Arenal Volcano National Park
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Nature & Wildlife,
Walking/Hiking,
Mountain,
National Park,
Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park Reviews
We've found 50 Arenal Volcano National Park reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Review by Aikaterini O, February 2011
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
I booked this tour anticipating that at least part of our day would be spent touring the Arenal volcano itself, and National Park (the day trip was misleadingly advertised as 'Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs'). Instead, we were taken directly to a thermal spa, after an unnecessarily long (2-hour!) buffet lunch stop at a nearby restaurant. The spa itself was nice, if a little too touristy. After spending more than 3 hours there (it was well after sunset when we departed), we were driven around the Arenal lake reservoir, completely pointlessly, as by then it was dark and we could not see any of the surrounding area. Equally pointless was a later stop at a viewing point, which supposedly provided an optimal view of the Arenal volcano (perhaps it would have, if our visit there had been scheduled to take place when there was still daylight!). The tour concluded with another long stop for dinner, at the same restaurant where we had lunch. The service was hopelessly slow this second time, and the food mediocre quality.
To make matters worse, throughout the trip the tour guide's commentary was frustratingly dumbed-down, providing no useful, or substantial information on local history, or the volcano itself. He also kept addressing our group as if it consisted of schoolchildren on an excursion.
In conclusion, I found this tour to be a huge disappointment. It was certainly not worth its price (over £50 per person). I would discourage any tourist interested in seeing and learning about Arenal itself and the National Park from booking it.
Review by Monika M, February 2011
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Unfortunately they were going to take us to Baldi and not Tabacon who is the most beautiful one to visit and a must. Deal 93.99 is no deal it is just the rate charged by every tour company. You have to pay 116.00 to see the Tabacon and Viator makes it look like you are going there for 93.99. Luckily we upgraded with an additional fee.
Review by Christopher T, USA, August 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
The trip was a lot of fun and our guide was great - very knowledgable and friendly. Even thought it was cloudyrainy for much of the day, we were able to get good views of the volacno saw it erupt 3 times. The food was also really good, and the hot springs were amazing! I'd definately recommend this trip. However, participants should be aware that it's more of a 14-15 hour trip as compared to the 11 hours advertised.
Review by Anonymous, July 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
This trip was great! The food was fantastic and we really enjoyed the hot springs and watching the volcano erupt. Overall, this trip was stellar!
Review by Andrew L, USA, July 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
The resort where we spent the day in the hot springs was nice. It was fairly crowded, yet the scenery of the hot springs and beautiful flowers was wonderful and we had a nice, relaxing day there. The meals were also great. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the drive to the volcano very nice, it was a complete tour of Costa Rica!
Review by Virna G, USA, July 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
The trip was great but the bus broke down, and they did not notify us until we had waited almost three hours. Everythihg was rescheduled and we went the day after the original schedule.
Review by William B, USA, June 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Very nice trip ..our guide Gustavo was very knowledgable and gave us very interesting bits of the history of Costa Rica.The volcano and springs were awe inspiring to say the least.Definitely and experience you have to see with your own eyes to appreciate..Bring plenty of film or a digital camera and video as you will be snapping memorable photos all day long.
Review by LUIS M, USA, March 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
The mist made it very difficult to see the volcano
Review by Erika K, USA, March 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
This trip is a lot longer than described. The way to the volcano took abot 5-hours since they stopped at a souvenir shop. If you get car sick, it is recommended to take some medication with you since there is a very good chance you will get sick. Other than that this tour was very pleasant, the food was excellent and the facilities at Tabacon resort were very, very good.
Review by Anonymous, February 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
It was organized very well, with nice people and a lot of information about Costa Rica
Review by Anonymous, February 2010
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Highly Recommended
Review by Anonymous, July 2009
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
My family was very pleased. Great driver and tour guide. Would do again.
Review by Eleftherios M, USA, May 2009
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
The Arenal volcano is not so active, I just saw smoke on its peak, no thunder, no rolling lava, absolutely quiet, but the hot springs are good. You have to be careful if you are sunburned because the water some times in some pools is too hot.
Review by Anonymous, November 2008
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Unique experience, I will go back and take family members so they can experience it.
Review by Anonymous, August 2008
Doing what: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
We were able to see the whole volcano, and the hot springs were great. The food was excellent too.
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