Arenal Hot Springs with Meal from San Jose: 25 Thermal Pools

More than 25 thermal pools, a volcano view, and lunch in one 12-hour day from San Jose

A day trip from San Jose to La Fortuna combines access to an exclusive thermal resort with more than 25 hot spring pools, lunch at a local restaurant, and views of Arenal Volcano. Hotel pickup starts between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., and the drive passes through coffee valleys before reaching the resort. You can stay in the pools as long as you want, and a professional guide in English or Spanish travels with you. The deluxe option adds entry to Arenal Volcano National Park.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relax at Arenal Hot Springs

• Pickup from San Jose hotel
• Travel through coffee valleys
• Arrive at La Fortuna hot springs
• Enjoy hot springs pools
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Relax and explore resort
• Return to San Jose

The experience

The drive from San Jose to La Fortuna takes you through coffee valleys surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, with panoramic views building toward Arenal Volcano as you approach. Your guide handles the route and timing, and hotel pickup means no need to arrange transport to the meeting point. The journey itself is part of the day: the landscape shifts as you move from the Central Valley toward the volcanic region.

At the exclusive thermal resort, you have access to more than 25 pools, each at a different temperature, with mineral-rich water that stays warm year-round. Unlike many hot springs where time is limited, you can stay in the water as long as you want, letting the minerals work on your skin and muscles without watching the clock. The resort sits on the property with views of the volcano, and you move between pools at your own pace: no schedule, no group rotation.

Lunch happens at one of the area's best restaurants, served on-site with fresh local ingredients and views that match the morning. The full day runs 12 hours from pickup to return, which means you leave San Jose early and arrive back in the evening. If you want to add Arenal Volcano National Park entry, the deluxe option includes that stop on the same day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from San Jose between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.
• modern and comfortable tourist vehicle.
• entry to the exclusive thermal resort with more than 25 pools.
• a la carte lunch at a local restaurant.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Arenal Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano tour from San Jose, including lunchUp to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:00Pickup is included

Deluxe Hot SpringsUp to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:00Choose the Deluxe version of this tour for access to Paradise Hot Springs, a more exclusive setting for those who want one. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Summer Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The 12-hour day suits travelers who want to soak without rushing. You set the pace in the pools and stay as long as you want, which is how this resort differs from places with fixed time slots. The deluxe option works if you want to see Arenal Volcano National Park on the same trip. The standard option keeps the focus on the thermal pools and the drive through the coffee valleys.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many hot spring pools does the resort have?

The exclusive thermal resort has more than 25 pools, each at a different temperature. You can move between them and stay in the water as long as you want during your visit.

What time does the pickup happen from my San Jose hotel?

Hotel pickup starts between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., depending on your location in San Jose. The guide will confirm the exact time when you book.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included at one of the area's best restaurants on the resort property. The menu features fresh local ingredients served in a welcoming atmosphere with volcano views.

Can I add Arenal Volcano to this trip?

Yes, the deluxe option includes entry to Arenal Volcano National Park as an add-on to the hot springs day. Both options include the thermal resort, lunch, and hotel pickup from San Jose.