5 San Jose Volcano Tours Worth Booking

1.Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

Spend about 13 hours traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna, stopping in artisan-rich Sarchi, viewing Arenal Volcano, and relaxing in thermal pools. Lunch, dinner, hotel transport, and a guide are included. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, and Roberto have earned especially warm praise.

“Our tour guide was absolutely amazing! One of the best tour guides I’ve had in a long time! Definitely book this tour.”

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2.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

Travel from San José into Costa Rica’s highlands for Poás Volcano, a Doka Estate coffee tour with tasting, and La Paz Falls. Expect an early start, mountain roads, possible traffic delays, and guides such as Marcela, Nela, Victor, or Percy, with lunch purchased separately.

“Wow!! What a great experience! Our tour guide, Victor, was excellent- great knowledge, patient and very accommodating. He provided great recommendations for coffee breaks, food and souvenir shopping. Once we got to Poas Volcano, we were not allowed to enter due to gas activity from the volcano. However, Victor was determined to wait it out until it cleared to provide us the experience which we finally did. No regrets- met great people, took great photos and overall my husband and I had an awesome day!”

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3.Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $149Top rated

From San José, visit Poás Volcano, Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm, La Paz Waterfall, and Mi Cafecito in Sarapiquí. Guides such as Carlos, Ricardo, and Charlie lead coffee demonstrations, a traditional lunch, and a stop at El Congo Waterfall. Expect 8 to 10 hours, mountain roads, and weather that can hide the crater.

“Awesome tour and amazing guide, Ricardo. Everything was easy and arranged. Ricardo was attentive and made sure everyone was taken care of. Coffee plantation was beautiful and informative. We learned a ton about coffee production and roasting, and even got to plant our own tree.”

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4.Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99Best value

Travel from San José to Irazú Volcano in a small group, walk around the crater at 3,432 meters, and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago. Guides such as Hayro, Donald, and Raquel add clear explanations in English and Spanish. Expect cold, fast-changing weather.

“Bad coordination between customer service and guide. Also, the driver refused to send me to the airport even it was mentioned on the website.”

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5.Combo Arenal : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs + Fortune Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $249

Leave San Jose early for La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Hanging Bridges, and Los Lagos Hot Springs. You’ll hike, swim, watch for monkeys and frogs, and enjoy breakfast and lunch. Guides such as Hayro, Leni, Fernando, and Alejandro are praised for their nature knowledge and personal service.

“This was such an awesome experience! Our tour guide, Hayro, was very knowledgeable and went the extra mile to make sure we got the full experience. We saw so many beautiful animals including red frogs! We saw so may animals that we wouldn't have seen if we went on our own. My mom and I had a great time and will definitely be coming back!”

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