Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Tour from San José

Six thermal pools fed by natural springs, ranging from 99 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

A full-day tour from San José to La Fortuna combines a stop in Sarchí, views of Arenal Volcano, and several hours at Ecotermales Hot Springs, where six naturally heated pools sit among rainforest trails and a waterfall. Lunch and dinner are included, along with hotel pickup and a bilingual guide for the 11- to 12-hour day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

• Visit Sarchí artisan town
• See the world's largest ox cart
• Travel to La Fortuna
• View Arenal Volcano
• Relax at Ecotermales Hot Springs
• Enjoy optional spa treatments
• Dine at Ecotermales restaurant

The experience

The day starts with a drive from San José through Costa Rica's countryside to Sarchí, a town known for its colorful artisan crafts and traditional ox carts. You'll see the world's largest ox cart according to Guinness (nearly 45 feet long, 2 stories high, and weighing 2 tons) before continuing toward La Fortuna. The route passes through scenic farmland and forest as you approach Arenal Volcano, the conical landmark that erupted in 1968 and now draws visitors hoping to spot white plumes of smoke rising from its peak.

The bulk of the day unfolds at Ecotermales Hot Springs, where water springs naturally without human intervention. Six pools with temperatures between 37 and 41 degrees Celsius (99 to 106 Fahrenheit) sit within an exotic natural spa surrounded by rainforest. You can walk the trails that cut through the forest, soak in the regular pools, wade in the natural water pool, and stand under the cascading waterfall. A farm-to-table restaurant serves lunch and dinner on-site. Optional spa treatments like massage are available but cost extra and must be reserved ahead of time.

The tour operates with a minimum of two passengers and includes a professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select San José locations are built in, along with all fees and taxes. The full day runs 11 to 12 hours, so plan for an early morning departure and a late return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from select San José locations.
• lunch and dinner at Ecotermales restaurant.
• locker and towel at the hot springs.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

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

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours

Is this one for you?A bilingual guide leads the entire day in both English and Spanish, so mixed-language groups and solo travelers who prefer one language can follow comfortably without translation delays. The 11- to 12-hour commitment and early start suit travelers with a full day free and the stamina for a long drive each way, but the pace is set by the tour rather than your own choices.

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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 (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?

The Guinness-record ox cart sits in Sarchí, a Costa Rican town famous for colorful artisan crafts. The cart is nearly 45 feet long, 2 stories high, and weighs 2 tons. It took 70 days to build and is the first stop on the tour before heading to La Fortuna.

How many hot springs pools are at Ecotermales, and what are they like?

Ecotermales has six pools total: two regular water pools, one natural water pool, and a waterfall, all fed by natural springs. Temperatures range from 37 to 41 degrees Celsius (99 to 106 Fahrenheit), and the pools sit within rainforest trails and tropical gardens.

What meals are included in this full-day tour?

Lunch and dinner are included and served at Ecotermales' farm-to-table restaurant. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, let the operator know during booking so they can arrange accordingly.

Does the tour include spa treatments like massage at the hot springs?

Massage and other special spa treatments are available at Ecotermales but are not included in the tour price. They must be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability and are payable directly at the resort.

What time does the tour leave San José, and when do I return?

The full tour runs 11 to 12 hours with hotel pickup from select San José locations included. Your guide will confirm the exact departure time when you book.