Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste

Summary

Lake views rainforest walks & hot springs from Guanacaste

You’ll wake up lakeside with fresh coffee near Arenal Volcano before wandering rainforest trails and swaying bridges at Mistico Park with a local guide. After a traditional lunch, soak in natural hot springs surrounded by jungle sounds and steam rising through the trees. Expect moments of calm and surprise—this day trip from Guanacaste lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell — coffee and something sweet drifting out of Café Macadamia, right on the edge of Lake Arenal. We’d just rolled in from Guanacaste, still rubbing sleep out of our eyes. The lake was glassy and wide, with the volcano just sitting there behind it, half-wrapped in clouds. Our guide, Diego, waved us inside for breakfast. He pointed out some local cheese I couldn’t pronounce (I tried — he laughed), and we sat by the window watching a couple of fishermen untangle their nets down by the shore. It felt like everyone moved slower here, in a good way.

The drive up to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park was all winding roads and green everywhere — every shade you can think of. Diego kept calling out birds I’d never spot on my own. When we finally got to the rainforest trail, the air changed; thicker, cooler somehow. Walking those hanging bridges is stranger than I expected — you feel everything shift under your feet when someone else steps on. I caught myself gripping the rail at first but then just let it go. There’s this moment halfway across where you’re eye-level with the canopy and all you hear are insects and a distant waterfall. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Lunch was typical Costa Rican — rice, beans, plantains — nothing fancy but it hit the spot after all that walking. Somebody at our table asked if people really eat like this every day and Diego just grinned, said his mom would be insulted if he didn’t. After that came what we’d all secretly been waiting for: the hot springs. The water smelled faintly mineral-y (not as weird as I thought), steam curling off into the trees. You slide in and suddenly every muscle goes quiet. There were families chatting softly nearby; one kid kept floating leaves down the current like little boats while his dad watched him with this sleepy smile.

I didn’t want to leave those pools but eventually we had to pile back into the van for Guanacaste. The sun was already starting to dip behind Arenal Volcano by then. Not sure if it was just tiredness or something else but everything felt softer on that ride home — like Costa Rica had pressed pause for us just a bit longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

• Breakfast at Café Macadamia
• View Arenal Volcano and Lake
• Walk rainforest and hanging bridges
• Enjoy typical Costarrican lunch
• Relax in hot mineral springs

Top questions

How long is the drive from Guanacaste to Arenal Volcano?

The drive typically takes around 3 hours each way depending on traffic and pickup location.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included at Café Macadamia overlooking Lake Arenal.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included except for Hotel Dreams Las Mareas.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

You should bring a swimsuit for relaxing in the hot springs after lunch.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are specialized infant seats provided?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

A typical Costa Rican lunch is provided—expect rice, beans, plantains, and local dishes.

Do guides speak English?

Your professional guide speaks both English and Spanish throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (except Dreams Las Mareas), air-conditioned minivan transport with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide leading you through Lake Arenal views and Mistico Hanging Bridges Park; plus breakfast at Café Macadamia and a traditional Costa Rican lunch before unwinding in natural mineral hot springs—all before heading back to your hotel by evening.