Arenal Volcano Morning Tour with Lunch and Hot Springs La Fortuna
Overview
A shared half-day tour from La Fortuna that packs the essentials of Arenal into one comfortable trip: a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, a full lunch and time in a natural hot springs resort. In the default option, hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna, a bilingual guide, the park fee and the hot springs entry fee are included. It suits couples, families and first-time visitors who want volcano views, forest walking and a proper rest without a long day.
Highlights
- Guided walk in Arenal Volcano National Park with a bilingual guide
- Views of the near-perfect volcano cone and its old lava fields
- Chance to spot birds, monkeys, sloths and other wildlife on the trail
- Full lunch included in the default option
- Time in the natural hot springs to finish the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna
- Park and hot springs entry fees included; a shorter day at about six hours
Full Description
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park protects the slopes of one of Costa Rica's best-known volcanoes, whose cone rises about 1,633 metres above the plain. The park has forest trails and old lava flows, most notably from the eruption of 1968, and it shelters birds, monkeys, coatis and sloths. Many people book an Arenal Volcano tour because the shape of the mountain is so striking; your bilingual guide explains how it formed and why it is now quiet.
The walk suits most fitness levels and gives you a real feel for the rainforest rather than just a roadside stop. Ask your guide to point out the viewpoints, since clouds often cover the summit later in the day. If you are wondering about the best time to visit Arenal Volcano, this morning start helps you see it while the sky is usually clearer.
Lunch on the tour
After the walk, the group sits down to a full lunch, which is included in the default option. Costa Rican meals are simple and filling, so expect a plate built around rice, beans, vegetables and a main dish. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book, so the restaurant can prepare for you.
The lunch stop is also a chance to rest, dry off and share photos before moving on to the hot springs. Drinks that are not part of the set meal are paid directly at the restaurant.
Natural hot springs and the end of the day
The tour finishes at a hot springs resort where naturally heated mineral water is channelled into pools of different temperatures among tropical gardens. Soaking here after the hike relaxes tired legs, and the entry fee is included in the default option. Many visitors ask whether a day pass is needed separately; on this tour it is already covered.
You should bring your own towel, because it is not included, along with swimwear and sandals. When you are ready, the driver takes you back to your accommodation in La Fortuna, so the whole experience takes roughly six hours from start to finish.
Itinerary
- Pickup in La FortunaThe driver collects you from your accommodation at around 9:30 AM.
- Arenal Volcano National ParkGuided forest walk with views of the volcano and lava fields; the time on the trail depends on the group and conditions.
- LunchA full lunch is served in a local restaurant after the walk.
- Hot springsRelax in the natural thermal pools at the resort.
- ReturnDrop-off at your accommodation in La Fortuna, about six hours after pickup.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna
- Bilingual guide
- Full lunch
- Park entry fee
- Hot springs entry fee
Not included
- Towel
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with serious heart or mobility problems
- Pregnant women
Meeting point
Pickup is included in the default option for accommodation in La Fortuna. The tour starts at around 9:30 AM, and our team confirms the exact pickup time after you book, so please enter your hotel name and address in full.
Important information
- Bring your own towel; it is not included in the option.
- Wear comfortable closed shoes for the trail and take swimwear, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Pack a light rain jacket, since showers can arrive without warning in the rainforest.
- Park and hot springs entry fees and lunch are included in the default option; tips are not.
- Tell us about any food allergies or dietary needs when you book.
- Views of the summit depend on the weather and cloud cover on the day.
- The itinerary can change slightly due to weather or trail conditions.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Arenal Volcano morning tour cost?
The price depends on the option and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, in the default option pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in La Fortuna are included.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about six hours in total, from pickup to drop-off.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a full lunch is included in the default option. Extra drinks are paid on the spot.
Are the entry fees included?
Yes, the national park entry fee and the hot springs entry fee are both included in the default option.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join. The booking panel shows the age range for the child price; choose it when you set the number of guests.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and a rain jacket.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability; the booking panel shows open dates and the last time you can reserve.
Can I see lava from Arenal Volcano?
No. The volcano has been resting since 2010, so there is no active lava, but you can walk on and see old lava fields from earlier eruptions.
Is the Arenal Volcano tour worth it?
Yes, if you want a shorter day with the main sights covered: volcano views, a guided walk, lunch and hot springs in about six hours.
