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Activity San Jose, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

4.3 (246 reviews) 13 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

About this activity

Your adventure begins in the picturesque town of Sarchí, recognised as the artisan heart of Costa Rica. Discover family workshops where master craftsmen create colourful hand-painted oxcarts, wooden furniture, and souvenirs reflecting generations of tradition.

Next, travel through Costa Rica's fertile countryside of vast pineapple, mango, and banana farms and traditional cattle farms. Arrive in La Fortuna for a typical lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. This iconic 1,633-meter-tall volcano dominates the horizon and defines the region's landscape.

After lunch, immerse yourself in a unique thermal experience. The La Fortuna area is world-renowned for its natural hot springs, heated by Arenal Volcano's geothermal activity. Many pools are connected by small waterfalls and thermal water slides for a complete sensory adventure.

Finish your day with a delicious dinner while contemplating Arenal's silhouette against the sunset sky before returning to San José.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Kid-Friendly Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Thermal Spas & Hot Springs On the Water

At a glance

Duration
13 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 25 people
People per booking
1–25
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Destination Services Costa Rica

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–10 years) · Adults (11–70 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Accompanied by a professional tour guide delivering expert insights and personalized service
  • Included: Water included during meals
  • Included: Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation provided from hotels in San José
  • Included: Dinner: Savor a rich buffet with a wide selection of fresh, flavorful dishes
  • Included: Lunch: Guests can choose from a selection of main courses, including beef, chicken, or pasta options."

Not included

  • Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Not included: Driver and guide gratuities
  • Not included: Optional massage or spa treatment at the hot springs

Itinerary

  1. Sarchi

    45 min

    Enroute to the Arenal Volcano there will be a stop in the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans.

    In Sarchi, you may very well see an ox cart that holds the title as being the largest ox cart in the world. The cart is made of wood (cedar) and is decorated with stunning colors, such as a bright orange. The design is typical and intricate, indicative of traditional oxcarts. The ox cart is two stories high and took 70 days to complete. The oxcart is also deserves an honorable mention in the Guinness book of world records.

  2. Stop 2

    Passing by

    The journey will then continue, traversing diverse plantations with agricultural products, including pineapple farms, and mango groves, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until arriving to the small town of La Fortuna, and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a spectacular view of the Arenal volcano.

  3. Arenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails

    one hour Admission included

    The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, Costa Rica, providing thousands and thousands of tourists with the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth. It is important to note that the volcano had previously been assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption.

  4. Arenal Volcano National Park

    3 hours

    Then you will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will enjoy the rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, as well as an optional massage or other special treatment that must be reserved ahead of time.

    And for a perfect ending, before going back to San José, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the stunning and classically shaped volcano one more time.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Pickup points

  • Morazan Hotel & Casino
  • Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
  • Casa Conde Hotel & Suites
  • Hotel Fleur de Lys
  • Hotel Santo Tomas
  • Hotel Barcelo San Jose
  • Hotel Talamanca SJ
  • Soluxe El Sesteo
  • Hotel Inca Real
  • Hotel Vesuvio
  • Palma Real Hotel & Casino
  • Taormina Hotel and Casino

and 35 more pickup points

“Tour departs from hotels in San Jose.

You must indicate the hotel’s name in order to confirm the booking.

Please confirm the pick up time at least 24 hours before the tour by contacting us via email: [email protected]

Using your ticket

Minimum to confirm is 2 travellers.

Tour departs from Hotels in San Jose.

You must to indicate hotel name in order to confirm the booking.

Special Option: °Vegetarian |° Gluten Free |Let us know if you have some special meal restriction |

You must to confirm the pickup time 24 hours before the tour at [email protected] phone number (+506) 8735-4156 | in case of some emergency.

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.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

  • Bring to your tour: swimsuit, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a change of clothes, and sunscreen

  • Contact line available for handling hotel pick-up reconfirmations and day-to-day operational matters

Traveller ratings

4.3 out of 5 · 246 reviews
5
65%
4
17%
3
11%
2
4%
1
4%

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

Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

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