From San José: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs With Lunch

Exploring the wonders of Costa Rica’s Arenal region is an opportunity not to be missed. This captivating tour takes travelers on a journey through lush landscapes, culminating in a visit to the iconic Arenal Volcano and a refreshing soak in the area’s renowned hot springs. With convenient transportation and a satisfying lunch included, it’s the perfect way to take in the natural beauty of this remarkable destination.

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Key Points

Full-day excursion from San José to experience natural wonders of the Arenal region, including a choice of three hot springs.
Includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a typical Costa Rican lunch, and the opportunity to visit the historic town of Sarchi.
Offers a chance to admire views of the Arenal Volcano and have free time at the selected hot springs.
Tour operates on weekends, with departures between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM, and concludes at the same meeting point.
Flexibility to reserve and pay later, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Tour Overview

The Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs tour is a full-day excursion from San José, Costa Rica, that takes visitors to experience the natural wonders of the Arenal region.

This tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a maximum of 20 travelers. Guests can choose from three popular hot spring options: Baldi, Kalambu, or Tabacon. A typical Costa Rican lunch is provided.

The tour also includes a visit to the historic town of Sarchi and a viewpoint of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Pickup and drop-off are offered at San José hotels, and the tour runs on weekends.

Looking for more options in Alajuela? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Inclusions

As part of the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs tour, guests can choose from three popular hot spring options: Baldi Hot Springs, Kalambu Hot Springs, or Tabacon Hot Springs.

A typical Costa Rican lunch is included. Travelers will also visit the historic town of Sarchi, admire the views of Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time at the selected hot springs.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from San José in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a maximum of 20 travelers. Pickup and drop-off are provided at San José hotels, so guests can relax and focus on the experience.

Meeting and Additional Info

Guests can select a meeting point for the tour, which ends back at the same location.

Guests can choose their starting point for the tour, which concludes at the same location.

The tour operates on Fridays through Sundays, departing between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM, valid until March 2026.

This full-day excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available. Vegetarian meal options can be requested.

Travelers should confirm the pickup time with the local provider prior to the tour.

Booking includes a hassle-free round-trip from San José hotels, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for a maximum of 20 participants.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided a mix of feedback on this tour. Some praised the hot springs experience, particularly Baldi Hot Springs, and found the guides helpful.

However, others complained about a lack of engagement from the guides, insufficient time at the Arenal Volcano viewpoint, and organizational issues.

The tour has received an average rating of 4.0 out of 30 reviews, indicating a range of experiences:

Positive experiences with the hot springs and knowledgeable guides
Disappointment with the limited time at the volcano
Concerns about the tour’s organization and execution
Mixed opinions on the overall value for money

Booking Information

Customers have the flexibility to reserve and pay later for this tour, thanks to the lowest price guarantee.

Booking is straightforward, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides peace of mind for travelers.

Once booked, a confirmation is received immediately. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

There's plenty more to explore in Alajuela

Exploring Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders, stands as the centerpiece of this captivating tour.

The Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders, stands as the centerpiece of this captivating tour.

Towering over the lush landscape, the volcano offers a breathtaking spectacle as it smolders and occasionally spews plumes of smoke.

Visitors have the opportunity to:

Admire the volcano from a designated viewpoint, capturing awe-inspiring photos.
Learn about the volcano’s geological history and its impact on the surrounding region.
Witness the contrast between the volcano’s rugged exterior and the serene hot springs nestled at its base.
Immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Arenal region.

Relaxing at the Hot Springs

After exploring the majestic Arenal Volcano, travelers can look forward to unwinding at one of the region’s premier hot springs.

The tour offers a choice of Baldi, Kalambu, or Tabacon Hot Springs, each providing a unique thermal experience. Guests can soak in naturally-heated mineral pools, relax under cascading waterfalls, and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

With up to six hours of free time at the hot springs, visitors can fully enjoy the serene, rejuvenating atmosphere.

The tour’s round-trip transportation from San José ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing travelers to simply sit back, relax, and rejuvenate.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica’s Arenal region. Visitors can marvel at the iconic Arenal Volcano, enjoy a delicious local lunch, and unwind in the soothing hot springs – all with convenient transportation from San José. It’s an ideal excursion for those seeking to enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes and authentic experiences.