Arenal Volcano: Morning Hike, Lake Swim & Hot Springs with Lunch

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/9

Duration6h 30m

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Hike Arenal volcano trails swim at jungle lake relax in real hot springs after typical lunch

You’ll hike rugged jungle trails at Arenal Volcano with a local guide who knows every call in the forest. Cool off swimming in an emerald lake (Tarzan swing optional), share lunch with your group, then unwind in real natural hot springs surrounded by trees—a day full of sweat, stories, and quiet moments you’ll probably carry home.

6h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Volcano hike, lake swim, hot springs

Hike rugged rainforest trails
Pass green lake and eruption cemetery
Climb lava rock wall
Explore lava fields under volcano
Enjoy 360° volcano cone view
Descend through forest spotting wildlife
Swim in emerald green lake
Have typical style lunch
Relax in natural hot springs

The Experience

Boots scraping over wet stones, I tried to keep up as our guide—Jorge, born and raised near La Fortuna—parted a curtain of vines with his walking stick. It was still early but already sticky-warm, the kind of heat that clings to your shirt. We ducked under branches and stepped around roots thick as my arm. Jorge stopped now and then to point out a bird call or some half-hidden animal track—he seemed to know every sound the forest made. I caught a whiff of something earthy and sweet—maybe wild ginger? Not sure, but it mixed with the sharp smell of wet leaves.

The climb got rougher once we hit the old lava fields. The rocks were black and sharp-edged, scattered like someone had emptied a giant’s pocket here decades ago. Arenal loomed above us—silent but somehow not asleep, you know? Jorge told us about the 1968 eruption as we passed what he called the “cemetery,” where people had been caught off guard by fire and ash. It felt heavy for a second. But then we reached this emerald-green lake at the bottom—honestly, I didn’t expect it to be so clear—and someone dared me to try the Tarzan swing. I did (badly), splashed down laughing so hard I swallowed half the lake.

Lunch was simple—rice, beans, chicken with a bit of salsa Lizano on top—but after all that hiking it tasted like something special. We sat outside while Jorge told us about growing up here; he said his grandmother still makes tortillas by hand every morning. After eating we drove just ten minutes or so to these natural hot springs tucked behind a small resort. The water was warm enough to make you forget your sore legs—the kind of heat that seeps right into your bones and makes you quiet for a while. I remember closing my eyes and just listening: birds somewhere overhead, distant laughter from another pool.

I still think about that view from the lava field—the volcano right there in front of you, clouds shifting around its peak like it’s hiding something old and important. If you’re looking for a day trip from La Fortuna or want an actual adventure near Arenal Volcano (not just another bus tour), this is it.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna area hotels or meeting point drop-off after finishing.
All entry fees are covered along with guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout the hike.
After cooling off in the green jungle lake (with Tarzan swing), you'll enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch before relaxing for about an hour in real natural hot spring pools before heading back.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Red Lava TSC