Arenal Rainforest & Thermal Escape

We had as a guide Jocelyn and as a bus driver byron. In both cases some guide companions, truly magnificent for which I congratulate the company for having them as employees. We've actually not only done this excursion, but we've been ten days starting from San Jose, Costa Rica, going through the Arenal volcano, Guanacaste coma Tortuguero Monte Verde... Fabulous experience for everything we saw and above all we were taught.

Swiss Travel took us from our hotel on a day trip to Arenal Volcano. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly! Unfortunately, I left my phone at the hot springs at the tail end of the tour and realized when we reached our hotel - almost 3hr distance from the hot springs. I emailed ST and they were swift in helping track down the phone. They brought the phone back to Liberia and we were able to pick it up prior our departure. This service was thoughtful, attentive, and above and beyond. If you want good service - I recommend ST for your next excursion.

Our guide , Ciro, was very knowledgeable and interesting. The boat ride was fun. The trek through the forest great and best of all was the relaxing hot springs after the exercise.

Thank you Yeudi for an incredible day we will never forget! We loved every part of this action-packed tour. The boat ride on Arenal Lake was serene and we even saw a caiman lurking in the waters! The hanging bridges park was breathtaking, with incredible views of the rainforest, the volcano and plenty of monkeys. We even saw a deadly snake (from a safe distance). Lastly, the hot springs spa was the perfect way to relax and the dinner afterwards was great, with plenty for vegetarians. Our tour guide, Yeudi, was very knowledgeable and helpful - we can’t thank him enough for a fantastic day!

This is a good outing but be prepared to be gone the entire day. Also make sure that you are aware of the company name before you leave your location. I had to leave my hotel and walk 3 blocks to meet at the pickup location. When I got to the pickup, I just had my ticket, I didn't know I was supposed to give the company name. No one informed me of that. Was very frustrated in the beginning but it turned out okay. Also, this excursion is not for those, who don't like walking long distances. THIS IS A TOTAL WORKOUT! Especially in the park with the hanging bridges. I had a good time, it was no issues for me but someone else might not find it as enjoyable. Also, bring yourself some snacks. You will have lunch and dinner, which is good but you may need something to much on in between the long bus ride.

We took this tour as part of our anniversary trip. It was a very full day. We had the most wonderful guide we have ever had, and we have done a lot of traveling. His name is Jorge. What a kind, patient and knowledgeable guide! All along the three hour bus ride there we asked him questions about the culture in Costa Rica and he provided data and information along the way. On the ride back he stopped for restroom breaks and made sure we were all taken care of. He showed us all how wonderful the Costa Rican people are, by giving us an example of his kindness and wonderful personality. We really enjoyed this so much. The bus driver also did a tremendous job of driving and looking out for us. Would highly recommend.

This was an amazing all-day tour with plenty of hiking in the Costa Rican rain forest, bird watching, sloth watching, and so much more. Our guide, José, was outstanding. I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of the wildlife. He covered everything. The food was good, the transportation was comfortable, and the hot springs were so perfect after a long day. Tip: get a rain poncho and make sure you have comfortable shoes.

This tour is great if it is what you think you’re booking, which, unfortunately I seem to have been mistaken. I was looking for something low-key but where I could see a bit of the country. I was hoping not to be too active because I have lung problems and my vacation was meant to be relaxing and not cause me pain for a few days. When I found this one that said it was a 60-minute walking tour of the rainforest, that seemed like a good amount of activity. HOWEVER, this ended up being not only a 3-hour drive to and from the volcano (not 120 minutes), it was then a (gorgeous) 1-hour boat ride before a 2-hour HIKE through the mountains and the hanging bridges. Like, it was a workout! This was not a walking tour; it was a legit hike in the mountains. Then we didn’t get back to the hotel until 10:30, and somehow everyone I talked to had been given wildly different possible return times (anywhere from 6:30pm to 11pm). That being said, the tour is simply gorgeous. If you are looking to hike through the rainforest and stop and look for all the animals and have a super knowledgeable and fun guide, this tour is 100% for you. But if you’re like me and you’re looking for something less active (and maybe a little more look and a little less listen) and this caught your eye, don’t be fooled. This is not for the faint of heart (or lungs).

Way longer than 14 hours. Boat ride was okay - got some cool shots of the volcano. Which is the ONLY reason I’m giving this 2 stars. The rainforest walk was so corny. Prob would be awesome for a 5 year old. The hot springs were basically hot tubs and no you don’t get to see the volcano at dinner. Overall - just not worth it. Find a private tour guide and skip this tourist trap snoozefest.

My family of 3 (husband, teenager, self) thoroughly enjoyed our Swiss Travel adventure through the rainforest's Mystical Hanging Bridges, boat ride to view the volcano, and hot springs! Plus the lunch and dinner buffets at local restaurants. Long day indeed, but the bus was comfortable and the guides courteous and informative. The trip will be a special memory for years to come.