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Arenal Volcano guides

Practical, up-to-date guides to seeing Arenal Volcano from San José: whether the day trip is worth it, what the tours cost and include, which hot springs and which waterfall you get, whether the volcano is still active, and what to bring.

Arenal Day Trip from San José 2026: Is It Worth It?Fourteen hours, six on the road: who it suits and who should stay over.Read the guide →Arenal Volcano Tour Prices 2026: What $165 IncludesFrom $165: what each Arenal day costs and covers.Read the guide →Arenal Hot Springs 2026: Paradise, Baldi, Los Lagos or a Hot River?Paradise, Baldi, Los Lagos or a natural hot river?Read the guide →La Fortuna Waterfall vs La Paz Waterfall: Which Does Your Tour Visit?La Paz on the drive, or La Fortuna's 530 steps?Read the guide →Is Arenal Volcano Still Active? Lava, Hikes & Views in 2026No lava since 2010: what you can see and hike.Read the guide →What to Bring on an Arenal Volcano Tour: Packing List 2026Swimsuit, rain jacket, sandals and a dry change.Read the guide →

Tickets

Popular Arenal day tours

Booked through Viator with hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Arenal Mega Combo: Ziplines & Hot Springs Most reviewed ★ 4.914 hours3,728 reviewsFree cancellation

Arenal Mega Combo: Ziplines & Hot Springs
ZiplinesHot springs2 meals

The same scenic route north, plus about two hours on the zipline course at Go Adventure Arenal Park before the hot springs. Lunch and dinner included.

What's included
  • Hotel pickup in San José and air-conditioned transport
  • About 2 hours of ziplining at Go Adventure Arenal Park
  • Paradise Hot Springs (about 3 hours)
  • Lunch, dinner, coffee and snacks, entrance fees
  • Not included: gratuities; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
From$185per person Reserve
Arenal Volcano Experience: Full Day from San José Relaxed pace ★ 4.914 hours1,668 reviewsFree cancellation

Arenal Volcano Experience: Full Day from San José
Hot springs2 mealsPickup

A coffee farm, La Paz Waterfall and wildlife stops on the drive north, then a long soak at Paradise Hot Springs below the volcano. Lunch and dinner are included.

What's included
  • Hotel pickup in San José (default 6:30 AM) and air-conditioned transport
  • Bilingual guide, plus coffee or tea with local snacks
  • Lunch near Arenal and a Costa Rican dinner on the way back
  • Paradise Hot Springs entry (about 2 hours) and all listed entrance fees
  • Not included: a volcano hike, La Fortuna Waterfall, ziplines, gratuities
From$165per person Reserve
Private Arenal Day: Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Private day ★ 4.612 hours85 reviewsFree cancellation

Private Arenal Day: Hanging Bridges & Waterfall
PrivateLa Fortuna FallsBridges

A private day that walks down to La Fortuna Waterfall and across the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then ends in the Los Lagos hot springs. Lunch is included.

What's included
  • Private guide and vehicle from San José hotels and Airbnbs (from about 6:30 AM)
  • La Fortuna Waterfall entry (about 2 hours)
  • Arenal Hanging Bridges entry (about 2 hours)
  • Los Lagos Hot Springs (about 3 hours), lunch and bottled water
  • Not included: gratuities; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
From$249per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

Hotel pickup in San José, coffee, waterfalls, wildlife and a long hot springs soak, with lunch, dinner and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Arenal Volcano Experience