La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 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
- National Park fees
- Beverages
- Lunch
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (In la Fortuna area) transport is shared with other clients
- Small-group tour (12 persons per group)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Hotspring resort fee
- Dinner not included
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.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
Mirador El Silencio
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
3
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
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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
Amber_O
This was our only full day in La Fortuna and this excursion did not disappoint. Axel and Christian, our tour guides, were friendly and light hearted which made our long day more enjoyable. Both tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, and accommodated to our needs (late arrival and restroom breaks).
Our first stop was visiting one of the last Indigenous tribes in Costa Rica: Maleku.
As a conscious traveler who tries my best to respect the ingenious people, locals, and nature of wherever I travel, I appreciated this portion at the beginning. We learned a little more about their traditional greeting, clothing, language, agriculture and artisanal products.
Our favorite part was swimming in the waterfall area. We’d highly recommend water shoes with great grip, a waterproof phone pouch for photos, and a reusable water bottle with a filter. I had a hard time walking back up, so having fresh pineapple (the best ever) waiting for us at the top was so refreshing.
We had breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding landscape. We were able to see a couple of birds and wildlife.
We loved that the hot springs were at the end of our tour so our bodies could relax. It was public so we didn’t stay too long because it felt a little overstimulating with the additional people. We ended up enjoying dinner at the more formal restaurant on the property. It was delicious and fresh! Overall, we highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Costa Rica!
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,437 reviews
Christine_M, May 2026
We had an amazing day! Emmanuel and Melody (??). Start to finish the entire tour was very informative and challenging! We felt very well taken care of. Each guide made a huge effort to educate and find all the animals!
Cheryl_F, May 2026
The waterfall is totally worth the 400 steps down and back. The tour guides Manuel and Emily were very engaging and knowledgeable.
Miranda_J, May 2026
If you don’t have a lot of time in la fortuna, and you want to hit all of the main tourist activities, this tour is perfect. It takes a while to drive to each location so for the cost of transportation and entry fees, plus the lunch we were fed, I think the tour is a good bang for your buck. William and Axel are clearly quite passionate about what they do, and that made the experience so much better, they have great energy. You’ll be exhausted by the end, but it was honestly an ideal way to spend a day in la fortuna.
melielena, Apr 2026
The full experience with Red Lava Tours was unforgettable. Diego introduced us to the tour with great enthusiasm, and then the group split up and Emanuel took over as our guide through Arenal. We walked through vibrant, living nature—at one point, a snake appeared in the foliage, and we were surrounded by birds and insects along the way. La Fortuna Waterfall left us in awe with its majestic drop and freezing cold water. The descent over slippery rocks was challenging, but they were attentive and supportive every step of the way.
We also enjoyed a delicious lunch and fresh fruit—the pineapple was especially amazing! Along the way, we passed cows and horses, and took in breathtaking panoramic views that were perfect for photos. It felt like an adventurous, slightly extreme experience, but always safe and well-guided.
Emanuel truly made all the difference. Not only did he know every detail about Arenal Volcano and the waterfall, but he also shared fascinating insights about the local flora and fauna. He answered all of our questions with patience, made us feel safe at every moment, and kept us laughing throughout the tour. His passion for Costa Rica’s nature came through in every explanation.
In the end, Emanuel wasn’t just a guide—he was the heart of the entire experience. We 100% recommend this tour without hesitation!
