Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
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Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Active
(1247 reviews)
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See more of the Arenal Volcano region with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Take a scenic route to Arenal with views of farms, rain forests, and small towns. Stop at a coffee plantation and sample coffee, as well as traditional snacks. Stop at a waterfall, look for wildlife, and learn about the Costa Rican Native Culture, then have the afternoon to soak in hot springs set in a lush garden near the Arenal Volcano. Lunch, dinner and coffee tasting are included on this trip.

Available options

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day tour from San Jose

Pickup included

What's included

Coffee or Tea with local snacks
Entrance Fees
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Dinner
Professional bilingual guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels)

Detailed itinerary

1

Travel to the Arenal Volcano area, the most popular touristic region of Costa Rica, and enjoy many of the beauties of the country on this full-day trip. Your tour starts in the morning when you are picked up from your hotel in the San Jose area in an air-conditioned vehicle and you will then travel to Arenal on an alternative route that is more scenic than the regular highway to this popular destination. On the way to Arenal, you will stop in a plantation where you will learn about coffee of Costa Rica, here you will be able to observe the coffee plants and see the workers picking the ripe cherries during the harvest season. Your guide will share information on this important product to the local economy and other important facts (coffee degustation will be provided later in a rustic coffee shop).

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Continue your tour with a visit to the famous La Paz Waterfall, where you will stop on the side of the road for a few minutes to take pictures of this popular attraction surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

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Later on, you will stop at the San Fernando Waterfall look-out point, where you will also have the chance to take pictures of this beautiful attraction and observe many exotic birds of Costa Rica at the birds’ gallery; it is very common to see toucans, hummingbirds and many other colorful tropical species. Taste a freshly brewed cup of some of the best coffee in the world while admiring the beautiful waterfall, definitely a great place to drink your coffee! This degustation will be accompanied by traditional snacks that local Costa Ricans normally eat with their coffee.

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Following you will stop at the iguana’s center, a place where you will see lots of iguanas at eye level, resting on the top of numerous trees. As part of this stop, you will also go to a place nearby where sloths are normally observed in their natural habitat.

5

Continue on to the Town of La Fortuna, where you will savor a delicious Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located near the famous Arenal Volcano. After lunch, participate in an indigenous presentation performed by native people from the local “Maleku Tribe”, where you will learn about the traditions and culture of this ethnic group.

6

Afterward, you will visit various points around the volcano to take pictures of this amazing mountain on clear days, and you will then travel to the beautiful Paradise Hot Springs Resort, a place where you will be able to relax for a few hours in the multiple hot springs pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens. This hot springs facility is one of the best in the Arenal area and provides the perfect environment to relax in thermal mineral water pools, jacuzzis, and cascading waterfalls. After enjoying the relaxing hot springs you will go to a local typical restaurant to have a delicious Costa Rican dinner and then will be taken back to your hotel in the San Jose area.

What's not included

Gratuities
Services not specified

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
191 reviews
5★
154
4★
14
3★
9
2★
7
1★
7
Tripadvisor 4.9
1,056 reviews
5★
994
4★
46
3★
12
2★
2
1★
2

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
This tour includes man-made hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions
Drop off in the Arenal-La Fortuna centrally located hotels is available. Please note that if you choose this option, dinner will not be included in your tour because it’s done in a restaurant on the way back to San Jose. Also, there is an extra charge for drop offs with luggage, but in the case of this tour it doesn’t apply because the cost of the dinner will cover for the drop off charge. If you wish to take this option, you must let us know at the time of booking.
This tour has being designed for those people who wish to do a lot of sightseeing in the morning without much effort, have lunch, and then relax in the hot springs for most of the afternoon
This tour does not include ziplining/rappelling activities (The stop at Go Adventure Park is for the Indigenous presentation only)

Meeting point

Centrally located San Jose hotels.

The default tour time is 6:30 a.m., but the tour operator will confirm the exact pickup time & meeting point after booking. Automated booking platform emails may mention the default time, but the operator’s confirmation will be the official schedule.

Important notes

• Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes before this time; the exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• No walking is involved
• Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
• This tour includes man-made hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
• It is important to know that the tour vehicle will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes after the specified pick-up time
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund
• Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions
• Recommended: Walking shoes or sneakers, comfortable clothes (such as shorts and t-shirts), sunblock, insect repellent, swimwear, towel, raincoat or poncho, a change of clothes, sandals for the hot springs
• Recommended: A Copy or picture of your passport (meant only for identification purposes)
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Minimum age is 3 years
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

  • Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
  • Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
  • Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
  • Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 3-80
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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