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Horses on pasture near Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano Tours & Trips

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Get "just close enough" to an active volcano that glows red from lava flowing down its slopes at night and billows ash into the heavens during the day. Arenal, known as Costa Rica's adventure capital, offers a wide array of thrilling activities. You can hike the trails around the volcano, ride horses through the lush countryside, zipline over the rainforest canopy, rappel down waterfalls, explore caves, and paddle or pedal through tropical rivers and lakes. After a day of adventure, relax in the region's famous hot springs, naturally heated by the volcano. Located just a couple of hours north of San Jose, Arenal is easy to include in a tour package or add to an existing itinerary. Contact one of our Costa Rica travel specialists for help planning your adventure to Arenal.
Our Arenal Trips & Vacation Packages

Our 10 Favorite Arenal, Costa Rica Tour Packages

Our Arenal Trips & Vacation Packages
Howler monkey and baby

Costa Rica Quest

8 Days from $2,031
This exciting 8-day tour of Costa Rica takes you to Tortuguero National Park, rafting on the thrilling Sarapiqui River, and up the slopes of the active Arenal Volcano! You'll have opportunities to take a night hike in Tirimbina Biological Reserve & learn about the tropical wildlife that inhabits Costa Rica.
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Red-eyed tree frog on flower

Costa Rica Highlights

6 Days from $2,652
Explore Western Costa Rica's highlights during this 6-day vacation. Glide through the Arenal Rainforest Reserve on the Skytram & Skytrek Tour. Experience Rincon de la Vieja with the Adventure Pass at Hacienda Guachipelin, then unwind at Playa Panamá. Explore Tamarindo's marine wonders with a Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour.
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Arenal and flowers

Adventure Pacifica

9 Days from $2,357
Enjoy a 9-day version of our classic Adventure Pacifica tour. Experience all that Costa Rica has to offer with opportunities to hike, raft, search for wildlife, zip line and more. The tour includes visits to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the rainforest jungles of Manuel Antonio, and whitewater rafting on the Savegre River.
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Horses on pasture near Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica's Mountains and Beaches

8 Days from $2,590
Explore Costa Rica's beaches and mountains on this active 8-day vacation. From wildlife viewing to zip-lining, rainforest canopy tours, and relaxation time, you'll enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer. Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Playa Hermosa, Monteverde Cloud Forest, & Arenal Volcano await.
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens in the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Escape

9 Days from $13,113
This extraordinary 9-day luxury tour of Costa Rica takes you on a thrilling helicopter ride over Costa Rica's volcanoes, then to La Paz Waterfall, Arenal Volcano (and hot springs!), the rainforest canopy tram, and to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll actively explore this rainforest paradise. This trip is like no other!
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Rafting the Pacuare River!!

Costa Rica Family Vacation

9 Days from $3,353
Enjoy this 9-day guided Costa Rica adventure tour from San Jose to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park, and whitewater of the Savegre River. Experience rivers, rainforests, cloud forests, and volcanoes as you hike, raft, zip line, and view wildlife in this tropical paradise.
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Rapelling waterfalls on the canyoning tour in Arenal

Coast to Coast Multisport

10 Days from $2,924
Explore Costa Rica from coast to coast on this active 10-day multisport vacation. From river rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, and canyoning to relaxation time, you'll enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer while staying in sustainable eco-lodges and reserves. Visit Cahuita National Park, La Tirimbina Reserve, the Pacuare River, & Arenal volcano.
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Rafting in Costa Rica

Pura Vida

6 Days from $1,838
This 6-day Costa Rica trip takes you rafting on the beautiful and challenging Pacuare River, exploring the active Arenal Volcano and its amazing hot springs before ziplining through lush rainforest canopy at the famous rainforest tram. Contact us about customizing this action-packed Costa Rica adventure tour.
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Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

3 Days from $943
Experience Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano on this 3-day adventure. Start with a transfer from San Jose to Arenal, where you’ll stay in bungalows with volcano views. Enjoy a rainforest tram tour spotting wildlife and panoramic views of Arenal and Lake Arenal. Finish with an exhilarating zipline descent. Return to San Jose.
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The new swimming pool

Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure

9 Days from $2,422
Embark on a 9-day adventure across Costa Rica, driving yourself from one destination to the next. Raft through Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hike the pristine jungle & skywalks of the rainforest canopies of Arenal Volcano National Park, and relax on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
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Want to Spend More Time in Arenal? Consider These Tour Extensions

Natural Hot Springs at Ecotermales

Ecotermales Hot Springs

½ Day from $86
Unwind after a long day's adventure as you soak in natural hot springs, heated from the Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by rainforest, the location includes 5 hot pools to soak away the day as well as a fresh water waterfall and a regular pool. There are only two daily time slots and they are limited to 100 guests each.
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Arenal Tram

Hanging Bridges, Zipline and Aerial Tram

½ Day from $152
This 4-hour tour uses the Sky Tram gondolas to get to the popular suspension bridges and canopy ziplines. You are accompanied by a bilingual guide who will point out flora and fauna in the ecosystem. At the top, enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal from the observation deck.
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Rappelling waterfalls on a canyoning tour in Arenal