Rupakshi_P, Apr 2026
Absolutely awesome time. My husband and I went on 4/27. Christian and William were beyond amazing! Their knowledge and passions about what they are showing you is inspiring and motivating. They are both engaging and funny making an experience where we do nott speak the language, comforting and fun. For anyone doing this, a couple of tips. Pack with essentials! At Mimimum, backpack with water shoes, water bottle, a small towel for walking/larger towel for waterfall and hot springs, hat for the jungle and sun. Other than the necessities, sit back and listen to your guides and immerase yourself in the experience. Finishing off with the hot springs and adult beverages was 🙌. The experience it would have been amazing but Christian and Willam made it that much better. If you are thinking of doing this, make sure you request them, sit back and prepare for a great time
Elizabeth_R, Apr 2026
Good tour overall, we did many activities which was fun. They were very accommodating when picking me up as my pickup location was in an odd place. I recommend using reef safe sunscreen or none at all. One of the tour guides appeared offended that I used regular sunscreen when going to La Fortuna waterfall even though they never gave a disclaimer beforehand to use reef safe sunscreen.
Anthony_H, Apr 2026
Rasta and Santiago were the real deal! These guys made this experience perfect from beginning to end. They were knowledgeable, kind, and very funny. Their attention to detail in the forest allowed us to see many species of animals, and insects. From the view of the volcano, to the hot springs and everything in between… this tour is 10/10! The lunch provided was delicious, and one of the best meals we had during our 7 day stay!
Don’t hesitate to book, just DO IT.
DISCLAIMER: This tour involves a full day of hiking up and down stairs. If you have hip or knee issues, be aware that this tour can be strenuous on those parts. The heat is also a factor to keep in mind. Bring trail/running shoes that you don’t mind getting wet! I wore water shoes, and although they helped with traction, they were very uncomfortable for the type of hiking on this tour. Lastly, we brought our own car and that allowed us an opportunity to stay later at the hot springs instead of leaving with the group. Be aware, the drive to the volcano is winding roads so make sure to rent a reliable SUV! All in all, this tour had all of the things we wanted to experience while in Costa Rica, and we HIGHLY recommend touring with “Red Lava TSC”.
Nikolai_F, Apr 2026
Just the steps or walking going back up from the waterfall can be easily underestimated. Still obviously worth it.
Alyssa_S, Apr 2026
Beautiful sights to see and you meet some very nice people and learn more about the history of CR. Prepare to walk up plenty of stairs and uphill. You will have fun, marcos and his team was great.
Carolyn_D, Apr 2026
Very active! Bring water and Prepare to get your steps in but it’s so worth it! Our guides were William and Santiago. They are friendly, knowledgeable and provided a great experience. If you have limited time in La fortuna and want to feel like you experienced a lot of it, book this tour!
Carla_H, Apr 2026
Great tour! Franklin and Diego were amazing from start to finish, and both are very fluent in English. The scenic hikes at the waterfall and the volcano were incredible, definitely worth the effort. Ending the day at the hot springs was the perfect finishing touch!
Vicki_R, Apr 2026
This was an excellent tour that involved so much more than we thought! They immediately pointed out monkeys and some rare bats before leaving the property, then went to a butterfly sanctuary in the same area. After that, we went to the waterfall and spent an hour in the water relaxing before climbing back out (lots of stairs) and heading to a presentation for an indigenous tribe to learn about their past way of life, living off the land in that part of Costa Rica. It was very interesting and we were able to buy some of their handmade products. Then we got into the shuttles to drive to the trailhead for the Arenal Volcano tour. That area was beautiful and the hike wasn't that hard for those who are fit. We did climb up over rocky terrain but it wasn't that difficult and wasn't that long of a hike. We got some amazing photos and were lucky to be able to be there on a clear day! A typical CR buffet lunch came after the hike, where we had an hour to sit and relax and visit with other tour members, so that was nice. Then we went to a local hot springs for the last hour+ of the trip where our guide Franklin made rum drinks for anyone who wanted them. The hot springs were a public space and fairly crowded, but still fun and relaxing. Franklin was an excellent guide; funny and informative, and always looking out for everyone. Both he and Errol, another guide who led us on parts of our hike (we were split into two groups for ease of communication), made our comfort and happiness on the tour a priority. As I said, it was a great tour and we were happy we chose this one. It included many things that we didn't expect but was also very relaxing. For people who are usually very sedentary, this tour might be difficult, but if you're slightly fit, it should be an easy one.
