The Arenal Volcano Hiking Trails Guided Tour is a must-do activity for adventurers visiting Costa Rica’s La Fortuna region. This easy to moderate hike through the volcano’s lava flows offers an up-close look at the powerful natural forces that have shaped the land. Led by a knowledgeable guide, hikers will learn about the 1968 eruption and the town’s resilience. With diverse flora and fauna to spot along the way, it’s a chance to take in the captivating landscape. But the real highlight? What awaits at the end of the trail.
Key Points
- Guided hike through lava flows at Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, covering just under a mile of easy to moderate difficulty.
- Opportunity to learn about the 1968 eruption and town reconstruction during the tour from a certified naturalist guide.
- Inclusion of transportation, entry fees, lunch, and water bottle for a comprehensive and convenient experience.
- Maximum group size of 15 travelers ensures a personalized experience with the naturalist guide.
- Option to visit nearby hot springs after the hike for muscle relief and relaxation.
Tour Overview
This guided hike takes visitors through the lava flows at Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
The hike covers just under a mile and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. During the tour, travelers will learn about the volcano’s 1968 eruption and the subsequent reconstruction of the town.
After the hike, there’s an option to visit nearby hot springs.
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees, a naturalist guide, and a provided lunch and water bottle.
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Inclusions
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation to and from the trailhead.
The entry fee to the Volcano Trails is covered, providing access to the hiking route. A naturalist guide certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute accompanies the group, sharing insights about the 1968 eruption and town reconstruction.
Lunch and a water bottle are provided, ensuring travelers are fueled and hydrated during the hike.
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience on the trails.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points are available at various locations, with the meeting time varying depending on the hotel location.
To arrange your pickup, please contact the tour operator. They can provide the pickup point and time for your specific hotel. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
Some key details about the meeting and pickup:
- Pickup points available, with time varying by hotel location.
- Contact the tour operator for hotel pickups not listed.
- Maximum group size of 15 travelers.
- Ensure to be ready at the designated pickup time and location.
Health and Safety Information
Is the Arenal Volcano Hiking Trails tour wheelchair accessible? No, it’s not.
However, infant seats are available. This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike is just under a mile long and rated easy to moderate in difficulty.
While not strenuous, the trails may pose challenges for some. Those with concerns about their health or ability should consult their doctor before booking.
Safety is the top priority, so the tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation if they deem a traveler unfit for the activities.
Experience Highlights
Guided hikes through the lava flows at Arenal Volcano offer a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of this natural wonder.
Adventurers can:
- Explore the remnants of the 1968 eruption, learning about the town’s reconstruction.
- Marvel at the diverse vegetation that has reclaimed the landscape.
- Spot local wildlife, including colorful birds and possibly even a sloth.
- Opt to soothe tired muscles in nearby hot springs after the hike.
The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, bringing the volcanic history and ecosystem to life.
With moderate fitness required, this guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscape.
Love being outdoors? Check out these other hiking spots we've covered in La Fortuna
- Combo La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike & Hotsprings
- Full Day Tour With Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Volcano Hike
- Río Celeste Nature Hike and Swimming Experience at the Blue River
- Morning Volcano Hike and Mistico Hanging Bridges
- Rio Celeste Hike & Tenorio Volcano Hike
- Hanging Bridges + Volcano Hike + La Fortuna Waterfall
What to Expect on the Hike
Although the hike itself is just under a mile, the terrain can be moderate and include uneven surfaces and inclines. Proper footwear is a must to navigate the lava flows. Along the way, your naturalist guide will share insights about the 1968 eruption and the rebuilding of the nearby town. Be on the lookout for local flora and fauna, like the vibrant tropical birds. The hike culminates with stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. After exploring, you’ll have the option to unwind at nearby hot springs.
What to Bring | What’s Provided |
---|---|
Comfortable hiking shoes | Air-conditioned transportation |
Light, breathable clothing | Entrance fee to Volcano Trails |
Sun protection | Naturalist guide |
Water bottle | Lunch and water bottle |
Visitor Reviews and Ratings
Visitors have largely praised the Arenal Volcano hiking tour, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 32 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and scenic beauty of the lava flows. Some highlights include:
- Enjoyable experience for travelers
- Opportunity to view sloths on the hike
- Guides noted as less engaged by a few
- Overall, a great way to explore the volcano
While a few guides could be more engaged, the Arenal Volcano hiking tour offers an excellent way for visitors to learn about the 1968 eruption and witness the natural wonders of this iconic Costa Rican landmark.
Booking and Additional Information
To book the Arenal Volcano hiking tour, travelers can contact the tour provider directly.
Pickup locations vary by hotel, and the tour company should be contacted for unlisted hotels. The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
The hike isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended for this tour, which requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Travelers should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for everyone and should consider their own abilities before booking.
Sum Up
The Arenal Volcano Hiking Trails Guided Tour offers an engaging experience through the stunning lava flows of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. Accompanied by a certified guide, travelers can observe diverse vegetation and local wildlife while learning about the significant 1968 eruption. With transportation, entry fees, lunch, and an optional visit to hot springs included, this easy to moderate hike provides an immersive and relaxing adventure.
More Spa & Hot Springs in La Fortuna
- Arenal Volcano Tubbing Tour (Class 1 and 2) + Hot Springs Included
- Hot Spings 2-Day Pass at The Springs Resort & Spa
- Premium Day Pass – Ecological Park Arenal Volcano + Hot Springs
- Arenal Volcano Lava Trail and Baldi Hot Springs With Dinner
- Shuttle To Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, From Liberia Airport
- Arenal Volcano Lava Fields and Natural Hot Springs
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- Private Full Day Celeste River Hiking Experience With Lunch
- Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park Hike + Lunch From La Fortuna
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