Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Alajuela, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José

Outty Ranking 51 3.3 · 7 traveler reviews13 hoursFrom $233
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Outty Ranking

51/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.3/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José worth booking?

Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José is a 13-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $233 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
51 / 100
Rating
3.3/5 (7)
Duration
13 hours
From
$233 per person

Relax in the soothing waters at Ecotermales Hot Springs while enjoying of wonderful nature. This tour shows the best of both worlds, in terms of the raw untamed beauty of the imposing Arenal Volcano, which is juxtaposed against the lush and soothing thermal waters of Ecotermales Hot Springs. All this, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the nearly perfect conical shaped lines of the volcano.

What you get

    About this experience

    Relax in the soothing waters at Ecotermales Hot Springs while enjoying of wonderful nature. This tour shows the best of both worlds, in terms of the raw untamed beauty of the imposing Arenal Volcano, which is juxtaposed against the lush and soothing thermal waters of Ecotermales Hot Springs. All this, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the nearly perfect conical shaped lines of the volcano.

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission to EcoTermales Hot Springs
    • Dinner
    • Guided sightseeing in the Arenal Volcano area
    • Round-trip transportation from selected San José-area hotels
    • Lunch
    • Professional tour guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Souvenir photos
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Optional massages, mud wraps and other spa treatments
    • Personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Arenal Volcano

      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 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.

      600 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Ecotermales Fortuna

      Ecotermales 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.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 25 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Destination Services Costa Rica

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Comfortable walking shoes • Comfortable lightweight clothing • Swimwear for the hot springs • Sunscreen •Insect repellent •Camera or phone •Cash or card for personal expenses and optional services
    • Contact line available for handling hotel pick-up reconfirmations and day-to-day operational matters. +506 8813 4239.

    Photos

    Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 2Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 3Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 4Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 5Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 6Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José in Alajuela, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    4 star
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    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    jumaandyahoocom · July 2024

    very good experience

    hi I have a wonderful experience in Costa Rica thanks to Jose tour guide and Luis, driver of the Arenal Volcano excursion. thanks Julian

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team

    via Viator

    Michael_D · June 2024

    Never Book Again

    I ended up not going because when I booked it said I’d be going to Tabacon Hot Springs. Then after booking it said it would be Baldi Hot Springs. Then started saying they would NOT refund my tour price because it was outside the 24 hour cancellation. After several back and forth emails me showing it said TABACON, they decided to refund me.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience.

    via Viator

    Joseph_K · March 2020

    Upside Hot Springs, Downside Volcano

    At the end of the day, we are rating this 4-stars because we had a fabulous, awesome time at the Tobocan Hot Springs - the highlight of the day. Gorgeous scenery. The springs are wonderful and relaxing. The spa is extremely affordable, especially relative to prices back home in the USA. We had plenty of time to enjoy the springs for a good 3 hours. Dinner was authentic, delicious. The drinks were memorable, served in fruit. Wonderful! The timing at the Volcano observation "deck" was lack luster. It was short. Like 15 minutes short, at most, perhaps. Now, I'll admit with reading so many different options, I thought we'd experience more "AT" the volcano - there is an Arenal National Park. We didn't get near the national park; I had no idea it was an observation area. Maybe that's on me, ok. However, this seemed rushed. Maybe it was because we had an Hour for lunch - too much time. Maybe it's because we stopped to see "World Largest Ox Cart" in Sarchi (unplanned?, or at least not expected on the itinerary). The tour guide was nice. Could easily understand him. We stopped at a souvenir shop "off the beaten path," as the expression goes and found a couple good deals. Know that after shopping in/around San Jose Costa Rica, found the exact items we wanted to take home for a much more economical deal.

    via Viator

    Kristin_S · March 2018

    The actual tour was great, but do...

    <p>The actual tour was great, but do NOT BOOK HERE. Go directly through the actual company which is Expeditions tropicales. It took hours for this incompetent company to get our tour straightened out. In short this entire booking experience was a complete nightmare.</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    13 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica, who run 43 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.4.

    See everything Destination Services Costa Rica runs

    Why this scores 51

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)53
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)17
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)5
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.

    How much does Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José cost?

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    Prices start at $233 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José take?

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    Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Alajuela is not rushed.

    Is Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Alajuela can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Alajuela within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Alajuela?

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    On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Alajuela?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Alajuela?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José?

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    Included: Admission to EcoTermales Hot Springs; Dinner; Guided sightseeing in the Arenal Volcano area; Round-trip transportation from selected San José-area hotels; and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenir photos; Alcoholic beverages; and Optional massages, mud wraps and other spa treatments. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 93 listed pickup locations in and around Alajuela. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Arenal Volcano with Ecotermales Hot Springs From San José?

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    Across 7 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

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