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Tours/La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional

Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional

4.7(139)La Fortuna2h 30min
VIATOR4.7(47)TRIPADVISOR4.7(92)
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
+6 photos
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional

At a glance

Duration
2h 30min
Price from
$79 / person
Location
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Rating
4.7 / 5 · 139 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 15
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Jacamar Naturalist Tours
Meeting point
Main Office is Located up stairs at Lava Lounge Restaurant, beside La Fortuna Church.La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela.

Description

The tour takes place in the northwestern region of the Arenal Volcano, the site of one of the most significant eruptions ever recorded in Costa Rica. Along the trail, visitors walk over ancient flows of solidified lava, formed during the 1968 eruption, which reflect the intense geological transformation processes that shaped the environment. During the hike, participants pass through areas of regenerating forest, petrified lava blocks, sandy soils, and natural formations, in a setting that integrates geology, ecology, and biodiversity. The journey is guided by specialized experts who share knowledge about Arenal’s eruptive history, the formation of volcanoes, the fundamentals of volcanology, and the internal processes that give rise to these phenomena. At the end, the trail leads to strategic viewpoints offering panoramic views of Arenal Lake and the volcano itself, allowing visitors to appreciate the magnitude of the landscape.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
8:15 AM and 3:15 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 13–65)
$79
Child (ages 6–12)
$64

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

Out at sunset: the 3:15 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:19 PM in the coming weeks.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.

Tour Options

Share Tour only Volcano Hike

Pickup included

Volcano + Paradise Hot Springs

Paradise Hot Springs Share Tour One meal: Dinner or Lunch at Paradise Hot Spring Pickup included

Private Tour only Volcano Hike

Private transportation Pickup included

Volcano+Ecotermales Hot Spring

Ecotermales Hot Spring Share Tour One meal: Dinner or Lunch at Ecotermales Hot Spring Pickup included

Volcano + Hot Springs PuraVida

Hot Springs Pura Vida Share Tour One meal: Dinner or Lunch at Hot Springs Pura Vida Pickup included

Itinerary

Arenal Volcano
Admission included120 min

The tour begins in the northwest area of the volcano, it was the area with the most volcanic activity in the last period of eruptions. Once there, we start a walk on the trails that crosses the regenerating forest area and crosses over a large block of petrified lava, produced by past eruptions, steep slopes, and sandy soils. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent rock formations, in addition to the volcanic landscape, the place offers a wonderful view of Lake Arenal. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide you with interesting and educational information regarding the history of the Volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.

What's included

Included
National Park entrance fees
Bottled water
Round-trip hotel transport (select La Fortuna hotels)
Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish and English)
Fresh Fruit
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
Driver and guide gratuities
Personal rain gear or hiking boots
Optional hot springs access pass or fees

Pickup Locations & Times

Please note that our reservations team Will contact you in advance to confirm your exact pickup time at your lodging. EXTRA Cost: Arenal Lodge Arenal Observatory Chachagua Rainforest Hideaway Rio Celeste Linda Vista Del Norte Lost Iguana Resort and Spa Rancho Margot El Tucano The Springs Resort and Spa Volcano Gold

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.7
139 reviews
5
119
4
8
3
4
2
2
1
6

How it compares in La Fortuna

  • Starting price $79 is 22% above the typical $65 for tours of similar length in La Fortuna

Excurgo comparison of 892 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional take?

Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.

How much does Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional cost?

Prices start at $79 per person for this La Fortuna experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:15 AM and 3:15 PM.

How much does Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional cost for children?

Children aged 6–12 pay from $64, adults from $79.

Can I cancel Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. Please note that our reservations team Will contact you in advance to confirm your exact pickup time at your lodging. EXTRA Cost: Arenal Lodge Arenal Observatory Chachagua Rainforest Hideaway Rio Celeste Linda Vista Del Norte Lost Iguana Resort and Spa Rancho Margot El Tucano The Springs Resort and Spa Volcano Gold Pickup points include Regina Hotel.

What languages is Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional offered in?

The experience is available in EN, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Specialized infant seats are available Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults Children must be accompanied by an adult

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Arenal Volcano Guided Hike, Hot Springs Optional worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 139 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Jacamar Naturalist Tours.

