Private Arenal Volcano Hike – Choose Your Trail
Price
Overview
Explore Arenal's volcanic landscapes with a naturalist guide dedicated to your group. This private Arenal Volcano hike lets you choose between Arenal 1968 and El Silencio. Each trail reveals a different side of the region's geological history.
At Arenal 1968, you'll walk through terrain shaped by the volcano's historic eruption. Lava formations, recovering vegetation, and open viewpoints show how the landscape has changed over time. Clear weather may reveal views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Clouds can limit visibility.
El Silencio Trail offers a different setting. Its trails connect tropical forest with sections of volcanic rock. Along the route, you can notice how plants grow around older lava formations. This option suits travelers interested in both rainforest environments and geology.
Your private guide explains the volcano's history and helps you interpret the features along your chosen route. You can ask questions about the landscape, plants, and natural processes you observe. Unlike a shared departure, your party has a dedicated guide throughout the walk.
We recommend this private Arenal Volcano hike for couples, families, and friends who appreciate individual attention. It can also suit visitors interested in landscape photography or the story behind Arenal's distinctive terrain. Both trails offer nature and geological context, but their scenery and walking conditions differ.
Neither route climbs to the volcano's summit. Expect outdoor trails, with some uneven or rocky sections. Rain can make the ground slippery, so bring suitable walking shoes and light rain protection. Carry water for the walk. Travelers with mobility concerns should check the selected trail before booking.
Choose the route that matches your interests and comfort with walking. Your guide can help you understand what you see, while weather and trail conditions shape the day's experience. Departure times, transport arrangements, and changes to the planned route depend on your confirmed booking.
Included/Excluded
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Bilingual certified guides
- Parks Entrance Fee
- Typical Organic Luch
What to bring?
- Comfortable clothes
- Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Hat & sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Small backpack for your belongings
Booking Information
- Price: Price is per person.
- Sales Tax: A 13% sales tax will be added upon booking.
- Tour Availability: All tours are subject to availability.
- Minimum Booking Requirement: A minimum of two (2) people per booking is required. If you are a solo traveler, please contact us directly by email or WhatsApp for availability.
- Children: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Transportation: Transportation from most hotels or vacation rentals is included in the price. However, if your hotel or vacation rental is located far from downtown La Fortuna or the route to Arenal Volcano, extra pick-up fees may be charged. Please confirm this during booking.
- Departure Times: Departure times are approximate. The precise pick-up time will be provided on your travel voucher.
Cancellation Policy
Standard Cancellations: Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled service by emailing to receive a full refund, minus any applicable credit card processing fee (typically 5%).
Holiday Cancellations (December 20 – January 4): Cancellations during this peak season must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance to qualify for a full refund, minus payment processing fees.
Late Cancellations: Cancellations made after the required notice period are subject to a 100% cancellation fee and are non-refundable.
No-Show Policy: Guests must be present at the agreed pickup time and location. Our guide or driver will wait up to 10 minutes. Failure to appear will be considered a no-show and charged in full.
Late Arrival: If you arrive late but the service can still be operated, the tour will proceed on an adjusted schedule. Activities may be shortened, and no partial refunds will be provided.
Illness or Medical Emergencies: Our preferred solution is to reschedule your experience. If rescheduling is not possible, refund requests will be reviewed individually and may require a medical certificate.
Weather & Force Majeure: If Tours in Arenal cancels a service due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, guests may choose between rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
Company Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel or modify any service for operational or safety reasons. In such cases, we will offer an alternative, reschedule the service, or provide a full refund.
Unused Services: Once a tour or transfer has started, any unused portion of the service is non-refundable.
Personal Belongings: Tours in Arenal is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items during transportation or activities.
Liability: By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge that participation is voluntary and at your own risk, and you release Tours in Arenal and its operating partners from liability for events beyond their direct control.
Payments
- Currency: Payments will be processed in US dollars.
- Payment Process: Your credit card will be charged using a secure payment link once the service is confirmed.
- Booking Confirmation: Prices, transportation, attractions, services, and travel dates are not confirmed until we receive the required payment.
FAQ
Is this tour fully private?
Yes. Your guide and transportation are reserved for your group.
The volcano trails and wildlife area are shared attractions or reserves, so you may encounter other visitors during the experience.
Which volcano trail will we visit?
The volcano portion may take place inside Arenal Volcano National Park or at a nearby private reserve with access to old lava-flow terrain.
The final route depends on trail conditions, availability and what makes the most sense for your group on the day of the experience.
Will we definitely see sloths?
The wildlife portion takes place in an area specifically known for sloth observation, including both two-toed and three-toed sloths.
However, sloths are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Your guide will use a spotting scope and knowledge of the habitat to give your group the best possible opportunity to observe them.
How difficult is the volcano hike?
We consider the volcano hike moderate.
Expect natural trails, volcanic rock, uneven footing and warm or humid conditions depending on the weather.
The sloth walk afterward is easier and mostly flat.
Is this a good tour for children?
It can work well for active children ages 5 and older who are comfortable walking on natural trails.
Families should also keep in mind that wildlife observation involves slowing down, listening and sometimes waiting patiently while the guide searches the canopy.
What happens if the volcano is cloudy?
The experience continues.
Cloud cover is very common around Arenal and can change quickly throughout the day. Even without a completely clear volcano view, the hike still focuses on volcanic history, forest recovery and the surrounding landscape.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local organic farm restaurant is included.
Please let us know about dietary requirements before the tour so available options can be confirmed.
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