Arenal: Zipline Canopy & Hot Springs with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Zip through rainforest canopy then soak in natural hot springs

You’ll zip through Costa Rica’s lush rainforest canopy near Arenal Volcano with a local guide, spot wildlife like monkeys or birds overhead, then unwind in natural hot springs at Los Lagos. Hotel pickup makes it easy — just bring your sense of adventure and let yourself be surprised by how alive everything feels here.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look down — look out!” That’s what Diego, our guide, grinned as he clipped me onto the first zipline at Los Cañones near Arenal. I tried to laugh but my hands were already sweaty inside the gloves. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. We’d met Diego at the Los Lagos Hotel entrance (they picked us up right from our little guesthouse nearby, which was a relief since it had started raining — again). He made sure everyone’s harness was snug and joked about how the monkeys sometimes watch us zipping by like we’re the entertainment.

The first jump is always the hardest, right? Once I pushed off, it was just wind and green everywhere — flashes of birds darting below, and that weird silence you get when you’re moving too fast for your own thoughts to keep up. There are twelve lines in total on this canopy tour, each one a bit different. Some are long enough that you can see Arenal Volcano peeking through the mist if you’re lucky (we weren’t, but honestly I was too busy trying not to scream). At one point Diego pointed out a family of howler monkeys lounging above us; their calls sounded almost fake, like someone playing jungle noises on a speaker.

By the end my legs felt shaky but good-shaky. We peeled off our helmets and headed straight for the Los Lagos hot springs — I’d packed my swimsuit like they said. The water was warm enough to make me forget about my sore arms, and there was this faint smell of minerals in the steam. It’s funny how quickly you go from adrenaline to total calm; I just floated there watching rain drip off palm leaves while some local kids splashed around nearby. My friend tried to order a drink at the swim-up bar in Spanish and got a laugh from the bartender for her accent (she’ll never live that down).

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that rushing through trees. If you’re looking for a day trip from La Fortuna or want something more than just sitting by a pool, this zipline canopy tour with hot springs is worth it — especially with pickup included so you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the rain. Sometimes I still hear those monkey calls when things get quiet back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canopy tour and hot springs visit

• Arrive at Los Lagos Hotel
• Receive guides and equipment
• Complete 12 zip lines in rainforest
• Observe wildlife like birds and monkeys
• Enjoy Hot Springs Los Lagos

Top questions

How many zip lines are included in this canopy tour?

The tour includes 12 zip lines through the rainforest canopy.

Is hotel pickup available for this Arenal zipline tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for hotels within 15 minutes of La Fortuna.

Where does the tour start if I'm staying nearby?

The meeting point is Los Lagos Hotel near Arenal Volcano; pickup is also available.

Are guides provided during the canopy tour?

Yes, bilingual guides accompany you throughout the experience.

What should I wear for ziplining and hot springs?

Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet or dirty; bring a swimsuit for hot springs.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included in this tour package.

Are children allowed on this canopy tour?

This activity is not recommended for children aged 6 and under.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety concerns.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 15 minutes of La Fortuna, all taxes and entry fees, use of helmet and safety equipment for the canopy adventure, plus guidance from bilingual local staff before relaxing access to Los Lagos’ natural hot springs at the end of your adventure.