Courtney_L, Apr 2026
We had a great time on our tour with Marcos! Iwe even got to see an Anteater, Howler Monkeys and a mom and baby sloth! Marcos was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the volcano, the history of La Fortuna, the plants and animals. The water fall was beautiful! A couple of things to note, there are 500 steps on a trail down to the waterfall and then you need to climb rocks through the river to see the fall itself. After seeing the water fall you do have to climb back, definitely recommend water shoes for the river/fall. And it is definitely a hike back up (especially when hot like it was for us). We don’t mind the amount of hiking and walking but there did seem to be some people on our tour that may have not been as aware of how much physical activity there would be. Something else to note, we did not know what was on the menu for lunch ahead of time and the day we were there it was only steak or fish, which made it tricky if you were not someone who eats one of those. My daughter only does chicken, so she skipped the protein and the staff was really nice and gave extra of the side veggies to help make up for it. The last thing to note is after the waterfall there was a small tour of a structure that was a replica of an indigenous home. It was definitely cool to see, but also felt like a way to get you to buy some of their items. It wasn’t a bad thing, and we were happy to help support the local indigenous culture, but was a little odd and we did not know about it ahead of time. It would have been cool to learn more about the culture, but that didn’t seem to be the focus. We did not go to the hot springs at the end, our kids were wiped out! But it was at a resort that you got a a pass that, if you were not being brought back to your accommodations by Red Lava tours, you were able to stay and enjoy until it closed! Which would have been fun! But the kids were done!! Overall it was a really great experience and we learned a lot about the history and how the volcano formed! I would definitely recommend it!
Nishafa_N, Apr 2026
The guide was very knowledgeable and very nice. Worth the money as I got to see all the main attraction of La fortuna on the same day. I highly recommend this tour.
Nanci_H, Apr 2026
We had the best day! Diego was an excellent host; funny, informative, and passionate about his country. Carlito was excellent at spotting birds, sloths, and other animals on our trek. They had viewing scopes so you could see them better from a distance.
I highly recommend this tour!
Heidi_A, Apr 2026
This was such a great day! Our guides William
and Marco and our driver Gilbert were terrific. First, we went on a hike through an old growth forest where we saw lots of animals and a view of Arenal. William carried a tripod with a spotting scope so we could get an up-close look at the animals. We had the option to add a bit onto the hike or to stay and explore the viewpoint.
Next, we drove to our lunch stop where we had a typical Costa Rican lunch. There was a butterfly garden there and we were able to see the blue morphos and other species.
From lunch, a truck took us up to start the hike to La Fortuna waterfall. We had a view of the waterfall from the top, but we hiked down the 500-some steps to the base to get the best view. It can be slippery so good footwear is important for this part.
After hiking back up, we visited a recreation of an indigenous home and learned a bit about the past way of life.
Finally, we were transported to the thermal pools. There were several pools, including one with a fun water slide. Note that if you meet at the thermal pools, you can stay there until they close!
This was a great way to see the area, and I really loved not having to drive all over and find parking. They really put together a great tour. Very knowledgeable and professional guides and I felt very safe at all times. 100% recommend.
Annika_B, Apr 2026
The experience with Papitillo and Chris mgq was great. Had the best day ever since Chris is loving his job and knows everything about animals and plants and like to show it.
Rico_M, Apr 2026
The guides Willy and Marcos were awesome. We felt lucky to have them as our guides. We saw monkeys, toucans, frogs and many other animals and insects spotted by our guide Willy. Very impressive and solid logistical support. Would highly recommend.
Alyssa_S, Apr 2026
Awesome experience, great combination of outings especially for the price. Such good interactions with kids and so well organized. Will was fantastic his enthusiasm for spotting wildlife was very much appreciated.
Mary_H, Apr 2026
We had a great day, even in the rain! Our guides were fantastic, and it’s apparent they really love their job.
