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Horses on pasture near Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano Tours & Trips

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Get "just close enough" to an active volcano that glows red from lava flowing down its slopes at night, and billows ash into the heavens during the day. Arenal is Costa Rica's adventure capital where you can hike, ride horses, zipline, rappel, spelunk, paddle or pedal through lush rainforest and tropical rivers and lakes before heading to the volcanically-heated hot springs to soak off your adventures. Just a couple of hours north of San Jose, Arenal is easy to include in a tour package or add on to an existing tour of Costa Rica. Below, we've selected the top ten tours in the Arenal area which can either be part of a larger packaged tour of Costa Rica, or extensions of 1/2 day to 3 full days. Contact one of our Costa Rica travel specialists for help planning your adventure to Arenal. 

8 Best Arenal Costa Rica Day Trips & Tour for 2024-2025

Arenal Tram

Hanging Bridges, Zipline and Aerial Tram

½ Day from $152
This 4-hour tour uses the Sky Tram gondolas to get to the popular suspension bridges and canopy ziplines. You are accompanied by a bilingual guide who will point out flora and fauna in the ecosystem. At the top, enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal from the observation deck.
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Rappelling waterfalls on a canyoning tour in Arenal

Waterfall Rappelling and Canyoning Adventure

½ Day from $120
This full-day tour takes you into the rainforest on a 4x4. Then you'll have lunch, get briefed, and hike to the first waterfall. From there, you'll do 4 rappels ranging in height from 165 feet to 45 feet. As you move from waterfall to waterfall you get a chance to explore the rainforest and take pictures along the way.
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Horseback riding in the jungle

Horseback riding near Arenal

from $130
Today you'll enjoy a 2-hour horseback ride through farmland at the base of the Arenal Volcano. This tour includes a combination of riding, hiking and relaxing. After your ride, take a short hike to the base of the La Fortuna Waterfalls to swim and relax in the tranquil pools surrounded by pristine rainforest.
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Natural Hot Springs at Ecotermales

Ecotermales Hot Springs

½ Day from $84
Unwind after a long day's adventure as you soak in natural hot springs, heated from the Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by rainforest, the location includes 5 hot pools to soak away the day as well as a fresh water waterfall and a regular pool. There are only two daily time slots and they are limited to 100 guests each.
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Kayaking through the Costa Rican rainforest

Lake Arenal Kayaking

½ Day from $71
This half-day kayaking tour is the perfect way to experience the best of what Lake Arenal has to offer. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the calm waters of this volcanic lake, marvel at the views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, and take in the lush mountain scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of tropical bird species and other wildlife that call this home.
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Venado Cave in Arenal

Venado Caves

½ Day from $126
Explore narrow passages and underground caves during this half day tour. You will move from chamber to chamber to learn about unique stalactite and stalagmite rock formations and also get a chance to see the famous "La Papaya" rock formation. You'll also learn about the spidersand bats that call these caves home.
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Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

3 Days from $806
Costa Rica is home to one of the most studied, and most active volcanoes in the world. Its consistent rumble and bubbling makes for an exciting visit, and calls to the adventurous heart in every traveler. This extension includes a rainforest tram and canopy tour, allowing you to explore the best of what the area has to offer. Explore the wonders …
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Yes it is THAT close...Arenal Volcano

