Name: Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
SKU: 62880P6
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (1688 reviews)

WizardTrip

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

4.9(1.7 k)· San José· By Go Tours Costa Rica Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€150per person

1 to 15 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €150€150

Total€150

About the activity

Discover the Arenal Volcano region on a full-day excursion departing from San Jose. Enjoy a picturesque drive with views of rural landscapes, rainforests, and charming villages. Stop at a coffee plantation for a tasting of local coffee and traditional snacks. Visit a waterfall, observe wildlife, and immerse yourself in Costa Rican indigenous culture before spending the afternoon relaxing in hot springs nestled within a lush garden near the Arenal Volcano. Lunch, dinner, and coffee tasting are included.

What's included

✓Coffee tasting with local snacks
✓Traditional Costa Rican dinner during the return journey
✓Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
✓Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant near Arenal Volcano
✓Professional bilingual guide
✓Hotel pickup and drop-off (for most hotels in the San Jose area)
✓Entrance fees and taxes

What is not included

✕Optional gratuities for driver and guide
✕Personal expenses and souvenirs

Itinerary

1
Journey to Arenal
Embark on a journey to the Arenal Volcano area, Costa Rica's premier tourist destination, and experience the country's natural wonders on this comprehensive full-day tour. Your adventure begins in the morning with a pickup from your San Jose hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. You'll then travel to Arenal via a more scenic route than the main highway. En route, we'll stop at a plantation to learn about Costa Rica's renowned coffee. You'll see coffee plants and observe workers harvesting ripe cherries during the season. Your guide will share insights into this vital product for the local economy and other interesting facts. A coffee tasting will be offered later at a rustic coffee shop.
· 20 min
2
La Paz Waterfall Visit
Continue your tour with a brief stop to admire the famous La Paz Waterfall from the roadside, surrounded by vibrant tropical rainforest. Capture memorable photos of this popular attraction.
· 15 min
3
San Fernando Waterfall and Coffee Tasting
Later, we'll visit the San Fernando Waterfall viewpoint. Here, you can photograph this stunning cascade and spot exotic Costa Rican birds in the nearby aviary, often including toucans and hummingbirds. Savor a freshly brewed cup of world-class coffee while taking in the breathtaking waterfall views – an ideal setting for your coffee tasting. This tasting will be complemented by traditional snacks commonly enjoyed by locals with their coffee.
· 30 min
4
Iguana and Sloth Spotting
Next, we'll visit an iguana sanctuary where you can observe numerous iguanas resting in the trees at eye level. As part of this stop, we'll also visit a nearby location where sloths are frequently seen in their natural environment.
· 15 min
5
Lunch and Indigenous Culture in La Fortuna
Proceed to the town of La Fortuna for a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a restaurant situated near the iconic Arenal Volcano. Following lunch, you'll experience an indigenous presentation by members of the local Maleku Tribe, offering insights into their traditions and culture. Entrance is included.
· 15 min· Admission included
6
Paradise Hot Springs
Afterward, we'll explore various viewpoints around the volcano for photo opportunities on clear days. Then, we'll head to the beautiful Paradise Hot Springs Resort. Here, you can unwind for a couple of hours in multiple hot spring pools set amidst lush tropical gardens. This premier facility offers a perfect setting to relax in thermal mineral water pools, jacuzzis, and cascading waterfalls. Entrance is included. After enjoying the soothing hot springs, a delicious Costa Rican dinner will be served at a local restaurant before you are transferred back to your San Jose hotel.
· 2 h· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

Pickups are available from centrally located hotels in San Jose.

The standard tour time is 6:30 AM, but the tour operator will confirm the precise pickup time and meeting point after your booking.

Automated booking platform emails might mention the default time, but the operator's confirmation will serve as the official schedule.

Return to centrally located hotels in San Jose.

The standard tour time is 6:30 AM, but the tour operator will confirm the precise pickup time and meeting point after your booking.

Automated booking platform emails might mention the default time, but the operator's confirmation will serve as the official schedule.

Drop-off services are available for centrally located hotels in the La Fortuna area. Please note that choosing this option means dinner will not be included, as it is typically served at a restaurant on the return route.

While there is usually an additional charge for drop-offs with luggage, this fee is waived for this tour, with the cost of the omitted dinner covering the drop-off charge.

If you wish to utilize this drop-off option, you must inform us at the time of booking.

The tour vehicle will wait a maximum of 10 minutes beyond the scheduled pickup time.

The minimum age for participation is 5 years.

