Arenal Volcano's steep cone with a wisp of cloud on its summit, rising above the forest

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs

Swim at the foot of La Fortuna Waterfall, hike Arenal's lava flows and end the day in hot springs.

The three classics of La Fortuna in one day, with a guide and transport throughout. You start at La Fortuna Waterfall, walking down about 500 steps to swim in the pool at its base. After lunch, a hike over the lava flows of the 1968 eruption puts the volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other.

Coatis and toucans are often seen along the trails. In the evening you soak in the thermal pools of one of La Fortuna's hot spring resorts, then have dinner there before the ride back to your hotel.

Highlights

  • A swim in the pool at the foot of La Fortuna Waterfall
  • A guided hike over the 1968 lava flows, with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal
  • Coatis and toucans, often seen along the way
  • An evening in thermal pools, with dinner at the resort

Know before you go

  • The climb back up from the waterfall is the hardest part of the day, so take it at your own pace.
  • Arenal's cone is often in cloud. It tends to be clearest in the morning, and December to April has the best views.
  • After heavy rain, swimming at the waterfall can be closed for safety.
  • Wildlife is wild. Coatis and toucans are common here, but sightings are never guaranteed.
  • Kids from about 5 can join, depending on the operator. I check this for your family when I book.

How the day goes

  1. Pickup at your hotel in La Fortuna

    Your driver picks you up between 7:30 and 8 am, depending on where you stay.

  2. 120 min

    La Fortuna Waterfall

    About 500 steps lead down to the pool at the base of the falls. Swim, then climb back up.

  3. 120 min

    Volcano hike

    After lunch, your guide leads you through the forest and over the 1968 lava flows, with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.

  4. 180 min

    Hot springs and dinner

    Soak in the thermal pools of a La Fortuna hot spring resort and have dinner there. You are back at your hotel around 9:30 pm.

Included

  • Certified bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna
  • Entry to the waterfall, the volcano trail and the hot springs
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Tips

What to bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • A change of dry clothes
  • Water shoes for the rocky pool
  • Comfortable shoes for the hike
  • A light rain jacket

Where to stay nearby

Questions

How does booking with Ekida work?

Send me your dates, how many people are traveling and what you love doing. I reply with a plan of tours and hotels that fit, and once you approve it, I confirm every booking for you.

Do I need to buy national park tickets in advance?

For the busiest parks, yes: Manuel Antonio, Río Celeste (Tenorio), Poás and Rincón de la Vieja sell tickets online only, often for set time slots, and they sell out in high season. When you book a tour with me I take care of them, and all I need is your passport number.

What should I pack?

A rain jacket, closed shoes, swimwear, a warm layer for Monteverde and Poás, insect repellent, sunscreen and a refillable bottle, since single-use plastics are banned in national parks. Bring your passport too: park tickets are checked against it.

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