Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
Active
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore several attractions and sites on this full-day Arenal Volcano Combo Tour from San Jose. Enjoy views of waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests, plantations, and wildlife on the way to Arenal. Learn about Costa Rican Coffee and food; taste some of the best coffee in the world and Costa Rican authentic cuisine. Do zip lining & rappelling in the rainforest and learn about the indigenous culture of Costa Rica. Relax in the thermal mineral waters of the Arenal Hot Springs at the base of the volcano, near the town of La Fortuna. Lunch and dinner are included.
Available options
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
Pickup included
What's included
Coffee or Tea with local snacks
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees
Lunch
Dinner
Professional Bilingual Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels)
Detailed itinerary
1
Discover several beauties of Costa Rica in a single day, on this Arenal Volcano Mega Combo Tour. You will be picked up in the morning from your San Jose Hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Then drive along the less-traveled “scenic route” to Arenal, with great views of volcanoes, plantations, waterfalls, jungles, and local towns. En route to Arenal, stop in a coffee plantation where your guide will show you the coffee plants, and will give you a briefing about coffee in Costa Rica (coffee degustation will be provided in a rustic restaurant later on).
2
Continue your tour with a stop at the famous La Paz Waterfall, one of the most famous natural attractions in Costa Rica. At this attraction, you will be able to admire the pristine Rainforest environment that surrounds the waterfall, and you will have the chance to take pictures of it for a few minutes.
3
Shortly after another stop will be made at the San Fernando Waterfall look-out point, where you can take pictures of this natural wonder and admire the exotic bird’s gallery that includes several species of hummingbirds. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee while admiring the amazing waterfall, accompanied by traditional local snacks that Costa Rican people normally eat with their coffee.
4
The next stop will be at the Iguanas Center, where you will be able to see several of these rainforest animals at eye level in their natural habitat from a bridge viewing point, and you will also go to a place nearby where sloths are normally observed in the wild.
5
Following you will savor a hearty lunch of authentic Costa Rican Cuisine in a restaurant near the impressive Arenal Volcano. Then, explore the Rainforest Jungles on a two-hour zip lining adventure that includes a total of 7 cables, a 150 feet high rappel line over the Arenal River, and a short indigenous tribe presentation where you will learn about the culture and traditions of the Maleku People of this region.
6
Continue this perfect day of adventure and sightseeing by relaxing for a couple of hours at the thermal mineral waters of Paradise Hot Springs and Gardens, where you will find small pools, Jacuzzis, and cascading waterfalls on larger lagoons, all surrounded by the most beautiful tropical gardens. After soaking in the hot springs, you will head back to your San Jose Hotel and will have a delicious dinner in a Costa Rican typical restaurant on route.
What's not included
Gratuities
Services not specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
301 reviews
5★
256
4★
24
3★
6
2★
7
1★
8
Tripadvisor
4.9
3,179 reviews
5★
3038
4★
115
3★
15
2★
7
1★
4
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age to participate is 5 years
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
This tour includes man-made hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
The total tour duration includes the travel time, lunch and dinner
Drop off in the La Fortuna area hotels is available (dinner will not be included if choosing this option)
If you are bringing children on the tour (ages 5 to 12), you must inform us in advance so we can prepare the required safety equipment for them
Not recommended for participants with knee problems or other walking problems
Meeting point
Centrally located San Jose hotels.
The default tour time is 6:30 a.m., but the tour operator will confirm the exact pickup time & meeting point after booking. Automated booking platform emails may mention the default time, but the operator’s confirmation will be the official schedule.
Important notes
• The tour vehicle will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes after the specified pickup time.
• Minimum age to participate is 5 years.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
• This tour includes man-made hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
• Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• The total tour duration includes the travel time, lunch, and dinner
• If you are bringing children on the tour (ages 5 to 12), you must inform us in advance so we can prepare the required safety equipment for them. If we are not notified beforehand, children will not be permitted to participate, and tickets for anyone who does not take part in the tour will be non-refundable.
• For safety reasons, the operator may refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated. If your tour is canceled for this reason, no refund will be issued.
• Drop-off at centrally located Arenal–La Fortuna hotels is available. If you choose this option, dinner won’t be included since it is served on the return route. There’s an extra charge for drop-offs with luggage, but for this tour, it’s waived because the unused dinner cost covers it. If you wish to take this option, you must let us know at the time of booking.
• The default tour time is 6:30 a.m., but the tour operator will confirm the exact pickup time & meeting point after booking. Automated booking platform emails may mention the default time, but the operator’s confirmation will be the official schedule.
This is the list of things we recommend you bring on the tour:
- Walking shoes or sneakers
- Comfortable clothes (such as shorts and t-shirts)
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Raincoat or poncho
- Change of clothes
- Sandals for the hot springs.
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
