Costa Rica · VOLCANO TOURS

The 15 Best Volcano Tours in Costa Rica

35 tours  ·  from $39

Four of them are drive-up craters and one is a lava field you walk. These 15 compare Poás, Irazú, Arenal, Tenorio and Rincón de la Vieja on price, altitude, entry reservations and the hour you need to leave to see anything.

Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano - The 18-meter waterfall gives the walk a focal point
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Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano

1.Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 381 reviews · from $39Our pick

At Mistico Park near La Fortuna, you’ll follow a marked rainforest trail across six hanging bridges and several fixed bridges, with views of an 18-meter waterfall and possible monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, and snakes. Choose a self-guided walk or arrange a guide for better wildlife spotting. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours.

“Such a beautiful park and I really liked that it’s kid and family friendly, anyone can do this park regardless of physical fitness. Amazing wildlife sightseeing, highly recommend as a family excursion and a light day on vacation.”

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Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose - The long road through Costa Rica’s agricultural belt
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Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

2.Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $195

Spend about 13 hours traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna for Sarchi’s famous ox cart, an Arenal volcano viewpoint and trails, included lunch and dinner, and several hours at a thermal resort. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, Pablo, and Max have helped make this long day personal, but weather, resort changes, and pickup delays can affect the plan.

“Our driver and tour guide was amazing. We got to see 30% of the volcano and enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Los Lagos. The overall tour was good for our family but we would have planned it better for us. I would do things differently. We literally only saw the volcano for 5-10 mins, which is fine, but not what I expected.”

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Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls - The road is part of the experience, for better or worse
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Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

3.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

Travel from San José into Costa Rica’s highlands for a guided Poás Volcano visit, Doka Estate coffee tour with tasting, and a short La Paz Waterfall stop. Expect an early pickup, mountain roads, a group of up to 20, and a full day shaped by weather and traffic. Guides such as Marcela, Nela, Victor, and Percy have earned strong praise.

“the guide was very helpful and had great knowledge, explained lots of things about the volcano. The coffee tour was pleasant too. The waterfall is beautiful but it's just in the middle of a road. The activity itself was very easy. Just spend a lot of time in the van. It was a very nice trip, especially to see some activity of Poas.”

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Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose - Poás Volcano at 2,708 meters
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Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

4.Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Travel from San José to Poás Volcano, Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Farm, La Paz Waterfall, and Mi Cafecito near Sarapiquí. Guides such as Carlos, Ricardo, and Charlie explain coffee growing, processing, roasting, and brewing. Lunch, transport, activities, and hotel pickup are included, but weather can hide the crater and the day may run beyond 10 hours.

“Rick (Ricardo) was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable provided an excellent experience. It was a long day but very enjoyable!”

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Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day) - Walking around Irazú’s main crater
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Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day)

5.Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99

Leave San José early for Irazú Volcano, where you’ll walk around the crater at 3,432 meters and look across Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Then visit Cartago’s Basilica of the Angels. Air-conditioned transport, WiFi, snacks, and hotel pickup are included. Guides such as Hayro, Raquel, and Donald are praised for clear English and local insight.

“A get experience to see the volcano. Driving there can be difficult; so a guided tour makes it easier, and our tour guide was very informative and entertaining. IF POSSIBLE check the weather to of there on a good day.”

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Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano - Swimming below the 70-meter waterfall
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Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano

6.Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · from $124

Start at 7:30 a.m. with a guided Arenal lava-trail hike, then swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and cross Mistico’s rainforest bridges. Add hot springs for a relaxing finish. Guides may include Diego, Gabriel, Ivan, Harvin, or Daniela. Hotel pickup, snacks, and park fees are included, with lunch available as an option.

“This hit all the major attractions in the area in a single day. Daniella was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle - Starting at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
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Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle

7.Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $176

Start at 7 a.m. with a swim at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, then hike through tropical forest across two hanging bridges to three waterfalls and Las Hornillas’ active volcanic crater. See fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and sulfuric rock before a mineral sauna, volcanic mud bath, and hot springs. Guide Andy also helps with family photos.

“Absolutely amazing experience!! Guide was phenomenal... kept everyone engaged and provided some knowledge as well!”

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Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike - La Fortuna Waterfall and the 500-step climb
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Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

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

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

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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Arenal Volcano Hike - What the three-hour outing actually includes
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Arenal Volcano Hike

9.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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The Discovery Adventures ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano - Automatic 4x4 quads make the route easier
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The Discovery Adventures ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano

10.The Discovery Adventures ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Join Outback Quad and Hire and Tour for a three-hour ATV ride near La Fortuna. You’ll receive a safety briefing, drive automatic 4x4 quads through forest trails, pause by the Arenal River, and look for monkeys, sloths, and volcano views. Guide Nelson is known for keeping rainy rides cheerful and fun.

“What an experience! It was so much fun! and trails were challenging enough to keep things exciting but still felt safe. Perfect mix of adventure and enjoyment.”

