Arenal: Tour Descriptions
All of the tours offered through AEC are apart of the The Explornatura Adventure Point system that was developed to provide AEC students with an easy, hassle-free way to plan and budget your time in Costa Rica. By reviewing the Catalog of tours below, before attending your AEC Spanish Language program, you are able to better plan your travels in CostaRica according to your budget and time available.
Learn more about purchasing points and their benefits.
HALF-DAY TOURS:
These activities last approximately 3 hours. They are available in the morning or in the afternoon, seven days a week.
| Arenal Hanging Bridges |
82 points
2 minimum |
Available for Adults and children 5 years and older: The bridges are built in the forest reserve to provide a unique opportunity to explore the natural flora and fauna of the area. They span the rainforest ranging in the lengths from 5 to 100 meters and are made of galvanized aluminum steel and concrete affording a safe venue for people of all ages to experience the rainforest reserve.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Penas Blancas Float Trip |
79 points
2 minimum |
Available for Adults and children 5 years and older:Relax and enjoy a peaceful day on the tranquil and scenic Peñas Blancas River. As you paddle down the river you may spot a variety of birds such as toucans, osprey, great herons, tiger herons and other animals, such as monkeys, sloth and iguanas.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Horseback and Canopy Tour |
79 points
no minimum |
Available for adults and children 5 years and older: The first part of the tour is a 45-minute horseback-riding trip that brings you to the edge of a forest where a guide will give a bried description of the canopy tour and a safety talk. The zip-line portion includes nine cables and 18 different platforms.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Venado Caverns |
78 points
2 Minimum |
Available for adults and children 5 years and older: The Venado Caverns contain configurations over six million years old. There are underground waterfalls and rivers that run through the caverns as well as numerous stalactites and stalagmites. The tour will take you through many different underground caverns and tunnels.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Sky Tram and Sky Trek |
109 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: The sky tram takes us up through the canaopy of the rainforest until we reach an observation platform which is 1050 meters over sea level. Sky trek is a 2.2 km zip-line system which has cables from 20 to 200 meters high and 30 and 750 meters long. Sky trek is offered to adults and children 7 years and older. Sky tram is available to adults and children of all ages.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Areal Bungee |
74 points
no minimum |
Available for adults that weigh at least 90 pounds: It's just gravity! Attach yourself to the bungee cord and jump from a towering 40 meter height with the option of waist or ankle connections.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Mountain Biking Tour |
96 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older:This ride takes us on the road around the Arenal volcano National Park where we have a picnic lunch on the shore of Lake Arenal. The volcano is visible during most of the ride and if we are lucky we can often hear its activity. The distance covered is around 15 km (9 miles) and the altitude reached is 85 meters (280+ ft.)
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Arenal Volcano Tour |
71 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: The Arenal Volcano is 5000 feet tall, constantly spewing lava, and one of Costa Rica's most recognized landmarks. You will hike on different trails through lush forests with a variety of plants and animals. You end up on the old lava trails where you can appreciate the vestiges of past eruptions and climb the volcanic rocks.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Horseback Riding Tour- Waterfall |
81 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: Get spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and the green countryside as you travel by horseback to the 140-foot Rio Fortuna waterfall. A 20-minute hike follows to take you down to the river to swim and cool off in the rushing waters beneath the waterfall.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Bird Watching Tour |
72 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older:Join us for a hike in the La Fortuna countryside to enjoy an amazing display of tropical birds. You will have the opportunity to see toucans, parrots, oro-pendulas, colorful tanagers, parakeets, and many more.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Danaus Ecology Center |
65 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: Daunus Center is a special wildlife ecology research center that houses a butterfly garden, a serpentarium, a pond, and several trails around the center. The paths take you through the lush tropical gardens where you may spot sloths, opossums, chocuacos (bird) and other animals and insects.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Kayaking in the Arenal Lake |
76 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: This tour will take us to the enormous Arenal Lake about 12 kilometers away from La Fortuna. It is a world-renowned destination for windsurfing and sport fishing. During this tour we will visit two islands where we will look for aquatic wildlife and admire a wonderful view of the Arenal Volcano. We will use sit-up-top kayaks for this tour that do not require previous experience.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Canyoning |
113 points
no minimum |
Available for adults and children 13 years and older: Experienced guides put you into your safety harness and assist you down a series of over 8 amazing waterfalls that get gradually bigger with the grand finale, a huge, 210 ft, 3-stage waterfall! Perfect for thise looking to combine the thrill of descending waterfalls while immersed in the beauty of the rainforest.
