Arenal Hot Springs Full Day Trip From San José

Incredible will highly recommend!! Very attentive and excellent service!! Our tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable

Perfect excursion with very knowledgeable and well organized team. Pick up, lunch, dinner, and everything included

Long day on treacherous roads! The payoff was the volcano, though its top was shrouded in clouds. The thermal baths were good. I even rode the medium water slide.

Absolutely 💯 on of the best tours I have been on. It was a group of 3 who spoke different languages. The tour guide was amazing he explained everything in both language. He gave both history and facts as we toured the country to get to our destination. The driver was drove safely and stopped for rest stops as needed. It was during the time of independence which the country exploded with pride and culture. The tour guide explained the rituals and the celebration that was to come. Lunch was absolutely delicious we stopped at a local restaurant. The volcano 🌋 was beautiful with so many birds in the area. Lastly, Bali hot springs was magical. The water was piped in from the volcano. Several different pools to explained the magic. Felt very safe. Will definitely would recommend!

The raft safari was my favorite part!

This was a wonderful experience with breathtaking views, good people and crew, and awesome hot springs! Shoutout to Donald for being with us during the whole duration!

Great experience. The highlight of the trip was the spa. I enjoyed that very much. The tour guide was also great,very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure every one was OK. I highly recommend the tour.

I really enjoyed this tour. I loved that we got a chance to see so much of San Jose and La Fortuna area plus everything in between. Our tour guide was awesome - he provided so much historical insight about Costa Rica - coffee production, fruit production of bananas and pineapples and how they export to other countries. It was all very interesting. We made quick stops on the way to La Fortuna to see an ox cart which used to be used to transport coffee and at a local artisan shop where we could buy coffee and gifts. It took several hours to reach the restaurant for lunch, but lunch was delicious and the staff was super nice. I enjoyed seeing the Arsenal volcano and the history about it. We chose Los Lagos for the hot spring and although it is small it was perfect for our family. If you’re looking for super hot springs, go to Baldi. The warmest temp at Los Lagos is about 104°. Food was delicious and the service was great. We spent more like 3.5 hours at the hot springs, I think because of the distance. Still a good time. Also, the tour ended up being about 15 hours in total, just FYI. Prepare for a long day. Last thing - and I think this is common in CR.. but the bus driver was pretty reckless. To be carrying a load of passengers, I thought his driving was too fast and erratic. He hit a speed bump at 70-80 MPH and almost lost control. I couldn’t relax the whole ride.

The entire day was well planned and a lot of fun! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and very upbeat

The guide (Pedro) and driver (Giovanni) were great! But the bus itself was uncomfortable: very small seats with little leg room. The tour is advertised as 12 hours but it took closer to 15. Long, exhausting day. Lunch was decent, but they didn’t serve coffee. Dinner was good, but the buffet line was long and we were rushed to eat quickly. People who can experience nausea are asked to take a Dramamine pill on the ride up/down the mountain. The dose they gave me was too strong and I ended up feeling drugged, dazed, and awful.

Amazing driver Rodrigue’s and tour guide Donald. Really beautiful scenery. Bus needs an upgrade it was too small for 3 hour drive.

It was amazing and the tour guides were the best! Max was very professional and driver did a great job too!

Please do not book this tour. We were picked up at 7:30 AM and spent most of the day driving. The first stop at the ox cart was about 20 minutes with no explanation or information from the guide. After that, it was hours in the van with only a quick bathroom break until lunch around 1 PM. The volcano stop lasted about 15 minutes and felt extremely rushed—I couldn’t even get a clear photo before we had to leave. The hot springs stop was also short, with less than 2.5 hours before being rushed again to eat and head back. Overall, you spend only about 3 hours outside the vehicle, yet the tour runs from 7:30 AM to nearly 11 PM. There was no history or context provided at any stop. Very disappointing and felt like a waste of the entire day. I highly recommend going on your own—there are shuttle buses to La Fortuna for around $45 one way. Stay overnight and return the next day for a much better experience.

They canceled my tour on Friday (Thursday afternoon) and had only one option. Saturday. 16 hour day 7:30 am-11:30 pm. Guide was less than friendly to me while overly accommodating to others. Restaurants were very good. Driver amazing.

This was a great tour! The tour guide Paulo and the driver Rodriquez were very professional and knowledgeable! I high Recommend this tour!

Hands down great experience. Its a must do in San jose. The tour guide was able to communicate to all guest. In 3 different languages. He made my 1st solo trip/Birthday amazing. Jack Daniel and Roy!!

We had Harold for our tour guide, he was amazing! He is very knowledgeable about costa rica and more! We absolutely love it! Highly recommend!!!

Tour guide a little rude. Showed up before scheduled time and called with an attitude about where I was and made and inappropriate comment asking if I spoke English because I mis-heard what he has me said.

Best birthday trip, the tour guide was excellent, explain everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing experience

My wife and I had a great time! We were lucky to get a very clear day, allowing a perfect view of Arenal volcano and lake. The stop to see the painted ox cart factory was informative and fascinating, giving a picture of a beautiful Costa Rican craft tradition. The shop there was full of craft souvenirs that will make great presents and support local artisans. The Baldi Hot Springs were scenic and relaxing. Lots of different pools to choose from. Towels and lockers were provided--it would have been good if that had been clear in advance. Still, a great day, much thanks to our wonderful, cheerful and charming guide Maria!

