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Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal: Our most recommended tours and activities

La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

1. La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Escape into the nature of the La Fortuna on a guided hike. Walk by the river and follow a trail to a panoramic viewpoint. Have a delicious lunch at a Maluku Indian village and trek through forest, lava fields, and farmlands before relaxing at a natural hot spring resort with a drink. Be collected at your accommodation and be driven to the beginning of the forest walk. Trek on the easy track along the crystal clear La Fortuna river. En route, hop on a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint. Spot the next location from a distance then begin the return walk down a jungle staircase. Halfway down is a high suspension bridge to cross. The trail leads further down the huge canyon, which was shaped by a volcanic mega-eruption. Encounter the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. Be amazed by the lush vegetation on its 70-meter high walls, the huge volcanic rocks at its foot, and the water splashing down in its massive pool. Bask in its beauty or even take a refreshing dip. Return to the viewpoint then walk down to the little village of the Maluku Indians. Seated in their Palenke (main house), enjoy a rest while listening to an interesting story about their culture, art, and history.  After being active for a few hours, the time has come to relax and enjoy a typical hot lunch. Next to the restaurant is a butterfly garden and frog pond that you can explore until your food is served.  Reenergized, take a 15-minute ride to the park at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Being the trek through the primary forest where you can see huge trees with giant roots. Besides a variety of birds, the forest is host to monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and each the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.  Conclude your tour at the natural hot spring resort. Relax in its soothing warm water for about an hour and enjoy a volcanic mud facial and a complimentary cocktail. Afterward, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer

2. La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer

Add a little adventure to your transportation needs between Monteverde and La Fortuna and avail of a transfer that includes an informative boat tour across Lake Arenal. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure in either direction to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that your luggage will be taken care of on every step of the journey. Depart La Fortuna and travel to Lake Arenal by van. Then, take a 30-minute boat ride to the town of Río Chiquito before continuing to Monteverde by van. For departures from Monteverde, travel to Lake Arenal by van. Cross Lake Arenal on an enlightening 30-minute boat ride to the earthen dam, and then continue to La Fortuna by van for drop off at your hotel.

From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

3. From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

On this nature adventure, you will see all the stunning beauty of the Arenal area. Right at the foot of the Arenal volcano, make your way into a beautiful park. Enjoy the most impressive primary rainforest where you can admire the huge trees and complex ecosystem that surrounds them. Leaving the forest, get to the lava fields. Here, follow a trail through the enormous black lava rocks that were deposited there by the massive 1968 eruption. The reward is definitely worth the effort. With the impressive Arenal looming over you, you really get an idea of the immensity of this now silent giant and the violent force with which it erupted. All along the way, your bilingual guide will tell you about the history, the ecosystem, and the wildlife you may encounter. After a coffee break, go on the way to get some well-deserved relaxation. End the tour at a small hot spring resort, here you can soak in the soothing hot water while enjoying a complimentary cocktail.

La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Park Tour

4. La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Park Tour

Walk along the paths of solidified lava from the 1968 eruptions that reach the closest point to the volcano and then continue with a walking tour through the tropical jungle. Using spotting scopes, our professional guides, walking at your own pace, will search for birds and wildlife along the forest trail. From different vantage points along the ancient lava trails, you’ll have sweeping views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding hills with the opportunity to take some amazing photos you’ll be proud to share. Our local experts will provide you with the entire history of the development of the city of Fortuna, the creation of the lake, the process of volcanic formation, and the ancient towns that were affected by lava and gases.

Monteverde: Transfer to La Fortuna via Lake Arenal

5. Monteverde: Transfer to La Fortuna via Lake Arenal

Travel easy, safe, and fun between Monteverde and La Fortuna De Arenal! Also known as the Taxi-Boat-Taxi or Jeep-Boat-Jeep, this is the fastest and most popular route between Monteverde and Arenal, combining the excitement of an adventure trip with the convenience of a transport service. Experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park, a boat ride on Lake Arenal, and incredible views of the mountains and villages. Travel easily between Monteverde and La Fortuna de Arenal. This service is provided daily from Monteverde to Arenal. We will gladly pick you up from the door of your hotel, then you will get transported by vehicle to the lake and then board a boat for approximately one hour to cross the lake. Once you reach the other side, one of our professional representatives will help you load the luggage, board the vehicle, and take you to the door of your hotel. The Shared Arenal Lake Crossing operates daily. However, shared shuttles are by no means public bus transportation. Another nice feature of our shared shuttle is that there is at least one stop along the way where passengers can stretch, pose for photographs, use the facilities, and get food. The Private Arenal Lake Crossing can be scheduled anytime you wish and from any airport, hotel, private home, or identifiable landmark in Costa Rica. Another nice feature of our private transport is that it allows one hour of free wait time for the journey, giving your group opportunities to coordinate a road adventure, pose for photographs, take bathroom breaks, or enjoy a meal. Enjoy your way with Wi-Fi inside the vehicles to share every adventure of your trip. Our local drivers and guides who are eager to help your group move safely around the country will show you our amazing country. Trust is earned. Give us the opportunity to earn yours. We will be happy to be part of your next trip!

