Afternoon Arenal Volcano Tour & Natural Hot Springs River
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the best of the Arenal National Park on an afternoon tour of the volcano and hot springs. Hike to the lava fields without the risk of getting lost as your guide will be by your side. Then, cool off with a swim in the lagoon, followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot springs on the river. Includes handy return hotel transfers from La Fortuna.
- The afternoon tour leaves time in your schedule for morning activities
- An ideal tour for active, nature-loving travelers
- Enjoy a refreshing mix of activity and relaxation
- Learn more about the volcanic area from your guide
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Towel
- Bottled water
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Operating hours.1:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
El Choyin
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 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
Fabio_G
We had an amazing rainforest hike at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, followed by a relaxing visit to the hot springs. Our guide Joseph was fantastic — full of energy and incredibly knowledgeable. Thanks to him, we spotted a sloth right at the beginning of our tour!
The hike itself was rainy, but still unbelievably beautiful. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the volcano because of the weather — that’s nature for you.
To end the day, we soaked in the hot springs, which was absolutely wonderful. A perfect finish to a great adventure!
Reviews
4.7
based on 277 reviews
Madhavi_C, Dec 2025
The tour pickup was late by 45 mins with no communication , wasn’t sure if they were picking us or not . Then wasted more time my joking around and loud speaking by the group guide (Joesph) , no animals were to be found except we saw a marmot like animal and a Toucan towards the end . Then got dropped off at the hot springs in pitch dark , nothing to be seen and overcrowded . Very disappointed with the tour
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi, we are really sorry that the tour was not as expected. We apologize for this situation and invite you to comunicate with us. My name is Pablo and will be a pleasure to assist you
marketing@jungletourscr.com
Fabio_G, Nov 2025
We had an amazing rainforest hike at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, followed by a relaxing visit to the hot springs. Our guide Joseph was fantastic — full of energy and incredibly knowledgeable. Thanks to him, we spotted a sloth right at the beginning of our tour!
The hike itself was rainy, but still unbelievably beautiful. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the volcano because of the weather — that’s nature for you.
To end the day, we soaked in the hot springs, which was absolutely wonderful. A perfect finish to a great adventure!
LeeMarshall, Nov 2025
Ended up being the only one booked, so was just me and guide. Easy hike up to viewpoint while looking for wildlife and learning about the area. Only managed to see snakes as raining quite a lot. Unfortunately we weren't able to see Arenal due to weather. Hot spring river was a nice way to end the tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for taking your time and let us know your experience with us.
We hope to see you again next time you visit Costa Rica
Issac_W, Jan 2025
Eli was an amazing tour guide! He was knowledgeable and friendly. It was a nice hike to the base of the Arenal Volcano. It wasn’t too difficult. We’re not experienced hikers and we did fine.
Abby_S, Jan 2025
Altho our guide was great we were told the volcano hike was a mile around the base of the mountain and would take an hour. In fact it was much more rigorous and took close to two. Our guide was great but was not what we expected and really you could go on your own. We then waited 20 minutes for the bus to take us to the hot springs. At that point it was getting dark. Hot springs was great - they give you 30
Minutes there which is plenty but you could do both these tours on your own. Also it said alcohol was included and we didn’t have a drink.
JeanBaptiste_R, Dec 2024
All the activities proposed can be done easily alone for 17$ (entrance fee of the Arenal ecological park). The hike is really well indicated and there is not a lot of animal to see anyway. Access to the hot spring is also easy “natural access to hot spring” on google map.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your feedback! While it’s true the park and hot springs are accessible, our tour offers a fully guided experience with transportation included, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish. Our guides aim to enhance your visit by sharing insights about the area’s ecology, history, and wildlife, creating a memorable adventure. As for spotting animals, they are indeed in their natural habitat, and sightings depend on the luck of the day—but that’s part of the magic of exploring the rainforest!
Julie_M, Dec 2024
Tour was nice introduction to CR. Pros: saw our one and only sloth on the trip high up in tree - nice that guide had high powered telescope, locker to put non-walking essentials, slightly rigorous walk to base of volcano (shrouded in clouds - out of guide's control). Cons: Meet up directions were unclear. Arrived at reception area at park at 2:00 p.m. and waited for 30 minutes for van pick up, large group of about 10 people, opted out of 45 minute visit to public hot springs.
Vrunda_C, Aug 2024
It was good experience,but a lot of hiking. So be prepare for hiking!! Our guide took us to the long route and it was pretty hard hiking.
Lawrence_H, Jul 2024
Sergio was an engaging guide who interacted with our group very well. Made arrangements on where to meet and it was an easy bus ride to the entry point for the Volcano hike. Took a few breaks on the way up and made our way down with no problem. Went to the public access to the hot springs which is easily accessible, but not really formally set up for visitors to access. The water was very warm and comfortable to move around in. Bring water shoes!
Lisa_M, May 2024
Our guide Nei was amazing. Hike was not difficult. Would recommend for any age. Bring water, bug stray and camera.
Jacki_L, May 2024
Augustine was awesome. Very personable and helped me get through the hike. Don’t miss this one. Thanks
Shams_A, Mar 2024
We went on a very hot day and selected the easiest level. Augustine was a fantastic guide and took the time to show us the local flora and fauna on the trail. He spotted a toucan, a sloth, a wild turkey, and other small animals on the trail. Very informative. The view of Arenal was incredible and Augustine provided us with a great history of the volcano and area. The hot springs were a nice end to the hike.
