La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
+5
- 11 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.
- Includes lunch and cocktail
- Hear insightful commentary from the guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off provided
- Small-group tour limited to 12 people
What's Included
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch & beverage
- Alcoholic BeveragesComplimenty Cocktail
- Local bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Round-trip hotel transport (La Fortuna area)
- National Park entry & waterfall admission fees
- Hot springs resort entrance fee
- Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
- Hotel pickup outside central La Fortuna area
- Personal alcoholic drinks beyond included cocktail
- Breakfast and dinner
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Start time.7:30 am
Itinerary
After pickup in La Fortuna, you’ll head straight to La Fortuna Waterfall in the tour vehicle. Take advantage of the day’s relaxed pace to swim and enjoy the falls, or just enjoy views of the impressive cascade from the edge of the water.
Next, head to Arenal Volcano, a renowned destination for wildlife. Hiking alongside a guide knowledgeable about local plants and animals means you’re more likely to see wildlife like sloths, tropical birds, and frogs — it takes a trained eye to spot the well-camouflaged animals amid lush foliage.
The final stop of the day is Mirador el Silencio, where a hiking trail leads to spectacular views of Arenal Volcano; not only is it a gorgeous walk, but you’ll have time to snap classic photos including the mountain’s dramatic profile. End your tour where you started, either at the company office or your La Fortuna accommodations.
Next, head to Arenal Volcano, a renowned destination for wildlife. Hiking alongside a guide knowledgeable about local plants and animals means you’re more likely to see wildlife like sloths, tropical birds, and frogs — it takes a trained eye to spot the well-camouflaged animals amid lush foliage.
The final stop of the day is Mirador el Silencio, where a hiking trail leads to spectacular views of Arenal Volcano; not only is it a gorgeous walk, but you’ll have time to snap classic photos including the mountain’s dramatic profile. End your tour where you started, either at the company office or your La Fortuna accommodations.
1
La Fortuna Waterfall
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Mirador El Silencio
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
4
Relax Termalitas
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please note we can only accept up to maximum of 12 per group and we will be joining other group in a bus.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (2)
Q:Is there a restroom and/or place to change into swimwear for the waterfall and hot springs?
A:Yes - there are restrooms at various points along the trail, including at the entrance to the park as well as at the hot springs.
Feb 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
My family (two girls, aged 9 and 6) did this tour and we had A GREAT time! Our tour guide was Rasta and he was very attentive to our girls (we had a very young crowd and we would be last in the hike). Rasta and the crew were very knowledgeable and answered any and all questions we had. We we're completely soaked on the volcano hike, but the view and presentation were well with it. Plus, it added a big part to our kids memory bank. We ended the tour at one of the best hot springs in La Fortuna. From the beginning until the end it was simply amazing. Would do again hands down.
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,584 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Everything about this experience was great! The tour guides always made sure you were as prepared as possible.
amazing! Diego our guide was super nice and helpful for informative, knew so much about the Costa Rica.
Our tour guide, Diego was great. He shared a lot of history of the area and the Arenal volcano. The hike to the volcano was strenuous but beautiful. The hot springs was a great way to cap off the tour.
Went on this tour with my family in May for our first visit to Costa Rica. Our guides were passionate and helpful at pointing out wildlife throughout the day. The waterfall & volcano hikes were not for the faint of heart but were were not rushed and happy we had Keens on. Wish I would've packed a waterproof pouch for my iPhone for pics but did just fine.
It was raining on the day of my tour, so I was on the fence about going, but so glad I did! It was wonderful experience getting to see the rainforest in action and learning more about the volcanos here and resilient nature is. Both Manuel and Uriel were wonderful guides with so much knowledge and love La Fortuna! Highly recommend booking this tour
The experience went and said delightful. It’s a lot of movement so be ready. Diego and Christian were amazing. Some tour people don’t take the time to really explain the history OR interact individually with their groups and that sucks. But they did. These are TWO hikes. First one is the hike to La fortuna waterfall, you have lunch, and then you’ll hike to volcano arenal. That at least your visit thermal hot spring if it’s included with your reservation. NICE TIME!!!
It's a long but very rewarding day but well worth the effort. You need a guide to get the best of it
This was an amazing full day tour. Every part of the tour was interesting, and the tour guides were so nice. Very satisfied with the experience.
Diego was gracious and engaging. He obviously loves his country and wants to share it with visitors.
