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.

61 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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18-35
Costa Rica Nature Lovers 2023
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5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, San José, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Turtle National Park
  • You'll see birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat along the trek

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Costa Rica Family Holiday
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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
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

Highlights

  • Go beyond a biology lesson and immerse yourself in nature, from spotting rare birds in Monteverde to listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Harvest produce and come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.
  • Get active on guided walks through forest and jungle, plus an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
  • Family holidays aren’t always relaxing, but this trip offers plenty of opportunities to take it slow in thermal springs and pools and on beaches.
  • End this adventure by hitting Manuel Antonio National Park, where the evergreen forest grows right up to the long, white beaches and irresistible water.

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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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Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, San José

Highlights

  • Devour a delicious lunch at a g adventures-supported coffee co-op
  • Learn how to make tortillas in a local home
  • Listen to a lecture from a monteverde institute researcher
  • Hike the trails of cloud forest reserves and breathtaking parks
  • Search for wildlife while exploring the pacific coast

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Costa Rica: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, Balsa River Tamarindo, Braulio Carillo National Park, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Playa Flamingo, Playa Tamarindo, Poas Volcano National Park, San José, Tenorio Volcano National Park

Highlights

  • Canyoning in the “Lost Canyon”
  • Zip-Lining with Tropical Plants & Exotic Animals Below You
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Appetizers & an Open Bar
  • Guided Walking Tour Along Hanging Bridges Deep in the Jungle
  • Hiking Around Massive Volcanoes
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Thank you guys for setting up this trip. We spent 7 days in Palawan and Coron island and enjoyed every day. The remote coordinator worked very well for us through Whatsup, and the daily itineraries were exactly what we expected. Not too much and not too short. We recommend this tour for every one who wants to explore these locations"

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Costa Rica Quest
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, San José

Highlights

  • Search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest
  • Watch the sunset over the pacific
  • Learn about sugar cane and coffee production at a local plantation
  • Enjoy free entrance into manuel antonio national park

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Central America Explorer
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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, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • This is one of our most extensive trips in Central America, hitting more than 20 destinations and introducing you to the cities, villages and myriad cultures of seven countries.
  • Your local craft fair just won’t feel the same after you’ve experienced Chichicastenango, a colourful Guatemalan market that draws thousands of vendors from the surrounding mountain villages.
  • Chichen Itza is one the New Seven Wonders of the World – find out why. Strolling around the ancient Maya ruins feels pretty wondrous.
  • A few days on Caye Caulker provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy Belizean island vibes, beachside beers and optional snorkelling, the perfect (almost) halfway point for this epic adventure.
  • Discover the jungle Costa Rica is famous for during a stay in Monteverde, a misty rainforest area home to sloths, hummingbirds, white-faced monkeys and tapirs among hundreds more animal species.

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."

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Costa Rica Active Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, La Fortuna, Monteverde, San José

Highlights

  • Paddle through world-class rapids on the pacuare river
  • Mountain bike in the shadow of arenal volcano
  • Chill out to the sounds of crashing caribbean waves
  • Stand up on a surfboard in puerto viejo

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Central American Adventure
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, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Panajachel, Salvador, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • 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.
  • Caribbean Caye Caulker is a dreamy place to spend two days with no plans. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel in coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Quaint Suchitoto is a contemporary arts hub with a colonial facade. Explore the flower-studded balconies, galleries housed in 19th-century buildings and a lake teeming with thousands of local birds.
  • 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, 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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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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