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 (81 - 100 shown)

Costa Rica Family Adventure
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Highlights

  • Explore this geologic wonder of Costa Rica
  • Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Visit the town of Santa Elena

Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Tropical Volcano & Cloud Forest
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Highlights

  • Explore Costa Rica
  • Visit Arenal Volcano
  • Explore this geologic wonder and the rich surrounding rainforests filled with waterfalls, wildlife and opportunities for exploration
  • Explore Cloud Forest cruise

Themes

Birding, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Multi-Sport
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4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Highlights

  • Visit Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation to learn all about growing, harvesting and marketing the rich coffee of Costa Rica.
  • Exploring and treating our bodies to the relaxing and invigorating powers of the Natural Hot Springs formed by the active, Arenal Volcano
  • Enjoy the most magnificent views of rain forest, the peaceful lake, and the majestic volcano Arenal's south face
  • Experience breathtaking view of the Gulf of Nicoya
  • An opportunity to learn about the Monteverde rain forest's magnificent ecosystem
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel

What travelers are saying

"I've been on 13 trips with STI and I've had a great time and met a lot of wonderful people on all of them. What I really like is the STI process for encouraging togetherness which includes (1) members meeting the day before the trip to have drinks and dinner so that when you start the trip the next day you feel comfortable with the other members, (2) a Breakfast Club for members who want to meet for breakfast, (3) Happy Hours each night before dinner, (4) eating together each night, (5) Theme nights for members , and (6) separate excursions for members. Another good feature of STI trips is the concierge who makes arrangements and schedules activities and helps to resolve any problems that occur."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica - Rainforest Adventure
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By ElderTreks
preferred
4.4/5 Great
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Guanacaste, Panama City, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Explore Tortuguero National Park and its jungle canals
  • Enjoy Arenal and Poas Volcanoes
  • Wildlife viewing, tropical forest walk & rafting at Sarapiqui
  • Enjoy the world-famous Eco-Termales Hot Water Springs
  • Visit a local community untouched by tourism
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family booked a tour Nov 2018 and paid the balance in full Jan 2020. Mar 2020 rec'd an email saying that the tour is cancelled-COVID. ONLY choice is a 50% refund or 100% credit towards a NEW booking until Oct 31/2022. Credit can NOT be put towards our already booked tour in Jan 2021. VERY unhappy and unsatisfied traveller."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Central America, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park

Highlights

  • Poas: Sightseeing of Poas Volcano; tour Doka Coffee Plantation and sample a fresh cup of coffee
  • Arenal : Naturalist-led tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges; Arenal National Park & Arenal Volcano; and Tabacón Hot Springs
  • TÁrcoles: Tropical mangrove cruise
  • Manuel antonio : Naturalist-led tour of Manuel Antonio National Park; farewell dinner
  • Active volcanoes, prolific wildlife, tranquil hot springs, active adventures, and expansive beaches—this vacation has it all! Experience Costa Rica’s must-see national parks: Poas, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
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Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Guanacaste
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Central America, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Pacific Ocean, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Cariari: Tour a banana plantation
  • Tortuguero national park: Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest; naturalist talkSARAPIQU
  • Arenal : Guided sightseeing of Arenal Volcano National Park; sightseeing of La Fortuna town; and visit Tabacón Hot Springs
  • Monteverde: Visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges; guided visit of Children’s Eternal Rainforest; Ecological Sancturary tour and cooking lesson; farewell dinner
  • Sarchi: Shop for souvenirsGUANACASTE
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

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Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Central America, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Pacific Ocean, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Cariari: Tour a banana plantation
  • Tortuguero national park: Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest; naturalist talkSARAPIQU
  • Arenal : Guided sightseeing of Arenal Volcano National Park; sightseeing of La Fortuna town; and visit Tabacón Hot Springs
  • Monteverde: Visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges; guided visit of Children’s Eternal Rainforest; Ecological Sancturary tour and cooking lesson; farewell dinner
  • Sarchi: Shop for souvenirs
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Central America, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Cariari: Tour a banana plantation
  • Tortuguero national park: Guided cruise through the canals to view wildlife; guided walk through the rainforest; naturalist talkSARAPIQU
  • Arenal : Guided sightseeing of Arenal Volcano National Park; sightseeing of La Fortuna town; and visit Tabacón Hot Springs
  • Monteverde: Visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges; guided visit of Children’s Eternal Rainforest; Ecological Sancturary tour and cooking lesson; farewell dinner
  • Sarchi: Shop for souvenirsMANUEL ANTONIO
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

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

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 review

This was our first Exodus trip, which, to be honest I viewed with some trepidation, as I walk with crutches, and so wondered how it would be. I cannot praise Exod...

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...

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...

Write a Review

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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