This was a nice all day tour. We traveled with a family of four. The kids enjoyed swimming near the waterfall. We were served a delicious lunch. The guides were knowledgeable.
From pick-up to drop-off and every moment in-between, this was an amazing and awesome tour! Our tour guides, Carlos and Nano, were extremely knowledgeable, professional, personable, engaging, interesting and fun! It was so obvious that they love what they do, and love sharing the beauty of the rainforest and Arenal, La Fortuna with visitors.
It is a full and very busy 10 hour day that includes lots of hiking and climbing, but this was exactly what I was looking for! Carlos and Nano ensured we stayed hydrated and we all thoroughly enjoyed the delicious pineapple they shared with us, even some local cows! The day was packed with so many incredible moments - every view was breathtakingly beautiful. We experienced both rain and sunshine, and enjoyed it all! The traditional Costa Rican lunch
was delicious! And being at the base of the waterfall was beyond beautiful! Butterflies landing on my finger was an added plus!
The Thermal Hot Springs was a great way to end an already perfect day! Add in the super fun slide
and cocktails! A truly great tour was had by all!
I must end with another huge shout-out to our phenomenal guides Carlos and Nano, and our driver Cha Cha. They were the best and ensured the day would become a cherished memory!
Maureen, New York, USA
What an amazing day. Take the time seriously, 11 hours was pretty spot on. But here’s the thing, best 11 hours spent. Diego and Chris were our guides and both not only loved their jobs but their country and that shows in everything they do. They showed us all the little things like tree frogs and snakes to all the big things like La Fortuna Waterfall (absolutely stunning fyi) and Arenal Volcano with history taught along the way. The drivers were so sweet and kind as well. We had a freaking blast of a day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone that wants to see the main/most beautiful things around La Fortuna.
I would not recommend this experience if you are solo traveling, a woman, seeking true nature, or a POC. They do not create the groups taking in your background or age into consideration. I ended up being the only solo, young, American traveler in my group. At one point, I experienced micro aggressions about my ethnicity and nationality from an Italian in the group (no fault of the tour operators). For a 12 hour tour, they should put SOME effort into how they form the groups to prevent such racism/aggression.
Also, this experience is not as advertised. The “hike” to La Fortuna is a highly commercialized, pre-paved pathway. It feels more like a theme park than truly enjoying nature. There is A LOT of time wasted. We spent more than 1-2 hours just randomly getting on and off shuttles to look at animals through the telescope and have every family take photos with their phone instead of just 1 phone airdropping to all. Not only was this wasteful of time, it eliminated any culture of cooperation or friendliness within the group. After the guide takes you to the waterfall, you are left to walk back up on your own. It’s very strange to me to not walk back together as a tour group, especially since they emphasize how there are snakes and venomous spiders on the trail sometimes. I walked back alone as a solo traveler in the jungle and it felt eerie and creepy. To make matters worse, when we finished the hike, I was looking forward to eating the pineapple they cut up. But since I was solo, the guide made me wait for an odd number group to also finish so that I could share my pineapple. It was so humiliating to be waiting in the corner after a tough hike like a dog just so I could eat some fruit. I had to go to the bathroom to cry briefly. I paid over $100 for this experience, they could give me a whole slide of pineapple without acting like I’m asking for an organ.
Then came the macro aggressions from the Europeans in the group. My guide mentioned how some people can’t finish the hike and the Italian of the group says “I bet it was an American woman.” The guide says, “no guess again.” And the Italian says, “ok Indian woman.” Keep in mind I am right behind them as an Indian-American.
Then they took us to a cheap vegas motel style hot springs. At this point, my mood is so low from the constant unloading and reloading of the van, the racist comments, the unfriendly vibes etc that I just ubered home.
I would NOT recommend this tour. It felt unwelcoming, hostile, and theme-park esque. Everything we did in the 8 hours I was there for could easily fit into 3 hours if they were more efficient and not wasting time. Honestly such a waste of my time in La Fortuna.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Sorry that you had this negativer experience. It does seem that you are taking if all the way out on us where we have no control of what another customer may have said. Obviously we are against any form of biggotry. If you would have reported it to us we could have done something. Now we can only suffer your anger.
A truly amazing experience Diego and Christian made this whole day tour meaningful and memorable. 1000% worth the price of admission.
wear closed toes shoes and rain jackets if you are going during rain season! You will prob not be able to swim in the water fall or see the volcano. (we went in august)
This was a once in a lifetime experience. Having the knowledge of experienced local guides instead of figuring it out on our own made the process so much easier and felt safer. Our guides were knowledgeable, funny, kind, and professional.
