Description

Fire and water, the two elements that define La Fortuna, meet on this classic tour. In a single day you will discover the volcano that made the region world-famous and the waterfall that has become its signature postcard, with a bilingual guide at your side and comfortable transfers from your hotel.

The morning begins with a gentle hike at the base of Arenal Volcano. The trail crosses secondary forest regenerating over the lava of the great 1968 eruption and reaches the 1992 flow, where you can walk on volcanic rock. Your guide explains the volcano's history and activity and helps you search for birds, monkeys and other forest residents. Views stretch across Arenal's cone, Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato.

After a snack, the tour continues to the La Fortuna Waterfall biological reserve, a protected area of about 85 hectares. A stairway of roughly 500 steps, with lookouts and rest areas, winds down through the greenery to the foot of a cascade about 70 meters tall that plunges into a turquoise pool.

Down below, mist and the roar of falling water surround you. Swim in the river, take photos from different angles or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacle before a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Available as a group or private tour, it is the ideal introduction to Arenal for the whole family.

Itinerary

07:30
Pickup at your Arenal-area hotel
08:00
Hike through forest and the 1968 and 1992 lava flows
09:30
Viewpoint over the volcano, the lake and Cerro Chato
10:15
Snack and transfer to the La Fortuna Waterfall reserve
10:45
Descent of about 500 steps to the waterfall
11:15
Time to swim and take photos
12:30
Traditional lunch, then return to your hotel

Highlights

Arenal Volcano hike and viewpoint
The 1968 and 1992 lava flows
Views of Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato
La Fortuna Waterfall, about 70 meters tall
A swim in the La Fortuna River
Scenic drive through forest and farmland
Lunch and snacks included

What’s included

Round-trip transportation
Bilingual guide
Arenal Volcano trail entrance fee
La Fortuna Waterfall entrance fee
Lunch and snacks

Not included

Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses

What to bring

Comfortable clothing
Closed-toe or hiking shoes
Swimsuit and towel
Change of clothes
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Rain gear (optional)

Important information

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking
Subject to availability
Minimum age: 6; children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum of 2 guests per booking
Reaching the waterfall involves about 500 steps down and back up
On the private option, per-person rates drop for larger groups

Cancellation policy

We know plans can change. Our cancellation policy aims to be clear and fair, both for you and for the professionals who set aside their time to serve you.

Cancellations must be requested in writing by email at least 48 hours before the scheduled service time to receive a full refund, minus a 5% card processing fee.
For services scheduled between December 20 and January 4, cancellations must be requested at least 72 hours in advance to receive a full refund, minus the same 5% fee.
Cancellations received outside these windows are non-refundable.
If adverse weather or force majeure prevents the service from operating, we will offer you an alternative, such as a new date, time or route; if the service cannot run, you will receive a full refund.
No-shows at the agreed place and time are non-refundable.
Once a service has started, no refunds are given for unused portions.
National park entrance tickets and other third-party tickets are non-refundable once purchased.
Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method; the time it takes to appear depends on your card issuer.