Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall: Hot Springs Day Trip

Summary

Swim under La Fortuna Waterfall then unwind in Arenal’s hot springs

You’ll swim below La Fortuna Waterfall’s spray, hike ancient Arenal Volcano lava flows with a local guide from Jaco, and end your day soaking in Paradise Hot Springs’ mineral pools surrounded by gardens. Lunch and dinner are included along with hotel pickup—expect moments of quiet awe and laughter on the trail.

What’s the experience like?

You hear the water before you see it—like distant thunder getting louder as we made our way down those damp steps toward La Fortuna Waterfall. The air smelled green, if that makes sense. Our guide, José, pointed out a blue morpho butterfly flitting by (I almost missed it because I was too busy trying not to slip). The pool at the bottom was colder than I expected. I dunked my head anyway, and for a second everything went quiet except for the roar of water overhead. Lunch after that tasted better than usual—maybe because I’d worked up an appetite or maybe just because gallo pinto always hits different when you’re tired and happy.

The drive from Jaco took a while but I didn’t mind; windows down, humid breeze, a few locals selling fruit at crossroads. When we finally got to Arenal Volcano, clouds were playing hide-and-seek with the summit. We hiked over old lava rocks—black and rough underfoot—and José told us about the 1968 eruption like he’d lived through it himself (he hadn’t, but his dad did). There was this moment where everyone stopped talking and just stared at the volcano. Not sure why—it wasn’t even fully visible—but it felt big somehow.

By late afternoon my legs were jelly. That’s when we hit Paradise Hot Springs. The steam rising off those pools carried this faint mineral smell—earthy but clean—and there were flowers everywhere, red ones I couldn’t name. Slipping into the hot water felt like sinking into silence after a noisy day. Some folks chatted quietly; others just floated with their eyes closed. On the drive back toward Jaco, dinner was simple and good—rice, beans, chicken—and everyone seemed quieter than before. Maybe tired or maybe just content. I still think about that waterfall sometimes when I hear running water back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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
• Relax at Paradise Hot Springs
• Return to Jaco with dinner

Top questions

How long does the Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna tour take from Jaco?

The total duration includes travel time and meals; expect a full day trip from Jaco.

Is lunch included on this day trip to La Fortuna Waterfall?

Yes, lunch is provided after swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most hotels in Jaco-Hermosa-Los Suenos areas.

Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall during this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim in the refreshing waters at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall.

What should I bring for hiking Arenal Volcano?

You’ll need comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are Paradise Hot Springs entry fees included?

All entry fees—including Paradise Hot Springs—are covered in your booking price.

Is dinner included on the return to Jaco?

Dinner is served en route back to Jaco after visiting Paradise Hot Springs.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with knee problems or limited mobility due to hiking and stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most Jaco-area hotels, all entrance fees (including La Fortuna Waterfall and Paradise Hot Springs), a traditional Costa Rican lunch after swimming beneath the falls, guided volcano hikes over historic lava flows, plus dinner served on your way back to town—all led by a bilingual local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle.