There’s a certain magic in the perfect pairing of fire and water, and nowhere in Costa Rica is that harmony more impressive than Arenal. Towering, perfectly conical, and surrounded by lush rainforest, the Arenal Volcano is a must-see for any traveler. Add in a rejuvenating soak in one of the region’s world-famous hot springs, and you have the ideal one-day escape from San Jose.
Our Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Day Tour is one of our most requested experiences — and once you’ve hiked the volcanic trails and slipped into those naturally heated mineral pools, you’ll understand why.
Scenic Drive & Roadside Attraction in Sarchi - Worlds Largest Oxcart
Your adventure begins with one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful drives. Leaving San Jose behind, you’ll wind through rolling green pastures, pineapple plantations, mango orchards, and cloud-kissed hillsides that showcase the country’s famous agricultural abundance.
To stretch your legs, we’ll stop in the artisan town of Sarchí, home to vibrant craft workshops and the world’s largest traditional painted oxcart — an iconic Costa Rican symbol splashed in bold colors and intricate designs. It’s the perfect photo op and a great way to break up the journey before continuing toward La Fortuna.
Arenal Volcano National Park Hike
Stepping into Arenal Volcano National Park feels like walking into another world. The star of the show is, of course, the majestic Arenal Volcano — once named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Costa Rica. Its near-perfect cone rises sharply above the rainforest, creating picture-perfect views from almost every angle.
Your guide will lead you along trails shaped by the volcano’s dramatic 1968 eruption, sharing stories of the event that transformed the region and gave the nearby town its meaningful name — La Fortuna, “the fortunate.”
Along the way, keep your eyes open for wildlife: colorful tanagers, howler monkeys calling from the treetops, coatis foraging along the trails, and views of lava fields that remind you of the powerful forces beneath your feet. This is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes — wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Arenal Hot Springs Resort of Your Choice
After exploring the park, it’s time to unwind in the most iconic way possible — soaking in Arenal’s naturally heated volcanic waters. The region is famous for its hot springs resorts, each offering its own blend of cascading thermal pools, lush gardens, soothing mineral waters, and incredible volcano views.
Whether you prefer a large resort with dozens of pools, a boutique setting surrounded by rainforest, or a more intimate and private atmosphere, the hot springs you choose will set the tone for the perfect afternoon of relaxation. Soothe tired muscles, enjoy the therapeutic mineral benefits, and embrace one of the most beloved Costa Rican travel experiences.
Your visit also includes a delicious dinner at the hot springs resort, allowing you to linger, relax, and enjoy the ambience long after sunset.
The Quintessential Costa Rica Experience in Just One Day
From scenic countryside views to volcanic landscapes and world-famous hot springs, this full-day adventure from San Jose brings together everything travelers love about Costa Rica. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible hot springs options, The Real Deal Tours makes it easy to experience the best of Arenal in just one day.
Book with us for the best prices, trusted partners, and a seamless experience from start to finish — so all you have to do is relax, explore, and enjoy.
Reserve Your Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour Combo Now
Baldi Hot Springs
One of the things that makes Baldi such a favorite is the sense of acceptance and inclusiveness. It´s a very fun atmosphere with lots of music and boisterous bathers. Baldi is also the only hot springs in the area with a family section, so if this excursion is a family affair, know that your kids will be welcomed with open arms. And you will welcome with open arms, the amazing dinner you´ll be served! Soaking up a gorgeous view of the mountain, enjoy a lovely dinner before we pack up and head back to San Jose.
Arenal One Day Tour Includes:
Round trip transportation from most San Jose, Heredia & Alajuela area hotels
Bilingual certified tour guides
See the world's largest painted Ox Cart in Sarchi
Guided hike around Arenal Volcano
Traditional Tico lunch
Hot springs of your choice
Towels & lockers
Dinner at the hot springs resort
Entrance fees to all included attractions
Departures: Departs daily at 7:30 am depending your hotel location. Exact meeting instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
Length: Approximately 15 hours.
Arenal One Day Tour Recommendations:
Comfortable light layers
Good walking shoes or sandals
Change of clothes for after the hot springs
Camera/ phone fully charged
Sunglasses or sun hat
Eco-friendly bug repellant
Biodegradable sun block or UV protective clothing
Refillable water bottle
Cash for tour balance if not prepaid, souvenirs, extra food and beverages, and tips for your guides
Children: Minimum age is 3 years old to participate. Children ages 3 to 10 pay a discounted rate.
Insider Tip: Although we always recommend staying a few days in La Fortuna, if you can't squeeze that in, then this one day tour from San Jose will at least take you to experience the most quintessential things to do in the Arenal Volcano region: hiking the national park, and soaking in the natural hot springs. It is a really long day for little ones though, so bring some entertainment for the road, and maybe some familiar snacks too.
Bonus! Do your vacation plans include a few days in La Fortuna? You can make this tour a Smart Connection! We will pick you and your luggage up in San Jose, take you to explore the National Park and the hot springs of your choice, then you can go to your hotel in La Fortuan at the end of the day rather than drive all the way back to San Jose. Saving you money and leaving you more time for all the other fun things to do in Arenal.
Want to make it a private tour experience?Contact us for a private tour quote for just you and your traveli companions.
** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Baldi Hot Springs:
Adult:
Retail: $180.00
The Real Deal: $160.00
Child:
Retail: $135.00
The Real Deal: $121.00
Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs deposit is $30.00 per Adult and $20.00 per Child.
