Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Jose, Costa Rica
- 14 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.
- Includes lunch, dinner, and coffee tasting
- Travel in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle
- Learn more through insightful commentary from the guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off provided
What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels)
- Professional bilingual guide
- LunchCosta Rican lunch at a local restaurant near Arenal Volcano
- DinnerTraditional Costa Rican dinner on return journey
- Coffee or Tea with local snacks
- Entrance Fees and Taxes
- Driver and guide gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Start time.6:30 am
Itinerary
1
La Casa del Café
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
La Paz Waterfall
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Cinchona
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Centro Turístico Las Iguanas
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Go Adventure Arenal Park
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Paradise Hot Springs
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum age to participate is 5 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour includes man-made hot springs pools, filled with natural thermal water
- The total tour duration includes the travel time, lunch and dinner
- Drop off in the La Fortuna area hotels is available (dinner will not be included if choosing this option)
- If you are bringing children on the tour (ages 5 to 12), you must inform us in advance so we can prepare the required safety equipment for them.
- This tour has been designed for those people who wish to do a lot of sightseeing in the morning without much effort, have lunch, and then relax in the hot springs for most of the afternoon
- This tour does not include ziplining/rappelling activities (The stop at Go Adventure Park is for the Indigenous presentation only)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Araceli_P
Absolutely unforgettable experience in Costa Rica!
This excursion was hands-down one of the highlights of my trip. We packed so much beauty and culture into one day from learning about Costa Rica’s rich coffee traditions at a plantation, to standing in awe of a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush jungle. Every stop felt thoughtfully planned and never rushed.
Seeing Arenal Volcano up close was breathtaking, but the perfect ending was soaking in the hot springs, pure relaxation after an adventure-filled day. The guide Steven were knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate about sharing Costa Rica’s history, nature, and “pura vida” spirit.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica and want an experience that blends adventure, education, and relaxation all in one, this tour is an absolute must. I would 100% do it again and recommend it to anyone visiting the area! 🌋☕💦
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,621 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Shawn_E, Aug 2026
Best tour we’ve had in Costa Rica. Kenneth’s team of Steven and Carlos were amazing. For the places we got to experience is well worth the price. This is a no-brainer for anyone looking for an unforgettable tour.
Fodil_M, Jul 2026
Fernando our driver guide was very knowledgeable made this experience a learning lesson about Costa Rica and coffee, ending the day relaxing in the hot springs was fabulous
I didn’t give a 5 stars because the dinner was awful
Tabitha_J, Jun 2026
It is a long day but there are many stops so you are never in the bus for too long. Our guide Stephen and driver were incredibly kind and caring (my parents are older and had some mobility issues) and really went above and beyond to ensure they were safe and enjoyed the trip as much as possible. The stops were very pleasant and all of the food and drink was incredibly tasty! We saw a sloth, an eyelash viper and the top of the volcano!! Such a win!! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone!!
Marion_H, Jun 2026
If you are being picked up in San Jose for this tour adventure, expect a long ride. But it is well worth it. Our driver and tour guide were amazing, The tour guide keep us entertained with information about Costa Rica as we made several stops during our journey. Once we got to our destination, our planned activities were all very enjoyable. Please take this tour. You will enjoy it. The lunch and were also very good. Our driver and tour guide were amazing.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your feedback on the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. You're absolutely right — the ride from San Jose to Arenal is a little long, but we hope the destination and the experience made every minute worthwhile. We appreciate your honest insight and your patience with the travel time.
It will be our pleasure to assist you on your next visit to Costa Rica.
Mariana_L, Jun 2026
What a great tour we went with Carlos and Steven, they were awesome we had fun learned new things and got to see so many beautiful places in one tour. If you’re looking for a tour look no further
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us about the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! It's wonderful to hear that Carlos and Steven made the day so awesome, and that you got to see so many beautiful places in a single tour. We appreciate your recommendation to anyone looking for a tour.
Please let us know the next time you will be in Costa Rica and we will be glad to assist you with another tour from San Jose!
