Into the Jungles of Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano Adventure
Your TourHero
Hello, my name is Tanya, I'm 20 and I'm a lover of nature and animals. I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to explore untouched natural places — forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, and everything in between! My trips often include wildlife watching and eco-activities. If I could live in the jungle, I would. I once did a 3-day trek through the Amazon Rainforest and it was such an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience! Join me on this adventure to Costa Rica, I'm sure we'll have an awesome time together!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 16 – 20, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Nature, wildlife, jungle activities
Fellow Travelers
Kiera
Clara
Penelope
Iris
Santiago
Cyndi
Aaron
Jared
Marion
Emma
Andy
Sheela
Andi
Vivian
Libby
Michelle
Yvonne
Jimmy
Nick
MaiaYour Local Guide
Established in 1994, Coast to Coast Adventures is made up of a team of dedicated travel experts based in Costa Rica. Specialized in designing, organizing, and running multi-activity trips that focus on connecting travelers with nature and the outdoors, they are well-equipped with valuable experience and training to help make each adventure as safe, smooth, and unforgettable as possible. Let the passionate guides of Coast to Coast Adventures take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy your inspirational journey through the wilderness of Costa Rica.
Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of one of Costa Rica’s most incredible regions and fall in love with the lush surroundings of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Uncover the secrets of the rainforest, encounter exotic wildlife, and take in the most stunning views — this is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers who crave adventure! Immerse yourself in epic experiences you won’t forget, starting with a hands-on cooking class in San Jose, followed by adrenaline adventures in Arenal Volcano National Park that include ziplining, whitewater rafting, and more!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hello, my name is Tanya, I'm 20 and I'm a lover of nature and animals. I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to explore untouched natural places — forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, and everything in between! My trips often include wildlife watching and eco-activities. If I could live in the jungle, I would. I once did a 3-day trek through the Amazon Rainforest and it was such an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience! Join me on this adventure to Costa Rica, I'm sure we'll have an awesome time together!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 16 – 20, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of one of Costa Rica’s most incredible regions and fall in love with the lush surroundings of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Uncover the secrets of the rainforest, encounter exotic wildlife, and take in the most stunning views — this is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers who crave adventure! Immerse yourself in epic experiences you won’t forget, starting with a hands-on cooking class in San Jose, followed by adrenaline adventures in Arenal Volcano National Park that include ziplining, whitewater rafting, and more!
Timeline
- Day 1 · San Jose
- Arrive in San Jose
- Surviving Spanish and Cooking Lessons
- Welcome dinner
- Check-in at Casa Mu San Jose (or similar according to availability)
- Day 2 · La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accommodation
- Transfer to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano area)
- Check-in at Selina La Fortuna (or similar according to availability)
- Free afternoon for optional activities
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Ziplining tour
- Free afternoon and evening
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Sarapiqui River and San Jose
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accommodation
- Whitewater rafting adventure at Sarapiqui River (lunch included)
- Transfer back to San Jose
- Two-hour party bus tour
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Check-in at Casa Mu San Jose (or similar according to availability)
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accommodation
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Costa Rica! Find your new favorite dish during a hands-on cooking lesson with a local
We’re super excited to have you here in San Jose, the bustling capital city of Costa Rica! Ready to learn something new? Take your culinary skills to the next level and discover delicious Costa Rican cuisine during a fun hands-on cooking lesson! There’s no better way to discover a country than through its cuisine, so we hope you’re ready to cook up a storm. Bound to be filled with tasty moments and plenty of laughter with your host, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can take pointers from a true local. Learn about tasty ingredients used in Costa Rican dishes, discover unique household customs, use new cooking techniques, and prepare a mouthwatering meal to savor alongside your new friends! Enjoy your wonderful welcome dinner before heading to your accommodation for a restful night.
Day 2
Journey to magical La Fortuna and discover the lush surroundings of the Arenal Volcano region
Rise and shine! We hope you’re ready to head into the wilderness with us. We’ll depart San Jose and whisk you away to the small town of La Fortuna. As you get closer, you’ll be able to witness Costa Rica’s iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano in the distance, standing at a grand 5,480 feet tall. The fertile land is lush and full of incredible wildlife — keep your eyes peeled! La Fortuna is the closest town to the volcano and many travelers who choose to explore the hidden treasures of Arenal use this little town as a convenient base from which to embark on their tours and activities. Don’t be surprised if you find new friends here! Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the area or choose some optional activities (see optional add-ons section below). There are plenty of things to do here: rappel down a cascading waterfall, kayak across beautiful Lake Arenal, hike the majestic Arenal Volcano itself, visit the local hot springs… take your pick!