This tour may be conducted by a multilingual guide.

A vegetarian meal option is available; please specify your dietary needs when booking.

The tour operates regardless of weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.

This tour features man-made hot spring pools filled with natural thermal water.

If you are bringing children (ages 5 to 12), you must notify us in advance to prepare necessary safety equipment. Failure to do so may result in the child being denied participation, with no refund for their ticket.

For safety reasons, the operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated individuals. No refunds will be issued if the tour is canceled due to this policy.

Drop-off at centrally located La Fortuna hotels is an option. If chosen, dinner will not be included as it is served during the return journey. While there's usually an extra charge for drop-offs with luggage, it is waived for this tour, as the cost of the omitted dinner covers it. Please inform us of your preference at the time of booking.

This tour is ideal for those seeking easy sightseeing in the morning followed by a relaxing afternoon at the hot springs.

This tour does not include ziplining or rappelling activities. The stop at Go Adventure Park is solely for the Indigenous presentation.

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

Practical information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
Not recommended for travelers with cardiovascular health issues.
Suitable for all levels of physical fitness.
The minimum age requirement for participation is 5 years.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The tour may be led by a multilingual guide.
A vegetarian meal option is available; please indicate your preference when booking.
The tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.
This tour includes man-made hot spring pools filled with natural thermal water.
The total tour duration encompasses travel time, lunch, and dinner.
Drop-off services are available at hotels in the La Fortuna area (dinner will not be included if this option is selected).
If you are bringing children on the tour (ages 5 to 12), you must inform us in advance so we can prepare the required safety equipment for them.
This tour is designed for individuals who prefer ample sightseeing in the morning with minimal physical exertion, followed by lunch and a relaxing afternoon at the hot springs.
This tour does not include ziplining or rappelling activities. The stop at Go Adventure Park is exclusively for the Indigenous presentation.

Activity options

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

Duration

14 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for the hot springs.
Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a raincoat.
Inform the operator in advance about any dietary restrictions or if traveling with children.
Be prepared for a full day of activities and travel.
The best photo opportunities are often in the morning before potential cloud cover.

Experience the iconic Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and rejuvenating hot springs on a comprehensive full-day tour from San Jose.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 62880P6

Activity offered by Go Tours Costa Rica via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Nature lovers
Adventure seekers
Culture enthusiasts
Families
Couples

Activity essentials

Full-day exploration of the Arenal Volcano region.
Scenic drive with diverse landscapes.
Coffee plantation visit and tasting.
Stops at impressive waterfalls.
Wildlife viewing opportunities (birds, iguanas, sloths).
Relaxing afternoon at Paradise Hot Springs.

San José: good to know

Population: 335,007 (2025)
Elevation: 1,161 m
Currency: Costa Rican colón
Official language: Spanish
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911

Average temperatures

23°Jan
24°Feb
25°Mar
25°Apr
24°May
24°Jun
23°Jul
23°Aug
23°Sept
23°Oct
23°Nov
22°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the Arenal Volcano tour?

The tour lasts for 14 hours.

Is pickup included from San Jose hotels?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most centrally located hotels in the San Jose area.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, a Costa Rican lunch, a traditional dinner, and coffee tasting with local snacks are included.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sandals for the hot springs, as well as a change of clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the minimum age is 5 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please inform the operator in advance if you are bringing children aged 5 to 12.

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.94.9(1.7 k)

5 stars

1.6 k

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Fun and beautiful
davidgK5862GR, October 2026
Alex was a great guide and we loved all the surprises along the way! Definitely worth it! Just be prepared for a lot of driving!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Best experience
emilygX9681LC, October 2026
Alex made seeing Costa Rica for the first time amazing! We had laughs while also being educated on the culture and seeing spectacular views. He got us everywhere timely and was trustworthy, kind, and helpful. Every stop was something new and exciting. We were well taken care of.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great experience
514sushilb, October 2026
I had an amazing experience. Our tour guide Alex was very informative and kind. We made a lot of stops and experienced a lot of great surprises.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Alex is a great guide
629ramanb, October 2026
Alex blanco was really nice and did a lot to make our experience better. Would definitely recommend Alex.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Amazing
nomarr880, October 2026
It was an amazing experience I loved everything

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San José has 10 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Doka Coffee-Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San José », « Pacuare River Rafting Adventure - Full Day from Turrialba », « Zip Line, Rappel, Hiking La Carpintera Tour in San Jose ».

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Usually, yes: 10 of the 10 most popular activities in San José offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.

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