Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Day Trip from San José

Thermal pools here are fed by the volcano's underground heat, not piped in from elsewhere.

A full-day tour from San José to La Fortuna combines a stop in Sarchí, views of Arenal Volcano, and several hours soaking in natural hot springs. A bilingual guide leads the route, hotel pickup is included, and the day ends with dinner before the drive back to San José.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 196.62 to US$ 222 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Baldi Hot Springs 07:30 Guide in English or Spanish Entrance and dinner at Baldi: Baldi Hot Springs, a true thermal paradise with 25 volcanic water pools that flow naturally from the volcano. Includes pickup.

Ecotermales Hot Springs 07:30 Guide in English or Spanish Entrance and dinner at Ecotermales: a natural hot springs sanctuary with six exclusive thermal pools set in the rainforest. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sarchí, Arenal Volcano, and Hot Springs

• Visit artisan town Sarchí
• See the world’s largest ox cart
• View Arenal Volcano
• Relax in thermal hot springs (depending on option)

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Sarchi 1h 30m
2. La Fortuna 1h
3. La Fortuna de San Carlos 4h

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport and hotel pickup and drop-off from select San José locations.
• professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• traditional Costa Rican lunch and dinner.
• use of lockers and towels at the hot springs.

Times

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• Every day 07:30

Information

Travel from San José to La Fortuna with a bilingual guide, exploring Sarchí's artisan crafts, viewing Arenal Volcano through rainforest.

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Stroller-friendly Infant seats available

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The day starts with a pickup from your San José hotel and heads northwest through Costa Rica's Central Valley toward La Fortuna. The first stop is Sarchí, a town known for hand-painted wooden crafts and traditional ox carts. You'll see the world's largest one here: nearly 45 feet long, 2 stories high, and weighing 2 tons according to Guinness records. It took 70 days to build. From there the route climbs into rainforest as Arenal Volcano comes into view, a conical peak that erupted in 1968 and now draws visitors hoping to spot the white plumes of smoke that sometimes rise from its crater.

The main event is the afternoon in natural hot springs, where thermal pools are fed by underground geological formations beneath Arenal Volcano. The resort has both warm and cold pools set among tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the volcano. You can soak for several hours, use the lockers and towels provided, and move between pools at your own pace. Lunch and dinner are included, both traditional Costa Rican meals, so you eat on-site before heading back to San José in the evening.

You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish. The full day runs 11 to 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. Bring a swimsuit, sandals, extra dry clothing and a towel. The operator provides lockers and towels at the springs, but having your own gives you more flexibility. Children of all ages can come, and infant seats are available if you let the operator know during booking.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

What is the world's largest ox cart, and where do I see it?

Sarchí holds the Guinness record for the largest ox cart ever built. It stands nearly 45 feet long, 2 stories high, and weighs 2 tons. It took 70 days to complete. You'll see it during the stop in this artisan town on the way to La Fortuna.

Can I see Arenal Volcano erupt or is it dormant now?

Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968 and is no longer in constant activity, but it is still active. Visitors often see white plumes of smoke rising from the crater, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, though volcanic activity varies day to day.

How do the hot springs work if the volcano isn't actively erupting?

The thermal pools are fed by underground geological formations beneath Arenal Volcano, where heat from the earth warms mineral-rich water that flows freely to the surface. The resort also has cold pools fed by chemical-free springs from the tropical forest, so you can alternate between warm and cool water.

What's included in the meals, and when do I eat?

Traditional Costa Rican lunch and dinner are both included and served at the hot springs resort. You'll have time to eat on-site between soaking sessions before the drive back to San José in the evening.

Operated by Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

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