Best 17 Things To Do Near Arenal Volcano

Not far from La Fortuna, the Arenal Hanging Bridges comprise more than 10 suspended bridges connected by 5 kms of rainforest trails. Here, you observe flora and fauna from ground level to the treetops. A unique experience to learn about the complexity and beauty of the rainforest: on this three-hour visit, walk the trails and bridges and spy huge tropical palms and many varieties of heliconias, flowering gingers, and possibly howler monkeys, morpho butterflies, and colorful tropical birds like parrots, motmots, and toucans!

Highlights: The hanging gardens of the rainforest. Excellent birdwatching. Amazing lookouts to the volcano!
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, gear as needed.
Bring: Binoculars, walking shoes, water, insect repellent, sun block, raincoat, hat, and camera.

One of the best things to do near Arenal Volcano is this exhilarating 3-hour experience! Enjoy the opportunity to hike through tropical rainforest in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, which leads to a series of waterfalls in a pristine canyon. Here, rappel down four waterfalls and one canyon wall. Your guides will secure you into your safety harness and assist you as you descend through the enchanting gorges and lush rainforest.

Highlights: Impressive adventure and canyoning exploration in the rainforest. Remote and unique landscape. The most professional guides.
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, and gear as needed.
Bring: Multi-sport sandals or tennis shoes, change of clothes and shoes, quick dry clothing.

Catarata La Fortuna is a beautiful waterfall about 5 kms from the town of La Fortuna. At the base of the 70-meter-high waterfall, there is a “natural pool” where you can swim. Then, descend to the falls via 480 steps or a 20-minute trail. Just remember that you’ll need to hike back up! Recommended only for people in good physical condition.

Highlights: Proximity to La Fortuna. Beautiful scenery and majestic waterfalls. Support local community projects. And a swimming opportunity!
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees.
Bring: Swimming suit, towel, walking shoes or all-terrain sandals, bottle of water, insect repellent, sunblock, raincoat, hat, and camera.

The Sky Trek Zipline and Tram is a thrilling zipline circuit that starts with guests riding an open-air gondola through the rain forest to an observation deck where you have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. You will then begin zip lining for 2 hours through a system of 7 cables that gives visitors an exhilarating ride and an opportunity to enjoy the rain forest canopy with superb views. The longest cable is 760 meters, and the highest cable is 200 meters. This is a great and thrilling opportunity to enjoy the rainforest with beautiful views on platforms and zip lines among the trees.

Highlights: Some of the best views of the area. Ziplining in the rainforest canopy!
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, and gear as needed.
Bring: Walking shoes, sunblock, comfortable clothes, raincoat optional.

Enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour horseback ride on a private cattle farm along the slopes of the Volcano. You will pass through pristine creeks, lush primary forests, and pasture lands. Don’t mind the sheep, horses, and cattle you see along the way! Spectacular views of the volcano make beautiful pictures!

Highlights: Private access to remote farms near the Volcano. Amazing views and fantastic photo ops. Adventure experience. No crowds or cars.
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, and gear as needed.
Bring: Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses, walking shoes (no sandals), and a camera.

Located 45 minutes away from La Fortuna, the Rio Balsa offers 10 kms of beautiful Class II-III whitewater action. Along the river, you can view birds, rainforest wildlife, and the majestic Arenal Volcano. This whitewater experience is great for beginners.

Highlights: Great for beginners. Perfect combination of rafting, nature, and adventure with certified guides.
Length: Full day with morning departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, lunch, gear as needed.
Bring: Shorts or swimsuit, sunscreen, walking shoes that can get wet or secure, all-terrain sandals, and a change of clothing.

Arenal area is well known for its nature and wildlife, including the two different sloth species living in Costa Rica. During this 3-hour tour our primary goal is to find as many sloths as possible. On the search for these beautiful animals, our knowledgeable guide will drive you around la Fortuna’s beautiful spotting areas for more wildlife, such as toucans, poison dart frogs, hummingbirds, iguanas, and monkeys!

Highlights: Great chances to find the two species of sloths in the wild! Expert naturalist guides. Great experience for birdwatching. All hot spot sites for sloths are near La Fortuna.
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees.
Bring: Binoculars, walking shoes, insect repellent, sunblock, raincoat, hat, and camera.

Your adventure begins after a scenic short drive to a private farm close to Arenal Volcano National Park. Make sure you dress for success on this excursion by choosing clothes you can get dirty. It’s sure to be a wild 3-hour ride, and the rainforest trails are often muddy. After safety talk, you will have time to become comfortable on your 4 x 4 with a few practice runs. Once you’re ready, we roll out for a wild adventure through gorgeous Costa Rican rainforests, rolling foothills and lush backcountry.

Highlights: Explore little-known and muddy trails and roads in Arenal area. Ultimate adventure experience!
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, equipment.
Bring: Tennis shoes (no flip flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes), camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothing you can get dirty, raingear, insect repellent.
Restrictions: ATV drivers must be 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. No seniors over 65 and no children under 12 are allowed. Unlicensed participants and children under 16 must ride as passengers.

Mundo Aventura offers two canopy tours. There is something for everyone! The Big Ama is a 3 1/2-hour tour with 12 zipline cables. The Ama Extreme is a 2-hour tour with 7 cables. Both tours combine a wagon ride, rainforest walking trails, amazing views of Cerro Chato, La Fortuna, and Espino Falls, a butterfly farm and a frog pond, and a visit to a Maleku Culture Rescue Center.

Highlights: Some of the best views of the area. Ziplining in the rainforest canopy!
Length: Half day with morning and afternoon departures.
Includes: Round trip transportation, local guide, entrance fees, and gear as needed.
Bring: Walking shoes, sunblock, comfortable clothes, raincoat optional.