La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot Springs River

Summary

Rainforest trails volcano views lunch and hot river soak near La Fortuna

You’ll walk rainforest paths around Arenal Volcano with a local guide sharing stories along the way, pause for photos by a jade-green lagoon, enjoy a homemade Costa Rican lunch in good company, then unwind in the warm flow of Choyin hot springs river before heading back to town—a day full of color, laughter, and quiet moments you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

You know that low, distant rumble you sometimes feel before you hear it? That’s how our morning started near Arenal Volcano. The air was thick and green, like walking through a living painting. Our guide, Carlos, pointed out a flash of scarlet—a toucan—while I tried not to trip over roots (failed at least twice). He told us about the old eruption days and how people here still talk about the night the sky turned orange. I didn’t expect to feel so small under all those trees and that huge volcano just sitting there.

The hike wasn’t too tough but the ground was springy from last night’s rain, so my shoes made this soft squelch with every step. We stopped by a lagoon that looked almost unreal—green as jade, mist curling off the surface. Carlos showed us some weird fruit (I forget the name) and said monkeys sometimes steal them from picnickers. There were birds everywhere but also these pockets of silence where you could just hear your own breath and maybe one far-off laugh from another group.

Lunch came after we’d worked up a real appetite—rice, beans, something slow-cooked and rich that I still think about. Everyone just sort of relaxed into their chairs then, swapping stories with Carlos about growing up in La Fortuna. Afterward we headed for Choyin hot springs river. The water felt like slipping into warm silk after the sticky hike—steam rising off the rocks and locals chatting nearby. I tried to pronounce “pura vida” properly; got it wrong apparently because Carlos grinned at me but didn’t correct me. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there all afternoon if they let us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arenal Volcano hike and hot springs

• Pick up from hotels by 10AM
• Arrive at park and start hike at 11AM
• Hike rainforest to Arenal Volcano base
• Observe green lagoon near mountain river
• Enjoy local lunch in the park
• Relax at Natural Hot Springs River for 45-60 minutes
• Return to hotels and downtown

Top questions

How long is the Arenal Volcano hike on this tour?

The guided hike around Arenal Volcano takes about 2 hours.

Is lunch included during the day trip from La Fortuna?

Yes, a local lunch is included after the hike before visiting the hot springs river.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in La Fortuna.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What is the natural hot springs river called?

The natural hot springs river visited is known as Choyin.

Is swimming allowed in the green lagoon near Arenal?

No, swimming is not allowed in the green lagoon; it's for observation only.

What time does pickup start for this tour?

Pickup starts by 10AM from different hotels in town.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn't recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels in La Fortuna, a guided rainforest hike around Arenal Volcano with a local expert sharing stories along the way, a traditional Costa Rican lunch (with vegetarian options on request), and time to relax in Choyin’s natural hot springs river before returning to town.