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Views Of heaven, peasant afternoons Volcano & Lake - Monkey sightings and the activity description do not match perfectly
La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Views Of heaven, peasant afternoons Volcano & Lake

11.Views Of heaven, peasant afternoons Volcano & Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Begin at 4:00 p.m. near Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails for a guided nature walk around Arenal Volcano. Look for howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, birds, reptiles, and perhaps peccaries, then enjoy coffee and local snacks at a fine viewpoint. The meeting details deserve careful checking because private transport is not included.

“Be cautious when booking this activity! They gave us incorrect meeting point, so we were not able to have this experience. The receptionist at the Arenal Lodge and Trails informed us that they couldn’t find our booking number. They gave us directions to El Castillo, however we weren’t not able to find this place. Very disappointed as we were looking forward to the monkey tour and picnic views.”

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Poas Volcano National Park Half Day tour from San Jose - Breakfast brings Costa Rica to the table
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Poas Volcano National Park Half Day tour from San Jose

12.Poas Volcano National Park Half Day tour from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $135

Start early from San Jose for Poas Volcano National Park, where a guide such as Arturo, Edgar, or Ricardo explains the crater, geology, plants, and local history. The tour includes transport, breakfast, bottled water, park admission, and often a coffee plantation stop. Expect a small group of up to 15 people and changeable mountain weather.

“Got a private tour with my brother on accident so that was fun. The tour guide was really knowledgeable and a funny guy.”

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Day Tour: Doka Estate, Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls - Poás Volcano and the short crater walk
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Day Tour: Doka Estate, Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls

13.Day Tour: Doka Estate, Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $193

Travel from San José to Doka Estate for coffee and breakfast, walk to Poás Volcano’s crater viewpoint, then visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, wildlife exhibits, five waterfalls, and a Costa Rican lunch. Expect a long 12-hour day, bilingual guiding, air-conditioned transport, and a group of up to 50 people.

“Elier with Willys Tours made our day to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls a great experience! From our pick up to drop off, we had the best time. He was a great tour guide, giving us a lot of information about Costa Rica as well as negotiating the sites for us with ease. Thank you Willys Tours CR and Elier for a great day!!”

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Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano and Sloth Watching Tour From San Jose - Meals, comfort, and what the $185 price buys
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Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano and Sloth Watching Tour From San Jose

14.Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano and Sloth Watching Tour From San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $185

Leave San Jose before sunrise for Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park, then watch sloths, toucans, frogs, butterflies, and other wildlife with a local guide. Breakfast, lunch, transport, park admission, and hotel pickup are included. Guides such as Yancy, Johnhan, Luis, and Fernando have earned praise for their sharp eyes and friendly style.

“Tour muy completo! Luis y Johan muy buenos guías, nos dieron oportunidad de nadar en el rio (el tour no lo incluye, solo ver la cascada), muy amables todo el tiempo. Es importante tener en cuenta el tiempo de traslado si están en San Jose, es algo largo y mas si hay trafico. El ver a los perezosos y otros animales igual es interesante, se ven desde un telescopio entre la naturaleza con otro guía.”

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Arenal Volcano River Horseback Riding Tour - What the private farm adds to the ride
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Arenal Volcano River Horseback Riding Tour

15.Arenal Volcano River Horseback Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $109

Ride from Go Adventure Arenal Park through a private farm near Arenal Volcano for about three hours. Guides such as Victor, Carlos, and Jorge lead riders past native plants, birds, and possible monkeys, with time for volcano views. Depending on weather, your group may take a river route instead. The pace can include trotting or cantering.

“I could not recommend this tour enough. If you love horses or just want a fun ride this is the place. We had route options to choose from due to the weather clouding the view of the volcano, so our group took a trip to the river instead. Carlos and his crew took great care of all the riders and were so patient with the less experienced ones. Running with the horses through the jungle had to be the highlight of my whole trip to Costa Rica.”

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New in Volcano Tours

★ 5.0Miravalles Volcano: Sloth’s Park, Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs.From $2057 reviews
★ 4.5Super Combo Tour: Waterfalls Gardens + Coffee Tour + Poás VolcanoFrom $19939 reviews
★ 4.5Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens from San JoséFrom $13742 reviews
★ 4.5Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San JoseFrom $18435 reviews
★ 5.0Secrets of Guayabo & Irazú Volcano National ParkFrom $18343 reviews
★ 4.53 Days Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano- Monteverde -Manuel Antonio From San JoséFrom $69931 reviews
★ 5.05 Tours in 1 – The Ultimate Volcano Adventure!From $16935 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & RainforestFrom $7735 reviews
★ 4.5Side by Side Tour (Arenal Volcano) 2 – 5 people39 reviews
★ 4.5Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano with Lunch and HotspringsFrom $9936 reviews
★ 5.0Combined Tour (Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano)From $28343 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Expeditions Walk with Optional Hot SpringsFrom $5841 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Hike Expedition with Optional Hot SpringsFrom $5735 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Hike plus Baldi Hot Springs and DinnerFrom $14029 reviews

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Waterfall Tours50Arenal Volcano Tours38Poás Volcano Tours8Rio Celeste Tours10Hanging Bridges Tours18Spa & Hot Springs16
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