Thesalia_L, Jun 2026
10/10, views were amazing, lunch and dinner were tasty and our tour guide Steven was so amazing. Made the experience even better.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose review! We're thrilled to hear the views were amazing, that you enjoyed both lunch and dinner, and that Steven helped make the experience even better. A 10/10 means the world to us — thank you for the high recommendation!
We are happy to assist you on your next Costa Rican vacation!
Kasandra_E, Jun 2026
My family and I had an amazing fun filled day with tour guide Steven and driver Randall. Steven was very knowledgeable and experienced on all the topics/locations we covered. We visited every location mentioned in the itinerary and even stopped a couple of times to observe the animals Steven pointed out in the trees. We were able to spend 3 1/2 hours at the hot springs which was lovely. Would definitely recommend this tour ! Our family included our 15 year old teenager who also enjoyed the various stops.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We are thrilled to hear that the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose was a highlight of your Costa Rica trip. It’s great to know that Steven and Randall helped create such a fun and memorable family adventure, from spotting wildlife and exploring the beautiful Arenal area to relaxing at the hot springs. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted that every member of your family, including your teenager, enjoyed this unforgettable Costa Rica nature and volcano tour.
We are happy to assist you on your next Costa Rican vacation!
Nasim_A, May 2026
It was a wonderful and fun trip. Our guide was Stephen and he was very knowledgeable and kind. At times he went out of his way to show us different birds/animals. The trip was a long one but everything went on time. We had a lot of stops but all of them were good and informative. The highlight was the relaxing hot springs at the end of the trip followed by a buffet dinner.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose and that Stephen's knowledge and dedication helped make the day even more special. Spotting Costa Rica's incredible wildlife, learning about the region, and relaxing in the natural hot springs are some of the highlights that make this tour such a memorable adventure. We are delighted that everything ran smoothly and that you enjoyed the buffet dinner as the perfect ending to your day. We are happy to assist you on your next Costa Rican vacation!
Brianna_T, Apr 2026
I had an amazing experience on this full-day tour in Costa Rica! Our guide was incredibly sweet, friendly, and made the entire day feel so enjoyable and relaxed. We made plenty of stops along the way to take pictures and spot wildlife, which made the experience feel really special and not rushed at all.
One thing I really appreciated was how the guide took the time to take photos of us.They were also very communicative, explaining what we were seeing and making sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the tour.
Overall, it was such a memorable experience, and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Costa Rica!
Response from Host, May 2026
Brianna_T
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable Costa Rica adventure and enjoyed the beautiful volcano views, wildlife spotting, scenic stops, and personalized attention from our tour guide. Providing unforgettable experiences, comfortable transportation, and authentic Costa Rica tours from San Jose is always our goal. Thank you for recommending our full-day Arenal Volcano tour to future travelers visiting Costa Rica. We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
lidia_p, Apr 2026
*the Go Adventure Arenal Park isn’t included. You just experience the outside of the park. I was under the impression that we were going to see the Arenal volcano but we didn’t.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback on our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. We’re sorry for any confusion regarding the itinerary and appreciate the opportunity to clarify expectations for this Costa Rica volcano and nature tour. While the experience offers beautiful views of the Arenal region and surrounding landscapes, the volcano itself is not entered as it is part of a protected national park area.
We value your comments, as they help us improve how we communicate tour details for future travelers exploring Arenal Volcano from San José. We are happy to assist you on your next Costa Rican vacation!
Karina_P, Apr 2026
Hot springs were a highlight, rather than that the description didn’t match our experience, there were no traditional show, no volcano, only stops at souvenir shops every 30-50 min. That was very disappointing. Our guide didn’t speak English, very basic, focused on jokes about famous women he would date if he could. We had to stay next to other tour guides to get at least some information about coffee farm and hot springs. I would not recommend
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your comments about our tour to the Arenal Volcano area.
