I recently booked a family of 11 to Costa Rica for their summer vacation. They were really wanting to book some fun tours to experience the country and also the adventure of Costa Rica. Here are a few fun tours for the Arenal volcano area in case you are traveling there too.
Arenal Sky Tram & Canopy Zip Lines
Your tour begins at the base of a mountain near Lake Arenal, where you’ll ride in a gondola up 3,000 feet to the top to begin your canopy tour. The tour itself consists of a series of platforms mounted in the trees of the nearby rainforest. You’ll move from platform to platform using high-angle equipment and techniques on a new system designed especially for this location. There are a total of 7 cables, some up to 200 meters long!
Duration 3-4 hours
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Arenal Hanging Bridges
Located within the corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, the trails and bridges of this project will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rain forest. You will be able to walk right into the forest, thanks to the sturdy hanging bridges and beautiful trails that are safe and easy to walk on.
Duration 3 hours
Cerro Chato Hiking Tour
This is a unique experience in Costa Rica, recommended only for EXPERT fitness levels. You will hike through lush rain forests and pasture lands, and witness spectacular scenic views. The tour begins at Old Observatory Lodge after passing by the Arenal National Park, Volcano and Lake. Relax at the top of the hill before continuing down the opposite side. Your reward at the bottom is a swim in the magnificent and powerful Fortuna Waterfall. The day includes approximately four hours of steep trail hiking, two hours of swimming and 45 minutes of transportation time.
Duration: 7 hours
Safari Float Tour
Only a short drive away from your hotel, you will begin a leisurely ride down the scenic Peñas Blancas River. As you personally paddle or float down the river, your bilingual guide will alert you to a wide variety of trees, birds, monkeys and other wildlife. It’s a sightseeing trip, without the noise of a motor boat, a perfect way to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Duration: 4 hours
Mountain Biking Tour
This bike trip travels through the area where the forest, the Arenal Volcano and the Lake meet. The tour starts from the Arenal Lake Dam and follows old trail into the forest. At the end of the trail you will arrive at the entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park, and then move on to the Observatory and back in the main road. On this trail you will have the chance to see many different birds such as Squirrel Cuckoos, Keel Billed Toucans, Crested Guans, Slaty Tailed Trogons, Black Headed Trogons, Tiger Herons, Laughing Falcons, howler monkeys and raccoons.
Duration 4 hours.
Horseback riding to La Fortuna waterfall
This tour offers the perfect combination of beautiful sightseeing and physical activity. We begin with an easy and scenic horseback ride from La Fortuna to the entrance of the waterfall. After viewing the magnificent 40-meter waterfall from a distance, we descend on a challenging hike through the dense rainforest where you will see amazing specimens of flora. The hike will bring us to the base crystal blue pool the waterfall pours into where you will be able to take a wonderful refreshing swim.
Duration 7 hours
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Birdwatchers and nature lovers, this is the tour for you! This all day trip takes you to the mighty Rio Frio near the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of our professional bilingual guides will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border. Here we will begin our three-hour ride up the Rio Frio in search of sloths, caimans, lizards, tropical birds, various species of monkeys and much more in the surrounding lush rainforest and wetlands. You will be amazed with the beauty as your guide shows and teaches you about the marvels of the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. It certainly is a learning experience and one not to miss. A typical Costa Rican hot lunch is included in this tour and is served on the tranquil banks of the Rio Frio.
Departures Around 7:30 am. Pick up times vary depending on the hotel location
Duration 8 hours
Arenal Volcano at Dusk & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour
This is a tour you’ll never forget! We make our way to the active side of the Arenal Volcano to observe the tumbling lava rocks and spewing gases. As the evening approaches, the hike takes on a surreal quality due to the amazing sounds the volcano makes in the distance. As you experience this tour, your well-trained bilingual guide will teach you a great deal about the activity and history of the volcano. Next, we head for a bit of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Tabacon Resort! The incredible hot springs and exotic tropical gardens will soothe your body and soul. When the sun sets, the show begins with the sight of red-hot lava boulders rolling down the volcano.
Departures Around 2:00 pm.
Duration 6 hours
Arenal Volcano at Dusk & Ecotermales Hot Springs Tour
This is a tour you’ll never forget! We make our way to the active side of the Arenal Volcano to observe the tumbling lava rocks and spewing gases. As the evening approaches, the hike takes on a surreal quality due to the amazing sounds the volcano makes in the distance. As you experience this tour, your well-trained bilingual guide will teach you a great deal about the activity and history of the volcano. As evening settles into the area, you’ll make your way into the beautiful Ecotermales Hot Springs. Here, you’ll be soothed by the irresistible hot springs and you’ll be in awe of the sight of the volcano at night.
Departures Around 2:00 pm.
Duration 6 hours