Arenal Volcano Tours & Trip Packages

Arenal Volcano Tours & Trips

114 Arenal Volcano trips. Tours from 56 tour companies. 391 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

114 Trips match your criteria (21 - 40 shown)

Costa Rica Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Embark on a boat tour of the tranquil Tortuguero waterways
  • Eat lunch at an organic farm and visit a pineapple plantation
  • Soar above the cloud forest on a zip-lining excursion
  • Discover Rincon de la Vieja with its bubbling mud pools and hot springs
  • Relax on the Pacific Coast with three nights in a hotel overlooking the beach

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing – howler monkeys, caimans and sloths
  • Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Discover verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests
  • Learn from naturalist guides who share their love of Costa Rica with you
  • Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Central America
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Panama Canal, Panama City, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Costa Rica
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna

Highlights

  • Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
  • Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
  • Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.
  • Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Essential Costa Rica
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Swim in the jungle pool underneath La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive in the dark
  • Take a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park in search of extraordinary wildlife
  • Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Costa Rica Family Wild Adventure
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

  • Spot monkeys and caiman on a boat tour of the tranquil Tortuguero waterways
  • Uncover the ancient secrets of chocolate (tasting included!)
  • Soar above the cloud forest on a zip-line thrill ride
  • Discover the bubbling mud pools and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja
  • Relax on the Pacific Coast with a three-night stay by Tamarindo Beach
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Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Central American Journey
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Central America, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Salvador

Highlights

  • Soak in the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has you covered. Nature lovers rejoice!
  • Wind your way through the otherworldly ruins of Copan in Honduras, famous for the numerous elaborate stelae. These Maya ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect spot for some great pics.
  • Take part in an indigo-dying demonstration in Suchitoto (the best place to produce indigo in the world) at a local enterprise that supports working mothers in the community.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there are so many ways to experience the lush canopies and see unique Central American wildlife in this natural haven.
  • Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Family Costa Rica Highlights
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Corcovado National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Pacific Coast, Pacific Ocean

Highlights

  • An active nine day trip to Costa Rica including whitewater rafting in La Fortuna
  • Cruise the backwaters through mangrove forests spotting crocodile
  • Travel by boat into the heart of the Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"2nd time on this trip , wonderful time again , trip leader Moosa amazing , saving my underwater camera first day , diving straight in to retrieve it when I dropped it overboard !! Crew amazing too , especially chef, and the food he prepared !"

Trip dates & details
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Arenal Volcano Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
391  Reviews
See all Arenal Volcano tour reviews
Excellent
377
Great
53
Average
10
Disappointing
1
Terrible
1
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An great adventure in Costa Rica

This was our second Exodus trip and again, we were not disappointed. An itinerary which covered many different ecosystems, plenty of wildlife, pleasant travel comp...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discover Costa Rica

I would highly recommend this trip. The trip is very wildlife oriented, so if that is not your main interest, it may not be for you. However, I wouldn’t say that i...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great adventure in Costa Rica

This was our second Exodus trip and again, we were not disappointed. An itinerary which covered many different ecosystems, plenty of wildlife, pleasant travel comp...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discover costa rica

An excellent taster of the country. Well planned with good locations Meeting the owner michael Schnitzler of esquinas lodge. Such a wonderful work, he is passinate...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discover Costa Rica

We had am amazing time on this trip from the moment we landed in San Jose. Our guide Andres kept us informed about what to expect, and bring for each activity. He...

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Arenal Volcano Tour Selection Trips

  • While Arenal has been in a resting phase since 2010, be aware that it remains an active volcano. For this reason, you are still not allowed to hike to the mouth of the volcano, although you can hike around its base. 
  • The danger level of visiting Arenal is currently considered low, though that could change in. Be sure to check the most recent travel alerts regarding the area. 
  • Guided tours are highly advised to find the safest trails and avoid restricted areas. Your tour guides will also be able to help you spot local wildlife. 
  • Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s most stable and least dangerous countries to visit, which is one reason to highly consider visiting the country. 
  • Arenal is one of the most accessible volcanoes from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital and offers much of what makes the country such a popular outdoors destination.
  • Arenal’s rainy season, which is the best time to go rafting, runs from May to January. Keep this in mind if you are an experienced white water rafter, or rafting is your primary objective.

Additional details

10 Interesting Arenal Volcano Facts

  • Arenal Volcano’s rock has been carbon dated to be 7,000 years old
  • Arenal Volcano has had the 33rd most deadly volcano eruption in human history
  • There are 200 volcanoes in Costa Rica, and Arenal is 1 of the only 5 active ones.
  • Arenal’s first eruption was in 1968, killing 87 people and completing burying 3 villages in lava. Luckily, Arenal has remained dormant since 2010, and all current buildings are built a safe ways away from the volcano.
  • 75% of all of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found in the Arenal Volcano National Park.
  • It is the 3rd most perfect conically-shaped volcano in the world.
  • Some of the water heated by the volcano is funneled into the Arenal Lake Reservoir, which provides 40% of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric power.
  • 3 different kinds of rainforests have been identified in Arenal National Park.
  • There have been several reported UFO sightings over the volcano.
  • The nearby volcano, Chato, is considered to be the “little brother” of Arenal.

Arenal Volcano Weather

Temperature in the Arenal Volcano National Park is consistently warm. The temperature is usually around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though at higher altitudes the weather is a little bit cooler, averaging between 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It generally becomes a little windier in the region during the winter, which may make things feel cooler. It is recommended that you pack layers.

Annually, Arenal receives around 195 inches of rain, so consider bringing a rain jacket on your visit!

9 Best Activities at Arenal Volcano

  1. Zipline for miles through the jungle canopy

  2. Hike the hanging bridges through the rainforest

  3. Canyon a waterfall

  4. Raft some of the best whitewater rafting water in the world

  5. Go for a relaxing swim in the Volcano-heated hot springs

  6. Take a rafting safari on the Peñas Blancas River

  7. Take a leisurely hike to get the best volcano views

  8. Paddle board, swim, or canoe in Lake Arenal

  9. Explore caves around the National Park

Hotels & Lodging at Arenal

Because of the destination’s popularity, there are plenty of options for accomodation around the  volcano, especially on its Northeastern side. Most hotels are resort-style lodging, and some even have direct access to the volcano’s hot springs.

If you are a traveling on a budget or basic trip, then you might expect to spend a couple nights in one of the various chain hotels in the area. These lodgings are comfortable and practical, but may lack some of the authenticity and complementary features of nicer lodging.

One of the benefits of going on a group tour is that you may also have the option to do a homestay on your trip of Costa Rica. Living in a local family’s home while on your Arenal vacation will greatly enhance your immersion into Costa Rican life.

You may be served a bona  fide Costa Rican breakfast, taken on a tour of your host’s working farm, and you will have unlimited opportunities to ask any questions you may have.

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