Day 3
Go on an exhilarating canopy tour — zip through the treetops of the lush rainforest!
One of the most thrilling things you can do in Fortuna is to climb high up into the treetops and embark on an epic canopy tour. If you’ve never tried ziplining before, this is the best time to do it! Let the stunning Costa Rican jungle be your playground as you make your way across different platforms in the treetops to explore the impressive canyon of the Arenal River and discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of the area. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot three types of monkeys that live in this zone, or perhaps catch glimpses of toucans, hummingbirds, and other native species! After your ziplining adventure, you are free to spend the rest of your afternoon and evening however you please.
Day 4
Embark on an epic whitewater rafting adventure down the rapids of the Sarapiqui River
Today, we’ll be heading back to San Jose, but not before one last thrilling adventure in the wild! On the way back, we’ll stop at the Sarapiqui River, where you’ll get the chance to embark on an action-packed white water rafting adventure. After a lesson from your professional guide, you’ll journey seven miles down the river across 30 class III and IV rapids. About halfway through the trip, we will take an on-shore break and enjoy some refreshing tropical fruit and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. At the end of your rafting journey, you’ll be transferred the rest of the way to your accommodation in San Jose.
All aboard — enjoy an epic two-hour party bus tour in San Jose!
You’ll arrive back in San Jose in time to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Time to get serious with the partying! Why hit the clubs when you can roll through San Jose and have your very own party on wheels? Get the music started, bring out the best drinks, and experience San Jose by night with an awesome party bus experience you’ll never forget.
Day 5
Time to bid farewell to Costa Rica
How time flies! We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Costa Rica. After checking out of your accommodation, make your way to the airport in time for your flight back home. Until next time — we hope to see you again soon!
Accommodation
Casa Mu San Jose (or similar according to availability)
Casa Mu San Jose is a perfect choice for groups. Located in the capital city of San Jose, close to shopping centers and restaurants, this shared house provides simple and comfortable accommodation in the form of bunk bed-style rooms with a large living room for communal group activities and an efficient kitchen. Wi-Fi is available on the premises. Room type: Rooms with bunk beds based on multiple occupancy.
Selina La Fortuna (or similar according to availability)
Selina La Fortuna is located in the heart of the small town of La Fortuna, surrounded by cultural hotspots, restaurants, and sweeping views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna has long been the gateway to Arenal’s natural surroundings. Selina provides a great base from which to explore the lush region. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, sip on cocktails from the hotel bar, and mingle with other travelers at the outdoor common area. The property also features a shared kitchen, movie room, and library. Shared rooms are fitted with bunk beds and amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, linens, lockers, hot water, and access to shared bathrooms. Room type: Rooms with bunk beds based on multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in Casa Mu San Jose (or similar)
- 2 nights in Selina La Fortuna (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All activities listed in the itinerary with bilingual guides
- Transportation between activities and destinations (except on day 1 and day 5)
- Day 1 dinner
- Day 4 lunch
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Optional add-ons
Available add-on
Entrance to Baldi Hot Springs
Want a soothing soak? Pay a visit to the famous Baldi Hot Springs, the largest hot springs complex in the world! Drawing on the healing waters from the Arenal region, discover 25 different thermal pools here, surrounded by the inviting sounds of the tropical rainforest. Bathe under crystalline waterfalls, discover the largest sauna in the country, ride water slides, and relax in luxurious jacuzzis!
Price: USD 38
20 spots left
Waterfall rappelling tour (with lunch included)
Trek through the forest on magical trails that lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica. You’ll uncover a place very few people get to experience! Along the way, we will have the chance to discover the secrets that lie hidden deep within the canyon. From the first waterfall, we will rappel down from the top into the beautiful and pristine canyon below. The adventure includes four rappels, three along the waterfalls and one on a dry rock face. Then, after a short trek back out of the canyon, you’ll be transferred back to base camp.
Price: USD 103
20 spots left
Venado Caves tour
Discovered by the Guatusos aboriginals, the Venado Caves are formed by limestone rocks, stalactites, stalagmites, and coral. Embark on a journey into the depths of these caves for some exciting exploration — it’s the perfect adventure for those who aren’t claustrophobic and don’t mind getting wet and muddy! Climbing walls and crawling through holes are all part of the excitement, but besides the action, you can also spot crickets, spiders, and plenty of bats!
