Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

We had an absolutely incredible experience on the Premium Adventure from San José: Arenal Volcano, Waterfall and Thermal tour, and our owner/operator and guide, Adrian, made it truly special. After promptly picking us up at our hotel, we headed out toward La Paz Waterfall, stopping along the way to take amazing photos of cascading falls and sample delicious strawberries and other fresh local fruits from a roadside stand. Soon after, we stopped at a charming local soda with a scenic view to enjoy a fantastic breakfast while snapping pictures of another distant waterfall…San Fernando. This location was also a paradise for bird lovers, filled with different species including hummingbirds and even a toucan. Next, we traveled to the Arenal Volcano area, where Adrian brought us to scenic viewpoints overlooking the volcano and a stunning lagoon below, followed by more photo opportunities right at the water’s edge. Our favorite stop of the entire day was the natural thermal river heated by Arenal’s past eruptions. Lying back in the warm, flowing water surrounded by nature was unbelievably relaxing, an experience we’ll never forget. From there we continued to Los Lagos Hot Springs, where we soaked in beautiful pools nestled in lush garden surroundings. It truly felt magical. We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. An excellent ending to a perfect adventure. Adrian was a phenomenal guide. He’s fully bilingual and shared fascinating insights about Costa Rica’s history, its many volcanoes, and the towns we passed through along the way, which made the drive fly by. He also made spontaneous stops at roadside stands where we tasted unique fruits like water apples, taro chips, and a refreshing sugar-cane drink…little touches that made the tour feel authentic and personal. What really stood out was Adrian’s genuine pride in his country and his commitment to supporting local people and businesses. You could tell he truly loves what he does, and that energy carried through the entire day. This was also our first time traveling in such a small group (just the three of us plus Adrian) and honestly, I don’t think I could ever go back to a big tour bus again. The flexibility, attention, and intimate feel of the experience made it so much more enjoyable. It was a truly magical day from start to finish and an absolute must-do if you’re visiting Costa Rica. Highly, highly recommended!