Arenal Volcano Rainforest and Hot Springs

Explore miles upon miles of nature and discover why Costa Rica is a paradise with the full-day Arenal Volcano tour, which includes unforgettable visits to its surrounding rainforest and nearby hot springs. Take a boat ride across the largest lake in the country to observe the imposing Arenal Volcano, then walk through the rainforest and explore the canopy on hanging bridges. Wind it down with a relaxing dip in a hot spring and top off your day with a gourmet dinner and one last scenic view of the iconic volcano.

• Explore the natural area and lake surrounding Arenal Volcano with an inspiring boat ride
• Hike through some beautiful jungle paths, surrounded by lush nature
• Be inspired by vistas and landscapes as you walk over the canopy on hanging bridges
• Take a dip in a natural volcanic hot spring near the Arenal reserve
• Enjoy dinner with a breathtaking view of the volcano
• Activity duration: 14 hours approx. (including transportation time to and from activity)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Encounter Costa Rica with the best Arenal Volcano tours

Your Arenal Volcano rainforest and hot springs excursion begins bright and early in the morning as you board an air-conditioned vehicle, the best transportation from your Guanacaste resort. The road to the Arenal region in Alajuela province is very vibrant, so take in the stunning views of the changing scenery and vegetation. This is thanks to the breathtaking transition from the warmer tropical dry forest to the cooler temperatures and wetter weather of the tropical rainforest.

The road trip will finally bring you to Lake Arenal, the biggest lake in Costa Rica deep in the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. This 790-square-mile national park is home to alluring flora and fauna, and its star is, of course, the still active Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Before it erupted in 1968, the locals thought it was merely a small mountain and they had only a suspicion regarding its volcanic powers. But after it erupted, Arenal Volcano transformed the gorgeous landscape around it and the locals returned to repopulate the area, now aware of the volcano being a towering provider of new natural resources.

Cruise on Lake Arenal with a delightfully panoramic boat ride

Once you’re on the banks of Lake Arenal, you’ll get to energize for your Arenal Volcano tour with an early lunch, also giving you a chance to breathe in the fresh rainforest air and take in all the naturally majestic views around you. Soon enough, you’ll board the boat that will take you on a magnificent cruise across Lake Arenal. Feel the wind in your face as the captain gently navigates the boat, and observe the awe-inspiring scenery of trees flanking the lake’s waters. The impressive Arenal Volcano will be front and center after a short while, providing a picture-worthy opportunity to see one of the more iconic landmarks in Costa Rica.

When the boat ride ends, you’ll find yourself on the other side of Lake Arenal, where you’ll be very close to the sector of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area you’ll explore. But first, you’ll make a pit stop before heading out into the place that has been appropriately nicknamed ‘The Jewel of the Earth’ because of the rich biodiversity and greenery you’re about to encounter.

See Costa Rica’s Arenal rainforest canopy by walking on hanging bridges

A short drive is all it takes for you to be at one of the area’s premier hanging bridges park, which traverses deep into the most scenic parts of the Alajuela province rainforest. Expert bilingual guides will greet you and prepare you for a walk that begins at the foothills surrounding the volcano. As you continue your trek into the park, you’ll encounter a vast variety of flora and you might even spot some of Costa Rica’s mystical fauna.

But to really get the best views of the towering Arenal Volcano and the rich vegetation of its conservation area, you’ll have to walk on the hanging bridges that go high above the canopy. Keep your balance as you stroll above the verdant rainforest, and be completely amazed as you see how the ravines are filled with rich green trees that span all the way to the volcano.

Refresh your soul in the waters of Eco Termales hot springs

After your adventurous trek into the Costa Rican rainforest concludes, you’ll surely be in need of relaxation and refreshment. In this Central American paradise, the best way to wind down is by relaxing in one of the Arenal area’s more famous hot springs — Eco Termales, whose waters emanate to the surface with the heat generated from inside the volcano. Upon entering the Eco Termales property, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a garden of paradise with so much perfectly landscaped flora all around you.

When you’ve changed into your swimsuit, get comfortable and feel rejuvenated the moment you immerse yourself into Eco Termales' heavenly waters, whose volcanic warmth will massage your entire body. Don’t be surprised if the relaxation extends all the way to your soul. This otherworldly experience will take away all your worries and will put you in touch with the depth of the Earth’s spirit.

Arenal Volcano Excursions: Savor a gourmet dinner with a view

The only way to follow up your gratifying immersion into Eco Termales hot springs is to savor a refined dinner at a place that captures the essence of the Arenal Volcano tour. Satisfy your sense of taste with an upscale dining experience that includes gourmet dinner choices such as steak, fish, and vegetarian options. Refresh with a soft drink, or purchase a nice glass of wine to let the evening captivate you even more.

Not only will dinner please your taste buds, but your senses of sight and sound will also be piqued as well. As you look outside the windows of the restaurant, let the inspiring view of the majestic Arenal Volcano be one of your dinner companions, and listen to the sounds of nature from different types of birds and even an occasional monkey. Because dinner happens right before the sun sets, you’ll get to watch how the ambiance changes into an otherworldly painting of light and magic, transforming into the evening. This is the perfect ending to a natural adventure before you board your vehicle for the return trip to your Guanacaste resort.

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation
• Bilingual tour guide
• Boat ride on Lake Arenal to view the volcano
• Lunch
• Entrance fee to the hanging bridges rainforest park
• Entrance fee to Eco Termales hot springs
• Dinner and soft drink

• Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes
• Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera
• Bring plastic bag, rain gear, sandals and shorts
• Bring extra clothes, bathing suit, towel and cap or hat
• Children under 6 years of age are not allowed
• Not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems or physical limitations
• All participants must sign a release of liability
• Wine incurs an additional charge during dinner
• This is mostly an outdoor activity and external weather conditions can impact the flow of the excursion
• Be aware that transportation time to the first activity can take up to 3 hours each way, depending on the location of your hotel.
• Because the road to the Arenal area can be winding, motion-sensitive guests are encouraged to take medication as recommended by their physician
• Make your trip a sustainable one: help us keep Costa Rica beautiful and green by disposing of trash in its proper place
• Weather conditions can impact the activities and overall experience.
• Activity provider: Swiss Travel

Please note: All Costa Rica excursions must meet a minimum capacity of passengers. Upon check-in at their resort, guests should meet with an Amstar representative to confirm their chosen excursion will take place.