It's a full day excursion, I was picked up at my hotel. I was the only passenger who spoke English. The guide did an awesome job going back and translating all of his announcements. My Spanish comprehension is pretty good. I understood 50% of what he said in Spanish, but I appreciated hearing it again in English. 1st, we started at the Ox cart history, beautiful artwork, then we had lunch. The food here was really good. I got chicken, rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and ice cream. The we got back on a ride to the volcano 🌋. Some truly amazing scenery, I got nice pictures 📸, next Baldi hot springs, this is where you'll do the most walking, my plastic shoes were so slippery, bring some good shoes. it was a good set up we got towel rentals. We had about 3 hours, and then we had our dinner it was at the pyramid restaurant buffet. The food was okay. (Lunch was the star 🌟 ), and then we headed back. For everything that's included, the price is really good. There were couples, I was traveling solo, so it's good for both that are looking for something to do. Pack a jacket and umbrella 🌂 I had an umbrella packed for the trip it hadn't rained all week, but I did while I was on this trip. I'll still rate it 10/10. Costa Rica is such a beautiful country and safe. I am glad I picked it for my vacation.

This one is well worth it! We had a wonderful time with our booking, seats were comfortable, food was great, the tour guide didn't talk the WHOLE time, but gave us wonderful information when he did. The way to La Fortuna is beautiful, filled with wonderful landscapes. And the highlight is definitely Baldi with the thermal waters.

We wanted to see natural wonders of Costa Rica but had only 30-40 minutes to see the volcano from a single observation point. Great view. But the entire time of the trip was more than 16 hours (8am to midnight) instead of 14 hours as promised. That was because of an extra unadvertised 3 hour "sideshow" in a tiny town of Sarchi. Only two sites of possible interest are there: a recently built church (1950s) and a primitive farmers cart factory of the first half of the 20th century. Both had no value for us, real waste of time which prolonged the trip unnecessary. This was not the only downside. Just the beginning! More to follow...

Early pickup on time, in a modern clean van. First stop old town Sarchi, a historical town noted for building the coffee bean oxcarts. Nice stop with an informative demonstration and very clean restrooms. Then it’s a long bumpy curvy drive out to La Fortuna for a local typical Costa Rican lunch. Then it’s off to hike to the volcano viewing point, for a 15 minute photo op. Very very lucky to have cloudless day for viewing. Next is the main attraction, the Hot Springs, so nice. Every received a locker key, instructions, and the option of towel rental for a $10 deposit. We had 2 1/2 hours of soaking time, which is more than enough time, and 30 minutes to shower and change into dry clothes. So relaxing and so many water options to choose from. The dinner buffet had plenty of choices, and we had an hour to enjoy our meal. Food was good and plentiful, but not excellent. The only negative was the return trip back was almost 4 hours, with no restroom break, that is unacceptable. Going there we had two 30 minute breaks, but returning not even a 5 minute gas station break. Would have given 5 stars, but a passenger asked for a returning restroom break and was denied, just wrong.

Spent 3 nights with my granddaughter. Our main reason was to go zip lining. The hotel was clean, very secure ( had security always looking out) , staff very friendly and helpful, especially when planning our excursions for the day. Breakfast was included. Nice variety. The hots springs were great! We tried the spa. My granddaughter had her 1st facial, a chocolate facial. She was thrilled! My massage was outstanding also! There were slides, both children park (we didn’t go) and in one adult hot spring. It was a great addition! Food was ok at the Costa Rican restaurant. A buffet. We also ordered lunch from the other restaurant where breakfast is. served. It was delicious! And so much! Our room was large, spacious and very comfortable with a huge balcony with 2 chairs, small table and a couch! Nice!! The hills are brutal, but there’s always a tram to drive you up or down them.👍😁

Great agency tour in Costa Rica. The package includes 2 meals, breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, depending which tour you choose. I learned a lot listening to the guide you’re explaining about the city, history, etc.

We were told that they have a two day tour; we spend over $550 for two people for this tour. The weather was cloudy so we did not get to see the volcano, the only high light was the Bali hot springs on the first day, lunch was good but dinner at Bali was not. we were suppose to be picked up next day at 7 pm but they said that the bus was full and we were told that they will pick us up at 12 (noon) next day, that left us with no planned activity from the tour company on the second day. We spend the night at a below average hotel without any accommodations. They were late an hour for our pick up we were picked up at 1:00 pm the second day, with day traffic we got back to San Jose at 7:30 pm. We lost a whole day of our trip and paid twice as much for the two day tour. I suggest you think twice about taking this day tour and also suggest that don't get fooled with their two day tour offer as there are no tour for the second day so don't get fooled. Big disappintment.

Marco Salazar was a very good and attentive guide and he explained everything to us very well, we will return to Costa Rica 100%

Very good experience Excellent guide The stops were all very quiet with time to enjoy and take pictures Both lunch and dinner were excellent. I chose to do one-way and stay in La Fortuna, were super friendly and left me right in the Hotel!

Tropical Expeditions designed and managed all the tours and transfers of our trip efficiently and be delighted with the result. Excellent value for money

The view of the Arenal volcano is impressive, it is a must-see on your trip to Costa Rica, the Baldi hot springs are very relaxing, there is a natural jacuzzi, waterfalls, slides and the dynamics of the place are very practical for you to leave your belongings in a locker and walk without worries throughout the place, in addition to some points you can see the volcano, there are restaurants and bars, Gary gave us a good guide during the trip, he explained to us about everything we saw on the way to La Fortuna; David got us safely on the way there and back.