Ecotermales Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano

½ Day from $215
The best way to appreciate the beauty of Costa Rica's majestic Arenal Volcano is from up close. This exciting half-day adventure begins with a 90-minute walk through the rainforest, as you learn about local plants and wildlife. Take in the sights with a guided tour before enjoying some relaxation time in natural hot springs at dinnertime.
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10 Best Luxury Arenal Costa Rica Day Trips & Tour for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Costa Rica Quest$19288Jun 10, 2024This exciting 8-day tour of Costa Rica takes you to Tortuguero National Park, rafting on the thrilling Sarapiqui River, and up the slopes of the …
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Costa Rica Highlights$25266Jun 10, 2024Explore Western Costa Rica's highlights during this 6-day vacation. Glide through the Arenal Rainforest Reserve on the Skytram & Skytrek Tour. …
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Adventure Pacifica$22459Jun 10, 2024Enjoy a 9-day version of our classic Adventure Pacifica tour. Experience all that Costa Rica has to offer with opportunities to hike, raft, search …
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Costa Rica's Mountains and Beaches$24678Jun 10, 2024Explore Costa Rica's beaches and mountains on this active 8-day vacation. From wildlife viewing, zip-lining, rainforest canopy tours to relaxation …
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Costa Rica Escape$117109Jun 10, 2024This hand-crafted 9-day luxury tour of Costa Rica takes you on a thrilling helicopter ride over Costa Rica's volcanoes, then to La Paz Waterfall, …
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Costa Rica Family Vacation$30769Jun 10, 2024Enjoy this 9-day Costa Rica adventure tour from San Jose to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park, …
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Coast to Coast Multisport$271210Jun 10, 2024Explore Costa Rica from coast to coast on this active 10-day multisport vacation. From river rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, and canyoning to …
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Hanging Bridges, Zipline and Aerial Tram$152½Jun 10, 2024This 4-hour tour uses the Sky Tram gondolas to get to the popular suspension bridges and canopy ziplines. You are accompanied by a bilingual guide …
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Waterfall Rappelling and Canyoning Adventure$121½Jun 10, 2024This full-day tour takes you into the rainforest on a 4x4. Then you'll have lunch, get briefed, and hike to the first waterfall. From there, you'll …
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Horseback riding near Arenal$130½Jun 10, 2024Today you'll enjoy a 2-hour horseback ride through farmland at the base of the Arenal Volcano. This tour includes a combination of riding, hiking and …
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All Arenal Trips

Top 4 Arenal, Costa Rica Tour Packages for 2024-2025

All Arenal Trips
Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

3 Days from $806
Costa Rica is home to one of the most studied, and most active volcanoes in the world. Its consistent rumble and bubbling makes for an exciting visit, and calls to the adventurous heart in every traveler. This extension includes a rainforest tram and canopy tour, allowing you to explore the best of what the area has to offer. Explore the wonders …
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens in the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Escape

9 Days from $11,709
This hand-crafted 9-day luxury tour of Costa Rica takes you on a thrilling helicopter ride over Costa Rica's volcanoes, then to La Paz Waterfall, Arenal Volcano (and hot springs!), the rainforest canopy tram, and then to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park where you'll actively explore this rainforest paradise.
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Arenal Volcano Travel Guide & Tips

Discover stunning waterfalls in the jungle

10 Best Things to Do and See Near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Discover 10 top activities near Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica for an unforgettable adventure.
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Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano: Explosive Costa Rica Travel

Details of the most recent eruption of Arenal Volcano, a travel destination in Costa Rica.
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Arenal Highlights & Activities
This active volcano inspires many of our most active Costa Rica tours and extensions. Highlights include:
  • Mountain biking - gear & bikes are provided and routes range from beginner to advanced on gravel roads & trails through the rainforest and around Lake Arenal.
  • Visit exclusive hotsprings - Tabacón Thermal Resort / Spa
  • Explore the rainforest - hiking, crossing suspension bridges, and 4x4 rides are just a few ways to experience this tropical jungle.
  • Rappel down waterfalls ranging from 45-145 feet
  • Zipline through the jungle
  • Discover the Venado Caves & "La Papaya" rock formation
  • Horseback ride around the base of the volcano & La Fortuna Waterfalls
Fast Facts about Arenal 
  • Elevation: 5,479′
  • Last eruption: 2010
  • Location: Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
  • Age of rock: 7,000 years old
  • Largest modern-day eruption: 1968
  • Classification: Stratovolcano
Where to Stay Around Arenal
We've carefully selected the following luxurious hotels as the best bases for your exploration of Arenal, Costa Rica:
Lomas del Volcan

The Wonders of Arenal

Arenal Volcano is a Costa Rica travel highlight. It often erupts with lava and glowing hot rocks that provide a spectacular nighttime show. The area around the volcano has been declared a 2,920-hectacre park because of its tremendous diversity of flora
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Arenal, Costa Rica Travel Stories

Our first Wet Bar experience!! Arenal Manoa

Pura Vida-Only in Costa Rica

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Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica through the Mist

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