fbpx
Arenal2024-01-03T17:29:11-05:00

DAYS

   5

ACTIVITY LEVEL

   Easy

HOST CITY

San José,          Costa Rica

FROM

$2,195 USD

Learn more about
our Costa Rica trip:

Arenal: Costa Rica’s Volcano 

Join The Explorer’s Passage to explore Costa Rica’s famous Volcano! Arenal is located in La Fortuna and is a great destination for adventure enthusiasts. Wake up and see the massive volcano from your hotel window as you prepare for an exciting day. Spend the day hiking around Arenal Volcano, zip lining through the jungle with views of both Arenal Lake and Volcano or spend the afternoon relaxing in natural hot springs. Arenal will no doubt be a highlight of your trip!

Explore Arenal with TEP

Customizable Itineraries

We have the ability to tailor your itinerary to your exact interests, activities, and length of stay in this beautiful country. In addition to Arenal, we also have trips in other popular destinations such as Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Guanacaste, Osa Peninsula, and many others. We have extensive expertise in these incredible locations and would be happy to customize a trip that includes your desired trip length, dream destinations and excursions. 

 

We Take Care of Everything

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your Costa Rica trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer. Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Costa Rica!

Responsible Travel

The Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). We very proudly incorporate the principles of these organizations throughout your Arenal adventure.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


Trip Highlights

  • Explore the natural beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall, and experience authentic Costa Rican culture at Vida Campesina;
  • Discover the secrets of Arenal Volcano National Park on a guided tour with a naturalist guide;
  • Feel the rush of adrenaline on a zip-line tour and explore the forest on a hanging bridges adventure;
  • Observe the diverse nocturnal wildlife of Costa Rica on a night walk tour.

TRIP COST

From $2,195 per person

START DATES

Custom Dates Available*

*To inquire on a custom date, please contact us!

DURATION

5 Days / 4 Nights* 

*If you are interested in a longer trip, we can create an itinerary based on your interests that combines various destinations throughout Costa Rica.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Various Options*

Choose between 3.5 Star, 5 Star or Luxury Accommodation Options

 

MAX GROUP SIZE

All Private Groups

No minimum or maximum

 

ACTIVITY LEVEL

SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY

Daily Overview

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Once you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (also known as the San José International Airport), you will be greeted by a member of our team. As you are transported to your hotel, take in the stunning scenery and natural beauty of this incredible country. Enjoy your first night in Costa Rica.

Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall & Vida Campesina

Today you will hike to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most popular natural attractions in the area. Afterwards, you will experience authentic Costa Rican culture at Vida Campesina where you will have a guided journey of the property and have the opportunity to gather your own organically produced tubers, fruits, and vegetables. Learn about the traditional process of milling sugar cane and enjoy a refreshing juice squeezed in the handmade trapiche. At La Guaria Morada restaurant, learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican recipes with a local family and participate in a rural, traditional dance before enjoying a family dinner together.

Day 3: Arenal National Park Tours

Start your day with a delicious local breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for an exciting day exploring Arenal Volcano. Your day will include two hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park, where a naturalist guide will share the history and wildlife of the area, including a hike through the 1992 lava flow and a hike to the shores of Lake Arenal for a panoramic view of both the volcano and lake. After the hike, cool off with a cold drink before embarking on a boat tour of Lake Arenal to a spot known as “el tapón.” After the tour, you will have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in the local hot springs for the afternoon.

Day 4: Zip-lines, Hanging Bridges, and a Night Walk Tour

Get ready for an adventure-filled day in Costa Rica! Start the morning with an exciting zip-line tour through the rainforest canopy of Arenal Park. The zipline tour starts with a tour in the Sky Tram to reach the top of the Arenal reserve, then begins a tour of adventure full of adrenaline above the treetops, which consists of a system of zip lines that allows you to observe the rainforest and its landscape from a different perspective. After the zip-line, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a Hanging Bridges Adventure, where our experts will guide you through the forest and reveal its secrets. You will have the opportunity to appreciate the balance of the mystical life that happens every moment during the excursion. In the evening, explore the natural beauty of Danaus Ecocentro on a night walk tour, where you will have the opportunity to observe different species of nocturnal fauna in their natural habitats, such as frogs, snakes, insects, bats, skunks and even active sloths. The tour takes about 2 hours with a professional guide from the reserve and is a great way to end the day.

Day 5: Final Day in Costa Rica

Start your last day in Costa Rica with a delicious breakfast, and then transfer to the San Jose Airport for your journey back home. We hope you had an amazing time exploring this beautiful country and we look forward to your next trip with us. Safe travels!

Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients are saying about this once-in-a-lifetime experience:

Rafael V.

“Everything was amazing. Federica, Maikol, and Carly all made sure we made the most out of the Costa Rica experience. They were professional, fun, and very knowledgeable about the country.”

Annie O.