(The balance of $130.00 + taxes per Adult and $101.00 + taxes per Child must be paid 36 hours before the date of service through a secure payment link)
This tour departs at 7:30 AM.
Los Lagos Hot Springs
One of the lesser known hot springs resorts in Arenal is Los Lagos Resort. This family owned property is absolutely stunning and feels like you are at the base of the volcano itself. You can sip cocktails while soaking in the springs and staring up at the giant volcano right in front of you. There is even a water slide there so the kids (big and small) can enjoy a bit more action. There is a small lake full of water fowl and a small nature reserve right on site too!
Arenal One Day Tour Includes:
Round trip transportation from most San Jose, Heredia & Alajuela area hotels
Bilingual certified tour guides
See the world's largest painted Ox Cart in Sarchi
Guided hike around Arenal Volcano
Traditional Tico lunch
Hot springs of your choice
Towels & lockers
Dinner at the hot springs resort
Entrance fees to all included attractions
Departures: Departs daily at 7:30 am depending your hotel location. Exact meeting instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
Length: Approximately 15 hours.
Arenal One Day Tour Recommendations:
Comfortable light layers
Good walking shoes or sandals
Change of clothes for after the hot springs
Camera/ phone fully charged
Sunglasses or sun hat
Eco-friendly bug repellant
Biodegradable sun block or UV protective clothing
Refillable water bottle
Cash for tour balance if not prepaid, souvenirs, extra food and beverages, and tips for your guides
Children: Minimum age is 3 years old to participate. Children ages 3 to 10 pay a discounted rate.
Insider Tip: Although we always recommend staying a few days in La Fortuna, if you can't squeeze that in, then this one day tour from San Jose will at least take you to experience the most quintessential things to do in the Arenal Volcano region: hiking the national park, and soaking in the natural hot springs. It is a really long day for little ones though, so bring some entertainment for the road, and maybe some familiar snacks too.
Bonus! Do your vacation plans include a few days in La Fortuna? You can make this tour a Smart Connection! We will pick you and your luggage up in San Jose, take you to explore the National Park and the hot springs of your choice, then you can go to your hotel in La Fortuan at the end of the day rather than drive all the way back to San Jose. Saving you money and leaving you more time for all the other fun things to do in Arenal.
Want to make it a private tour experience?Contact us for a private tour quote for just you and your traveli companions.
** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Los Lagos Hot Springs:
Adult:
Retail: $180.00
The Real Deal: $160.00
Child:
Retail: $135.00
The Real Deal: $121.00
Arenal Volcano & Los Lagos Hot Springs deposit is $30.00 per Adult and $20.00 per Child.
(The balance of $130.00 + taxes per Adult and $101.00 + taxes per Child must be paid 36 hours before the date of service through a secure payment link)
This tour departs at 7:30 AM.
Ecotermales
Geared towards the privacy of its guests, Eco Termales is the smallest of the Arenal hot springs we visit. Eco Termales does not accept more than 100 visitors at once. It has 6 pools varying in temperature from 91°F to 105°F carved into hidden coves. Eco Termales hot springs is a great choice for couples and nature lovers looking for truly relax in a very peaceful setting.
Arenal One Day Tour Includes:
Round trip transportation from most San Jose, Heredia & Alajuela area hotels
Bilingual certified tour guides
See the world's largest painted Ox Cart in Sarchi
Guided hike around Arenal Volcano
Traditional Tico lunch
Hot springs of your choice
Towels & lockers
Dinner at the hot springs resort
Entrance fees to all included attractions
Departures: Departs daily at 7:30 am depending your hotel location. Exact meeting instructions will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
Length: Approximately 15 hours.
Arenal One Day Tour Recommendations:
Comfortable light layers
Good walking shoes or sandals
Change of clothes for after the hot springs
Camera/ phone fully charged
Sunglasses or sun hat
Eco-friendly bug repellant
Biodegradable sun block or UV protective clothing
Refillable water bottle
Cash for tour balance if not prepaid, souvenirs, extra food and beverages, and tips for your guides
Children: Minimum age is 3 years old to participate. Children ages 3 to 10 pay a discounted rate.
Insider Tip: Although we always recommend staying a few days in La Fortuna, if you can't squeeze that in, then this one day tour from San Jose will at least take you to experience the most quintessential things to do in the Arenal Volcano region: hiking the national park, and soaking in the natural hot springs. It is a really long day for little ones though, so bring some entertainment for the road, and maybe some familiar snacks too.
Bonus! Do your vacation plans include a few days in La Fortuna? You can make this tour a Smart Connection! We will pick you and your luggage up in San Jose, take you to explore the National Park and the hot springs of your choice, then you can go to your hotel in La Fortuan at the end of the day rather than drive all the way back to San Jose. Saving you money and leaving you more time for all the other fun things to do in Arenal.
Want to make it a private tour experience?Contact us for a private tour quote for just you and your traveli companions.
** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Ecotermales Springs:
Adult:
Retail: $199.00
The Real Deal: $178.00
Child:
Retail: $149.00
The Real Deal: $137.00
Arenal Volcano & Ecotermales deposit is $35.00 per Adult and $25.00 per Child.
(The balance of $143.00 + taxes per Adult and $112.00 + taxes per Child must be paid 36 hours before the date of service through a secure payment link)
This tour departs at 7:30 AM.
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