Peter_S, Mar 2024
Our tour guide Isaac was really knowledgeable about the area, fauna and animals which really added to the experiance.
To be honest if you have a car, you can go to the hot springs part of this without a tour guide but it was well worth having a guide for Arenal volcano
Natasha_H, Mar 2024
Didnt see much wildlife but rainforst is refreshing. We took the more difficult route so it was a tough hike but you can choose to take an easier route. The top view and lava rocks was amazing.
Angela_D, Feb 2024
Unfortunately, we didn’t see much of the volcano because there was a cloud in the way. But we had a very nice and knowledgeable guide. I really enjoyed talking to him and learning more about the rainforest.
Peter_M, Feb 2024
Joseph our guide did an excellent job of guiding us up the volcano as we hiked through the rain forest.! He explained the history of the area, educated us about various plant species and alerted us to a variety of birds and animals that were hidden alongside the trail. Afterwards we shared some rum and great conversation as we all soaked in the thermal hot springs!
Danielle_D, Jan 2024
It could have been a 5 star experience but because of the weather conditions, (rain, fog, muddy/slippery paths) it was so so. However our guide Isaac was fantastic.
ninon_m, Jan 2024
This was a nice visit to the Arenal Volcano. We wished we had more time to take pictures, listen to the sounds of the jungle. This was more of a hiking exercice, like go up and come back down. The thermal bath experience was very relaxing and unique.
Roopa_P, Dec 2023
Joseph was great guide. Awesome trip to Arenal Valcano and natural spring water. It was first time experience for us and my family really enjoyed it.
Erica_B, Nov 2023
Check out this review of Arenal Jungle Tours on Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g309226-d9735373-r926471085-Arenal_Jungle_Tours-La_Fortuna_de_San_Carlos_Arenal_Volcano_National_Park_Provin.html
Lori_b, Aug 2023
Amazing view from the top, Isaac was a great guide always making sure we were doing OK, was a bit of a hike for sure. Worth it!
Matthew_K, Aug 2023
The trip was very personal. Our guide gave wonderful facts about the jungle, volcano and country. Would recommend this trip for all ages and abilities.
Kelly_R, Jun 2023
Sitting at the base of the lava fields with a storm brewing around us , looking at the volcano, was awe inspiring!
Also, the moonshine at the hot springs was the cherry on the cake!
Erik was a fantastic guide , with great knowledge about the area . He took the time to speak to everyone and made us feel very safe and welcome 😁😁😁
vickimacas, May 2023
A wonderful experiences with a great tour guide Rdwardo! Very informative and friendly. It was a perfect day!
Vincent_P, Mar 2023
Great trip. Our guide Erik was terrific. Learned and saw a lot. Volcanoe view was beautiful. The swim after was refreshing
Amy_K, Mar 2023
This is basically a walk through a rain forest. Our guide was all about getting to the top quickly, so not so much about the animals. I thought we were going to a waterfall and swimming, but that was another tour. This is a steep 90 minute hike in shallow mud to the top of the ridge with a view of Arenal Volcano, if it is clear, which it wasn’t. We stayed on the top of the ridge for about 40 minutes looking at the view and then headed back a faster way where the ATVs go. We saw a sloth on the way down because the other guide had a telescope. We then went on a bus and went to the public hot springs where lots of people go to. Not as serene as I thought with so many people. They give you local moonshine which is strong and volcanic mud for your face . If you have sensitive skin, don’t use. My daughter’s face broke out in massive rashes for about 3 days. They didn’t hurt. They just looked bad. Overall, an interesting day !
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear Amy,
We appreciatte your review as it is the only way we can make things better everyday, of course we cannot please always at a 100% every customer as expectations are always different, of course we talk to our guides eveyrime we have a review that indicates us that we can improve the service and knowleadge shared, as well the other things such as the ATV's and the hotsprings being too busy are out of our control as that happens alot during high season, about the volcanic mud we are going to explain our guides that if they offer the mud to ask if anyone has sensitive skin or allergies that may affect anyone so we can protect customers well being, hoping the rest of your trip went great we thank you for visiting us !!!
Christa_G, Mar 2023
This was a fantastic trip! It was very rewarding at the top. Our tour guide Byron was fabulous, very knowledgeable about the area, and he was fun to tour with! I would highly recommend this tour!
Jill_G, Mar 2023
Our tour was suppose to start at 2:00 pm but we had to sit and wait for the tour guide to show up with the other part of the group so our hike to the volcano did not start till 2:35 pm. Then we went on our hike to the volcano. It was a beautiful hike and our guide was great but when we got back to the meeting point we had to wait for 30 minutes for their bus to pick us up to take us to the Natural Hot Springs River. We were supposed to be done at 5:00 pm but we did not get back to our hotel till 6:00 pm which messed up our dinner reservations.
Emma_P, Feb 2023
Excellent tour. Byron was an incredible tour guide, he is so knowledgable, sharing facts about the various trees and animals we saw and of course about the volcano. The walk was fine, we went at a good pace and will be manageable for all walking abilities. Thanks for a great tour Byron :) Luke and Emma
deeba1010, Feb 2023
We met the tour at the office and on the drive to the volcano hike we stopped to see a sloth that had been spotted in a tree. Our guide Brian was very knowledgeable and friendly, he gave us a lot of information on the plants and animals. The hike was moderate, a good pair of shoes is needed. The view at the top is amazing. The stop at the hot springs was very relaxing and a great way to end the tour.
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