Skip to tour content

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs from San Jose

Visit one of the most impressive natural attractions in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano, and enjoy the highlights of the area including a soak in natural hot springs pools.

Duration
14 Hours
Transportation
Included
Certified
Tour Guide
Mytanfeet
Customer Service

Description

This one day takes you to one of the most beloved natural attractions in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano. 

First, you'll stop by a small town called Sarchi on the way, which is famous for its woodwork, craftsmanship and handmade arts. Your stop will be a traditional ox cart factory, which is one of the most important cultural sites in the country, and you will also see the world's largest ox cart.

After the Sarchi visit, you'll continue onto the town of La Fortuna, the main tourism hub of Arenal Volcano for a tasty traditional lunch.

After lunch, you'll go to a private reserve for a short walk to a scenic viewpoint, to see the impressive Arenal Volcano and pristine Lake Arenal. You'll have plenty of time here to take lots of photos and soak in all the views while admiring the near perfect conical shape of the volcano. 

Your guide will share some facts about Arenal Volcano, the huge eruption back in 1968 and why this area is so important to Costa Rica.

Then, you'll end the day at the hot springs resort of your choosing. Dinner is included at the hot springs resort and you can choose between these amazing resorts.

Ecotermales Hot Springs: Has six thermal pools, surrounded by lush gardens. Thermal pool temperatures range from 32° C - 36° C (90° F - 96.8° F) and there is one refreshing cold water pool with a waterfall.

Baldi Hot Springs: Has 25 different pools with temperatures ranging from 33° C (91.4° F) to 66°C (150° F). There is a pool with a swim up bar, a separate kids play area, water slide, a cold pool, caves and waterfalls.

Tour highlights

  • See the world's largest ox cart in Sarchi.
  • Learn about traditional Costa Rican craftsmanship.
  • Visit a scenic viewpoint of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
  • Relax in a natural hot springs resort.

Watch the tour video

What is included?

Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Spanish and English bilingual guide
  • Round trip transportation
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Taxes and fees

Before you go

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be given upon tour booking.
  • Tour must be prepaid in full to book.
  • These are shared experiences.
  • Requires 2 adults minimum to operate. 
  • Easy level with minimal walking.
  • Pick up time between 730-830 AM, return around 10-1030 PM.
  • Ecotermales includes towels and lockers.
  • Baldi does not include towels and lockers.
  • Babies from 0-2 years pay a small fee and parents must provide the babies food.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking clothes and shoes.
  • Change of clothes, swimsuit, sandals, towels (if visiting Baldi).
  • Rain jacket/poncho in rainy season.
  • Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.

Request this tour

We offer a 7% discount for adults and children for this tour. Our prices include all Costa Rican taxes and we never charge booking fees. What you see is exactly what you'll pay. While other websites might show lower initial prices, they often add taxes and fees at the end, Mytanfeet believes in transparent pricing from the start.

If you can't see the booking form below, please try refreshing the page or contact us for assistance.

Your questions answered

Does this experience require a lot of walking?

No. This tour does not include any strenuous activity. The most walking is to the scenic viewpoint of Arenal Volcano, which is about 15 minutes on a paved path.

Is breakfast included?

No. You will have lunch a bit past noon, so we recommend to have a good breakfast at your hotel, get your breakfast to go or bring food on the bus. The tour doesn't stop for breakfast.

How long is the driving times between the places?

San Jose - Sarchi is around 1 hour.Sarchi - La Fortuna is around 2.5 hours.La Fortuna - San Jose is around 3 hours.

Is there time to walk around La Fortuna?

No. You will have lunch in La Fortuna at a typical restaurant and then go to the Arenal Volcano viewpoint right afterwards.

Can I stay in La Fortuna after the tour?

Yes, this is possible if there is space on the bus for your luggage and your hotel is on the route. You need to leave a note in the comment box so we can check availability. They can only drop you off at a hotel that is along their route, otherwise, you have to find your own transportation from the hot springs resort to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Will we see any wildlife on this tour?

This is not a wildlife watching tour, but there are some chances to see birds at the Arenal Volcano view point.

What is the lunch and dinner?

Lunch is at a typical Costa Rican restaurant and it is a dish with rice, beans, salad and a protein. Dinner at Ecotermales is a farm to table buffet.Dinner at Baldi is a mix of traditional and fusion.

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know to inform the guide to adjust the menu for you.

Traveler reviews

No reviews yet. Have you taken this tour? Share your experience below.

Share your experience

Your name and email are optional and stay private unless you choose to publish them below. If you provide an email, Mytanfeet staff can contact you about your review. Your rating and review appear after approval. Please leave booking numbers and other private information out of your review.

Your rating
What would you like to make public?

Both choices are optional. A public email can be seen by any visitor. If you keep your name private, we display “Traveler.” Contact details you keep private are available to Mytanfeet staff.

A simple question loads when you start filling out the form.

Privacy policy

Opens in a new tab.