Arenal Volcano Hike
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hiking on Arenal Volcano is the best way to appreciate the volcano’s power and beauty alike. This guided tour takes you down a network of paths ranging from easy to difficult—talk to your guide to choose the path that’s right for you. No matter what you pick, your guide shares stories and information about the volcano throughout the hike and points out features like wildlife and dried lava flows that you might miss on your own.
- Arenal Volcano guided hike
- Guide helps you choose a trail that’s right for you
- Great way to learn about local wildlife
- Multiple departure times throughout the day to fit your schedule
What's Included
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Callidryas Tours
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jeff_S
What a wonderful tour! Manuel our driver and Byron our guide were both very friendly and helpful. They picked us up at our AirBnB outside of La Fortuna and were total pros all the way. At the beginning of our hike we saw a mama sloth and her baby. At the end we saw an anteater. No monkeys though. The hike itself was lovely with amazing views of the volcano and lake. A bit steep but not long and not hard if you’re in decent shape. We learned a little about the history of the area, the volcano, and native plant and wildlife. Byron spoke excellent English and French along with Spanish. Our group was a reasonable size of 8 from Canada, Denmark, Belgium and the US. We enjoyed getting to know each other and had a great trip. Highly recommend this tour unless you want a longer, self-guided hike. The trail got a bit crowded at times but that’s to be expected at a major Costa Rica attraction such as this in January.
Reviews
4.9
based on 81 reviews
Sabrina_M, Apr 2026
Phenomenal guide (Richie) and great blend of hiking, amazing views, wildlife spotting, and education. I’ve taken four tours of Arenal over the last decade and this was by far my favorite! 🙌
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re truly happy to hear that, even after several visits to Arenal, this experience stood out as your favorite. Richie will be thrilled to know his guidance made such a positive impact, and that you enjoyed the mix of hiking, breathtaking views, wildlife spotting, and learning.
We’d love to welcome you back again in the future for more unforgettable adventures!
Rachel_G, Apr 2026
Excellent learning experience. Byron was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and an entertaining presenter for the kids especially. He knew a lot about the science/geology, which was great because our kids had just studied volcanoes I. School and he could take it to the next level for them. Great hike. Steep but not long in duration. Very beautiful scenery.
PaulRiley, Feb 2026
Excellent experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and a true naturalist. His in depth conversation about Arenal and the new land created by the explosion of 1968 was so informative. We walked away with a true appreciation of the area and Costa Rica as a whole.
Celina_A, Jan 2026
In general the volcano hike was fun! However, on a second thought we would have made a self-guided hike. Our tour started one hour late and as a result we had to do the shorter path. Our guide was not so enthusiastic about the nature and the volcano. It is not the tour to spot animals.
Bonnie_S, Jan 2026
A moderately difficult hike up through the old lava flow from the 1968 eruption. Great scenery and a very knowledgeable guide. The fruit at the end of the hike was a welcome bonus.
Sallie_Q, Jan 2026
Katarina was a great guide. We learned much about the history and geography of Arenal. We enjoyed the morning tour and appreciated the umbrellas and delicious fruit snack.
Jeff_S, Jan 2026
What a wonderful tour! Manuel our driver and Byron our guide were both very friendly and helpful. They picked us up at our AirBnB outside of La Fortuna and were total pros all the way. At the beginning of our hike we saw a mama sloth and her baby. At the end we saw an anteater. No monkeys though. The hike itself was lovely with amazing views of the volcano and lake. A bit steep but not long and not hard if you’re in decent shape. We learned a little about the history of the area, the volcano, and native plant and wildlife. Byron spoke excellent English and French along with Spanish. Our group was a reasonable size of 8 from Canada, Denmark, Belgium and the US. We enjoyed getting to know each other and had a great trip. Highly recommend this tour unless you want a longer, self-guided hike. The trail got a bit crowded at times but that’s to be expected at a major Costa Rica attraction such as this in January.
loretta_t, Dec 2025
It was a great experience our guide Aaron was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and professional but very personable as well. The driver was nice and did a nice job setting up the snacks. It was a great experience.
