Don't miss one of Costa Rica's most popular activities, a visit to Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs! The day trip from San José includes a visit to Arenal 1968, a trail that takes you up close to the volcano so you can admire the lava escaping from it. Continue to the artisan town of Sarchí, enjoy lunch in La Fortuna, and end your tour at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, where you'll relax in naturally heated pools and enjoy an excellent dinner. This tour is limited to 20 people, to ensure a small-group experience.
After being picked up from your San José hotel by minivan, your tour begins with a 35-minute drive northwest to Sarchí, a town in the Central Valley renowned for its crafts, especially furniture. of wood and leather and its decorated ox carts. Buy a souvenir or two from a local artisan before a 2-hour drive north to the town of La Fortuna, overlooked by Arenal, which offers unobstructed views of the volcano on a clear day.
Upon arrival in La Fortuna, head to a local restaurant for a typical Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, chicken or steak, and plantains with a great view of the Arenal. Then continue your excursion by taking the 1968-minute Mirador Arenal 20 route, a path that borders the Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal), named in memory of the 1968 eruption. find the best angle to photograph the volcano and Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal), and admire the bright orange lava flows along the volcano.
Finally, hike a few miles back towards La Fortuna to Tabacón Hot Springs (officially called Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort), one of the largest and most luxurious hot spring resorts in Costa Rica. Take advantage of around 3 hours on site to swim in the various pools, whose temperatures range from 30 to 25°C.
The resort is beautifully landscaped, with waterfalls and lush vegetation, and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation, from secluded pools to a swim-up bar (drinks are your own). So relax and enjoy until dinner! The resort's dinner buffet lasts about 30 minutes and offers a variety of Costa Rican cuisine, similar to lunch.
After dinner, return to your hotel in San José (approximately 2 hours), where your tour ends.
