About this experience
Designed with an outstanding combination for you to explore the best of the wonders surrounding the volcano. This tour is for those who love hiking and walking through the canopy of the forest.
The first activity consist of a nature guided hike through trails in combination with suspension bridges where will be able to experience what the rainforest is from above and see plenty of wildlife. Following by the hike to the breathtaking waterfall where you can refresh and swim, later the perfect lunch at a local family ranch awaits to gain energy for the last part... the hike around the volcano!
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- National Park fees
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Arenal/La Fortuna only
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/Arenal
Itinerary and highlights
This is a unique opportunity where you can hike around an active volcano! Don't worry, it's not throwing lava anymore but it certainly left the lava trails where you will be walking around and be as close from this colossus and everything it represents such as the rainforest, home of animals, culture, amazing views and fascinating history!
At the hanging bridges you will be hiking while combining the fascinating hanging bridges with ground hikes among the rainforest.
A series of hanging bridges are connected at this nice park so you can walk on them and be able to observe what the real rainforest looks like from the heights... Even though you will be hanging up in the treetops you will be able to see much wildlife action and birds and learn of a different way of life from the heights.
You will pass through the dam that shows the open way of the gorgeous and giant Arenal Lake!
To get to the magnificent waters of the waterfall a 20 minute hike down 500 stairs will be required, don't panic! Is not as bad as it sounds... you will be with your guide overlooking at the beauty of the canyon that opens in front of you and you will go slow, at your own pace, trust me, it is worth it!
Once you reach the ground, take some time to feel yourself immerse in nature and all it represents to you, is the perfect way to relax, just let go and think of anything else but the moments you are having.
Jump in to the water, explore, swim and have a great time before getting back up on the same trail... but again, slowly!
At the waterfall you have 2 options:
1. Do the hike as described
2. Stay up at the main facilities, there is a restaurant to have a drink, bathrooms and changing rooms and a nice observatory so you can look down to the waterfall and wait for the group to get back up and take you to taste a fine lunch!
After a nice hike and swim at the waterfall La Familia Rodriguez will be waiting for you with the perfect lunch to recover the energy!
They will serve a really tasteful traditional lunch, cooked with local farm and organic ingredients and giving it the love touch for what will be the best meal you will have while in Costa Rica!
Share sometime at the family ranch and share lunch with them, is a good way to make new friends and learn about our culture.
After a homemade cup of coffee and relaxing by the sounds of the water running from the river is time to continue our day adventure and heads towards the volcano.
Meeting and pickup information
- Transportation from all hotels in La Fortuna and Arenal area is included, a few hotels may be located out of the main area and will require an extra fee. Let us know the name of the place you are staying at and will gladly pick you up! Some travelers have rental cars and prefer to meet with us, just tell us where you will be coming from. In interested in the tour from a different destination, other than Arenal, please let us know, we can offer transportation from many places around the country.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rainforest Explorers
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Recommended items: Tennis or hiking shoes, a bottle of water, raincoat, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, swimming suit, camera
- Not recommended for travelers with knee problems
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Let us know the name of the place you are staying at and will gladly pick you up!
Some travelers have rental cars and prefer to meet with us, just tell us where you will be coming from.
In interested in the tour from a different destination, other than Arenal, please let us know, we can offer transportation from many places around the country.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
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