Ashley_B, Sep 2025
Heiner was a great guide and very friendly :) He gave our group history of the volcano and information about the natural environment in Costa Rica. The nearby cows were a highlight of the tour at the end and the pineapple and papaya was delicious
Response from Host, Dec 2025
“Thank you for your review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the tour with Heiner, learned about the volcano and local environment, and liked the delicious fruits at the end. Your kind words mean a lot to us!”
Nicole_L, Aug 2025
We had a great time with Diego and Andres!! Very informative and interesting learning about the volcano eruption of 1968. While you can hike this on your own, I strongly recommend doing a guided tour so you don’t miss out on some of the interesting history and new vegetation of the land. After the hike, we were greeted with fresh fruit and water :)
Response from Host, Dec 2025
“Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the hike with Diego and Andres and learned about the 1968 volcano eruption. We’re glad you appreciated the fresh fruit and water at the end. Your recommendation means a lot to us!”
Katherine_W, Apr 2025
Beautiful scenic hike near Arenal. It ended up being a private tour since no one else signed up with us, so just our family. Diego was very knowledgeable about the history, plants, birds, and animals. Delicious fruit snack at the end. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re delighted you enjoyed your private hike with Diego, learned about the local wildlife and history, and enjoyed the fruit snack. We truly appreciate your recommendation!”
mayson1299, Apr 2025
We had a wonderful tour with Roy, who is extremely knowledgeable. Be aware of there lots of steps made of first and rocks, few handholds and lava rock paths comprised of various sizes of uneven and loose lava rocks. A walking stick is highly recommended if you have any balance, ankle or knee issues. Roy was amazing and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable and safe.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re glad you enjoyed the tour with Roy and appreciated his care and knowledge. Thank you also for sharing helpful tips for future hikers!”
Kevin_S, Mar 2025
Aaron was so very knowledgeable and made this an excellent experience. We learnt so much about the volcano and the impact of the last eruption
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re delighted you enjoyed the tour with Aaron and learned so much about the volcano and its eruption. Your kind words mean a lot to us!”
Leanne_M, Jan 2025
Marcellas was an excellent tour guide. He knew so much about the plants and wildlife. Very interesting learning the history of the volcano while standing so close to it. A truly amazing experience, we even saw a sloth before we existed the parking lot!
Sajag_A, Dec 2024
Great hike and great experience. The tour guide was absolutely fantastic and super energetic. Answered all of our questions and explained a lot to us.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your great review!
Pura vida!
Karina_A, Nov 2024
Fantastic tour with our guide, Ricardo! We had a wonderful time hiking up to see the lava flows. Ricardo was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. We got to see a variety of animals during the rainforest hike portion, including monkeys! At the end, we were treated to some fresh fruit, which was so delicious. Highly recommend this tour to anyone in La Fortuna.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for visiting us, we are very happy that you enjoyed our adventure!
¡Pura Vida!
Andrew_N, Oct 2024
The tour guide was brilliant. Really friendly and happy to help. Took us up to see the lava flows and then we had a lovely fresh fruit lunch afterwards. We haven’t seen a sloth by this point so they took a detour on the way back to find one for us.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hello!
Thank you for you kindly comment.
Thank your for your visit.
Regards,
Regards,
Breean_G, Nov 2023
This one is not so much hike as it is educational. Our guide was fabulous and knowledgeable about the area, the history, creatures around us, etc. He was great. The “hike” itself is mildly strenuous for a short time, and we think as a family (with teenage boys), we probably could’ve completed the hike out and back in 45 minutes at a decent pace.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you for sharing your comment!
Johel_S, Mar 2019
The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable of the surrounding of the park and wildlife. I will certainly take more tours with this guide.
From $73.45
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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