Thanks so much to The Explorer’s Passage for planning an awesome trip to Costa Rica for us! We had so much support and help before and during our trip

A black and white logo of the TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice Award, given to The Explorer's Passage

Trip Accommodations

 

 ★★★★

4 Star Accommodations

Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs | La Fortuna, Costa Rica

At Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs, every guest room offers a breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano, making it the perfect place to stay for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the area. The unique volcanic region is well-known for its healing hot springs, and Arenal Manoa has its own mineral-rich hot springs. Arenal Manoa offers a fine dining experience at on-site restaurant La Saca, or guests can indulge in a freshly made wood-fired pizza on the patio at Alambique Bistro. Guests can also interact with nature, such as birdwatching from their private patio or exploring the countless trails on the property.

Hotel website

 

★★★★★

5 Star Accommodations

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa | La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is a five-star carbon neutral resort located at the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. The resort offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and luxury, with luxurious accommodations, services and amenities in a natural setting. The resort’s unique thermal mineral spring river emerges from the volcanic earth, creating waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools, and ponds for guests to enjoy. The resort also features Shangri-La Gardens, an adults-only hideaway where guests can indulge in world-class cuisine inspired by local fares or surprise that special person with a gala dinner in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the gardens is located The Spa, which combines a beautiful location with a singular spa experience, where treatments are rendered in open-air bungalows, all of them with private jacuzzi.

Hotel website

 

Luxury Accommodations 

Nayara Tented Camp | La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Nayara Tented Camp offers 21 luxury tents, including 12 that are mirror image tents linked together to form a two-bedroom unit that can accommodate two couples or a family with four children. The highlight of the camp are the private tents, which are located on a hilltop and offer stunning views of Arenal Volcano. These luxury air-conditioned tents also feature a signature plunge pool for guests to enjoy. This resort  is all about stunning natural beauty, intimate spaces, and connecting with nature. Their mission is to offer you authentic, warm, and extraordinary service and share our “Pura Vida” tradition. Experience natural and cultural richness while being environmentally and socially responsible in everything you do.

Hotel website

 

Arenal FAQs

What is there to do around Arenal in Costa Rica?2024-01-03T13:16:02-05:00

There’s loads of things to do around Arenal, especially for adventure seekers. Top of the list are visits to the roaring La Fortuna Waterfall, lazing sessions in local hot-spring baths, and hikes through the jungles that surround Arenal Volcano. The region is also considered a bit of an adrenaliner’s dream, boasting ziplines and canopy walks and the like.

How many days should you spend in Arenal?2024-01-03T13:03:23-05:00

About five days is perfect for a visit to Arenal. That allows time to explore both the namesake national park and surrounding sites. You’ll definitely want to plan at least one hike in the reserve to get head-on views of the cone-shaped volcano. On top of that, visits to the local hot springs and La Fortuna waterfall are a must, while ziplining and whitewater rafting expeditions are there for the adrenaline buffs.

Is the Arenal Volcano active?2024-01-03T13:02:40-05:00

Arenal Volcano is now officially in a resting phase but considered potentially active. However, that’s only been the case since 2010, which marked the end of one of the longest periods of activity of any volcano in Costa Rica. In fact, the Arenal Volcano erupted multiple times in the 42 years that followed the famous 1968 eruption, which was so large that it destroyed three small villages and impacted an area of more than 90 square miles (over 200 km²)!

When’s the best time to visit Arenal?2024-01-03T13:01:12-05:00

There’s no bad time to visit Arenal. Each season offers something different and unique in this wild and volcano-carved part of the country. The busiest time of the year matches with the dry season, which lasts from December to April. You’ll see much less rainfall at that time and get clearer skies for views of the mountains. The so-called wet Green Season – May to November – is also fantastic, as the jungles and waterfalls really come to life.

Can you swim in La Fortuna Waterfall?2024-01-03T13:17:15-05:00

Yes, swimming is permitted in the La Fortuna Waterfall. In fact, it’s one of the most popular ways to cool off after completing the short jungle hike to the site near Arenal. Just be warned that the waters here are often very rough and choppy. Swimming right beneath the falls isn’t recommended. Instead, head down the river about 55 yards (50 m) to find a calm plunge pool that hardly has any waves.

Is there an Arenal National Park entrance fee?2024-01-03T13:00:34-05:00

There’s an entrance fee for both adults and children to the Arenal National Park in Costa Rica. They’re valid for a single entry to the reserve but do allow for multiple entries in a single day, so you can visit both halves of the park in the same tour. The good news is that we take care of all your park entry fees as part of our tour packages, so you can concentrate on spotting toucans and tropical orchids.

How far is Arenal from San José?2024-01-03T13:00:08-05:00

Arenal is about 80 miles (130 km) to the northwest of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. However, the drive from the city to the volcano can take around three or even four hours – the roads are notoriously windy in Costa Rica! Guests on our tours will be greeted right at the airport when they arrive and have all transfers to Arenal included in the price.

Extra Support

Personal Attention Before Your Costa Rica Adventure

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to you before your adventure to Costa Rica. We get very involved with our clients before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, and trip experience. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.

Staff Support

Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, tours, park fees, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

Arenal, Costa Rica Photos

More Trip Inspiration

VIEW ALL ADVENTURES