Skip to content
Vacantier

Activity San Jose, Costa Rica

Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

5.0 (29 reviews) 10–12 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

About this activity

This is not just any excursion: it is a premium adventure, designed for those who value comfort and authentic experiences. More than a tour, it is an intimate trip through the natural wonders of Costa Rica.

 Super-small groups and premium transport guarantee you comfort, flexibility and personalized attention throughout the tour.

We observe lava pourings, stop at hidden viewpoints and explore the legacy of the imposing Arenal Volcano.

We stop at local places: postcard waterfalls and hidden viewpoints, where you will try typical fruits and dishes (meals not included so you have freedom of choice).

We enjoy everything from a hidden river of hot water to the thermal pools of a resort with excellent amenities.

️ Our guide not only knows the route, he lives it. Natural, attentive and close narrator, because in a world full of generic tours, this trip feels like with a local friend who wants to show you the best of his land.

Day Trips Kid-Friendly Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Natural Attractions Luxury Car Tours
Viator machine-translated part of this text.

At a glance

Duration
10–12 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 4 people
People per booking
1–4
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Adrian Gutierrez

Ages: Infants (1–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Entrance fees
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Premium SUV type vehicle
  • Included: Bilingual local driver and guide (English/Spanish)
  • Included: Bottled water and beverages
  • Included: Snacks: Fresh fruit
  • Included: Wi-Fi connection on board

Not included

  • Not included: Tips for the guide and driver
  • Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner costs

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    20 min

    As we enter the heart of the rainforest, we make a brief stop at the exact spot where nature steals the limelight: the majestic La Paz Falls. This drop in water bursts through the vegetation, creating one of the most photogenic scenes along the way.

    Our local guide will show you the perfect angle to capture your first memorable photos of the trip — that kind of image that doesn’t need filters to tell your story.

    And while you enjoy the sound of falling water, you will also have the opportunity to sample fresh fruits from the region, proudly offered by local farmers. A simple, tasty, authentic moment... of those that become indelible memories.

  2. Stop 2

    40 min

    Later, we will pause on a terrace nestled in the mountain, a cozy place where coffee smokes in ceramic cups and the singing of hummingbirds competes with the rumor of San Fernando Falls.

    Imagine a terrace hidden in the mountain, the sound of water falling in the distance, hummingbirds fluttering around you... Here we stop to take in the San Fernando Falls, taste (optionally) a typical dish and be engulfed by the calm of this magical corner

    But this is not just any place: 15 years ago, an earthquake shook its foundations and forever marked those who inhabit it. Since then, it has become a symbol of resilience and beauty, a must-see stop to reconnect with the essentials.

    From here, between typical dishes, sips of local flavor and breathtaking views, you can experience what locals call: the silence that speaks.

  3. Arenal Volcano

    2 hours Admission included

    Upon arriving at La Fortuna, we head towards the best viewpoint of one of Costa Rica’s most imposing natural icons: the Arenal Volcano. With its perfect conical silhouette and 1,670 meters high, this colossus not only dominates the landscape, but also the history of the region since its great eruption of 1968.

    We will walk roads surrounded by live forest, where nature has claimed its space between ancient lava smelts. Sometimes white monkeys, sloths, coati and tropical birds surprise us, while our local guide — expert storyteller — shares stories that connect science, legend and daily life.

    The highlight: a strategic viewpoint from which you can gaze at the volcano in all its glory, capture unforgettable postcards and live that moment where everything stops before the calm force of nature.

  4. La Fortuna de San Carlos

    one hour

    After visiting the volcano, we will head to a secret corner that does not appear in the tourist guides, but that keeps a story as warm as its waters: a thermal river hidden in the forest, reached only by those who know the secrets of La Fortuna.

    Few know that this river changed forever in 1968, after the Arenal Volcano erupted. Neighbors in the area say that, amid the chaos and desperation to help those affected, many crossed this river on foot... only to discover that the water was boiling, literally. Since that day, the river has never been the same.

    Today, the river has become a natural sanctuary: pools of thermal water between trees, gentle steam rising to the sky, and the murmur of the forest.

    There are no lockers here, no rows, no tiles. Just nature, living history and the magic of sharing this place with a local who grew up listening to the legend — and now tells you in person, as you immerse your feet where it all began.

  5. Los Lagos Hot Springs

    2 hours Admission included

    Thermals, comfort and good vibes to close the day

    As a final part of this unforgettable trip and premium service, we’ll stop at a beautiful resort that combines the best of both worlds: the tranquil atmosphere breathed between its gardens and hot spring pools, and the more festive vibes around its thermal wet bar, perfect for those who prefer to close the day with laughter, Latin music and a cocktail in hand.

    With multiple spaces, this place offers everything from quiet corners for those seeking connection with nature, to livelier areas for those who enjoy socializing and celebrating the lived experience. In addition, you will find comfortable facilities to change, shower, rest and various options to enjoy delicious food or refreshing drinks (not included).

    A perfect closure to a day that had it all: adventure, nature, history... and now this well-deserved moment to simply enjoy prior to our return to San Jose.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Hotel Portal Colonial
  • Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu
  • Aparthotel Casa Reflejos
  • Posada Nena Santa Ana
  • Studio Hotel Boutique
  • Hotel Villa Los Candiles
  • Eco Hotel Puerto Urbano
  • Hotel Luisiana
  • Hotel Terrazas Boutique
  • Hotel Bougainvillea
  • City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica
  • Luxhigh Hotel & Casino

and 160 more pickup points

We will contact you 24 hours in advance to coordinate the pick-up point, make sure to add a number with WhatsApp access to make it easier to ship from your location.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

  • Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano, Waterfall and Thermal

    Pickup included

  • Private Service

    Private Service: Enjoy a 100% personalized experience, with more space, comfort and flexibility, for you and your group.

    Pickup included

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 29 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

Pick a day to see the times and the price

Necessary cookies keep the site running and cannot be switched off. With your consent we also load Google Analytics, which tells us how the site is used, and our affiliate partners' scripts (Travelpayouts, Kiwi.com), which set cookies to credit us with bookings made through us. Details in the Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary

    The session, form protection, signing in, your chosen currency and this choice. The site does not work without them.

    Always on
  • Analytics

    Google Analytics. Counts visits and which pages and offers are used, so we know what to improve. It never receives your name, email or account.

  • Marketing and affiliate

    The Travelpayouts scripts and the Kiwi.com flight search. They set their own cookies, through which the partner knows you came from Vacantier.