalls and cliffs into deep canyon waters, swimming through pristine jungle wilderness with professional guides providing all high-quality safety gear, and concluding with a delicious Costa Rican lunch, all with round-trip transportation from La Fortuna included for this heart-pumping rainforest expedition.

4.7
6 hours
548+ bookings
$108 per person

Wildlife Tours

Want to see Costa Rica's famous wildlife? Arenal's lush forests are home to incredible creatures, and our guided tours take you to the best spots for encountering sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and rare jungle species.

Photo of Sloth Tour in Arenal Volcano Park in Costa Rica

Sloth Tour in Arenal Volcano Park

Join a local family project and embark on a guided tour from La Fortuna to the pristine rainforests of Arenal Volcano. Observe sloths in their natural habitat and learn about the fascinating behavior of these adorable creatures. This unique sloth watching experience takes place in the lush volcanic landscapes where sloths thrive in the rich biodiversity of the region's tropical ecosystem.

4.9
2.5 hours
1821+ bookings
$39 per person
Frog during a Night Tour La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano National Park)
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Night Tour in Arenal Volcano Park

When the sun sets behind Arenal Volcano, the real magic begins! The rainforest completely transforms as nocturnal creatures emerge from their daytime hideouts – this is when you’ll witness Costa Rica’s wild side that most travelers never see. Armed with flashlights, you’ll tiptoe through private trails where your expert guide will spot red-eyed tree frogs with their jewel-like eyes glowing in the dark, sleepy sloths hanging motionless in the canopy, and maybe even a deadly fer-de-lance snake coiled on a branch just inches away.

4.9
2 hours
978+ bookings
$47 per person
Photo of Costa Rican bird from Ecocentro Danaus tour La Fortuna

Ecocentro Danaus

Explore the family-friendly Ecocentro Danaus nature reserve on an easy self-guided or guided wildlife tour just minutes from La Fortuna, strolling along well-maintained flat trails through lush secondary rainforest to discover over 150 species of wildlife including sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs, green basilisks, caimans, agoutis, and vibrant butterflies in a beautiful butterfly garden.

3.9
2 hours
50+ bookings
$47 per person

Food Tours

Savor the flavors of Costa Rica on culinary adventures that take you from traditional coffee plantations and chocolate farms to authentic farm-to-table meals showcasing Arenal's rich agricultural heritage.

La Fortuna Costa Rica

Farm to Table Cooking Class

Experience authentic Costa Rican cooking on an organic farm near La Fortuna, harvesting fresh seasonal ingredients from the fields, preparing traditional dishes in an outdoor wood-fire kitchen with expert chef guidance, learning about local culture and cuisine through hands-on cooking, and enjoying the delicious meal you created, all in an intimate small-group class limited to 10 participants with lunch or dinner included.

4.9
2 hours
3471+ bookings
$42 per person
La Fortuna: North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour
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La Fortuna: North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour

Experience organic coffee and chocolate production at North Fields Coffee, a family-owned farm near Arenal Volcano, learning sustainable farming from passionate guides as you walk through plantations witnessing planting to roasting, participating in hands-on bean grinding and preparation, exploring traditional sugarcane processing and meeting farm animals, and enjoying a delicious tasting of fresh coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane with hotel pickup included.

5
2.5 hours
3424+ bookings
$40 per person
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna
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Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna

Experience La Fortuna's premier coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane tour combining tradition, culture, and authentic Costa Rican flavors, actively participating in the artisanal production process from bean to cup, enjoying the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, tasting handcrafted chocolate made on-site, and savoring fresh sugarcane juice, all guided by passionate experts in a stunning natural setting near Arenal Volcano, with private transportation, coffee, tea, and all fees included for this immersive cultural journey.

5
1.3 hours
1777+ bookings
$97 per person

Why Explore Arenal Volcano?

arenal volcano costa rica tours team with Arenal Volcano view

Arenal Volcano consistently ranks as the number one must-see destination among travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and after visiting, you’ll understand why thousands of tourists return home calling it their Costa Rica highlight.

Ask any traveler who’s been to Arenal Volcano, and they’ll tell you about that moment when the clouds clear and you see the perfect volcanic cone rising from the rainforest. Tour guides joke that visitors take an average of 200 photos of Arenal Volcano because honestly, every angle looks like a National Geographic cover. The sheer majesty of this 5,437-foot volcanic giant never fails to leave even the most seasoned travelers speechless.

Unlike many “natural” hot springs that feel artificial, Arenal Volcano’s thermal waters are the real deal. Travelers consistently rave about soaking in these mineral-rich pools after a day of hiking, with the volcano towering overhead. British visitors often compare it favorably to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, while Americans say it beats any spa back home. There’s something magical about relaxing in waters heated by the very volcano you’ve spent the day exploring.

The Arenal Volcano region delivers those “I can’t believe I just saw that” moments that make for incredible stories back home. Seasoned travelers report spotting three-toed sloths hanging literally overhead, toucans posing for photos, and howler monkeys providing the jungle soundtrack. One couple from Toronto counted 47 different bird species in a single morning around Arenal Volcano. The biodiversity here is simply staggering, with over 850 bird species calling this volcanic ecosystem home.

While not mandatory, guided tours are highly recommended for safety, wildlife spotting, and accessing the best viewpoints that independent travelers often miss. You can DIY for some activities, check more at our guide on budget-friendly activities in La Fortuna.

No, Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010 and is currently dormant, making it safe for tourists to visit and hike.

Yes, Arenal Volcano is completely safe to visit since it’s been dormant since 2010, with well-maintained trails and professional guides ensuring tourist safety.

La Fortuna is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, located just 7 kilometers away and serving as the main base for all volcano activities.

Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, sturdy hiking shoes, bring a rain jacket, and pack layers since temperatures vary from base to summit.

While popular, Arenal maintains its natural beauty and authentic experience, with plenty of less crowded trails and activities available through local operators.

Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential for Arenal’s volcanic terrain, though full boots aren’t necessary for most standard trails.

Absolutely, the Arenal Volcano hike offers spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and unique volcanic landscapes that consistently rank among Costa Rica’s best experiences.

Arenal Volcano tours typically range from $45-120 per person depending on activities included, with combo tours offering better value than individual attractions. You can save a lot, check more at our guide on budget-friendly activities in La Fortuna.

Having a car in the Arenal area is worth it. While it might seem like an added expense, the freedom and flexibility you gain often equals or exceeds what you'd spend on organized tours and taxis to get around. Read unique tips and insight on renting car on Costa Rica here.

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