12 Hiking Tours in La Fortuna to Build a Day Around

1.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210Our pick

You’ll combine four La Fortuna highlights in one small-group day: a gentle safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, La Fortuna Waterfall, a traditional lunch with the Rodríguez family, and a slow hike around Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, Oscar, and Carlos are known for spotting wildlife and explaining local nature and culture.

“Edgar and Tony were great! The family restaurants food was amazing and all staff was just so nice. Finished super tired and weather wasn’t ideal but overall great time. :)”

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2.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Start with Pure Trek’s waterfall canyoning near La Fortuna, including rappelling, rock climbing, and a forest zipline. Then ride to the Balsa River for Class 2 to 3 white-water rafting, a swimming stop, snacks, drinks, and lunch. Guides such as Byran, Myron, Augusto, and Mario have earned praise for calm safety briefings and good humor.

“Best tour!! Rappelling was A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!!!!!!!! I could have done it all day. So fun! Rafting was exciting, jumping off the cliff was fun and the pineapple and beer was a treat!”

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3.Arenal Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $73

Walk Arenal Volcano’s old lava fields and forest trails with a local guide such as Byron, Diego, Aaron, or Ricardo. Expect volcano history, uneven lava rock, lookout points, possible wildlife sightings, transport, and a fresh fruit snack. The roughly three-hour tour suits most reasonably active visitors and ends back at Callidryas Tours.

“This one is not so much hike as it is educational. Our guide was fabulous and knowledgeable about the area, the history, creatures around us, etc. He was great. The “hike” itself is mildly strenuous for a short time, and we think as a family (with teenage boys), we probably could’ve completed the hike out and back in 45 minutes at a decent pace.”

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4.Pure Trek Canyoning & Sky Trek Zip Line Combo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $259

Start with Sky Trek zip lines above La Fortuna’s rainforest, reaching 600 feet high and 2,600 feet long. After lunch, Pure Trek takes you into an Arenal mountain canyon for waterfall rappelling, a rock climb, and the Monkey Drop. Guides handle the safety systems, and hotel transfers are included from selected hotels.

“This was the most fun, adventurous day! The tour companies were super organized, efficient and fun to chat with. They made a very safe but adventurous day for us!! We want to do it again!”

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5.Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66

From La Fortuna, ride by air-conditioned minivan to a 243-hectare protected forest. Walk a 3.1-kilometer circuit across 15 suspended and stationary bridges while your guide points out monkeys, snakes, frogs, birds, and rainforest plants. Guides such as Andres, Harvin, and Daniela have earned praise for sharp wildlife spotting and clear explanations.

“This was a truly great tour. Gustavo is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide. The fauna and flora are outstanding. The park itself is very nice and very well maintained. One of the best tours we have had on our Costa Rica trip.”

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6.2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $160

Join Red Lava TSC for a demanding two-day trek from La Fortuna to Monteverde. You’ll cross remote jungle trails, wade rivers, sleep in a basic mountain cabin, share dinner with your guide and host, then climb through farmland into Monteverde’s cloud forest. Guides including Hugo, Errol, Santiago, Carlos, and Christian have led this route.

“This was my best experience in Costa Rica! Our guide Errol was wonderful, and he showed us a nice spot to swim in the river in the first day, which was amazing. The cabin was so rustic and cute. The hikes were definitely challenging and uphill and hot, but so worth it! Don’t do this if you’re not willing to help out or stay in a very remote and rustic location.”

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7.Sky Tram, Sky Trek and Sky Walk From Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $174

Spend about five hours in Arenal’s rainforest with a guided Sky Walk, an aerial tram to the reserve’s upper slopes, and seven zip lines above the treetops. Guides such as Maria and Valeria have earned praise for wildlife spotting and clear explanations. Hotel pickup is included, but meals and souvenir photos cost extra.

“This was an excellent tour. Our guide was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and we were able to see a fair amount of wildlife. This zipline was amazing!!!! Outstanding day!”

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8.Hanging Bridges, Volcano Hike and La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $175

Start at 7:30 a.m. with a guide-led walk at Mistico Hanging Bridges, then hike near Arenal Volcano and finish at La Fortuna Waterfall. Guides such as Samantha and Marco help spot wildlife and explain the area. Small groups, transport, entry fees, snacks, bottled water, and lunch are included.

“Although there are a fair number of people at Mistico, our guide, Samantha, made it feel more personal. We also went to the La Fortuna waterfall and up Arenal. Samantha was very informed and showed us the beauty and diversity of the area (which was mind-boggling). We also had a delicious lunch!”

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9.Arenal Volcano Hike Expedition with Optional Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $57Best value

From La Fortuna, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Arenal Volcano for a guided 3-kilometer walk through rainforest and volcanic terrain. Guides such as Harven, Daniella, and Elena explain eruptions, plants, birds, and wildlife. Tours run daily at 7:30am and 2:30pm, with optional hot springs available.

“The hike was fun and view was amazing. Our guide Harven was super friendly and helpful and he was able to recommendations for local activities and restaurants. Keep in mind that depending on the weather you might not get to see the volcano. Even if don’t get to see the volcano the tour is worth it as you learn about the history of the Volcano and surrounding area.”

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10.Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $108

From La Fortuna, a small group follows a guide through Tenorio Volcano National Park to Rio Celeste and Los Teñideros. Expect about two hours of hiking, steep stairs, mud after rain, wildlife spotting, and a Costa Rican lunch. Guides such as Santos, Rosa, Roy, and Samantha add local nature knowledge and adjust the pace to the group.

“This was my first trip to Costa Rica with my Daughter. Our tour guide was Santos. He was exquisite. He shared the culture of the country and showed us a wonderful experience. The your itself was 4 hours, including the transportation. The company was Desafio. His hospitality and warmth were top-notch. I would give this company 10 stars if possible. After a vigorous 2 hours hike through the jungle, which was Desafio (challenging) for me, but worth it! The waterfall was amazing and we saw interesting things along the way and ended our tour with an authentic lunch, Casado / fresh fish, rice, beans, avocado, salad and fresh-squeezed guava juice.…”

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11.Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & Rainforest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $77

Walk the lava paths at Mirador El Silencio with a certified naturalist guide, learn how Arenal’s 1968 eruption changed La Fortuna, and look for regenerating plants and wildlife. Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle and park entry are included. The light-to-moderate hike lasts about two hours, with an optional hot springs add-on.

“This was a moderate hike that provides you with a good sense of the terrain and history of the volcano and its impact on the environment/people of the area. Samuel was an excellent guide and seemed very knowledgeable. His explanations and insights made for a very interesting and enjoyable hike. He also went out of his way to ensure that we were able to observe a sloth he had located the previous day. Ramon provided great transportation services and the fruit at the end of the hike was much appreciated.”

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12.Arenal Volcano Hike plus Baldi Hot Springs and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $140

This La Fortuna outing pairs a guided two-hour walk through Arenal Volcano National Park with wildlife viewing, volcano and lake views, and roughly three hours at Baldi Hot Springs, including dinner. Guides such as Miguel and Steven have led informative outings, but expect a rocky, moderate hike and pools that range from warm to hot.

“We had a great experience. We hiked with our 2 boys under 12. We loved the hike, hot springs and lunch at Baldi. Must do.”

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