Costa Rica · Hot Spring

12-Hour Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Tour from San José

12 Hours Round trip from Arenal Volcano Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the artisan town of Sarchí and view the world's largest hand-painted oxcart
02 Visit a viewpoint in Arenal Volcano National Park for panoramic volcano views
03 Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a restaurant overlooking Arenal Volcano
04 Relax at Baldi Hot Springs with access to over 20 thermal pools and tropical gardens
05 Unwind in saunas, steam rooms, and natural hot spring areas

Embark on a scenic full-day guided tour from San José to the iconic Arenal Volcano and the luxurious Baldi Hot Springs. Explore the artisan town of Sarchí, famous for its hand-painted oxcarts and vibrant crafts. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch with panoramic volcano views in La Fortuna. Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in more than 20 thermal pools, waterfalls, and saunas at Baldi, followed by a delicious buffet dinner.

Spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the world's largest thermal hot spring complexes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities San Jose, Arenal, La Fortuna, Sarchi

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arenal Volcano, Sarchí, and Baldi Hot Springs Day Tour

07:00 - 08:00 AM

Be picked up from your hotel in San José by your professional bilingual guide.
Begin a scenic drive through the Central Valley and northern lowlands, passing coffee plantations, sugarcane fields, rural communities, and scenic mountain views.

09:30 AM

Stop at the artisan town of Sarchí, known as the cradle of Costa Rican craftsmanship.
Admire vibrant hand-painted oxcarts, shop for souvenirs, and view the world's largest oxcart listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Arrive in La Fortuna, the gateway town to Arenal Volcano.
Visit a designated viewpoint within Arenal Volcano National Park to observe the towering conical volcano and learn about its 1968 eruption.

12:00 - 12:45 PM

Savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a charming local restaurant that offers panoramic views of the volcano.
Sample local dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients.

01:00 PM

Transfer to Baldi Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located near the base of Arenal Volcano.

01:30 - 06:00 PM

Spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the world's largest thermal hot spring complexes.
Enjoy over 20 natural mineral pools with various temperatures, tropical gardens, waterfalls, and swim-up bars.
Explore saunas, steam rooms, and thrilling waterslides.
Optionally book spa treatments or massages on-site (services not included).

06:00 PM

Delight in a buffet dinner at Baldi's restaurant, offering a variety of local and international dishes in a tropical setting.

06:30 - 07:00 PM

Depart from La Fortuna and begin the return journey to San José.

08:30 - 09:00 PM

Arrive back in San José and be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your full-day excursion.

Where this trip takes you

Arenal Volcano, Baldi Hot Springs, Sarchí hand-painted oxcarts

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arenal Volcano 4 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Round-trip transportation from your San José hotel.
English- and Spanish-speaking professional guide.
Entrance to Baldi Hot Springs.
Lunch and buffet dinner.

What's Not Included

Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, and drinks outside of included meals)
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Spa or massage treatments at Baldi (can be booked on-site for an additional fee)
Alcoholic beverages (available at Baldi's bars but not included)
Towels or lockers (some operators include them, but many charge a small rental fee)

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Light rain jacket (the weather in Arenal is unpredictable)
Camera and reusable water bottle

Know before you go

Please note that the tour can only wait for up to 5 minutes at the pickup location. We kindly recommend that you be ready on time to ensure a smooth and timely departure.

Logistics