Best Arenal Volcano Tours & Activities | Costa Rica Experts

Arenal Sky Aerial Tram & Trek Zipline

Sarah Mayo — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:19:31 +0000

The Arenal Sky Aerial Tram & Trek Zipline tour starts with the Sky Aerial Tram, a high-tech cable-car that brings you to the highest point of the Arenal Reserve. With rainforest canopy and the Arenal volcano as your backdrop, you’ll have time for photos before receiving a safety briefing. This part of the tour is the Sky Trek: a zipline adventure that allows you to observe the rainforest while zooming past trees. Fly through lush canopy across 8 cross-sectional cables that, together, have a total length of 4.5 miles and with a maximum height of 660 feet.

*Height and weight restrictions apply. Inquire for details.

Includes: transportation, guide, entrance fees, equipment

Duration: Half-day, departs early in the morning and returns in time for lunch

What to Bring: secure closed-toe shoes (required), light comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hairband (for those with long hair)

Minimum Age: 6

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Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

Sarah Mayo — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:40:23 +0000

The Arenal Hanging Bridges hike is a rainforest canopy experience through a private nature reserve with over 1500 acres of rainforest. Traverse a trail connected by 8 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges with a naturalist guide to uncovering the magic of the rainforest and the importance of conservation. Keep an eye out for tropical birds, mammals, and reptiles on this local favorite nature hike.

After lunch, you’ll head to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Enjoy the cascade from the observation point high above before walking down about 300 meters (400-500 stairs) to the base of the waterfall on a steep, paved pathway with several stairs. Once at the bottom, you will have the opportunity to snap some photos and even take a dip in the chilly waters. Please note: swimming is allowed in the river, but not near the cascade of the powerful waterfall!

Includes: transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch

Duration: full-day, departs early in the morning and returns mid-afternoon

What to bring: closed-toe shoes (required), light comfortable clothing, light jacket or sweater, bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel

Minimum age: 5

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Arenal Hanging Bridges ‘Early Birds’ Hike

Sarah Mayo — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:41:20 +0000

This early morning tour is for those who wish to discover the magic of the rainforest just after sunrise. The Arenal Hanging Bridges is an ecotourism project of trails and bridges maintained for the observation and protection of nature. Explore the canopy of the rainforest with a professional ornithologist guide on a trail connected by 8 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges. It is not uncommon for birdwatchers to note between 50 & 60 species of birds during the tour. After the 2 ½ hour hike, you can discuss the species you spotted with your guide before heading back to your hotel.

Includes: transportation, guide, entrance fees

Duration: Half-day, departs early in the morning around 5:30 am (approximately 10-15 minutes away from main Arenal area hotels)

What to bring: closed-toe shoes (required), light comfortable clothing, light jacket or sweater, bug spray, sunscreen, hat or bandana

Minimum age: 6

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‘Slothies & Birds’ Nature Tour

Sarah Mayo — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:51:57 +0000

Sloths are one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable creatures, with tourists flocking to the area to observe them each year. Embark on a short hike through the secondary forest and try to find these gentle creatures! It is likely you will spot at least one sloth, try as they may blend in. Learn about the many fabulous plants along the way and keep your eyes open for more than just sloths – the trail also hosts many species of local tropical birds.

Minimum Age: 2 years
Passenger Minimum: 2
Duration: Half-day, departs in the morning OR afternoon
Difficulty: easy
Includes: transfers, guide, entrance
What to Bring: comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat or bandana
Tour Type: nature

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Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike

Sarah Mayo — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 21:21:42 +0000

Hike across the Arenal Hanging Bridges with a naturalist guide for a perfect half-day Arenal tour. This ecotourism project of solid ground trails and state-of-the-art hanging bridges was designed for the observation and conservation of Costa Rica’s incredible nature. The reserve, with nearly 370 acres of rainforest, is home to countless species of amazing birds, mammals, and lush vegetation. You will walk along the treetops with your naturalist guide, encountering 8 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges. These connect gaps in the reserve canyon, allowing you to walk right into the most important layers of the rainforest.

The Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike is also available as a private tour.

