Arenal Volcano hike & hot springs in La Fortuna: Afternoon tour
Hike a volcano's slopes, then soak in warm mineral water
This afternoon tour in La Fortuna combines a guided hike around the base of Arenal Volcano with time soaking in a natural hot springs river. A bilingual guide leads you through rainforest trails on the volcano's west side, sharing its history and pointing out wildlife (tropical birds, monkeys and other creatures) before you unwind in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Hotel pickup and drop-off within 6km of La Fortuna Central Park are included. The tour runs 3 to 4 hours and requires moderate physical fitness.
Step-by-step itinerary
Arenal Volcano hike and hot springs
- Hike around Arenal Volcano base
- Learn volcano history and spot wildlife
- Relax in natural hot springs river
What’s included
- Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off within 6km of La Fortuna Central Park.
- guided rainforest and lava field hike around Arenal Volcano's base.
- access to the natural hot springs river.
- all local taxes and processing fees.
Times
- Every day 13:40
Before you book
Operated by Arenal Jungle Tours
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
La Fortuna's Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape, and this tour puts you on its slopes. You start with a guided hike around the volcano's base on the west side, where the nature trails are concentrated. Your bilingual guide walks you through lush rainforest, explaining the volcano's history and pointing out the wildlife that lives in the canopy and understory: monkeys, tropical birds and other creatures you would miss on your own. The hike covers lava fields and forest floor, so you're moving through the actual terrain the volcano shaped.
After the hike, the tour shifts entirely. You move to a natural hot springs river fed by geothermal heat, where the water stays warm year-round. This is where you soak: no pool, no resort, just the river itself surrounded by tropical scenery. The mineral-rich water is the counterpoint to the physical work of the hike. Most people find the contrast is what makes the afternoon stick with them. Bring your own towel if you want one, and plan to spend the remaining time in the water before the drive back.
Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for any accommodation within 6km of La Fortuna Central Park. The guide speaks English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier. The whole experience runs between 3 and 4 hours, which means you can fit it into an afternoon without losing the rest of your day. Moderate fitness is required (the hike is real hiking, not a stroll), and the tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular or spinal concerns.
Is this one for you?The afternoon timing and the guide's knowledge of the volcano's history and wildlife are what set this apart from soaking alone. You get the context and the movement before the soak, so the contrast between the two halves is what makes it work. Book this if you want real hiking followed by genuine relaxation, not a resort experience.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What will I see on the hike around Arenal Volcano?
The hike follows rainforest and lava field trails on the volcano's west side, where your guide points out tropical birds, monkeys and other wildlife that inhabit the area. You'll also learn about the volcano's history as you walk.
How long is the hike itself?
The entire tour runs 3 to 4 hours, which includes both the guided hike and time soaking in the hot springs river, plus travel time to and from your hotel.
Is the natural hot springs river a developed pool or just the river?
It's a natural hot springs river where you soak in the warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by tropical scenery, not a built pool or resort facility.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for any accommodation within 6km of La Fortuna Central Park.
What fitness level do I need for this tour?
You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike is real hiking through rainforest and lava fields, not a casual walk, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.
Arenal Volcano hike & hot springs in La Fortuna: Afternoon tour
3h–4h · EN · ES
from US$ 53.85 per person
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