Reviews(139)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

B
Bari_R
August 1, 2026 · via Viator
Definitely recommend -good for kids too, ages 10+

Ronald was so knowledgeable and provided a great tour! We went with our kids, ages 11 and 14, and everyone was able to do the hike. It was mostly an easy path but it did get steeper towards the top. It was totally worth it to be able to hike on the lava rocks and see the view from the top of the climb! Our guide had a lot to share about the eruption in 1968 and everything that was around us as well as being very patient with everyone on the tour (it was a group of 7 in total). We enjoyed the walking sticks that were provided at the start of the hike (they were especially helpful for the trip down) and the pineapple at the end. We did get a little rain at the top and on the way down, but it felt good after the climb! I would definitely recommend this trip, especially if you’re looking for a short hike and an opportunity to get onto part of the volcano.

Operator response

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your Arenal Volcano Guided Hike was a memorable adventure for your whole family. It’s great to know that your children enjoyed the experience and that everyone was able to complete the hike comfortably while discovering the incredible landscape of the Arenal Volcano. We will be sure to share your kind words with Ronald. His knowledge of the 1968 eruption, the surrounding nature, and the history of the area, along with his patience and attention to each guest, truly help bring this experience to life. We’re glad you enjoyed walking on the lava rocks, taking in the views from the top, and that the walking sticks and refreshing pineapple at the end added to your experience. A little rainforest rain often makes the adventure even more special and refreshing! Thank you for recommending Jacamar Naturalist Tours. We hope to welcome your family back for another unforgettable experience in Costa Rica. Warm regards, The Jacamar Naturalist Tours Team

R
RGP_0616
June 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Nice hike with volcanic rock and tropical plants

The hike was guided by Gilbert and his companion Christian as the transportation driver. The activity was conducted on time and perfectly in every way: they picked us up at the hotel as agreed, and after picking up the rest of the clients, we went hiking on a circular trail of a solidified lava flow from the Arenal volcano in the 1970s. The route is beautiful, full of plants where Gilbert explains everything in detail and with love for his work. I would rate the difficulty of the trail as medium-low, but if you do not have good physical condition, you could still do it but with more caution than the others. It is worth immersing yourself among tropical plants that create a microclimate on the slopes of the volcano, with small animals and birds hidden among the treetops, including hummingbirds! It is a very beautiful trail that ends at a café on top of a hill where I recommend having a specialty coffee espresso, where the waiter who served us was very kind to us... In summary, Jacamar has shown us enormous kindness and professionalism, and after the tour, Christian was waiting for us with a freshly cut pineapple that was delicious, as a nice gesture, and then they took us to the contracted "Paradise Hot Springs" just after the hike. At the end, another companion from Jacamar picked us up at the agreed time to take us back to our hotel... A wonderful day with intense activity in the morning and extreme relaxation at noon that I recommend you add to your trip without a doubt 🙌

Operator response

Muchas gracias por tu reseña tan completa y bonita. Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutaste la caminata en el sendero del Arenal y que pudiste apreciar la naturaleza, las aves, los colibríes y todo el entorno del bosque tropical. Este tipo de experiencia es justamente lo que buscamos compartir: la conexión con el volcán, la biodiversidad y la historia del área. También nos alegra saber que Gilbert y Christian hicieron un buen trabajo durante el tour. Transmitir conocimiento con pasión y cuidar la experiencia del visitante es muy importante para nosotros, y sin duda les compartiremos tus comentarios. Nos alegra que también hayas disfrutado los pequeños detalles como la piña fresca después de la caminata. Gracias por mencionar la organización del transporte y el cierre del día en las termas, nos alegra que todo haya fluido bien desde el inicio hasta el regreso al hotel. De parte de todo el equipo de Jacamar Naturalist Tours, agradecemos mucho tu recomendación y será un placer recibirte nuevamente en Costa Rica para otra aventura. Pura Vida!

M
Meredith_C
May 27, 2026 · via Viator
Fun learning experience!

Cesar was an excellent guide. Hiking the volcano was a lot of fun, and we learned a lot about Costa Rica's history and culture in the process. If you are looking to fill a few hours during your trip, this is a must-do.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind review, Meredith! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your guided hike at Arenal Volcano and that César made the experience both fun and informative. It's wonderful to know that you were able to learn more about Costa Rica’s history and culture while exploring such an iconic area. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Experiences like this are designed to be a meaningful way to connect with the natural beauty and story of the Arenal region, and we're glad it was a great fit for your trip. Thank you for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Costa Rica in the future. Pura Vida!

L
Lauren_P
April 21, 2026 · via Viator
Great Historic Hike

Overall, this is a good hike. However, this hike is mainly focused on history and scenery. Do not go into it expecting a wildlife tour. While our guide, Emanuel, was awesome and pointed out a few critters, the tour is mainly focused on volcano and history of the area. Overall, a great hike. Our only let down was that the fruit was not provided that is listed on the booking.