Minimum Age: 6 years
Passenger Minimum: 2
Duration: Half-day, departs early in the morning and returns in time for lunch
Difficulty Level: easy, some small inclines
Includes: transfers, guide, and entrance
What to Bring: closed-toe shoes (required), light comfortable clothing, rain jacket or poncho (rainy season), sunscreen, bug spray, hat, or bandana
Tour Type: nature, active

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Pure Trek Waterfall Canyoning

Sarah Mayo — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 21:40:50 +0000

Begin with a brief safety talk before gearing up and embarking on a short trek to the top of the first waterfall where you start your descent. There are five rappels, four of which are along waterfalls, and one dry rock face, ranging in height from 50 to 20 meters, and are all promise to get your adrenaline pumping! Strap in for vertical water, lush jungle, occasional wildlife, and pure adventure!

Minimum Age: 5 years
Passenger Minimum: 2
Duration: Full day, departs in the morning and returns after lunch
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Includes: transfers, guide, equipment, and lunch
What to Bring: light comfortable clothing, swimsuit, secure shoes, towel, change of clothes
Tour Type: adventure, active

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Pure Nature Rio Frio Safari Float: Class I-II

Sarah Mayo — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:34:07 +0000

This tour is for nature lovers who want to explore further away from the main Arenal tourist areas. You will transfer by ground approximately 1 ½ hours by ground to the Frío River, an important area for much of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Float down the river peacefully as you try to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, caimans, and birds in this special eco-environment. After, enjoy homemade snacks at a Costa Rican family farm and practice your Spanish skills with the owners before heading back to Arenal.

Minimum Age: 5 years
Passenger Minimum: 2
Duration: 3/4 day, departs in the morning, and returns in time for a later lunch
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Includes: transfers, guide, equipment, snack
What to Bring: secure shoes, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat or bandana, light jacket or sweater
Tour Type: nature, active

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Rio Balsa Whitewater Rafting: Class II – III

Sarah Mayo — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 03:47:32 +0000

About 1 – 1.5 hours from the Arenal area is the Balsa River, a perfect spot for first-time and experienced paddlers to enjoy class II and class III rapids. The dynamic on this river is typical of most rivers in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica: consistent Class III rapids for the first half, and less intense rapids (great for wildlife watching) in the second half. You might spot tropical birds and other mammals across the jungle landscapes that surround the river region. Enjoy a tasty lunch before returning to your hotel later in the afternoon.

Minimum Age: 6 years
Passenger Minimum: 2
Duration: Full day, departs in the morning and returns after lunch
Difficulty: moderate
Includes: transfers, guides, equipment, lunch
What to Bring: light comfortable clothing, swimsuit, secure shoes, towel, change of clothes
Tour Type: adventure, active

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Peñas Blancas Safari Float: Class I-II

Sarah Mayo — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:45:33 +0000

Quietly paddling along the Peñas Blancas River is a great chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, numerous tropical birds, and monkeys all await you on this adventure! A professional bilingual guide will accompany you to share educational explanations of the plants and animals you encounter. Traveling down the river without a motor, you will appreciate the peacefulness of the journey while rowing and taking pictures.

Minimum Age: 6 years
Passenger Minimum: 4
Duration: half-day, departs in the morning and returns in time for lunch
Difficulty: easy /moderate
Includes: transfers, guide, equipment, snack
What to Bring: secure shoes, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat or bandana, light jacket or sweater
Tour Type: nature, active

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Arenal Volcano Hike

Sarah Mayo — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:00:28 +0000

Start your hike on a rainforest trail that crosses one of the volcano’s old lava flows from 1992. Thanks to the environment around the base of the volcano, you may also spot plants, and wildlife during the hike. Once you have reached the top of the lava flow, stop to enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Arenal. Follow your naturalist guide, who will explain the history of the volcano and help you spot interesting flora and fauna during your hike.

Duration: Half-day, departs in the morning and returns in time for lunch. Afternoon departures sometimes available.
Minimum Age: 5 years (recommended for children over 7)
Passenger Minimum: 2
Difficulty: easy/moderate with some inclines
Includes: transfers, guide, entrance
What to Bring: secure closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat or bandana, bug repellent, raincoat.
Tour Type: nature, active

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