We are glad to know that the hot springs were a highlight, but we sincerely regret that other parts of the tour were disappointing to you. With regards to your comment about “no volcano”, we wish you had been more specific, because on this tour you were taken to the Arenal Volcano area, which is what we promise in the description of the tour. Please note that we do not promise to visit a volcano crater or anything similar; therefore, if you assumed that you were going to see something different than what we have listed on the tour´s description, that´s completely out of our control.
As to your comment about a ¨traditional show¨, with all due respect, we do not promise a traditional show on the description of the tour you purchased.
Nicole_M, Mar 2026
It was a nice tour. Our tour guide was very personable and funny! He explained everything well and our driver was top tier!
Response from Host, May 2026
Nicole_M
Thank you for your kind review of the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed this Costa Rica volcano tour and had a pleasant experience exploring the beautiful Arenal region.
It’s great to know that your guide made the journey fun and informative, and that your driver provided a safe and comfortable experience throughout the day. This Arenal Volcano full-day tour is a wonderful way to enjoy Costa Rica tourism, combining nature, culture, and adventure in one trip from San Jose.
We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
TONYA_H, Mar 2026
14 hours of nonstop fun! We saw sloths in trees on the side of the road. We stopped by Iguanas restaurant, which had iguanas climbing up the tree behind the restaurant. Of course the arenal hot springs were amazing! Lunch and dinner were provided. We toured a coffee plantation where we learned the coffee making process from start to finish. We learned about Costa Rican landscape, the Ring of Fire volcanoes, and so much more. This was a really awesome tour!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your amazing review of the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed this action-packed Costa Rica adventure with 14 hours of unforgettable experiences.
It’s wonderful that you were able to see sloths in their natural habitat, enjoy the unique wildlife at Iguanas restaurant, relax in the Arenal hot springs, and learn about the coffee production process at the coffee plantation. This tour is designed to showcase the best of Costa Rica tourism, including volcanoes, wildlife, culture, and nature all in one day.
We are excited to support your upcoming journey to Costa Rica!
William_P, Mar 2026
What an amazing adventure. It was a long day but well worth it. We were picked up at our hotel and went on a great adventure with 12 other people. The guide was amazing. And the driver was very safe. Learning about the country of Costa Rica and all the great sites was amazing. Well worth the long day.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review of the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed this full-day Costa Rica adventure and appreciated the comfortable hotel pickup, safe transportation, and the opportunity to explore with a small group.
It’s great to know that you enjoyed learning about Costa Rica’s culture and breathtaking landscapes throughout the journey. Our team always strives to provide safe, informative, and unforgettable Costa Rica tourism experiences from San Jose.
We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
Tyler_K, Mar 2026
We did this on our first day in Costa Rica, and we had a blast. It's a long day, and they did a really good job of packing a lot in but not so much that you're exhausted. After being picked up, we went to a coffee plantation, stopped at a waterfall and a local soda for fresh juice, had a delicious lunch, saw Arenal Volcano and soaked for a few hours in some beautiful hot springs, and stopped by another soda for a delicious dinner. The van was spacious and comfortable, and our guides Steven and Bryan were friendly and really went out of their way to show us things we might have missed otherwise. We would absolutely do this day trip again!
Response from Host, May 2026
Tyler_K
Thank you for your wonderful review of our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are happy to hear you had a fantastic first day in Costa Rica exploring the Arenal Volcano region, coffee plantation, waterfall, and relaxing hot springs. It is great to know Steven and Bryan made the experience even better with their friendly service and attention to detail, ensuring you didn’t miss any of Costa Rica’s hidden highlights.
We truly appreciate your recommendation of our Costa Rica tours from San Jose. We are happy to assist you on your next Costa Rican vacation!
LJ_J, Mar 2026
We had a great time with our group! Lunch was fantastic, but dinner wasn’t quite as enjoyable. Plus, the AC in the bus went out halfway through, which made the last part of the trip a bit less fun.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience on our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. We are very happy to hear you had a great time with the group and enjoyed a fantastic Costa Rica lunch during your volcano and nature adventure.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the dinner and the issue with the bus air conditioning. Your comments are very important and will be shared with our team to help improve comfort and overall service on our Costa Rica day tours.
