Arenal Volcano National Park Tours and Activities
126 Reviews

Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, and is especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rain forest.
The Basics
If your ideal vacation involves hiking or hot springs, Arenal is sure to please. Take a guided hike through the lush rain forest to learn about native wildlife, wade beneath Arenal Waterfall, or soak in Baldi Hot Springs. Although much of the park is open to the public, some portions of the volcano are accessible only as part of a guided tour. And even though the volcano itself is large, hiking is limited to the basal portions for safety reasons, as the volcano still sputters and spews on occasion. The park and surrounding areas are rich in lava-less activities: Combo tours help you make the most of your visit to the Arenal area, pairing a trip to the volcano with nearby attractions such as La Fortuna Hot Springs, Venado Caves, Lake Arenal, and the Peñas Blancas River for activities including zipline and hanging bridge canopy tours, waterfalls and hot springs visits, horseback riding, rappelling, safari floats, and whitewater rafting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arenal Volcano tours from San Jose can last upward of 12 hours.
- Many tours include hotel pickup and dropoff from the La Fortuna area.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground.
- Although the volcano’s summit is closed for safety reasons, there are plenty of hiking trails closer to the base.
How to Get There
Many guided tours depart from La Fortuna, the closest city to Arenal Volcano National Park—about 30 minutes away by car. Day tours from larger cities such as San Jose, Liberia, and Monteverde are best accomplished with a private car, taxi, or professional shuttle service, which keep travel times down to roughly three hours from each. Those looking for more budget-friendly options can take the public bus, but be prepared for a long trip; save travel time by checking for direct routes when possible.
When to Get There
The dry season (March to December) is generally considered the best time to view and explore Arenal; however, that is also Costa Rica’s high tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Travel during the rainy season is better for budget travelers or those seeking a quieter experience.
Arenal Volcano Eruption History
After nearly 400 dormant years, Arenal Volcano exploded in 1968, burying three villages and wreaking destruction in the area. This eruption ushered in Arenal’s active period, which produced near-constant ash, smoke, and streams of molten lava until its abrupt stop in 2010. The volcano is now considered resting.
Address: Highway 142, La Fortuna, Province of Alajuela 4417, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: US$10
28 Tours and Activities to Experience Arenal Volcano National Park
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Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
198
Find your bliss with a classic Costa Rican experience that combines a seismic dose of adventure and relaxation! On this full-day trip from San Jose, visit the very active Arenal Volcano and explore its base with a guided nature hike. Then, unwind with a soak in a variety of geothermal pools at the luxurious Tabacón hot springs. The tour also includes a stop at the artisan town of Sarchí, plus delicious lunch and dinner.
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From
$162.00
From
$162.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs from San José
4
Visit the Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon Hot Springs in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica on this all-day guided tour. Arrive in the town of La Fortuna and enjoy lunch, which is included, while catching views of the Arenal Volcano. Then, visit the Tabacon Hot Springs, one of the area’s popular relaxation spots.
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From
$176.00
From
$176.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Combination Tour: Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs
10
Don’t miss out on two of Costa Rica’s most alluring natural attractions by taking this 13-hour tour of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Baldi Hot Springs from San Jose. Stop in the bohemian town of Sarchi, travel through landscapes replete with mango groves and pineapple farms, and eat lunch overlooking the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Then, soothe your muscles in the thermal waters of the Baldi Hot Springs before enjoying dinner. Entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose are included.
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From
$151.00
From
$151.00
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Tabacon Resort Hot Springs and Hiking in Arenal Volcano from San José.
3
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
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From
$165.00
From
$165.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Day Trip to Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs
3
Take a day trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, which has some of Costa Rica’s most scenic and pristine coastline. After pickup from your hotel, travel along the coastline to the nature preserve, where you will hike in as cars are not allowed in the park. Once inside, swim, sunbathe, or hike the trail to Cathedral Point.
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From
$170.00
From
$170.00

