Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall from Jaco with Hot Springs

Three stops, one long drive, and why the drive is worth it

You swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, hike across Arenal's 1968 lava field, and soak in Paradise Hot Springs' thermal pools: all in one day with lunch and dinner included. Hotel pickup and a bilingual guide handle the logistics, though the full day means you're out from early morning until evening, and the volcano hike requires moderate fitness and sturdy shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arenal Volcano and Waterfall Tour

• Travel to northern plains
• Walk to La Fortuna Waterfall
• Swim in waterfall waters
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican meal
• Hike lava flow trails
• Admire Arenal Volcano views
• Observe local rainforest wildlife
• Relax at Paradise Hot Springs
• Return to Jaco area
• Have dinner en route

The experience

Our driver picked us up around 6:30am from the hotel. Early enough that the road north was still quiet. He knew the route so well he barely glanced at the GPS, pointing out a scarlet macaw in a ceiba tree before we'd even hit the highway. The drive to La Fortuna takes hours, and that's the first thing to know: you're in the car for a good stretch, but the guide talks the whole way, and the landscape changes so gradually you don't notice when the coast becomes the northern plains. By the time we pulled into the parking area for La Fortuna Waterfall, the sun was already high.

The waterfall itself is the real thing, not a trickle, but a proper cascade dropping into a pool so clear you can see the rocks underneath. The walk down is maybe fifteen minutes on a muddy trail, nothing technical, and then you're in the water, which is cold enough that the first jump takes your breath. After swimming, lunch was waiting: typical Costa Rican food, rice and beans and plantains, eaten at a long table with other travelers and a couple of local families who'd come for the day. The guide mentioned that La Fortuna is the most visited waterfall in the country, and standing there you understand why. It's not remote, but it doesn't need to be.

The volcano hike came next, and this is where the tour gets physical. You're walking across the lava field from the 1968 eruption, which means uneven black rock underfoot, no shade, and the sun directly overhead. The guide pointed out where the lava had split trees in half and buried the forest floor, and on a clear day you'd see the cone of Arenal itself rising above the tree line. We had clouds that afternoon, so the peak stayed hidden, but the guide said that happens maybe half the time. The hike is steady but not steep, maybe an hour total, and you need decent shoes and water. If you have knee problems or get winded easily, this is the part that matters.

Paradise Hot Springs came at the end, when your legs were tired and your shoulders were burned. It's not a natural hot spring in the wild sense. It's a resort with pools fed by thermal water from the volcano, surrounded by manicured gardens and palm trees. But the water is genuinely warm, and after hours of walking and driving, sitting in it while the guide brought cold drinks felt like the whole day had been designed for that moment. Dinner was served on the drive back to Jaco, around 8pm, and by the time we got to the hotel it was dark and we were ready to sleep.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most Jaco, Hermosa, and Los Sueños area hotels, an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional bilingual guide, lunch at La Fortuna, entry to all three attractions, and dinner served on the return drive to Jaco. The tour operates in all weather conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (5 to 70 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 39 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Centrally located hotels in Jaco & Hermosa Beach The default tour time is 6:30 a.m., but the tour operator will confirm the exact pickup time & meeting point after booking.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Go Tours Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Jaco who want to see Arenal's main attractions without arranging transport or timing the stops themselves. Expect a full day out (early pickup, late return), and moderate hiking with uneven lava rock underfoot. That's what fits three major stops into one trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long is the drive from Jaco to Arenal?

Around 3 to 4 hours each way, depending on traffic. The guide provides commentary during the drive.

Is the La Fortuna Waterfall hike difficult?

No, it's about 15 minutes down a muddy trail to the pool. The waterfall hike itself is easy. The volcano lava hike is moderate and takes roughly an hour.

What's included in the tour?

Lunch and dinner, hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, and entry to all three attractions.

Can I bring children?

Yes, minimum age is 5. Children ages 5 to 12 need safety equipment, which must be arranged in advance when you book.

What if I don't want to hike the volcano?

The itinerary includes all three stops. If the hike is a concern, contact the operator before booking to discuss options.

Are the hot springs natural or man-made?

They're man-made pools filled with natural thermal water from the volcano, set in gardens at the foothills of Arenal.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, and a light rain jacket. The tour operates in all weather.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need a vegetarian lunch and dinner.