La Fortuna: Pure Trek Canyoning, Hiking, and Biking Day Trip

6. La Fortuna: Pure Trek Canyoning, Hiking, and Biking Day Trip

We will pick you up and whisk you off to our canyon, about a 20 minute drive outside La Fortuna. Then transfer to 4×4 trucks for an exciting short drive to out ranch house to gear up. Then you are off for a morning of exciting and exhilarating waterfall rappelling, a canyon wall, Monkey drop (zip line & rappel) and rock climb all in our spectacular rainforest canyon. We then take you to our beautiful base offices and tropical gardens for a delicious Typical Costa Rican lunch that will to give you energy to continue your day of adventure. Your ride begins on the old road connecting Lake Arenal with the main entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park, about a 15 minute drive from Pure Trek. You will ride through the rainforest and along the shore of Lake Arenal to a small local village, El Castillo. This route is on a secluded narrow dirt road surrounded by dense rainforest, rolling pasture lands and views of the volcano everywhere you look. Along the ride we see may see howler monkeys, coatis, toucans, egrets and king fishers. We end the ride with a picnic on the shore of Lake Arenal, and a dip in the lake.

Lake Arenal: Kayaking and Biking Combo Tour

7. Lake Arenal: Kayaking and Biking Combo Tour

Explore and discover Costa Rica by water and land with this combo tour of Lake Arenal. Enjoy the unique experience of mountain biking through lush forest and gliding across the mystic waters of the Arenal lake all while reveling in the extraordinary beauty of the Arenal Volcano.    First, enjoy a 2-hour kayak across Lake Arenal and its surrounding islands. Keep an eye out for local birds such as ospreys, kingfishers, and neotropic cormorants. You will also have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-nosed coatis and sloths. Once you are finished kayaking, relax lakeside and enjoy a light fruit and power bar picnic before setting out on your mountain biking adventure through natural paths, traditional Costa Rican neighborhoods and small rivers.

From El Castillo: Lake Arenal Kayak & SUP Tour with Snacks

8. From El Castillo: Lake Arenal Kayak & SUP Tour with Snacks

You will learn how to do stand-up paddle boarding or kayak from bi-lingual and trained guides in the lake arenal while you enjoying the stunning views of the Arenal volcano. The tour begins with a 30-minute briefing in which you learn safety tips, paddling techniques, and do's/ dont´s in SUP and kayaking. Your guides are always giving you feedback along the tour. You'll paddle from 2 km to 5km depending on your proficiency level and preferences. You'll experience Arenal volcano and the tropical rainforest in a unique way! Enjoy the stunning views, and the challenging games guides will offer you to participate on. First part of the tour is upwind, and last part is downwind, you don´t even have to do a big effort to get back to the starting point! Once you're back, you'll receive a towel per person. You could request our professional photography service at the beginning of the tour for an extra charge, as well as a la carte lunch service for a few extra bucks! Don´t miss the opportunity to do the most popular water activity in La Fortuna.

From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo

9. From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo

Enjoy a hassle-free ride from La Fortuna with this private transfer to Tamarindo Beach. Sit back in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and marvel at the views from your car as you drive to your hotel. Meet your driver at your La Palma or La Fortuna accommodation's reception and begin your drive. Following a jungle road next to Arenal Lake, drive through a beautiful rainforest at the base of Arenal Volcano. Continue through the jungle before reaching the Pacific coast. As you drive, watch the landscape morph from a mysterious jungle to a relaxed beach vibe. At the halfway point, get out of the car to stretch your legs, purchase a snack, or use the bathroom. Jump back in the car and continue your journey, taking in the mesmerizing of the famous Arenal Volcano. Finish your trip at your hotel in Tamarindo.

From La Fortuna: Transfer to Monteverde via Arenal Lake

10. From La Fortuna: Transfer to Monteverde via Arenal Lake

Travel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Your transfer lasts approximately three hours, including one hour of sailing over Lake Arenal. Take in the route's spectacular views of the lake, Arenal Volcano National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. There's also time for a pit stop to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, take photos of the scenery, and buy food. Make use of the free wifi on board the vans. The non-private transfer operates on a pre-set daily schedule, and the private option can be scheduled at any time. Both options include door-to-door pickup and drop-off from within the designated zones.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Lake Arenal

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What people are saying about Lake Arenal

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 708 reviews

This was such a great tour! We got to do so much, but didn’t feel too overwhelming. The waterfall was beautiful! It is a bit of a steep climb down and up (caution for those who may find this challenging), but totally worth it. The lunch was also very delicious with salad, chicken or beef option, and of course rice and beans. The Maluka tribe Time was a great cultural experience. And the hot springs were a great way to end the day! A couple different pools to choose from as well as ending our time with a rum beverage. Our guide Erol was thoughtful, kind, and funny. Our other guide Emanuel really loves his job and you can tell he has fun with it. He would go looking for animals for us and we saw monkeys and sloths. A bonus was that he was a great photographer. Would absolutely recommend!

It was an amazing experience! Our guide Errol from Red Lava Tours was so kind and really good. We trekked through the rain forest on a beautiful trail, saw the vulcano at the view point and swimmed at the beautiful waterfall. We can highly recommend this tour!

Nous avons eu une superbe journée, avec des guides incroyables. La nourriture était bonne et facile de communiquer avec eux pour la prise en charge.

Una bonita jornada junto a Erroll y Miguel, dos excelentes y muy profesionales guías.

Fantastic trip. Marlon was wonderful. Really enjoyed kayaking