Arenal Volcano Tour & EcoTermales Thermal Pools from San José
Description
Experience one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations on a full-day journey to Arenal Volcano and Ecotermales Hot Springs — the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and scenic beauty. Travel through picturesque landscapes and charming rural towns before arriving in La Fortuna, home to the towering Arenal Volcano and lush tropical rainforest. Enjoy stunning viewpoints and learn about the area’s natural history and volcanic wonders. Then, unwind at Ecotermales Hot Springs, an intimate sanctuary featuring natural thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls. Soak in soothing volcanic waters, enjoy a peaceful rainforest atmosphere, and take time for quiet relaxation in one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive hot spring retreats. Ideal for couples, families, and nature lovers, this unforgettable experience blends scenery, serenity, and pure wellness — a perfect way to enjoy the magic of Arenal.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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. Ecotermales is a hidden gem that combines the benefits of natural hot springs with the incredible peace and relaxation of the La Fortuna / Arenal rainforest. Unique where water springs naturally without human intervention. Ecotermales has a total of 6 pools with temperatures ranging from 37° to 41° C (99° to 106° F). A natural water pool and waterfall, 2 regular water pools, all forming part of an exotic natural spa.You can enjoy the trails that pass through the middle of the forest. Dinner is served in their restaurant with Farm to table menu style
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at hotels located in the San José area and near by. The pickup time will depend on your hotel's location, so we kindly ask that you specify the place where you will be staying in your request.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you are travelling with children please let us know their ages, during the booking process.
Reviews(8)
Erick, the guide, was fabulous; everything was very punctual, and the places were beautiful, the restaurants were very good and nice, highly recommended.
¡Muchas gracias por su comentario! Nos alegra saber que disfrutó de la excursión y que encontró los lugares, restaurantes y la organización a la altura de sus expectativas. Nos complace especialmente saber que Erick hizo un trabajo fabuloso y que todo se desarrolló de manera puntual. Agradecemos su recomendación y esperamos tener el placer de acompañarle nuevamente en otra aventura por Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!
beautiful sights, ecotermales was great, good food (lunch and dinner). i could have gone without the ox cart tour and souvenir shop. the volcano and hot springs part were the highlight.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the beautiful sights, the visit to EcoTermales, and the delicious meals—those are definitely guest favorites. We appreciate your comments regarding the oxcart stop and souvenir shop. Your perspective helps us continue refining the experience so it aligns better with what travelers value most. We’re delighted to know that the volcano and hot springs were the highlight of your day. They truly are memorable parts of the tour! Thank you again for traveling with us, and we hope to welcome you back for more incredible experiences in Costa Rica.
They have to going to enjoy the trip plus the history about Costa Rica volcano area .plus the forest and spent time at the water thermals is a good experience.
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour, learning about Costa Rica’s volcanoes and history, exploring the forest, and relaxing in the thermal waters. It’s truly a unique experience, and we’re happy it made your trip special.
What an amazing day and start to my trip in Costa Rica! First, Mario is an outstanding tour guide. We had a large group but he was incredible - so kind and he taught us a lot of Costa Rican history. We saw the largest ox cart in the world (carts are an important Costa Rican symbol related to the coffee trade), had lunch at an excellent restaurant, saw a beautiful view of the Arenal volcano (cloudy day but still amazing) and ended by relaxing in the volcanic hot springs (resort type atmosphere at Ecotermales) with an upscale buffet. Made lots of sweet new friends from all over the world. Highly recommend this tour and thanks again to Mario who made it even more special!
Thank you for such an amazing review! We’re delighted to hear your trip to Costa Rica started in the best way possible. Mario will be so happy to know that his kindness, knowledge, and passion made your day extra special. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed each part of the experience—from learning about the ox cart’s history to savoring a delicious lunch, admiring Arenal Volcano, and relaxing at Ecotermales hot springs.Making new friends along the way is the perfect bonus! We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in Costa Rica.
Wonderful experience. Eric was our guide and Alex our driver. Both were great. Lot of activities packed in the day but they were all well timed and we were never rushed. There were ample stops for bathroom breaks. We made an unplanned bathroom break half way between the Sarchí and la fortune drive. Ended up at a fruit shop where we had some impromptu fruits. Suggest they add that stop to the tour.
Dear Nicholas: We as a team in Expediciones Tropicales One day Tours - are very pleased to hear of more satisfied customers with the quality of the day tours we have operated for over three decades for our dear travelers. Hope to see you again in Costa Rica!
My wife an I spent the day there relaxing in the thermal spas. The facility is very well kept and quite enjoyable. The grounds are beautiful and the lockers and bathrooms are spotless. There are numerous pools with varying temperatures and depths. Great place for families.
Dear Denny: We as a team in Expediciones Tropicales One day Tours - are very pleased to hear of more satisfied customers with the quality of the day tours we have operated for over three decades for our dear travelers. Hope to see you again in Costa Rica!
This was an amazing day! Our tour guide, Donald, was knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Our driver, David, was safe and the tour bus was clean and comfortable. I‘ll admit I thought the stop in Sarchi was going to be an unnecessary tourist trap, but it was a lovely little artisan town and we only spent just enough time there to learn the history of the ox cart’s significance in Costa Rica and to visit the gift shop at the ox cart factory, where I absolutely wanted to buy something made by local woodworkers, who were there working while we visited. The lunch at Selva Rustica was incredible, and the restaurant was beautiful. The tour only spends about 20 minutes at the overlook of the Arenal volcano, which I wished was slightly longer but there really isn’t anything else to do other than look at it, and it is a long day that others may not want to be made longer just to keep looking at a (majestic) volcano. Visiting the hot springs was a wonderful experience. I paid the extra to go to Ecotermales and was happy with that decision (even though I don’t know what I missed at Baldi, where the rest of my group went); it was quite private until 5 PM when it quickly got pretty crowded. The dinner at Ecotermales was also absolutely delicious, and the staff there were wonderful. The drive home was long, as we were warned and couldn’t be avoided. We did get to stop for a bathroom break. Everything went according to schedule. I almost decided not to go on this tour at the last minute based on limited and some questionable reviews of the Baldi tour with this company, and having had a bad experience with a different touring company the previous day, but I am so glad I did. In future visits, I will plan to book again with Expediciones Tropicales and highly recommend them and this tour. Thank you for the wonderful experience!
Dear traveler: We appreciate so much to hear about the good job from our staff as well as the excellence in service from our providers, also appreciate your time writing about your experience. Hope your recommendation would help other travelers to visit Costa Rica with Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours. Regards,
The views of the volcano and the hot springs were amazing! Our driver and guide were great to work with also.
Dear Susan: We appreciate so much your comments as we work every day to improve the quality of our services. Sincerely,
