Waterfall, Arenal & Hot Springs Tour review

Our verdict: the most-booked Arenal tour. A small-group day with a naturalist guide covering a waterfall, hot springs, and the lava field. Delivers a genuine day out, though the "Arenal" in the title is partly honest marketing — the day is built around a waterfall and hot springs.

4.8★★★★★3,708 reviewsfrom $105

Duration6–7 hrs

Group sizeSmall (max 12)

GuideNaturalist, live

Entry ticketsIncluded

Best forClassic half-day visitors

What you actually do

Morning hike to a waterfall for swimming, lunch, then a drive to the 1968 lava field and a guided walk over cooled rock with views of the cone. Afternoon optional soak in natural hot springs (varying temperatures depending on location). The itinerary varies by operator and season. No lava — Arenal has been dormant since December 2010.

The tour is called "Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs" because it genuinely includes all three. The tension worth noting: the title sells "Arenal volcano" hardest, but the day’s substance is a waterfall and hot springs. The cone is a view, not an activity. If you want cone-focused content, consider the twilight wildlife safari which has time to sit and observe the mountain, or the night walk for rainforest expertise.

What works

Most-booked tour: 3,708+ reviews mean experienced operators
Live naturalist guide explains the landscape and wildlife
Small group (max 12) keeps it manageable
Includes waterfall swim, hot springs, and lava field walk
Entry tickets and transport included
Free cancellation up to 24 hours

Worth knowing

A full day (6–7 hours) packed with activities
Not primarily a cone-viewing tour
Cone visibility depends on weather
Can be crowded in peak season
Hot springs can be crowded; one operator’s springs quieter than another’s

Price$105

Rating4.8 / 5

Reviews3,708

Duration6–7 hrs

Group sizeSmall

CancellationFree, 24 hrs

Insider tip

Book an early-morning departure for better cone visibility and quieter trails. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a change of clothes.

Who it’s for

First-time Arenal visitors, couples, families with kids aged 6+. Those who want a full day combining waterfall, rainforest and hot springs. If you want pure wildlife watching, see the wildlife safari. If you want adventure (rappels and rock slides), see the canyoning tour.

Check dates & book classic tour

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Other tours to consider

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Arenal cone really the main focus?

Honest answer: no. The itinerary centres on a waterfall and hot springs, both genuine and worth doing. The cone is a side view if visibility is good. Other tours (wildlife safari, night walk) give the mountain more attention.

How much time is actually spent on Arenal?

About 1–1.5 hours on the lava field hike. The rest is the waterfall and hot springs. If your priority is cone time, book the twilight wildlife safari instead.

Will I see lava?

No. Arenal last erupted in December 2010 and has been dormant since. What you see are cooled lava fields from the 1968 and 1992 eruptions. This is still impressive and worth walking; it’s just solidified rock, not active lava.