A full-day excursion from Guanacaste takes you to Arenal’s steaming cone, La Fortuna Waterfall and the wildlife-rich Ecocentro Danaus. This tour pairs a vigorous stair descent and waterfall swim with easy reserve walks and a ranch lunch.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the air-conditioned van into the steady green hush of the rainforest and Arenal looms ahead — a broad cone that still exhales steam, as if the mountain is checking the weather. The path to La Fortuna Waterfall drops quickly: ferns drip, river voices grow louder, and the stairwell opens to a plunge pool framed by basalt walls where swimmers cool off after the descent.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — you should be comfortable with stairs, uneven terrain and several short walks over the day.
Wildlife
History
Arenal’s modern landscape was dramatically altered after the 1968 eruption; the event redirected local agriculture and spurred La Fortuna’s growth as a tourism gateway.
Conservation
Ecocentro Danaus operates as a private conservation and education site; visitors are encouraged to stay on trails, avoid touching wildlife and minimize single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Full-Day Arenal Volcano and Rain Forest Tour from Guanacaste today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Stair-ready footwear
La Fortuna Waterfall involves roughly 500 steps round trip—wear shoes with good grip to handle wet stone and mud.
Bring swim gear and towel
You’ll have time to swim at the waterfall; quick-dry swimwear and a towel speed up drying before the next stop.
Pack insect repellent
Forest trails and reserve boardwalks attract mosquitos—DEET or picaridin works best, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
Expect a long travel window
Pickup from Guanacaste means significant driving; bring water, snacks and motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone to it.
Sturdy trail shoes
Provide traction for wet stairs and uneven rainforest trails.
Swimwear and towel
For swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall and drying off between stops.
Light rain jacket or poncho
Useful during the rainy season (May–November) when showers are common.
summer
Insect repellent
Protects against mosquitoes on reserve walks and near water.