Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest worth booking?
Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest is a 4-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $39 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (37)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $39 per person
This walk is guided, and is offered in Spanish and English, with small groups of a maximum of 15 people, which allows greater interaction and dynamics in the activity. The sensation of walking through the lava flows form
What you get
- Transport in a vehicle with air conditioning
- Naturalist Guide Certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
- Entrance to Mirador El Silencio park
- Round trip transfer from the hotel in La Fortuna
About this experience
This walk is guided, and is offered in Spanish and English, with small groups of a maximum of 15 people, which allows greater interaction and dynamics in the activity. The sensation of walking through the lava flows formed by volcanic activity, and knowing the history and impact of the 1968 eruption, and how the town was reborn after almost total destruction, will change the perspective of your visit to this wonderful town. Indispensable practice friendly to the environment: BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE.
What's included
Included
- Transport in a vehicle with air conditioning
- Naturalist Guide Certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute
- Entrance to Mirador El Silencio park
- Round trip transfer from the hotel in La Fortuna
Not included
- Lunch
- Water bottle
- Tips for the driver and the guide
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Mirador El Silencio
A Tour that you cannot miss during your stay in La Fortuna. Discover the history of the Arenal Volcano; one of the most famous volcanoes in the world for its almost perfect conical formation, and a height of 1630 meters, being the protagonist of the tourist town La Fortuna. In the company of a certified Naturalist Guide, you will discover important information about the history of its last eruption in 1968, you will also be able to appreciate the regenerating flora, the fauna that inhabits the slopes of the Volcano, and you will walk through the streams left by the Lava paths. . Do you know why La Fortuna has this name? Discover why during your walk. The tour is recommended for travelers of all ages, its level of difficulty is light / medium, and the tour takes place in a park that has all the amenities. This Tour has the option of combining with entrances to hot springs after the walk.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Arenal Volcano Guided Tour
Trails Mirador El Silencio Bus / Van Pickup included
Volcano + Baldi + Food
Baldi Hotsprings: 25 thermal water pools of different temperatures, the largest spa in the world, jacuzzi, water slides and 1 meal. Lunch or dinner Pickup included
Volcano + Hot Springs + Food
Admission to thermals + Food: At Paradise Hot Springs you can enjoy 7 Thermal Mineral Water Pools with hydromassage and feeding Lunch or Dinner Pickup included
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Canoa Aventura
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great knowledgeable tour!
Our tour of the arenal volcano was incredible! Our guide Josue was very knowledgeable and super nice! Our driver (I forgot his name) but he was very good because my husband did not get sick and he gets car sick easily. The hike was not easy but not hard either. We got a decent amount of cardio in going vertical one of the people on the tour was not in great shape but did well and our guide did not make anyone feel like they were holding the group up. He always had something interesting to say while we waited :) I am so glad we did this tour even though it was cloudy and we didn't see the top of the volcano. It was still incredibly beautiful.
Response from the operator: Hola Winston, Thank you for sharing your experience! We appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed review. We LOVED! Pura vida!
via Tripadvisor
Great Family Hike & The Sweetest Pineapples!
We booked the Volcano 1968 hike with Canoa Adventures as a shared group activity during our recent family vacation. It was a nice small group (about 10 people total). Our guide, Maria, and our driver, Jeffrey, were both fantastic. Maria spoke fluent English and was excellent at answering all our questions. The hike itself was fascinating; we were able to go up to the lava tubes and see the distinct difference in vegetation between the rainforest and the areas impacted by the lava flow. A huge highlight for our family was the snack break—Maria and Jeffrey brought the sweetest pineapples we have ever tasted hands down! We aren't sure where they got them, but they were amazing. We highly recommend this tour and this team!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re happy to know the experience met your expectations and we’ll gladly pass your comments along to Maria and Jeffrey. Pura Vida!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
The guides were so great - they had wonderful knowledge about wildlife, the volcano and local history. We really enjoyed the experience and the pineapple at the end may have been the best pineapple of my life!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! Our team is really passionate about sharing the nature and stories of Arenal, so it’s great to know the guiding stood out during your visit. And that pineapple at the end is always a sweet bonus! We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to see you on another adventure soon. Pura Vida!
via Tripadvisor
Arenal National Park with Roy
Our guide, Roy, made this tour fantastic!! It was a good 3 hour tour (shorter if we wanted) through the rain forest to the lava flow. All along the way, Roy, spotted various wildlife & foliage, species only found here. We got several great pictures, but also learned a lot about this environment & conservation within Costa Rica.
via Tripadvisor
A Must Do Tour In La Fortuna
I usually don't like to take tours but, I also didn't want to head out into the jungle by myself. Luckily, I happened upon the Canoa Aventura office in La Fortuna. I was helped by Avila and she explained everything about all the tours in the area. I ended up taking the Arenal Volcano Hiking Trails Tour. Our guides, David, Warner and, Jorge were absolutely fantastic. Besides telling us all the history of the volcano and the surrounding area, they were especially keen observers. Somehow, they spotted a sloth and also a python in the middle of the jungle. They stopped the vehicle and we all got out to see these creatures. They knew all the names of the different birds and plants as well. They had a mini-telescope for viewing wildlife too, so we all got a chance to take a peek through it and even take close-up photos. It was really a good time. My partner and myself opted to include a buffet dinner and a bath at the Paradise Hot Springs on the way back. Absolute Heaven! Really nice. The Canoa staff picked us up and dropped us off directly at our hotel. Besides being informative, our three guides made it very humorous and had everyone laughing along with their good-natured explanations. If you're in this area, and want a First Class adventure for you and your family, and want to feel 100% safe and in good hands, make sure to book a tour with Canoa Aventura.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $39 to $171
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Canoa Aventura, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.2.
See everything Canoa Aventura runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest cost?
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Prices start at $39 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 Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 37 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 Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest?
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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 Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest?
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Around 13 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest 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, North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour, Canyoning Adventure Rappelling Waterfalls in Arenal Volcano. 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.
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