Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 13 hours
Don’t miss out on one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities — an Arenal Volcano and Tabacón hot springs tour! The day trip from San Jose includes a visit to Arenal 1968, a trail that puts you close enough to the volcano to see any lava that might be spewing out. Continue to the artisan town of Sarchí, savor lunch in La Fortuna and finish at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, relaxing in naturally heated pools and enjoying dinner. This tour is limited to 20 people, providing a small-group experience.
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Don’t miss out on one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities — an Arenal Volcano and Tabacón hot springs tour! The day trip from San Jose includes a visit to Arenal 1968, a trail that puts you close enough to the volcano to see any lava that might be spewing out. Continue to the artisan town of Sarchí, savor lunch in La Fortuna and finish at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, relaxing in naturally heated pools and enjoying dinner. This tour is limited to 20 people, providing a small-group experience.
After a minivan pickup from your hotel in San Jose, your day trip begins with the 35-minute drive northwest to Sarchí, a Central Valley town famous for its crafts, particularly wood and leather furniture and decorated oxcarts. Pick up a souvenir or two from a local artisan before making the 2.5-hour drive further north to the town of La Fortuna, which sits below Arenal and offers an unobstructed view of the volcán on clear days.
On arrival in La Fortuna, head to a local restaurant for a typical Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, chicken or steak, and plantains, accompanied by a great view of Arenal. Then, continue your tour about 20 minutes down the road to Mirador Arenal 1968, a trail system on the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) named for the 1968 eruption. Walk along the paths to find the best photo spots of the volcano and Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal), and watch for glimpses of bright orange lava flowing down the volcano.
Finally, head a few miles back toward La Fortuna to the Tabacón hot springs — officially Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort — one of Costa Rica’s biggest and most luxurious hot springs resorts. Enjoy roughly 3.5 hours here to soak in the various pools, which range in temperature from 77 to 102°F (25 to 38°C).
The resort is beautifully landscaped with waterfalls and lush vegetation and offers many ways to relax, from secluded pools to a swim-up bar (drinks at your own expense), so sit back and enjoy it until dinner is served. The resort’s buffet dinner lasts about 30 minutes and offers a selection of Costa Rican cuisine, similar to lunch.
After dinner, head back to your hotel in San Jose (about 2.5 hours), where your tour ends.
On arrival in La Fortuna, head to a local restaurant for a typical Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, chicken or steak, and plantains, accompanied by a great view of Arenal. Then, continue your tour about 20 minutes down the road to Mirador Arenal 1968, a trail system on the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) named for the 1968 eruption. Walk along the paths to find the best photo spots of the volcano and Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal), and watch for glimpses of bright orange lava flowing down the volcano.
Finally, head a few miles back toward La Fortuna to the Tabacón hot springs — officially Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort — one of Costa Rica’s biggest and most luxurious hot springs resorts. Enjoy roughly 3.5 hours here to soak in the various pools, which range in temperature from 77 to 102°F (25 to 38°C).
The resort is beautifully landscaped with waterfalls and lush vegetation and offers many ways to relax, from secluded pools to a swim-up bar (drinks at your own expense), so sit back and enjoy it until dinner is served. The resort’s buffet dinner lasts about 30 minutes and offers a selection of Costa Rican cuisine, similar to lunch.
After dinner, head back to your hotel in San Jose (about 2.5 hours), where your tour ends.
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