
Arenal Natural Hiking Trails
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arenal Natural Hiking Trails worth booking?
Arenal Natural Hiking Trails is a 2-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $16 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (17)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $16 per person
This isn't your usual touristy stuff. Our hiking trails will take you to secret swimming spots near waterfalls! You'll see lots of cool plants and animals along the way. It's a chance to really have fun and explore Costa Rica's wild side. Come join us in the rainforest – it's going to be amazing!
What you get
About this experience
This isn't your usual touristy stuff. Our hiking trails will take you to secret swimming spots near waterfalls! You'll see lots of cool plants and animals along the way. It's a chance to really have fun and explore Costa Rica's wild side. Come join us in the rainforest – it's going to be amazing!
What's included
Included
- Walking sticks
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
La Fortuna
At the reception/ entrance to the hiking trails.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
At the reception/ entrance to the hiking trails.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- El Bosque de Tío Victor
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Arenal Natural Hiking Trails. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hike in a wild forest with waterfalls and swimming holes away from the crowds
Hike in a wild rainforest away from tourists and discover beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, and lush nature. We took an uber to and from, and wore water shoes as the trail can get muddy at parts and we wanted to go into the water. Bring a change of clothes and towels if you want to go swimming. Also, there are easier trails and harder trails you can take. We did the easier trails which still require a moderate level of fitness and balance. Walking sticks that are provided helped immensely. If you want to experience a tourist attraction, go to La Fortuna waterfalls. If you want to experience a more wild and non-touristy rainforest with smaller, but more waterfalls and room to explore and hike away from the crowds, come here.
Response from the operator: Hola Heather, this review is amazing. Thank you so much for all the helpful tips you shared. It really means a lot to our family. We are so happy you enjoyed the jungle and the quietness of the place. That’s exactly what we want to offer. Thank you for supporting our little family business and for understanding what we’re trying to create here. It was a pleasure having you! Pura vida <3
via Tripadvisor
Spectacular hidden gem!
Let’s start from where it started: Dyhana. I was trying to understand if our 9 year old daughter would like this place. I Whatsapped Dyhana (which turns out is Tio Victor’s daughter) and wow! She was disarmingly kind, informative, caring from the very beginning. Having somebody on the other side that cares makes all the difference in the world while you live far far away. We finally made it to meet Dyhana She is even more delightful in person. The entire family is! And so is the history of this oasis. Ahhh the forest! Magical, mystical, spectacular! The waterfalls are so beautiful and the stream is just refreshing enough that you do want to stop and enjoy it from time to time. The hike is the perfect length (5 km), with mixed terrains impeccably kept and with discreet railing when somebody like me with arthritis needs the extra help. Our 9 year old kid old loved it so much that we had trouble extracting her. And finally: the entry ticket is reasonably priced making it affordable for all. Bottom line: SPECTACULAR in every way. Thank you!!!
Response from the operator: Hooooola Vera, reading this felt like a big hug all over again. From that first WhatsApp message to finally meeting you in person, it was truly so special for me. Having you, Zoe and Matt here was such a joy. I still smile thinking about how much Zoe enjoyed the trail… that’s exactly the kind of connection with nature we hope to create. And your words about my family and the forest really touched us deeply. Everything here is made with so much love, and knowing you felt that makes it all worth it. Thank you, truly, for taking the time to write this. You’re not just visitors to us anymore, you’re part of this little family now. Sending you a big hug and hoping to see you again someday. Pura vida! <3
via Tripadvisor
Great fainforest experience
Great place to walk rainforest and take a bath in rover ponds❤️ Nicely roued trail for fot people, remote, privacy guaranteed
Response from the operator: Hola, knowing that you felt the privacy and peacefulness of our hiking trails means a lot to us, that’s exactly what we hope to share. Thank you so much for leaving this great review. Pura vida :)
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful trails - A great place to visit more than once!
I had the opportunity to talk to both the mother & daughter of this business, and both seem to be genuine and kind people. They talked to me about how they worked hard to ensure that the trails stayed as natural as possible, and they definitely did a good job of that. The forest itself is beautiful, and for most of it you're walking next to a clear stream, which sometimes create small waterfalls that you can swim near. During my visit I saw some cool animals, such as the central american agouti as well as two non-venomous snakes (which were quite shy and fled immediately, but were a thrill to see nonetheless!) There were also a few birds, but honestly just seeing the variety of trees and plants was enough. It's hard to find trails where you have so many options for swimming, so this was definitely a 10/10. Just make sure to bring reliable shoes with good grip! Personally I didn't even need bug spray (which is bad for the water anyway).
Response from the operator: Hola Kristel, we remember our conversation with you and it was such a pleasure to share a bit about our family and the forest. Thank you for appreciating the effort we put into keeping the trails as natural as possible—it means the world to us. Your kind words truly encourage us to keep preserving this special place.
via Tripadvisor
AMAZING! GO HERE!
10000/10. it was amazing. extraordinary. make sure you have good grippy hiking shoes!! it says 15$ per person but it was actually 10$. if you are not in shape you would still like it! The extreme hiking trail went to the swim spot #2 and the spot #1 was very close to the entrance. Extreme hiking trail has rope, you'll be fine!!! they also provided walking sticks!!
Response from the operator: Hola :) wow, thank youuuuu!!!! This review is amazing. We are glad you had a good experience hiking with us. Thank you for supporting our family business <3
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arenal Natural Hiking Trails: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Arenal Natural Hiking Trails cost?
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Prices start at $16 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Fortuna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Arenal Natural Hiking Trails take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in La Fortuna is not rushed.
Is Arenal Natural Hiking Trails worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Arenal Natural Hiking Trails suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in La Fortuna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Fortuna and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arenal Natural Hiking Trails start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central La Fortuna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in La Fortuna?
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On Outty we rank every La Fortuna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica, White Water Rafting Class II and III, Authentic Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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Included: Walking sticks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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At the reception/ entrance to the hiking trails. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Arenal Natural Hiking Trails offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Arenal Natural Hiking Trails if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in La Fortuna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Arenal Natural Hiking Trails?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the overall experience. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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