Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
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Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
/ Costa Rica / San José Province / San José / Tours & Activities /
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Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose

1 day
Full Day
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About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Gray Line Costa Rica, La Uruca, San Jose 10110 Costa Rica

After a minivan pickup from your hotel in San Jose, your day trip begins with the 35-minute drive northwest to Sarchí, a Central Valley town famous for its crafts, particularly wood and leather furniture and decorated oxcarts. Pick up a souvenir or two from a local artisan before making the 2.5-hour drive further north to the town of La Fortuna, which sits below Arenal and offers an unobstructed view of the volcán on clear days.

On arrival in La Fortuna, head to a local restaurant for a typical Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, chicken or steak, and plantains, accompanied by a great view of Arenal. Then, continue your tour about 20 minutes down the road to Mirador Arenal 1968, a trail system on the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) named for the 1968 eruption. Walk along the paths to find the best photo spots of the volcano and Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal), and watch for glimpses of bright orange lava flowing down the volcano.

Finally, head a few miles back toward La Fortuna to the Tabacón hot springs — officially Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort — one of Costa Rica’s biggest and most luxurious hot springs resorts. Enjoy roughly 3.5 hours here to soak in the various pools, which range in temperature from 77 to 102°F (25 to 38°C).

The resort is beautifully landscaped with waterfalls and lush vegetation and offers many ways to relax, from secluded pools to a swim-up bar (drinks at your own expense), so sit back and enjoy it until dinner is served. The resort’s buffet dinner lasts about 30 minutes and offers a selection of Costa Rican cuisine, similar to lunch.

After dinner, head back to your hotel in San Jose (about 2.5 hours), where your tour ends.

Stop At: La Carreta, Central Park, Sarchi 21201 Costa Rica

Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, we will stop at the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you will be able to appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. (2 tons), and took 70 days to complete. Made out of wood (cedar) and decorated with bright colors, designed based on our typical and traditional oxcarts.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica

We visit the 1968 viewpoint. The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, previously assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption. Now is visited by tourist from all around the world hoping for the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Tabacon Hot Springs, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica

Then you will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, as well as an optional massage or other special treatment, if you choose, that must be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability. Spa treatments are not included and are payable directly at the resort.

Tabacon Hot Springs combines the four elements of nature; the heat of the volcano, the flowing waters of the hot springs, the pure air of the rainforest, and the fertile earth of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region.

There are five main springs source highly mineralized water that is heated underground by the Arenal Volcano’s magma. You will find dozens of cascading waterfalls and warm pools along the riverbed, of varying temperatures, water flows and degree of privacy.

An essential part of exploring the wondrous world of the Tabacon Hot Springs is soaking in the cascading thermal waterfalls. This natural hydrotherapy is a surefire way to achieve proper relaxation. The river-pool temperatures range from 72 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Duration: 4 hours

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Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
  • Dinner - Buffet dinner
  • Entry/Admission - Arenal Volcano
  • Entry/Admission - Tabacon Hot Springs
Not included
  • Gratuities
  • Additional food and drinks
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • A minimum of two passengers is required for the tour to commence. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • It is recommended that you wear light clothing, comfortable shoes and bring a bathing suit and towel
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Features
Tourism
95%
Original
80%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
25%
Reviews
4.5
91
D
Delan Y
4 | 2019-08-01

The total time is a bit too long. Stay in the hot spring about 5 and half hours not necessary. suggest 2 full hours is the maximum.

J
Julia M
4 | 2019-07-08

This was a great trip! We got to see the volcano from the viewpoint even though it was a little cloudy. The hot springs were AMAZING! Super cool that they were made of the natural rivers. The food was all very good with a nice lunch and buffet dinner. The only reason it is not 5 stars is because it is about a 2.5 hour drive and it is a little expensive.

B
Bradley
4 | 2019-07-03

Our guide, Alejandro, and bus driver, Gaustus (Tio) were excellent. Alejandro was so informative and knowledgeable and pointed out things to us, such as a cicada on a tree. Unfortunately, it was cloudy, so we didn't get to see the top of the volcano, and you don't get to walk around the volcano. You just get to walk up to a viewpoint , and we were there for only 20 minutes. I really liked Sarchi, which boasts the world's largest ox cart, and the store there had so many arts and crafts. We spent about 30 minutes there. We stopped for lunch at La Fortuna, which was good, and here's a little shop there with handmade crafts, but they only accept cash, and it's pricey, but all handmade bead work, so worth the price. Hot springs were nice, but I think three hours there is a lot. Also, be sure you have ENCLOSED WATERPROOF SANDALS or WATER SHOES, because the bottom is rocky, so you don't want to cut yourself. Afterwards, we ate a buffet dinner at Tabacon, and there's lots of choices. The only downfall to the tour is the long bus ride. We were picked up at about 7:15 a.m. and by the time we picked up all the people, we left San Jose about 8:15 a.m., and Viator should let people know that some tourists bring a lot of luggage because they plan on not coming back to San Jose. Also, the ride back was even longer, dropping people off with their luggage. Some folks were upset and very rude, saying this was a waste of their time, and they didn't know that this was a taxi service; it's not the driver's or guide's fault. They do what they're supposed too. I don't believe it was dropping off people that took so long, but rather, the terrible weather. The drive back was about four and a half hours. It was raining and there was heavy, dense fog, so you could only see about one to two feet in front of you. Driver was very careful, and he did an AWESOME job getting us back safe and sound. Because people are dropped off elsewhere coming back, I would recommend staying a night or two in Arenol to explore the volcano (actually walk closer to it) and perhaps La Fortuna, which isn't too far away, and then see about being brought back by Viator. This would make it not such a long day, and you'd have more time at the volcano.

P
Patrick C
5 | 2019-03-08

The volcano was everything I expected and more. The day was perfect and the volcano was spectacular. But the thermal pools at Tabacon were over the top. Truly amazing.

h
halliek96
5 | 2018-11-30

I loved this excursion. The food was amazing. The hot springs were so beautiful, although I felt like 4 hours were not needed at the hot springs. 2 hours would have been enough. I would definitely recommend this excursion.

J
JUDITH G
5 | 2018-08-21

A must see, I went with my 28 year old daughter, it was breathtaking to see the volcano. And the hot springs is something you have to do if you ever visit Costa Rica.

A
Alan DC
5 | 2018-05-02

It's a long trip but it's so worth it especially if you don't have the time to visit the place on your own, which needs several days unless you have a private vehicle. The volcano wasn't so impressive but the stay at Tabacon Hot Springs was awesome. The resort's clean and dinner was sumptuous!

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