We are excited to support your upcoming journey to Costa Rica!
Markiyah_B, Feb 2026
I had a great time our tour guide was super knowledgeable and made everything exciting, safe, and easy to understand. There was so much beautiful things to see, the hot springs was amazing!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review of our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great time and that your tour guide made the experience both informative and enjoyable.
Our Arenal Volcano full-day tour is designed to showcase the best of Costa Rica eco tourism, including breathtaking rainforest scenery, volcanic landscapes, rich wildlife, and relaxing natural hot springs in the La Fortuna area. We are very happy that you were able to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica while feeling safe, well guided, and comfortable throughout the entire journey.
Thank you for choosing our Costa Rica adventure tour and for sharing your experience with future travelers looking for unforgettable tours from San Jose to the Arenal Volcano area.
We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
Loveena_S, Feb 2026
Excellent tour. More than we hoped for. Relaxing Hot springs at La Fortuna, great food stops and lots of flora and fauna on the way.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your excellent review of our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are delighted to hear that the experience exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed such a complete Costa Rica adventure.
It is wonderful that you were able to relax in the famous hot springs of La Fortuna, enjoy delicious local food stops, and experience the incredible flora and fauna along the way. The Arenal Volcano region is one of the best destinations for Costa Rica eco-tourism, combining natural hot springs, rainforest wildlife, and breathtaking scenery all in one unforgettable journey.
We truly appreciate your kind words and your recommendation of our Costa Rica tours from San Jose. Feedback like yours helps other travelers choose the best ways to explore Costa Rica.
We are excited to support your upcoming journey to Costa Rica!
Brenda_P, Feb 2026
Ovi and our driver Alex were absolutely amazing!!!! We had a wonderful time and will definitely recommend to others!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience on our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are thrilled to hear that Ovi and Alex provided you with such amazing service and helped make your Costa Rica adventure truly memorable. Exploring the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, and we are delighted that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, nature, and unforgettable experience with our team.
Thank you as well for recommending our Costa Rica tour services to others. Your kind words motivate us to continue offering exceptional guided tours from San Jose, comfortable transportation, and authentic travel experiences in Costa Rica.
We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
Barbara_G, Feb 2026
Fantastic tour covering so much. Fernando was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. He made everything interesting and fun. The day was full with beautiful scenery, interesting information, amazing animals and birds, relaxing soak in the hot water spa, and good food and coffee. I feel like I had a week experiencing Costa Rica in just one day.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review of our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are delighted to hear that your day was filled with unforgettable experiences and that you were able to enjoy so much of Costa Rica’s natural beauty in just one tour.
It is wonderful to know that Fernando’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for Costa Rica made the experience both fun and educational. He will truly appreciate your kind words. Our team is dedicated to providing immersive Costa Rica tours that combine breathtaking volcano scenery, wildlife encounters, local culture, delicious food and coffee, and relaxing hot springs experiences.
We are especially happy that you enjoyed the beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and birds, and the relaxing thermal spa. Experiences like these are what make the Arenal Volcano region one of the top eco-tourism and adventure travel destinations in Costa Rica.
We will be more than glad to assist you during your next trip to Costa Rica!
melvrod, Jan 2026
We liked this tour because my husband and I are first time travelers to Costa Rica. We took this tour to get a feel of where to go and stay longer on certain areas that we like for our next visit in the country. If you are also tight on the time/days in Costa Rica, then this will help and get a taste of Costa Rica’s beauty.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience on our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose! We are delighted to know that your first trip to Costa Rica was such a positive experience and that our tour helped you discover some of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
The Arenal Volcano region is one of the top attractions in Costa Rica, well known for its breathtaking volcano views, lush rainforest landscapes, natural hot springs, and incredible wildlife. We are very happy to hear that this full-day adventure gave you and your husband a great introduction to Costa Rica tourism and helped you plan ideas for a future vacation.