Price: USD 99
20 spots left
Mountain biking tour
Enjoy a mountain biking tour to see the natural beauties of the area in a different way. This ride takes us on an old road that connects the Arenal Dam and the main entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park. From here, we’ll bike towards the village of El Castillo, traversing a quiet lane surrounded by dense forest and cattle farms. Along the way, spot howling monkeys, coatis, and unique and colorful bird species like toucans, egrets, and kingfishers. We’ll stop for a picnic on the shores of Lake Arenal where you can take a refreshing dip in the waters. This is an incredibly picturesque place, so don’t forget to snap plenty of photos! You’ll have great views of the volcano and the lake all throughout your bike tour (weather permitting).
Price: USD 85
20 spots left
Stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal
If you’re interested in an activity combines breathtaking scenery with a more laid-back pace, this is the perfect one for you. Make your way across the tranquil waters of the beautiful Lake Arenal on a stand-up paddle board and explore the area at your own pace. And, of course, marvel at the region’s most impressive natural attraction: the mighty Arenal Volcano, standing tall in the distance. First time trying SUP? Don’t worry, your guide will be there to help you out.
Price: USD 78
20 spots left
Kayaking on Lake Arenal
Glide across the glistening waters of Lake Arenal in a kayak and enjoy views of the colossal Arenal Volcano at the same time! See the region from a different point of view as you make your way down the lake with the group and enjoy the most stunning panoramic vistas. A kayaking instructor will be on hand to guide you during this activity.
Price: USD 73
20 spots left
Arenal Volcano hike
Hike the area surrounding the Arenal Volcano. This is the perfect chance for all types of adventure travelers, from wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to nature lovers and explorers. Follow an expert guide through the meandering trails of the national park and pass through secondary rainforest, lava fields from previous eruptions, and the habitats of thousands of species of flora and fauna. Reconnect with nature!
Price: USD 63
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Let the stunning Costa Rican jungle be your playground as you make your way across different platforms in the treetops. - Unsplash: Mario Scheibl
- About halfway through the trip, take a break onshore for some refreshing tropical fruit and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. - Unsplash: Amruth Pillai
- After a lesson from your professional guide, you’ll journey seven miles down the river across 30 class III and IV rapids. - Unsplash: Loren Dosti
- Casa Mu San José - Airbnb
- Selina La Fortuna - Selina La Fortuna
- Selina La Fortuna - Selina La Fortuna
- Selina La Fortuna - Selina La Fortuna
- Take your culinary skills to the next level and discover delicious Costa Rican cuisine during a fun hands-on cooking lesson. - Unsplash: Maarten van den Heuvel
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can take pointers from a true local. Learn about typical ingredients used in Costa Rican dishes, discover unique household customs, use new cooking techniques... - Unsplash: Tijana Drndarski
- ... and prepare a mouthwatering meal to savor alongside your new friends! - Unsplash: Sigmund
- Once the sun goes down, let loose and enjoy this magical city before heading home in the morning! - Unsplash: Dustin Tramel
- Arenal Volcano National Park - Unsplash: Zdeněk Macháček
- Add-on: Entrance to Baldi Hot Springs - Facebook: Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa
- Add-on: Waterfall rappelling tour (with lunch included) - Unsplash: Chalo Garcia
- Add-on: Stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal - Costa Rica Paddleboard
- Add-on: Kayaking on Lake Arenal - Arenal.net Travel Guide
- Add-on: Arenal Volcano hike - Unsplash: Drew Farwell
- Arrive in the amazing town of La Fortuna. As you get closer, you’ll be able to witness Costa Rica’s iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano in the distance, standing at a grand 5,480 feet tall. - Unsplash: Cosmic Timetraveler
- This fertile land hides all sorts of incredible creatures, from toucans to sloths. - Unsplash: Zdeněk Macháček
- Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the area or choose some optional activities (see optional add-ons section). - Unsplash: Christina Victoria Craft
- There are plenty of things to do here: rappel down a cascading waterfall, kayak across beautiful Lake Arenal, hike the majestic Arenal Volcano itself, visit the local hot springs… take your pick! - Unsplash: Chalo Garcia
- Go on an exhilarating canopy tour — zip through the treetops of the lush rainforest! - Unsplash: Perry Grone
- If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot three types of monkeys that live in this zone... - Unsplash: Christina Victoria Craft
- ... or perhaps catch glimpses of toucans, hummingbirds, and other native species! - Unsplash: Zdeněk Macháček
- You’ll arrive back in San Jose in time to enjoy the evening to the fullest. - Unsplash: Alexander Aguero
- Casa Mu San José - Airbnb