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Independent field guide · Updated 2026

ArenalCosta Rica

One valley folds a volcano, hot springs and cloud-forest waterfalls into a single trip. Here is how to read it, season by season.

1,633metres · summit
3-in-1volcano · springs · falls
25°warm all year
Discover experiences When to go
La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour
4.8★rated by 2,500+ travellers
Arenal in numbers
2hours from San Jose airport
6ways in: springs, falls, canopy, rafting, wildlife, coffee
May–Novgreen season, fewer crowds
Plan by the calendar

Good all year, good differently

The rainforest never really sleeps. Pick your month below.

Dec – Apr

Dry season

Clear volcano views and sunny mornings. Also the busiest weeks.

Peak clarity →
May – Nov

Green season

Half the crowds and the lushest forest of the year.

Fewer people →
Month by month

Arenal in your month

Twelve month guides, from January clarity to September lushness.

Open the guides →
Ways to feel it

Six ways into the forest

Volcano & combos

Full day trips around the cone

Hot springs

Thermal rivers from the volcano

Waterfalls

La Fortuna and hidden falls

Rafting & adventure

Rivers, canyoning, rappels

Wildlife

Sloths, birds, night walks

Hanging bridges

Walk the canopy at eye level

Top rated by travellers

Experiences worth the trip

Real traveller ratings. Prices are indicative starting points per person.

Volcano & combos4.9La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

1,847 reviews

From$154
Discover
Volcano & combos4.9Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Combo Tour

Arenal Volcano, Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Combo Tour

761 reviews

From$154
Reserve
Rafting & adventure4.9Pure Trek Canyoning Adventure: 4 Rappels & Monkey Drop

Pure Trek Canyoning Adventure: 4 Rappels & Monkey Drop

1,516 reviews

From$117
Reserve
Volcano & combos4.8La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

2,533 reviews

From$105
Reserve
Volcano & combos4.9Arenal Volcano Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling from La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling from La Fortuna

1,089 reviews

From$105
Reserve
Rafting & adventure4.8Sky Adventures Park Zipline Course and Aerial Tram in Arenal Park

Sky Adventures Park Zipline Course and Aerial Tram in Arenal Park

986 reviews

From$110
Reserve
Who is this trip for

Find your Arenal

Six traveller profiles, each with its own plan.

Traveller profile

Arenal for families

Sloths, safe trails and warm pools

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Traveller profile

Arenal for couples

Thermal evenings and forest mornings

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Traveller profile

Arenal for adrenaline

Rapids, rappels and ziplines

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Traveller profile

Arenal for wellness

The thermal capital of Costa Rica

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Traveller profile

Arenal for digital nomads

Work from the edge of the rainforest

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Traveller profile

Arenal for nature lovers

Sloths, quetzal country and night frogs

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