This was a really great tour. The guide really wanted to make sure we got the most out of our experience. He kept his eyes open for wildlife to see on the way, and shared a lot of really interesting and important history about Costa Rica with us. The hikes are relatively short, but there are a lot of steps up and down to the waterfall and the volcano path is fairly steep, so be prepared. The lunch was really good, and the hot springs at the end was a nice way to relax after a long day in the sun.
Was fantastic trip with Vega! Very knowledgeable and kind, always attentive on our necessities and doubts.
We loved this day trip with Red Lava! Every detail was well planned and thought out — from the order of activities, to being provided a delicious pineapple snack after the steep ascent back from La Fortuna Waterfall. Highly recommend!
Overall fun tour of the lava flows, falls, and hot spring soak with great guides. Easy transportation, and overall a very good value (including admission fees). Be ready for a moderate to strenuous hike, with 500 stair steps to climb down and back up. it was nice to get out and see the lava flows, I was expecting to see a bit more of the volcano crater, but that is off limits by CR (Costa Rica) regulations.. It was also nice to cool down by the water falls. There are several falls in the area. It seem most of the regions is made of private reserves, not public national parks - so which tour you take will decide which falls you see. I also have to highlight lunch - if was one of my more enjoyable meals in CR for a traditional CR meal. Capping everything off in the hot spring pool was fantastic (and the drinks at the end added to enjoyment!). I believe the water is pumped up from lower depths into the curated pools. The cascade of three pools, from VERY hot, to warm was my favorite.
This excursion was 10/10 very wholesome! We did and seen so much. Melanie and Daniel was amazing!!!!
Super fun and adventurous. Tour guide Diego was amazing and so informative. Lunch was provided and was delicious as well.
Great day together with the professional gids! Absolutely worth it great combination of activities (not heavy)! Carlos explains ina great way and you are taken care of!
I had lots of fun seeing the Arenal volcano and the waterfall at La Fortuna! Diego was a great guide showing us the way up to the top of the volcano, explaining to us a bit of the history of the area as well. When we got to the waterfall, it started to rain. Everyone else was getting ready to go into the river (which didn’t seem too safe to me), so René suggested a place on the trail where I could go and take pictures of the waterfall. Not the best experience if you’re not into hiking (I took about 15K steps), but probably the best way to see the volcano and the waterfall in a single day and Diego & René where awesome!
This was such a beautiful hike/tour. Diego made it so much fun. We saw lots of wildlife and got so many wonderful pictures. Take water shoes for the hike down to the waterfall.
The whole day was great! We saw a few animals on the nature walk. Renee made sure we saw them through his telescope and helped us take great pictures and videos. Manuel was very knowledgeable and was happy to add more details to any conversation when asked. Cha Cha was a timely driver who made the tour rides seamless. Hiking, waterfall swimming and a soak in the hot springs—Red Lava Tours made it memorable! Definitely recommend this tour.
High level, prepare for rain . Worth the fee.
Tour guide attended our needs. The hot springs were crowded and dirty.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
They get cleaned every day all water out, everything hydrowashed, and filled up again. They are extremly meticulous in that. Never heared that remark. Mabe you had bad luck and something had fallen in. In weekends they can be crowded.
Highly recommend this tour if you are looking for a way to see a lot of what La Fortuna offers in a day. For the price you get multiple activities and lunch. Our guides, Rony and Manuel, were knowledgeable and friendly. Not only did we get to see the volcano and waterfalls, but I learned a lot about the history of Costa Rica and the local flora and fauna. They went above and beyond to make sure we were able to see sloths, toucans, a howler monkey, and much more. The lunch was delicious and the hot springs seemed like an added bonus after everything else.
Fun long day, such a unbelievable scenic hike to start the day, really good lunch with good portions to keep you moving in the afternoon during waterfall hike.
Great tour led by expert guide Chris. It was incredible how good Chris was at spotting animals in the trees that no one else could. He knows the areas so well and shared interesting info on the places we visited. Bonus, food was tasty. My kids said it was one of their favorite meals of the week. Would recommend 100%. Tips: no need to bring water shoes or towels in first part of tour if there isn’t swimming in the waterfall area. Perhaps confirm before carrying extra items on your person.
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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