Arenal Volcano And Tabacon Hot Springs
1
The views of the Arenal volcano and the lava flows that I leave at its last expolition and then the hot springs for your rest and your good meals is a tour of much peace and tranquility
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From
$167.00
From
$167.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking and Hot Springs Water from San José
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
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From
$130.00
From
$130.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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3-Days Tortuguero-Tabacon Resort Arenal Volcano-Manuel Antonio All Inclusive
4
One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species. Venture out of the city and explore the park, looking out for turtles as you go.
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park on foot, and before.. just relax and sunbathe on the beach in this spectacular tryp.
Important: Minimum person to operate the tour is Two person per book.
2 Nigths accommodation
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From
$590.00
From
$590.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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4-Days Arenal Tabacon Resort Tortuguero Monteverde Manuel Antonio All Inclusive
One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species. Venture out of the city and explore the park, looking out for turtles as you go.
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park on foot, and before.. just relax and sunbathe on the beach in this spectacular tryp.
Important: Minimum person to operate the tour is Two person per book.
2 Nigths accommodation
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From
$795.00
From
$795.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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4 Days Adventure in Costa Rica's Eco-tourism Destinations All Inclusive
One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species. Venture out of the city and explore the park, looking out for turtles as you go.
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park on foot, and before.. just relax and sunbathe on the beach in this spectacular tryp.
Important: Minimum person to operate the tour is Two person per book.
2 Nigths accommodation
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From
$725.00
From
$725.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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8 Days Costa Rica Unica Family & Friends Trip All Inclusive
Enjoy a family trip or with friends of the Best in Costa Rica, unique landscapes that will make your stay unique and unforgettable, you can visit volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, the best beaches, accommodation included in categories 4 stars or similar, enjoy of the gastronomy of the selected places observe different types of lazy animals, scarlet macaws, monkeys, snakes, maps among others, below we offer you a brief information on some of the places we visit.
One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species.
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Enjoy,Swim and relax on the beach Espadilla
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From
$1,650.00
From
$1,650.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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8 Days North Costa Rica Fun Family and FriendsTrip All Inclusive
Enjoy a family trip or with friends of the Best in Costa Rica, unique landscapes that will make your stay unique and unforgettable, you can visit volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, the best beaches, accommodation included in categories 4 stars or similar, enjoy of the gastronomy of the selected places observe different types of lazy animals, scarlet macaws, monkeys, snakes, maps among others, below we offer you a brief information on some of the places we visit.
One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species.
Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth.
Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park.
…More
From
$1,650.00
From
$1,650.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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8 Days - Costa Rica Vacations for couples
Our Tico Paradise travel package offers the best things to do in Costa Rica including 5 hotel stars with breakfast during 8 days. This package includes private transportation between destinations at moment you want, amazing tour as hot springs, zoo, waterfall, gardens, volcanos, hanging bridges, cloud forest and national parks.
All-inclusive package is an efficient and affordable way to visit Costa Rica’s essential highlights in more of one week visiting destinations as San Jose, Poas Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and more. Plus, traveling with a guide means gleaning lots of insight into local culture and history that you might miss traveling alone. Visiting with a tour takes the planning out of your vacation Tour includes multiple national parks and cultural experiences Tried-and-true itinerary packs in highlights on a time budget All lodging, meals, and transport included for safety and quality.
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From
$2,300.00
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$2,300.00

Combo tour to nature: Arenal + Hanging Bridges and Thermal River in the forest
This tour in Arenal is the best option from San José if you want to combine the best of two experiences in one day, our tour offers the possibility of taking a tour of hanging bridges in the middle of the rain forest and then enjoying a delicious 100% thermal bath natural in a local river.
There are 9 suspension bridges and 11 normal bridges, we walk through the rainforest for 3.2 kilometers, we will have panoramic views of the forest and animal watching.
The Thermal River, called Chollin is a river within the rainforest, the thermal water comes from the Tabacón River, directly from the Arenal Volcano with an average temperature of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius is the perfect temperature to relax after a walk, the water from the River has rejuvenating properties and you can appreciate the difference in the smoothness of the skin after finishing the tour, in addition the water helps to eliminate all impurities from the skin of the body.
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From
$172.98
$19.23 savings
From
$172.98
$19.23 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Excursion to the Fortune of San Carlos 5pas x 1
It is a different tour where we will have beautiful landscapes during the tour, a lot of green flora all along the way, where we can stop at the moment they want if they want a photograph, see a specific place, buy something of interest; We will arrive at the fortune of San Carlos and relax in the hot springs of the volcano, get to know the Arenal Volcano and have fun in the water slides, and much more, as well as a friend who will guide and accompany you at all times.
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From
$363.64
per group
From
$363.64
per group

2 Days: Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs from San Jose
This all-inclusive tour from San Jose makes it easy to experience the majestic beauty and rejuvenating thermal waters of Arenal. Everything is arranged, from transport and a hotel reservation to meals with a view of Costa Rica’s most impressive volcano. All you have to do is choose from one of four outdoor adventures and relax with a soak in one of Arenal's top-rated hot spring resorts.
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From
$465.00
Price varies by group size
From
$465.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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8 Days: San Jose Highlights & Arenal Adventure
Discover some of Costa Rica's top destinations on an 8-day tour from San Jose with accommodation included at superior-class hotels. You'll see the sights of San Jose, and then head out of the city to Irazú Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal), Tabacon Hot Springs, and La Fortuna Waterfall. As you enjoy six full-day excursions with a guide, you'll have the chance to explore the country's natural attractions and lush landscape.
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From
$1,505.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,505.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