Any day in the morning or afternoon |
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| Baldi Hot Springs |
66 points
no minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages: Enjoy the therapeutic steaming hot water that runs from underground rivers heated by the volcano. In Baldi Hot Springs, you can enjoy 16 different pools, sauna and giant jacuzzi, while sipping a refreshing drink from the wet bar and listening to tranquil music. The spa offeres a variety of massages, face cleaning, special packages and the best treatment of the professionals to its order.
Any day at any time |
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| Fortuna Waterfall Tour |
44 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: Get picked up at your hotel and taken to the towering, beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall where you can hike around on trails and swim in the cool, reffreshing waters of the Fortuna River.
Any day in the morning or afternoon. |
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| El Silencio Volcano Tour |
65 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: The hike is about 2 km long and goes through a secondary rainforest that has been affected by the eruptions. The hike is steep, about 6% uphill path, so it is not suggested for persons who might have trouble hiking steep inclines. While we are hiking to the lookout point we get to see different kinds of animals, such as spider monkeys, howler monkeys and different species of birds.
Any day in the morning or afternoon. |
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FULL-DAY TOURS:
These activities last approx. 8 hours. You are picked up in the morning and return in the afternoon. All of these tours include lunch.
| Cano Negro Motorboat Tour |
90 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 6 years and older: These wetlands are the habitat of more that 350 varieties of birds, as well as the emerald basilisk, iguanas, river turtles, caimans and many other species. The boat ride is about 2 and half hours long.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Cano Negro Kayak Tour |
191 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: This reserve is known as a biological corridor between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. You will have the opportunity to see many species of birds, howler monkeys. spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, caimans, iguanas and sloth while exploring in a sit-on-top kayak.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Monteverde One Day Tour |
221 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: This tour includes transportation to and from La Fortuna, a hike in the Santa Elena Reserve, and lunch. During the hike you will feel, hear and see the variety of wildlife that lives in the cloud forest reserve. The guide explains the nature and ecology of the surrounding area, while pointing out plants and wildlife that we see along the way.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Cerro Chato Hike |
100 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: This hike is one of the most challenging ones in the region. You hike up to the dormant Cerro Chato Volcano wich reaches over 3300 feet and see the emerald lake in the inactive crater. From here you are about half a mile away from the top of the Areal Volcano and have an amazing view of the countryside.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Challenge Adventure Tour |
146 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older in good physical condition: This tour will make every muscle in your body work out! In this tour there are two activities involved: hiking and biking. We leave La Fortuna on our bikes and ride around the Arenal Volcano for 22 miles and at the bottom slopes of the cerro Chato Volcano we start the hike uphill towards the top of this volcano which reaches 3500 feet. This hike is very steep and muddy, so be prepared to get dirty!
