La Fortuna & Arenal: Waterfall, Volcano Hike & Hot Springs Tour

Summary

Swim below La Fortuna Waterfall then hike Arenal’s wild side before soaking in real volcanic hot springs

You’ll feel the spray at La Fortuna Waterfall, climb lava trails on Arenal Volcano with a local guide, share lunch and laughs with your group, and end floating in natural hot springs as dusk falls over Costa Rica’s wild side.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sound of La Fortuna Waterfall to hit me before I even saw it — like thunder echoing through the trees. Our guide, Diego, grinned as we got closer, “Wait until you feel the spray.” He was right; the mist was everywhere, cool on my face after that sticky walk down all those steps. Some folks jumped straight into the pool (braver than me), but I just sat for a minute and let my shoes get wet. There was this smell—earthy, almost sweet from all the plants crushed underfoot. I still think about how loud that water was.

After we dried off (sort of), Diego led us through a patchwork of jungle and old lava rocks up towards Arenal. The climb wasn’t easy but he kept stopping to show us things—tiny orchids clinging to branches, a blue morpho butterfly that looked fake until it flapped away. At one point he pointed out Lake Arenal in the distance and told us stories about eruptions from when he was a kid. The view from the top really did make everyone go quiet for a second, which is saying something for our group. You could see everything: jungle, valley, volcano looming overhead. I tried to take a photo but it never comes out right.

Lunch was at this open-air spot with wood tables—rice and beans, plantains, some kind of chicken stew that tasted way better than it looked (sorry). Someone passed around shots of cacique and Diego toasted “pura vida” with us like we’d known each other longer than half a day. After that it all slowed down—a walk through a butterfly garden where I learned I cannot pronounce “Morpho peleides” (Li laughed when I tried), then finally the hot springs. The water felt like velvet after hiking all day; steam curling up into the dusk while people traded stories or just floated quietly. Honestly? That part surprised me most—how peaceful it got once everyone stopped talking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore La Fortuna waterfall and Arenal volcano

• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
• Take a refreshing dip in waterfall pool
• Climb trail through lava rocks
• Reach highest Arenal Volcano viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic views of lake and jungle

Top questions

How long does the La Fortuna & Arenal tour last?

This is a full-day tour including waterfall swim, volcano hike, lunch and hot springs visit.

Is hotel pickup included in La Fortuna?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in the La Fortuna area.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, entry fees for all attractions are included in your booking.

What should I bring for swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Bring swimwear, towel and sturdy shoes for walking down to the waterfall pool.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A typical Costa Rican lunch is included along with drinks and a cacique cocktail.

What’s the group size on this tour?

The tour runs with small groups up to 12 people per guide.

Are there steep hikes or stairs involved?

Yes, there are steep steps to reach La Fortuna Waterfall and some uphill hiking on Arenal’s trails.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; not recommended for those with limited fitness.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna area, entry fees to all sites including waterfall and hot spring resort access, guided hikes with a multilingual local guide, traditional Costa Rican lunch with drinks (plus a little cacique toast), fresh fruit break and coffee along the way before heading back together in shared transport.