For travelers with limited time in Costa Rica, our guided tours from San Jose are designed to offer the perfect combination of nature, sightseeing, local culture, and unforgettable experiences in a single day. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your Costa Rica adventure.
We look forward to helping you with your next Costa Rica adventure!
Araceli_P, Jan 2026
Absolutely unforgettable experience in Costa Rica!
This excursion was hands-down one of the highlights of my trip. We packed so much beauty and culture into one day from learning about Costa Rica’s rich coffee traditions at a plantation, to standing in awe of a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush jungle. Every stop felt thoughtfully planned and never rushed.
Seeing Arenal Volcano up close was breathtaking, but the perfect ending was soaking in the hot springs, pure relaxation after an adventure-filled day. The guide Steven were knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate about sharing Costa Rica’s history, nature, and “pura vida” spirit.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica and want an experience that blends adventure, education, and relaxation all in one, this tour is an absolute must. I would 100% do it again and recommend it to anyone visiting the area! 🌋☕💦
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review of the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. We are thrilled to hear that your day in Costa Rica was absolutely unforgettable and that this tour became one of the highlights of your trip.
The Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose is designed to immerse travelers in the best of Costa Rica, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation. From learning about Costa Rica’s rich coffee traditions at a local plantation, to experiencing a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, and finally witnessing the breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, every stop is carefully planned to create a seamless and enriching experience. Ending the day with the relaxing hot springs makes it a perfect balance of adventure and unwinding.
We are delighted that Steven’s knowledge, friendliness, and passion for sharing Costa Rica’s history, wildlife, and “pura vida” spirit enhanced your experience. Thank you for recommending this tour to others seeking an authentic Costa Rica adventure—we look forward to welcoming you back for another extraordinary day of eco-tourism, culture, and natural beauty.
Grace_H, Jan 2026
We had Alex as our tour guide and he was great! He had such good energy and really kept the group engaged! We saw lots of animals and was able to taste different things.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience on the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. We are delighted to hear that Alex’s great energy and engaging personality helped make the day so enjoyable for the entire group. Having enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides is an essential part of delivering high-quality Costa Rica tours.
The Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose is designed to showcase the best of Costa Rica travel, from observing local wildlife to tasting traditional Costa Rican flavors along the way. We are glad you had the opportunity to see many animals and enjoy a variety of authentic experiences that highlight Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and eco-tourism. Thank you for choosing to explore Costa Rica with us, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure.
irene_w, Jan 2026
Fernando was very knowledgeable and entertaining and that made the day all the better.
The tour was well planned and executed and Fernando was outstanding.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback about the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose. We’re thrilled to hear that your day in La Fortuna was both fun and memorable. Fernando truly embodies what makes Costa Rica tours special—his deep knowledge, engaging personality, and passion for sharing the natural beauty and culture of Costa Rica elevate the entire experience.
We’re also glad you enjoyed how well organized and smoothly executed the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose was. From breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano to the lush rainforest landscapes that define eco-tourism in Costa Rica, our goal is to provide authentic, sustainable travel experiences led by outstanding local guides. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable Costa Rica adventure.
