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    Explore Alajuela Province

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    Poás Volcano

    Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros

    Poás Volcano National Park

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    La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

    Tenorio Volcano National Park

    La Paz Waterfall

    Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa

    Río Balsa

    Paradise Hot Springs

    Arenal River

    Río Peñas Blancas

    Outside Alajuela Province

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    Guanacaste tours

    Limón Province tours

    Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica tours

    Cartago Province tours

    Nearby sights

    Manuel Antonio National ParkAttraction in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological PreserveAttraction in Monteverde, Costa Rica

    Playa FlamingoAttraction in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

    Lake ArenalAttraction in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

    Corcovado National ParkAttraction in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

    Cahuita National ParkAttraction in Talamanca, Costa Rica

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    Interests

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  • Explore Alajuela Province
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Outside Alajuela Province

Poás Volcano

Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros

Poás Volcano National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park

La Paz Waterfall

Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa

Río Balsa

Paradise Hot Springs

Arenal River

Río Peñas Blancas

Nearby destinations

Puntarenas Province tours

San José Province tours

Guanacaste tours

Limón Province tours

Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica tours

Cartago Province tours

Nearby sights

Manuel Antonio National ParkAttraction in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological PreserveAttraction in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Playa FlamingoAttraction in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Lake ArenalAttraction in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Corcovado National ParkAttraction in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Cahuita National ParkAttraction in Talamanca, Costa Rica

  • Top experiences
  • Interests

Wildlife photography

River rafting

Plantation & farm tours

Zip line adventures

Private car tours

Canoe & kayak tours

Cooking classes

Thermal, Turkish, & hammam spas

Quad & ATV tours

Dance classes

Nature & adventure

Sightseeing

Culture & history

San José: Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls, Coffee and Hot Springs

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
366 reviews
Activity provider:
Go Tours Costa Rica
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San José: Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls, Coffee and Hot Springs
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
366 reviews

Explore the Arenal Volcano area on a more scenic route than the traditional highway. Admire views of plantations, waterfalls, jungles, wildlife, and rustic towns, learn about Costa Rican coffee and native culture, and relax in the mineral hot springs.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 14 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
Spanish, English
Pickup included
Pickup is available from most of the hotels in the San José area. Your exact pickup time and location will be provided upon reconfirmation of your tour. Please provide the name and address of your hotel.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
J
John – United States

Great long day of activities. Well run (thanks Steven!) and great driving (thanks Victor!)

5
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kristina – Germany

All in all, it was a worthwhile trip, though you need to be aware that you will spend the most part of the day in the car - a good four hours to drive there and then again back, if there’s more traffic it might even take longer. It was the start of the raining season when I booked a trip and it was completely cloudy and we did not get to see anything of the volcano Arenal (one of the main attractions of the tour) but the Hot Springs in La Fortuna were very, very nice and on the way there we also made five different stops (coffee plantations, iguanas, hummingbirds, indigenous workshop, lunch) that made the overall trip worthwhile. Fernando, our driver, tried to make the long journey as entertaining as possible by doing all kinds of trivia quizzes with us and teaching us a lot about Costa Rica. 👍🏻 Typical Costa Rican food for lunch and dinner was included and tasty.

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • 53 pickup location options:

    Gaudy's hotel, Palma Real, Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica, Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport, Quality Hotel Real San Jose, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, Wyndham San José Herradura, Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas, Hotel La Amistad, STRAY CAT HOSTEL, Hotel and Casino Taormina San Jose, Casa Colón, Suites Cristina Apart-Hotel`, Hotel Milán, Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana, Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Conf. Center, Aurola Holiday Inn San José, Hotel Grano De Oro, La Sabana Hotel, Suites and Apartments, Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica, Casa 69 San José, Hotel Novo, Hotel Barceló San José, Urban Green Hotel & Suites, Hotel Presidente - San Jose, Costa Rica, Selina San José, Hyatt Centric San José Escazú, Hotel Santo Tomas, Auténtico Hotel, Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport, Hilton San José La Sabana - Sky Lobby, Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu, Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, Gran hotel Costa Rica Curio a Collection by Hilton, AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Escazu, Irazú Hotel & Studios, Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica, KC Hotel San Jose, City Express San José Costa Rica, Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose, Hotel Costa Rica Guesthouse, AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen, Studio Hotel, Rincón del Valle Hotel & Suites, Hotel Balmoral, InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall, an IHG Hotel, Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica, Sheraton San Jose Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica, Hotel 1492, Hotel Dunn Inn, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu, Hotel Cultura Plaza

  • Van

    (45 minutes)

  • Coffee plantation

    Visit, Sightseeing (15 minutes)

  • Van

    (45 minutes)

  • La Paz Waterfall

    Photo stop (15 minutes)

  • Van

    (15 minutes)

  • Local restaurant

    Photo stop, Sightseeing, Local snacks, Coffee tasting (30 minutes)

  • Van

    (75 minutes)

  • Centro Turístico Las Iguanas

    Wildlife viewing (15 minutes)

  • Van

    (45 minutes)

  • Local restaurant

    Lunch (1 hour)

  • Van

    (15 minutes)

  • Go Adventure Arenal Park

    Photo stop, Visit, Shopping, Arts & crafts market visit (30 minutes)

  • Paradise Hot Springs

    Swimming (2.5 hours)

  • Van

    (1.5 hours)

  • Local restaurant

    Dinner (1 hour)

  • Van

    (75 minutes)

  • 53 drop-off locations:

    Quality Hotel Real San Jose, Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica, Hotel Novo, Hotel Cultura Plaza, Hotel La Amistad, Gaudy's hotel, Hotel Grano De Oro, Wyndham San José Herradura, Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, Palma Real, Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana, KC Hotel San Jose, Hotel Milán, Casa Colón, Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas, STRAY CAT HOSTEL, Aurola Holiday Inn San José, Urban Green Hotel & Suites, Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica, Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Conf. Center, Hilton San José La Sabana - Sky Lobby, Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu, Hotel Presidente - San Jose, Costa Rica, Hotel Barceló San José, Suites Cristina Apart-Hotel`, La Sabana Hotel, Suites and Apartments, Casa 69 San José, Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu, AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Escazu, Selina San José, Auténtico Hotel, Hyatt Centric San José Escazú, Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica, Irazú Hotel & Studios, Hotel Santo Tomas, Gran hotel Costa Rica Curio a Collection by Hilton, InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall, an IHG Hotel, Hotel Dunn Inn, Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica, Hotel 1492, Rincón del Valle Hotel & Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica, Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Hotel and Casino Taormina San Jose, AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen, City Express San José Costa Rica, Studio Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, Hotel Balmoral, Hotel Costa Rica Guesthouse, Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a full-day tour to the Arenal Volcano and hot springs
  • Observe waterfalls, wildlife and a coffee plantation
  • Learn about Costa Rican coffee and taste a freshly brewed cup with local snacks
  • Eat lunch at La Fortuna with great views of Arenal Volcano
  • Relax in the thermal pools with different temperatures

Full description

Start your tour in the morning when you are picked up from your hotel in the San Jose area in an air-conditioned vehicle. Travel to Arenal on an alternative route that is more scenic than the regular highway to this popular destination. On the way, stop at a plantation where you will learn about the coffee of Costa Rica. Observe the coffee plants and see the workers picking the ripe cherries during the harvest season. Learn about this important product to the local economy and taste a freshly brewed cup of some of the best coffee in the world accompanied by traditional snacks.

Continue the tour at the famous La Paz Waterfall. Stop at the San Fernando Waterfall look-out point and observe many exotic birds including toucans, hummingbirds, and many other colorful tropical species. Visit the iguana’s center, a place where you will see lots of iguanas at eye level resting on the top of numerous trees.

Following this, arrive at the Town of La Fortuna, and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located at the base of the impressive Arenal Volcano. After lunch, visit various points around the volcano to take pictures of this amazing mountain on clear days. Next, participate in an indigenous presentation performed by native people from the Maleku Tribe, and learn about the native culture of Costa Ricans.

Later, travel to the beautiful Paradise Hot Springs Resort and 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 this, go to a local typical restaurant to have a delicious Costa Rican dinner before you are taken back to your hotel in the San Jose area.

Includes

  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from most San Jose area hotels
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Coffee tasting with local snacks
  • All entrance fees
  • Visits to La Paz Waterfall, San Fernando Waterfall, exotic bird gallery, coffee plantation, and iguana center
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Services not specified

Important information

What to bring

  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Sandals
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Insect repellent
  • Closed-toe shoes

Know before you go

  • Adult pricing applies to all travelers
  • The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • No walking is involved
  • The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • This tour includes manmade hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
  • Hotel pickups commence approx. 30-60 minutes prior to tour time, the exact pickup time will be advised on confirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions
  • Drop-off at centrally located hotels in Arenal-La Fortuna is available. If you choose this option, dinner will not be included because it’s 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 the drop-off charge
  • This tour does not include ziplining/rappelling activities

From $159 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5
4.6 out of 5 stars

based on 366 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

+127
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5
5 out of 5 stars
J
John – United StatesJuly 6, 2025 – Verified booking
Great long day of activities. Well run (thanks Steven!) and great driving (thanks Victor!)
5
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kristina – GermanyJune 4, 2025 – Verified booking
All in all, it was a worthwhile trip, though you need to be aware that you will spend the most part of the day in the car - a good four hours to drive there and then again back, if there’s more traffic it might even take longer. It was the start of the raining season when I booked a trip and it was completely cloudy and we did not get to see anything of the volcano Arenal (one of the main attractions of the tour) but the Hot Springs in La Fortuna were very, very nice and on the way there we also made five different stops (coffee plantations, iguanas, hummingbirds, indigenous workshop, lunch) that made the overall trip worthwhile. Fernando, our driver, tried to make the long journey as entertaining as possible by doing all kinds of trivia quizzes with us and teaching us a lot about Costa Rica. 👍🏻 Typical Costa Rican food for lunch and dinner was included and tasty.

Response from provider

July 2, 2025

We’re glad to know that despite the cloudy weather, you still found the day worthwhile & enjoyed the variety of stops along the way. Fernando will be happy to hear that his efforts made the long journey more enjoyable with trivia and local insights. We appreciate you highlighting the Costa Rican food & the relaxing hot springs in La Fortuna, both of which are key parts of our Costa Rica day trips.

5
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kimberly – United StatesMay 24, 2025 – Verified booking
Fernando was the sweetest! As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe and secure in every moment. Fernando was very kind, respectful, and warm hearted. You won’t regret investing your money on this tour!!

Response from provider

June 6, 2025

Thank you very much for your kind words about the Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls, Coffee and Hot Springs tour. We’re glad to hear that Fernando made you feel safe and comfortable throughout your adventure. Your safety and positive experience are our top priorities. We would be delighted to assist you with your next Costa Rica travel plans!

Product ID: 193076

Activity provider:
Go Tours Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica
  • Alajuela Province
  • Arenal Volcano National Park

Top Attractions in Alajuela Province

  • 1Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros
  • 2Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa
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