Operator response

Hi Lauren, Thank you for your thoughtful review and for joining our Arenal Volcano Guided Hike. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and that Emanuel made a positive impression. He will be very happy to read your kind words. You are absolutely right that this hike focuses more on the history, geology, and scenic views of the volcano rather than being a dedicated wildlife tour, and we appreciate you helping set clear expectations for future travelers. We also truly apologize for the missing fruit during your tour. That is something we normally include, and we will be following up with our team to make sure this does not happen again. Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.

I
I2025TMdeborahf
March 31, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent hiking guide/tour

Diego was an excellent guide, both informative and considerate of different abilities.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are very glad to know that the guiding made such a positive difference during your time on the trail. Creating an experience that is both informative and mindful of each guest’s pace is something we truly value. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in the future.

H
Heather_W
March 19, 2026 · via Viator
Challenging hike, beautiful view

The guide, Marco, was very good, and the transportation there was very organized. The views from the summit were beautiful! I would definitely recommend using a walking stick (they have them there for you to borrow for free) since the terrain is VERY uneven. I’m from Florida, where it’s completely flat, so going up and down the mountain was different! Complicating matters, I also have a knee injury. Because of this, the hike was very difficult. I felt so bad for slowing our group down, but they were very patient! If you have bad ankles or knees, this hike is probably not for you, unless you are determined to hike a volcano just to say you’ve done it.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are very glad to know that you enjoyed the views and felt well supported throughout the hike. Our team always aims to create an organized and patient environment so everyone can move at their own pace and feel comfortable along the way. We also truly appreciate you highlighting the level of difficulty, as this is very helpful for future guests when choosing the right experience for them. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.

S
sammyjenkis8965
February 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Sleeping Volcano Hike

We were picked up at our AirBnB by Helson and Rondo. The late afternoon was cool and bit cloudy when limited views of the volcano summit, but we were ready for the adventure. Helson exhibited his passion for the geology, plants and animals, something we found common in our past Costa Rican guides. The hike through the lava fields made us think of the power of the 1968 eruption with flying, flaming rocks. Helson described the business of the leaf cutter ants, who never vacation. The hike is moderate in some places, but generally easy. This is an excellent company and highly recommended.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind recommendation. It means a lot to know that the experience allowed you to truly connect with the landscape and its history. Exploring this area is not just about the views, but about understanding the natural forces that shaped it and the life that continues to thrive here. We’re proud to have guides like Helson and drivers like Rondo who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion with our guests. Creating meaningful experiences. We truly appreciate you choosing our team and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.

M
Marina_H
January 2, 2026 · via Viator
arenal tour.

The hike through the lava field is interesting. lots of rocks. view of the summit of the volcano is dependent on cloud cover. not a lot of wildlife but we did see a monkey and some birds.

6
607crs
December 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
too expensive

Far too expensive. Very boring and lots of talking. The hike could have been done without a guide. Everything went according to schedule. No time to enjoy it. Just a heartless tourist trap.

Operator response

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. Our guided hikes are designed to offer much more than a simple walk—our certified naturalists provide context about the volcano, its history, the ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and safety information that cannot be accessed without a trained professional. Many guests value the added insight, but we understand that every traveler has different preferences. Our pricing reflects the quality and safety standards we follow, including certified guides, insurance, transportation in modern vehicles, and carefully planned logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. We certainly don’t aim to rush anyone, and we regret if the pacing didn’t feel right for you. We appreciate your comments, as they help us continue improving. If you’d like to share more details about your experience, we’d be happy to speak with you directly.

C
Cespeedy
November 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Arenal Volcano Fun!

Despite less than ideal weather, we had a fantastic time walking thru rain forest and the 1968 lava flow. Our guide, David was the main reason. He did an excellent job retelling the history of Arenal Volcano, as well as teaching us about the ecosystem. Highly recommend. I did not post pictures; because they do not do justice for the beaty of this area.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! It’s wonderful to know that even with the weather not fully cooperating, the tour still turned into a memorable adventure. David has a real talent for bringing the volcano’s story and the surrounding ecosystem to life, and he’ll be delighted to hear your kind words. We truly appreciate your recommendation. The beauty of this area often feels impossible to capture in photos, and we’re glad the experience left such a strong impression. We hope to welcome you back for more moments in nature on your next visit.

$79/ person
4.7(139)
Duration2h 30min
LanguagesEN, ES
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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