Holly_C, Jan 2026
Be forewarned. I cannot comprehend how this was one of the higher rated tours on Viator. First just know that this tour is about 15 hours long. They pick you up at 6 AM and you don’t get back to the city until around 10 PM. Just FYI, for those who get motion, sickness or car sickness because it is a very rocky terrain up and down, and you are on this van almost the entire tour. The pictures and descriptions make it seem as though you will be seeing wildlife and hiking. The entire time you are actually in the van not walking. We all brought extra clothes and shoes thinking that because all the previous reviews indicate that they were hiking and there were steep heels and such. None of those things happen. Once you get on the bus, you go up to the first stop, which is a very pretty waterfall however it’s actually just on the side of the road. They don’t take you into the actual rainforest or into the waterfall areas. You just stop on the side of the road which they give you 10 minutes for and then everyone had to take pictures right there on the corner. So if you’re booking this with pictures of waterfalls thinking it’s one of the waterfall tours you’ll be very disappointed. So after rushing and getting 10 minutes to actually see something they stop you at a coffee plantation that the tour guide tells you how they make coffee from coffee beans. However, you’re not walking around looking at the actual fields, again it’s just so that you can go buy coffee from the actual store. You’re only on the first little part as soon as you walk in, there was no tour of the grounds or anything like that. Then, as you are driving you pull over in front of some people’s homes and the guide pulls out a telescope and pointed at some of the trees and shows you a bird. We actually saw two birds, but this was about 10 minutes of a stop because of course everyone in the group has to look at the telescope. But really it’s probably a one minute attraction because all you do is look into his telescope and then get back on the bus. As far as the lunch they give you a few options to choose from and then they take you to the zip lining city. And from there, the guide does pull out his telescope and tries to find one or two animals or birds for you to look at at this place that serves lunch. But again, based off of the other reviews and the pictures you would think that you’re walking around and you’re actually seeing wildlife. As far as my biggest disappointment because I booked this tour with Viator, there was no mention or option when I booked it about zip lining or canopy walking. So I was the only person on my tour bus that did not have that option. So the other 10 people got dropped off at the zip lining place and because I was not given that option to add it, nor did I want to zip line or I would have got a zip lining tour. Because of this, I was dropped off at the next location, which is the Hot Springs almost 3 hours earlier. So I had to sit at the Hot Springs site for almost 5 hours while waiting for the other group members to finish their zip lining and go to the next stop. I of course reached out to Viator and they said there was nothing they could do, no refund, no credit etc even though I booked through them. Then you start descending down to the restaurant where you stopped for dinner. And then you finally make it back to your drop off zones. The only thing that saved this tour was that my tour guide Jorge was very nice and I know it wasn’t his fault about Viator not having a zip lining option. Just before warned if you think that you’re actually going to be walking around or going through wildlife and rainforest. This is not an interactive tour. It’s you on a van all day long. And remember also that it’s 15 hours long which if you’re older or you have back problems or anything like that before warned as you will be trapped on a van for 15+ hours and I would also recommend booking through TripAdvisor, not Viator. Apparently, TripAdvisor gave them the option to add on the zip lining part.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San José.
After carefully reviewing your comments, we believe there may have been a misunderstanding regarding what was included in the tour. From your review, it appears that your expectations may have been based primarily on the tour photographs rather than on the detailed itinerary and description provided at the time of booking.
To begin, the title of your review states that "you won't be putting your feet in the waterfall." We would like to respectfully clarify that at no point in our itinerary do we advertise or promise that guests will be able to enter or swim in the waterfalls. The tour includes visits to observe two beautiful waterfalls—La Paz and San Fernando—and this is exactly what is described in the itinerary.
You also mention reading reviews that referred to hiking. With respect, we believe those reviews may have been for a different tour, as the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour does not include hiking, nor is hiking mentioned anywhere in the tour description.
Similarly, your review advises future travelers that the tour does not include a rainforest walk or guaranteed wildlife viewing. We would like to clarify that neither of these activities is included or advertised as part of this itinerary. The photographs in the tour description feature rainforest scenery because several of the locations we visit are surrounded by tropical forest, and they also include wildlife because guests frequently encounter animals such as sloths, toucans, monkeys, and many species of birds during the day. However, as these animals live freely in their natural habitat, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and the tour does not include a guided rainforest walk.
Regarding the ziplining activity, we would also like to provide some clarification. Upon arriving at the adventure park, the opportunity to participate in ziplining was available to you, but you decided not to take part, as you mentioned in your own review. The version of the tour you booked includes admission to Paradise Hot Springs, and guests who choose not to participate in optional ziplining simply enjoy additional time relaxing at the hot springs. This was not extra waiting time while other participants completed their activity—it was part of the itinerary you selected.
For travelers who wish to combine both experiences, we also offer a separate version of this tour that includes both ziplining and the hot springs. It is possible that this alternative was overlooked during the booking process. Additionally, our operational records indicate that the time spent at the hot springs was consistent with our standard itinerary, which typically allows guests approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to enjoy the facilities.
