
San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup worth booking?
San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup is a 11-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $25 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $25 per person
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 landscap
What you get
- Comidas incluidas: Almuerzo y Cena / Casillero y toalla en las termales
- Let us know if you have some special meal restriction or allergy
- Professional bilingual Tour guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Transportation from hotels located in San Jose and surroundings
- Tour operates with a minimum of two passengers
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Comidas incluidas: Almuerzo y Cena / Casillero y toalla en las termales
- Let us know if you have some special meal restriction or allergy
- Professional bilingual Tour guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Transportation from hotels located in San Jose and surroundings
- Tour operates with a minimum of two passengers
Not included
- Agua en botella
- Propinas
What you'll see and do
Sarchi
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.
45 minutes here
La Fortuna de San Carlos
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.
45 minutes here
Ecotermales Fortuna
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
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $25 to $222
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup cost?
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Prices start at $25 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 San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup take?
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Plan for about 11 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 San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 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 San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup?
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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 San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup?
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Around 3 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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Jose: Arenal Volcano and Thermal Pools with Meals and Pickup 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.
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