Barbara_S, Apr 2026
The day was expertly planned and executed. We would recommend to others without hesitation. Oriel and Errol were knowledgeable, fun great guides!
Shanna_N, Apr 2026
Chris was an absolutely fantastic tour guide! His incredible knowledge, great sense of humor, and genuinely personable nature made our experience unforgettable. He took us on an amazing hike around Arenal Volcano, to La Fortuna Waterfall, and to the relaxing (and much needed) hot springs. Along the way, we saw so many beautiful plants, birds, and animals—it truly felt like an immersive experience in nature. Highly recommend Chris if you want a fun, informative, and memorable adventure in Costa Rica!
Steward_F, Apr 2026
The guides were amazing, it rained pretty hard but beside that it was such a good tour, I would definitely recommend it
Amber_O, Apr 2026
This was our only full day in La Fortuna and this excursion did not disappoint. Axel and Christian, our tour guides, were friendly and light hearted which made our long day more enjoyable. Both tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, and accommodated to our needs (late arrival and restroom breaks).
Our first stop was visiting one of the last Indigenous tribes in Costa Rica: Maleku.
As a conscious traveler who tries my best to respect the ingenious people, locals, and nature of wherever I travel, I appreciated this portion at the beginning. We learned a little more about their traditional greeting, clothing, language, agriculture and artisanal products.
Our favorite part was swimming in the waterfall area. We’d highly recommend water shoes with great grip, a waterproof phone pouch for photos, and a reusable water bottle with a filter. I had a hard time walking back up, so having fresh pineapple (the best ever) waiting for us at the top was so refreshing.
We had breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding landscape. We were able to see a couple of birds and wildlife.
We loved that the hot springs were at the end of our tour so our bodies could relax. It was public so we didn’t stay too long because it felt a little overstimulating with the additional people. We ended up enjoying dinner at the more formal restaurant on the property. It was delicious and fresh! Overall, we highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Costa Rica!
Lindsay_L, Apr 2026
We had such an amazing experience on our La Fortuna rainforest and waterfall tour! Franklin and the other guide were incredible—super friendly, flexible, and full of knowledge about the habitat. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better.
They helped us spot so much wildlife we never would have seen on our own—red dart frogs, bats, toucans, and tons of other birds and animals. It felt like a true rainforest adventure.
We brought our 8-year-olds and they did great, but just know the hikes are a bit on the strenuous side—especially the climb back up from the waterfall. That said, it was 100% worth it.
Highly recommend this tour if you want something active, immersive, and unforgettable!
Robert_W, Apr 2026
Mr. Franklin and Aaron were amazing guides. You can tell that they love their jobs very much and take pride in what they do
Caliesha_K, Apr 2026
Amazing!!! We were a group of 7-grandparents, middle age adults and two young children. Santiago and Annie made it accessible and paced well for all of us! They took their time, found extra wildlife (even monkeys!!) and helped us all. Couldn’t recommend enough. Bonus we meet at the meeting site and were able to stay at the hot springs as long as we wanted!
Shawn_M, Apr 2026
Listen. If you’re thinking about booking this tour; just do it.
My girlfriend and I didn’t know what to expect, but boy did we choose well. We stepped into the world of Jurassic Park meets Jumanji. The volcano, the sloths, the plants, the lava rocks, the waterfall. Everything was a 10/10.
Huge shout out to Carlito, Franky, and Richard for making this day a memorable one!
Laerke_R, Apr 2026
We had a great time! People were nice, the guides were energetic and knowledgeable and great at spotting all the different animals. Definitely value for money and would definitely recommend to other people.
Berger_B, Apr 2026
Well organized and responsive. Everything was perfect and a lot of fun. Guides are fun, knowledgeable and really professional.
Also, the hot springs at the end are not something public, and if you come with your car you can stay until 9pm (ask about this option).
We highly recommend this combo!
From $105.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour
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