Arenal Volcano National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Arenal Volcano National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• La Fortuna Ultimate Waterfall Canyoning: 4 Rappels & Monkey Drop

• Arenal Volcano Canyoning: Top-Rated Waterfall Rappel Adventure

• Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly Over La Fortuna Waterfall

• Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna

• 7-Cable Zipline Adventure: Fly Over La Fortuna Waterfall

Currently, admission to Arenal Volcano National Park for Costa Rican residents costs 1,000 colones for adults and 500 colones for children. For foreign visitors, tickets cost US$15 for adults and US$5 for children. Typically, tickets are purchased at the on-site ticket office, unless you book a tour package that includes entry fees.

Yes, Arenal National Park is worth visiting—one of Costa Rica's most popular nature destinations, the national park protects the recently active, impressive Arenal Volcano. It also offers a range of recreation options for visitors, from hiking trails with wildlife-spotting opportunities to zipline and canyoneering excursions. It's worth booking a tour with round-trip transit from San Jose for easy logistics.

Per one customer who booked the Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly Over La Fortuna Waterfall, "We had an excellent time! The staff was very fun and helpful. The views were incredible and exhilarating. It was fun and felt very safe. Probably my favorite excursion in Fortuna!"

No, you don't need a tour to visit Arenal Volcano National Park, and you can explore the volcano and its surroundings independently. Arenal Volcano National Park tickets cost US$15 for adults and US$5 for kids. However, guided tours offer valuable insights, increased security, and a more in-depth experience. If you want to participate in adventure activities like ziplining, canyoning, and horseback riding, booking in advance is essential.

The time it takes to hike to the base of the Arenal Volcano varies, depending on your chosen route and your hiking pace. The most common route, the Arenal 1968 Trail, typically takes 2–2.5 hours to reach the volcano's base. Keep in mind that hiking times depend on fitness and weather conditions.

The best time to visit Arenal Volcano National Park is during the dry season, from December to April. These months offer clear skies and better visibility for spectacular views. However, the volcano is stunning year-round, and you can easily experience the beauty of this Costa Rican gem in the wet season. Expect lots of lush greenery but keep in mind that due to its density and the rainy weather, you may not have the best views of Arenal Volcano.

No, unfortunately, you can't conquer the summit of Arenal Volcano on foot. But don't fret. You can still quench your hiking thirst by exploring the captivating trails around its base. For example, Las Coladas Trail will take you over fields created by lava flows. Plus, thrilling adventures like waterfall rappelling and white-water rafting on the Balsa River will fuel your adrenaline in Arenal Volcano National Park.

When visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, wear comfortable clothing suitable for hiking and outdoor activities. Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Remember sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and consider bringing a rain jacket for unexpected showers. If you’re planning on hiking, especially over the lava fields, wear closed-to shoes.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Arenal Volcano National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in San Jose:

• San Jose Central Market

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens

• Poas Volcano National Park

• National Theater

• Sarapiqui Canopy

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in San Jose.