12 Days: Naturally Costa Rica program
Experience Costa Rica without giving a thought to transportation or itineraries during this multi-experience, 12-day, guided, small-group trip with accommodations and skip-the-line access included. Nature-lovers and adrenaline-seekers can visit waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches and more in four different regions and wind down by taking in the sights and enjoying local food and the Costa Rican lifestyle.
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From
$2,550.00
Price varies by group size
From
$2,550.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose
From San Jose, the easiest way to take a day trip to Arenal Volcano is on a guided tour. All transportation is included by private vehicle so you don't have to deal with slow public transit, and logistics such as lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are already planned and included in the ticket price. After visiting Arenal Volcano with a guide, head to Baldi Hot Springs to soak in thermal waters before returning to you San Jose hotel.
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From
$155.00
Price varies by group size
From
$155.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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13 days program - Best Spots of Costa Rica
For a small country of just 51,100 square kilometers, it has much to offer. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica. View towards different exotic birds as the walk through green tropical forests, fascinating to obtain a surprising amount of wildlife and marine species, relax in the spectacular beaches of surround sound with adventure. If you are a nature lover or an adrenaline seeker, there is so much to do!
Program includes:
Accommodation for 12 nights
1 Night in San Jose
2 Nights in Tortugurero National Park
2 Nights in Cahuita Beach (Limon)
2 Nights in Arenal Volcan Area (Fortuna)
2 Nights in Monteverde Cloudforest
3 Nights in Manuel Antonio Beach
Meals as per itinerary (12 Breakfast - 6 lunches - 3 dinners)
Professional Bilingual guide
Comfortable air conditioning mini van throughout the itinerary
6 Full day Excursions as detailed on itinerary
All taxes
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From
$2,705.00
Price varies by group size
From
$2,705.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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5 Days - San Jose - Costa Rica Gay Budget Program
Enjoy your vacation in a tolerant country with plenty of new, exotic and safe destinations. You will have a discrete, private and unique vacation experience with entertaiment, endless nightlife and much more !!
Included:
Private transportation International Airport / Hotel / International Airport
4 Nights in San Jose City at Colours Oasis Hotel or similar (Gay only or gay friendly hotels)
3 Full day Excursions:
a) Irazu Volcano National Park + Cartago City + Orosi Valley with lunch
b) Arenal Volcano + Grecia + Sarchi + Baldi Hot Springs tour with lunch and dinner
c) White Water Rafting in Pacuare River class III-IV with breakfast and lunch
Meals as per itinerary (4 Breakfast - 3 lunches - 1 dinner)
Professional Bilingual guide
Comfortable air conditioning transportation throughout the itinerary
All taxes
…More
From
$1,080.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,080.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

10 Days: Costa Rica Pure Nature
For a small country of just 51,100 square kilometers, it has much to offer. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica. View towards different exotic birds as the walk through green tropical forests, fascinating to obtain a surprising amount of wildlife and marine species, relax in the spectacular beaches of surround sound with adventure.
Program includes:
Accommodation for 9 nights
2 Nights in San Jose
3 Nights in Corcovado National Park
2 Nights in Arenal Volcano - La Fortuna
2 Nights in Monteverde Cloudforest
Meals as per itinerary (9 Breakfast - 5 lunches - 4 dinner)
Professional Bilingual guide
Comfortable air conditioning vehicle throughout the itinerary
Domestic flights San Jose / Corcovado / San Jose
Boat transfers airstrip / lodge / Airstrip
All taxes
…More
From
$3,425.00
Price varies by group size
From
$3,425.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

13 days: Jungle and Beach in Costa Rica
Clients should buy this program because it has a service itinerary designed to know, enjoy, experience the natural attractions and more challenging adventure activities of the main natural and wild areas of Costa Rica. During this tripl the traveler will experience the authentic wonders of the Costa Rican tropics from the humid jungles or rainforests of the Costa Rican Caribbean to hot springs of active volcanoes and warm beaches bathed by the Pacific Ocean
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From
$2,725.00
Price varies by group size
From
$2,725.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

8 Days - San Jose All in One
Experience the main natural attractions of Costa Rica from the highlands of the central valley, visiting impressive volcanoes, coffee growing areas and the Pacific coast returning to the comfort of your Hotel in the City of San Jose.
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From
$1,660.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,660.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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