Waterfall Rappelling and Canyoning Adventure

½ Day from $120
This full-day tour takes you into the rainforest on a 4x4. Then you'll have lunch, get briefed, and hike to the first waterfall. From there, you'll do 4 rappels ranging in height from 165 feet to 45 feet. As you move from waterfall to waterfall you get a chance to explore the rainforest and take pictures along the way.
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Horseback riding in the jungle

Horseback riding near Arenal

from $130
Today you'll enjoy a 2-hour horseback ride through farmland at the base of the Arenal Volcano. This tour includes a combination of riding, hiking and relaxing. After your ride, take a short hike to the base of the La Fortuna Waterfalls to swim and relax in the tranquil pools surrounded by pristine rainforest.
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Kayaking through the Costa Rican rainforest

Lake Arenal Kayaking

½ Day from $71
This half-day kayaking tour is the perfect way to experience the best of what Lake Arenal has to offer. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the calm waters of this volcanic lake, marvel at the views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, and take in the lush mountain scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of tropical bird species and other wildlife that call this home.
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Venado Cave in Arenal

Venado Caves

½ Day from $126
Explore narrow passages and underground caves during this half day tour. You will move from chamber to chamber to learn about unique stalactite and stalagmite rock formations and also get a chance to see the famous "La Papaya" rock formation. You'll also learn about the spidersand bats that call these caves home.
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Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

3 Days from $943
Experience Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano on this 3-day adventure. Start with a transfer from San Jose to Arenal, where you’ll stay in bungalows with volcano views. Enjoy a rainforest tram tour spotting wildlife and panoramic views of Arenal and Lake Arenal. Finish with an exhilarating zipline descent. Return to San Jose.
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Yes it is THAT close...Arenal Volcano

Ecotermales Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano

½ Day from $226
The best way to appreciate the beauty of Costa Rica's majestic Arenal Volcano is from up close. This exciting half-day adventure begins with a 90-minute walk through the rainforest, as you learn about local plants and wildlife. Take in the sights with a guided tour before enjoying some relaxation time in natural hot springs at dinnertime.
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Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Don't worry—Adventure Life experts can customize any trip to Costa Rica by combining sites, destinations, and activities to match your preferences. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, we can create a diverse set of experiences tailored just for you, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. Contact our Trip Planners today to design your perfect Costa Rican getaway.

Arenal Volcano Travel Guide & Tips

Zipline in Arenal

10 Best Things to Do and See Near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Discover 10 top activities near Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica for an unforgettable adventure.
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Arenal Volcano: Explosive Costa Rica Travel

Details of the most recent eruption of Arenal Volcano, a travel destination in Costa Rica.
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Arenal Highlights & Activities

This active volcano inspires many of our most adventurous Costa Rica tours and extensions. Highlights include:
  • Mountain Bike in the Wild: Gear and bikes are provided, with routes ranging from beginner to advanced on gravel roads and trails through the rainforest and around Lake Arenal. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife as you navigate these exciting trails.
  • Visit Exclusive Hot Springs: Enjoy a relaxing soak at The Springs, Baldi, or Ecotermales hot springs. These natural thermal pools are heated by the volcano and offer a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
  • Explore the Rainforest: Experience the tropical jungle by hiking, crossing the famous hanging bridges, and taking 4x4 rides. The hanging bridges offer a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy and incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Rappel Down Waterfalls: Take on the challenge of rappelling down waterfalls ranging from 45 to 145 feet. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you descend through cascading waters in this thrilling adventure.
  • Zipline Through the Jungle: Soar above the treetops on thrilling zipline courses. This exhilarating experience offers stunning views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano, providing a bird's-eye view of the lush landscape.
  • Discover the Venado Caves: Explore the fascinating Venado Caves and the unique "La Papaya" rock formation. These underground caverns are home to an array of stalactites, stalagmites, and interesting rock formations.
  • Go Canyoneering: Engage in this popular activity, which combines hiking, climbing, and rappelling down canyon walls. Navigate through narrow gorges, jump into natural pools, and experience the beauty of the Arenal region from a new perspective.
  • Horseback Ride Around the Base of the Volcano: Enjoy scenic horseback rides around the base of the volcano. This leisurely activity allows you to take in the stunning views and diverse wildlife of the area.
  • Hike to La Fortuna: Embark on a walking excursion to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. Admire the wildlife and lush vegetation along the way, and enjoy the refreshing spray of the waterfall upon arrival.

Fast Facts about Arenal 

  • Elevation: 5,479′

  • Last eruption: 2010

  • Location: Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

  • Age of rock: 7,000 years old

  • Largest modern-day eruption: 1968

  • Classification: Stratovolcano

Where to Stay Around Arenal

We've carefully selected the following hotels and lodges as the best bases for your exploration of Arenal, Costa Rica:
Lomas del Volcan

The Wonders of Arenal

Arenal Volcano is a Costa Rica travel highlight. It often erupts with lava and glowing hot rocks that provide a spectacular nighttime show. The area around the volcano has been declared a 2,920-hectacre park because of its tremendous diversity of flora
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Arenal, Costa Rica Travel Stories

Our first Wet Bar experience!! Arenal Manoa

Pura Vida-Only in Costa Rica

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Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica through the Mist

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