Regarding your comment about the tour's high rating on Viator, we believe the consistently positive feedback from thousands of travelers reflects the fact that the experience delivered matches the itinerary and inclusions described on the booking page.
We genuinely regret that the tour did not meet your expectations. At the same time, we believe much of the disappointment may have resulted from expectations that differed from the services and activities advertised. For this reason, we always encourage travelers to read the full tour description before booking, as it provides a detailed explanation of what is included and helps ensure they select the experience that best matches their interests and expectations.
Jackie_R, Jan 2026
Steve was great! Loved seeing all the wild animals. The tour was different to what I expected but it was a fun day out with a nice group of people.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed our Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose and had the opportunity to see Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife. It’s great to know that Steve helped make the experience enjoyable and that you had a fun day with a wonderful group. Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, wildlife watching, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. We would be delighted to assist you with your next Costa Rica travel plans!
Sharayah_W, Jan 2026
The tour was great but unfortunately our tour guide, Jorge really took away from experience. It started when we put in our beverage orders. I raised my hand for passion fruit juice and I guess he miscalculated. When we were being served, I was given coffee and let Jorge know that it was the wrong order. He accused me of lying and that I just wanted to change my order all of the sudden. The thing is, I don’t even drink coffee and never would have asked for it. Instead of just getting the right drink he first made a big deal of it and then finally got the passion fruit juice. He also made a lot of racist jokes, I won’t repeat them. At first I thought I was being sensitive but other folks on the tour said the same thing later at lunch. When you’re working in this field, you have to be more respectful as there are so many different cultures present. Otherwise, we saw great sites and really enjoyed the hot springs. It would’ve been perfect with a different guide.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you very much for your feedback about the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose.
We are very glad to hear that the tour was great and that you enjoyed the places visited as well as the hot springs. We greatly appreciate your comments about the guide; we will notify the respective departments and will take them into account to improve our services.
Kaitlin_M, Jan 2026
The hot springs was the best part. My friend and I booked this trip for my 35th birthday and it turned out to be the most relaxing day. The sights, the wildlife, the volcano everything was perfect.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose helped make your 35th birthday the best birthday ever.
It’s great to know the hot springs were the highlight and that the day felt relaxing and perfect. The Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for nature and adventure tourism, and this full-day tour is designed to showcase the best of the area, including stunning volcano views, wildlife sightings, and beautiful scenery.
We’re so happy the sights, wildlife, and volcano made your birthday unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back soon for more Costa Rica adventure and nature tours.
Jesus_R, Jan 2026
The tour content was great and the staff was excellent. Steven and Randall oftentimes went out of their way to help.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your great review! We’re delighted to hear that the tour content was excellent and that the staff provided such outstanding service on the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose.
It’s wonderful to know that Steven and Randall went out of their way to help and make your experience more enjoyable. The Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for nature and adventure tourism, and this full-day tour is designed to showcase the best of the area, including stunning landscapes, wildlife, and authentic local culture.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable Costa Rica adventure tours and scenic nature experiences.
AdrianaLilyans_D, Jan 2026
This tour was wonderful! Our guide Alex made it the best tour day of the week. He is very knowledgeable, lots of fun and an excellent driver!! Throughout the day we experienced many beautiful spots, yummy food and took in the Costa Rican culture, pura vida. On our next trip we will stay closer and give ourselves more time to experience the town. Thank you Alex!!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that the Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose was the best tour day of your week.
Alex truly goes above and beyond, and we’re glad he made the experience so fun, informative, and safe. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the beautiful spots, delicious food, and the chance to experience Costa Rican culture and the pura vida lifestyle. The Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, known for its stunning landscapes, volcano views, and rich nature tourism.
We love that you’re already planning to return and spend more time in the area. La Fortuna and the Arenal region have so much to offer, and we’d be happy to help you explore even more on your next trip. Thank you again, and we hope to welcome you back soon!
From $165.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
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14 hours
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