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Mountain Biking Tour |
129 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older: Our most popular Full-Day ride starts at the Arenal Dam and takes the road parallel to Lake Arenal, famous for its abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. After a challenging downhill, we arrive at the village of El Vanado. Here you have the option to take a guided visit to the underground Venado Caves ($10 entrance fee not included). Additional biking on scenic paved roads is possible after lunch.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Rafting on the Toro River |
143 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 13 years and older: Paddlers love the Toro River for its 45-continuous class 3-4 rapids along more than 16 kilometers of deep-canyon gorges and waterfalls. This river is populated with wildlife so you can see sloths, monkeys and many species of birds.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Sport Fishing on Arenal Lake |
382 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 6 years and older: The Arenal Lake is popular for sport-fishing as there is a large quantity of fish there including tilapia, machaca and rainbow bass. The boats used in this tour are suitable for two people and that have all the equipment required for this activity.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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| Exploranatura One-Day Rafting Adventure |
144 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: The Turrialba Valley is home to the famous Pacuare River, listed in "Outdoor Magazine" as one of the Top Ten Rivers in the world to white water raft. Not only are its class 3 and 4 rapids some of the best but its natural beauty is what really earned its claim to fame. Experience real "Pacuare" excitement with 18 miles of wild rapids and enjoy some of the most prestine rainforests Costa Rica has to offer. Lunch included.
Any day starting in the morning only. |
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SPECIAL WEEKEND TOURS:
These activities depart on Saturday in the morning and return Sunday in the afternoon.
| Monteverde Overnight Tour |
448 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde in the air and on the ground onthe Monteverde Sky Trek zipline tour and hikes through the Santa Elena reserve in the daytime and nighttime. This includes transportation to and from La Fortuna, one night in a hotel (double occupancy), a guide, some meals, and 3 tours.
Leaving Saturday in the morning and returning on Sunday afternoon. |
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| Adventure Turrialba |
419 points
6 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older: Experience the best of Turrialba as you raft down the internationally famous PAcuare River, go canyoning in the Puente Vigas Canyons and visit the Golden Bean Coffee Factory with a special dinner featuring coffee. This includes transportation to and from La Fortuna, one night in a hotel (double occupancy), some meals, and 3 tours.
Leaving Saturday in the morning and returning on Sunday afternoon. |
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ARENAL SHUTTLES:
All shuttles are one-way, point-to-point transportation with set pickup times in the morning and/or afternoon. All routes may include a transfer point. You are permitted one large bag and one carry-on item. You must report oversized or extra bags (like a surfboard) ahead of time or space cannot be guaranteed.
La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo or Siquirres - Departs 8:15 am (Approx. 5 hours) 70 points
La Fortuna to Monteverde - Departs 8:15 am or 11:30 am (Approx. 3 hours) 56 points
La Fortuna to San Jose - Departs 8:15 am or 11:30 am (Approx. 3 hours) 56 points
La Fortuna to Turrialba - Departs 8:15 (Approx. 4 hours) 70 points
La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio - Departs 8:15 am or 11:30 am (Approx. 4 hours) 41 points
La Fortuna to Tamarindo - Departs 8:15 am or 11:30 am (Approx. 4 hours) 56 points
La Fortuna to Samara - Departs 8:15 am (Approx. 4 hours) 56 points
La Fortuna to Montezuma - Departs 8:30 am (Approx. 4 hours) 56 points
La Fortuna to Siquirres - Departs 8:15 am or 11:30 am (Approx. 3 hours) 56 points
CAR RENTALS:
These car rental prices DO NOT include obligatory insurance; this must be paid in CASH or CREDIT CARD (points cannot be used) at the time that you make your reservation with the Exploranatura Representative. All car rental packages are for either per day (24 hours) or 1 week long and include pick-up and drop-off at approved sites only.
Family- per day rental: 4x4 vehicle for 6 people. $25 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 96 points
Family- 1 week rental: 4x4 vehicle for 6 people. $25 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 577 points
Economic- per day rental: 4x4 vehicle for 4 people. $15 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 42 points
Economic- 1 week rental: 4x4 vehicle for 4 people. $15 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 243 points
LAST NIGHT IN COSTA RICA:
These packages are lodging ONLY and do NOT include transportation to the hotel.
Economic Double Occupancy:
Includes transport fromLa Fortuna to the hotel, 1 noght in Hotel Mi Tierra in Alajuela, 96 points
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