Day Trips from San Jose to Arenal Volcano National Park

Most tours show you Costa Rica. This one is designed to help you experience it. This premium tour is built around a simple idea: combining iconic destinations with places most travelers never find, all in one well-paced and carefully planned day. You will explore volcanoes, waterfalls and hidden spots while your local driver-guide handles the logistics and shares the kind of insight that turns a place into something meaningful, not just something you see. The experience is flexible and adapts to your pace. No rigid schedules. No unnecessary stops — only well-timed, unexpected ones along the way that feel natural, not forced. Along the route, you will notice the difference. Small details. Local moments. Places that are not on maps but somehow become part of the story. A smooth day designed to help you see more, feel more and enjoy Costa Rica in a way that stays with you long after it ends.

This is not just any excursion: it is a premium adventure, designed for those who value comfort and authentic experiences. More than a tour, it is an intimate trip through the natural wonders of Costa Rica.  Super-small groups and premium transport guarantee you comfort, flexibility and personalized attention throughout the tour. We observe lava pourings, stop at hidden viewpoints and explore the legacy of the imposing Arenal Volcano. We stop at local places: postcard waterfalls and hidden viewpoints, where you will try typical fruits and dishes (meals not included so you have freedom of choice). We enjoy everything from a hidden river of hot water to the thermal pools of a resort with excellent amenities. ️ Our guide not only knows the route, he lives it. Natural, attentive and close narrator, because in a world full of generic tours, this trip feels like with a local friend who wants to show you the best of his land.

From San Jose, the easiest way to take a day trip to Arenal Volcano is on a guided tour. All transportation is included by private vehicle so you don't have to deal with slow public transit, and logistics such as lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are already planned and included in the ticket price. After visiting Arenal Volcano with a guide, head to Baldi Hot Springs to soak in thermal waters before returning to you San Jose hotel.

Slip into a state of pure bliss among a tropical paradise at the base of Costa Rica’s active Arenal Volcano. On this all-inclusive day trip from San Jose, travel to La Fortuna for fantastic views of the famous peak and an afternoon spent relaxing along the mineral-rich thermal pools of Ecotermales Hot Springs. Lunch, dinner, and a stop in the artisan town of Sarchi are all included for a memorable day of ‘pura vida.’

Embark on a full day of adventure and relaxation in La Fortuna. Start with an exhilarating zipline tour featuring 9 cables and 10 platforms, offering stunning vistas of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Follow this with a guided hike through Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal's scenic trails, perfect for active travelers eager to explore Costa Rica's diverse ecosystem. Conclude your day by unwinding in a natural thermal river, soaking in warm waters surrounded by lush nature. This combo tour includes transportation, certified guides, a traditional lunch, and all necessary equipment for a truly memorable experience. - Enjoy a full day of adventure with ziplining, hiking, and thermal relaxation - Zip across 9 cables, with lengths from 80 to 550 meters, perfect for all experience levels - Hike on moderate trails in Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal while learning about the ecosystem - Relax for 40 minutes in a natural thermal river, ideal for rejuvenation after your activities

Discover one of La Fortuna’s most complete adventure combos with zipline, a volcano hike, hanging bridges, and a natural thermal river all in one day. A full day of adventure, nature, and relaxation awaits in La Fortuna with this exciting combo tour. Soar through the treetops on a zipline adventure featuring 9 cables and 10 platforms, with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Continue with a moderate 3 km hike at Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal, where you’ll explore scenic volcanic landscapes with a guide. Then discover the beauty of Mistico Hanging Bridges Park on a guided walk of approximately 2.5 hours through the rainforest. End the day relaxing in a natural thermal river, where you can soak in warm waters and enjoy a volcanic mud mask. This full-day experience includes transportation, lunch, and expert guides throughout the tour.