10 best Arenal Volcano tours you should try in 2024
One of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna is to take an Arenal volcano tour. This guide tells you exactly how to do that!
Some of these Arenal volcano tours include ATV, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting, while others are private or done at night! In other words – you’re pretty sure to find a tour that’s perfect for you.
Ready to get to the fun part?
Let’s take a look at the best volcano tours Arenal has to offer.
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🌋 The top 3 best Arenal volcano tours
Arenal Volcano Hike
Original Arenal ATV #1 Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding
10 top Arenal Volcano tours
1. Arenal Volcano Hike
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 78 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
On this classic Arenal Volcano hike, you’ll get picked up from your hotel.
Your guide will then take you to the national park where you’re off walking through fresh forests, stepping over old lava, and climbing some pretty steep hills.
You’ll see amazing views of Lake Arenal and learn cool stuff about the volcano. Don’t worry about snacks and water; they’ve got that covered.
2. Original Arenal ATV #1 Arenal Volcano Experience
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 143 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
This ATV Arenal tour is all about exploring the rainforest near Arenal Volcano on four wheels.
You start with a quick safety lesson and instruction, then hit muddy trails, seeing old volcanic craters and getting great views.
Along the way, you can also get a volcanic mud facial, if you want. This popular 2-hour trip includes your ATV, water, and a ride from your hotel.
3. Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 92 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
This Horseback Riding tour in Mistico Park lets you see Arenal’s beauty up close.
You ride through the park, known for its cool hanging bridges, up to spots where you’ll get awesome views of the volcano and lake.
It’s a relaxing 1.5-hour ride, perfect for spotting wildlife and plants. They’ve got a few times each day you can head out.
4. Night Walk Around The Arenal Volcano
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 766 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
Up for a night adventure?
On this night walk, you’re heading into the rainforest by Arenal and Cerro Chato Volcanoes in the dark!
With your experienced guide and a torch, you’ll go look for frogs, snakes, and maybe even sloths.
These animals are more active at night, so you’ll have a better chance of seeing them.
5. Arenal Volcano Naturalistic hike
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 45 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
If you’re into volcanoes and exploring nature, check out this guided hike at El Silencio Reserve, near Arenal Volcano National Park.
With a bilingual guide, you’ll get to know Arenal Volcano’s history and see different animals and plants.
Plus, you’ll find out about movies filmed in this forest. The hike includes beers, water, and a ride from La Fortuna.
6. Rafting + ATV Adventure (Arenal Volcano)
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 19 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
If you’re up for a wild ride in Costa Rica, this ATV, volcano, and rafting tour has your name on it!
Your day begins with an ATV ride through the jungle, eyeing the Arenal Volcano as you go. Post-ride, tuck into a tasty Costa Rican lunch.
Then, it’s rafting time – brace yourself for over 30 rapids! You’ll get round-trip transfers and a small group for a more personal experience.
7. Canopy & Tarzan Swing In The Base of The Arenal Volcano
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 10 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
Looking for an adventure in Arenal?
On the Arenal Ecoglide Park Canopy Tour, you’ll be zip-lining through the forest.
You’ve got 11 cables, 13 platforms, and even a Tarzan Swing to get your heart racing.
The tour is in two parts, so you’ll have plenty of time to zip around and enjoy the views.
8. Horseback Riding around the Arenal Volcano base
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 10 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
How would you feel about exploring the volcano up close on horseback?
This 2.5-hour tour goes through a cattle farm on the volcano’s slopes.
You’ll see creeks, forests, and farm animals. The route ends up high for great volcano views and photo moments. And there’s a ranch visit for snacks and drinks, like fresh tortillas and cheese.
9. Private Arenal Volcano Lava Trails Experience
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 2 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
On this private Arenal tour, you’ll get up close to Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano.
You’ll walk through lava fields and new forests, maybe even spotting some wildlife. The hike can be short or long, from 1 to 4 miles, depending on what you’re up for.
You’ll learn loads about Arenal Volcano, especially the big eruption back in ’68. Just bring sunscreen, bug spray, a raincoat, and comfy shoes for hiking.
10. Arenal Volcano Skydiving Experience
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 1 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
- 🌋 BOOK NOW
Skydiving over a volcano – it doesn’t get much cooler than this!
You’ll jump from either 9,000 or 12,000 feet, which means you get an amazing view of the volcano that you can’t get any other way.
The tour operator is big on safety, sticking to US standards! Plus, the crew is really helpful and experienced, so you’ll feel excited and ready.
FAQ – The best Arenal tours
What is the best way to see Arenal Volcano?
The best way to see Arenal Volcano is by joining a guided tour. Hiking, horseback riding, and skydiving tours are great options.
They’re safe and you’ll learn a lot about the volcano.
Do I need a tour of Arenal Volcano?
No, you don’t necessarily need a tour to see Arenal Volcano, but tours can provide safe access, expert knowledge, and unique experiences like guided hikes or horseback rides.
How much time do you need at Arenal Volcano?
The national park has two parts: Sector Peninsula and the main visitor center. Each one takes about 4 hours to hike.
So, you can start at 8 AM when the park opens, finish by noon, and then do something else in the afternoon.
What is better Monteverde or Arenal Volcano?
Both are great for outdoor activities and suit first-time visitors to Costa Rica well.
Monteverde is a top pick for birdwatching, hiking, and experiencing cloud forests. It’s less touristy and generally cheaper, but you’ll need a 4×4 and there are fewer places to stay.
Arenal offers more in terms of luxury hotels and seeing a variety of mammals and reptiles. It’s easier to access, more geared towards tourists, and packed with adventure options like hot springs, ATV tours, and rafting.
More posts about Arenal and La Fortuna
- 12 bucket list things to do in La Fortuna
- 10 best chocolate tours in La Fortuna
- 8 absolute best ATV tours in La Fortuna
- 10 best white water rafting tours in La Fortuna
- 3 weeks in Costa Rica
- 10 days in Costa Rica
- 5 active volcanoes in Costa Rica (+ map)
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