Baldi Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano Area full day from San José

Worth it

It's a full day excursion, I was picked up at my hotel. I was the only passenger who spoke English. The guide did an awesome job going back and translating all of his announcements. My Spanish comprehension is pretty good. I understood 50% of what he said in Spanish, but I appreciated hearing it again in English. 1st, we started at the Ox cart history, beautiful artwork, then we had lunch. The food here was really good. I got chicken, rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and ice cream. The we got back on a ride to the volcano 🌋. Some truly amazing scenery, I got nice pictures 📸, next Baldi hot springs, this is where you'll do the most walking, my plastic shoes were so slippery, bring some good shoes. it was a good set up we got towel rentals. We had about 3 hours, and then we had our dinner it was at the pyramid restaurant buffet. The food was okay. (Lunch was the star 🌟 ), and then we headed back. For everything that's included, the price is really good. There were couples, I was traveling solo, so it's good for both that are looking for something to do. Pack a jacket and umbrella 🌂 I had an umbrella packed for the trip it hadn't rained all week, but I did while I was on this trip. I'll still rate it 10/10. Costa Rica is such a beautiful country and safe. I am glad I picked it for my vacation.

Excellent trip!

This one is well worth it! We had a wonderful time with our booking, seats were comfortable, food was great, the tour guide didn't talk the WHOLE time, but gave us wonderful information when he did. The way to La Fortuna is beautiful, filled with wonderful landscapes. And the highlight is definitely Baldi with the thermal waters.

Reconsider visiting Arenal Volcano

We wanted to see natural wonders of Costa Rica but had only 30-40 minutes to see the volcano from a single observation point. Great view. But the entire time of the trip was more than 16 hours (8am to midnight) instead of 14 hours as promised. That was because of an extra unadvertised 3 hour "sideshow" in a tiny town of Sarchi. Only two sites of possible interest are there: a recently built church (1950s) and a primitive farmers cart factory of the first half of the 20th century. Both had no value for us, real waste of time which prolonged the trip unnecessary. This was not the only downside. Just the beginning! More to follow...

Its all about Baldi

Early pickup on time, in a modern clean van. First stop old town Sarchi, a historical town noted for building the coffee bean oxcarts. Nice stop with an informative demonstration and very clean restrooms. Then it’s a long bumpy curvy drive out to La Fortuna for a local typical Costa Rican lunch. Then it’s off to hike to the volcano viewing point, for a 15 minute photo op. Very very lucky to have cloudless day for viewing. Next is the main attraction, the Hot Springs, so nice. Every received a locker key, instructions, and the option of towel rental for a $10 deposit. We had 2 1/2 hours of soaking time, which is more than enough time, and 30 minutes to shower and change into dry clothes. So relaxing and so many water options to choose from. The dinner buffet had plenty of choices, and we had an hour to enjoy our meal. Food was good and plentiful, but not excellent. The only negative was the return trip back was almost 4 hours, with no restroom break, that is unacceptable. Going there we had two 30 minute breaks, but returning not even a 5 minute gas station break. Would have given 5 stars, but a passenger asked for a returning restroom break and was denied, just wrong.

Time spent with granddaughter

Spent 3 nights with my granddaughter. Our main reason was to go zip lining. The hotel was clean, very secure ( had security always looking out) , staff very friendly and helpful, especially when planning our excursions for the day. Breakfast was included. Nice variety. The hots springs were great! We tried the spa. My granddaughter had her 1st facial, a chocolate facial. She was thrilled! My massage was outstanding also! There were slides, both children park (we didn’t go) and in one adult hot spring. It was a great addition! Food was ok at the Costa Rican restaurant. A buffet. We also ordered lunch from the other restaurant where breakfast is. served. It was delicious! And so much! Our room was large, spacious and very comfortable with a huge balcony with 2 chairs, small table and a couch! Nice!! The hills are brutal, but there’s always a tram to drive you up or down them.👍😁

Great agency tour in Costa Rica

Great agency tour in Costa Rica. The package includes 2 meals, breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, depending which tour you choose. I learned a lot listening to the guide you’re explaining about the city, history, etc.

We got fooled with a two day tour offer!!

We were told that they have a two day tour; we spend over $550 for two people for this tour. The weather was cloudy so we did not get to see the volcano, the only high light was the Bali hot springs on the first day, lunch was good but dinner at Bali was not. we were suppose to be picked up next day at 7 pm but they said that the bus was full and we were told that they will pick us up at 12 (noon) next day, that left us with no planned activity from the tour company on the second day. We spend the night at a below average hotel without any accommodations. They were late an hour for our pick up we were picked up at 1:00 pm the second day, with day traffic we got back to San Jose at 7:30 pm. We lost a whole day of our trip and paid twice as much for the two day tour. I suggest you think twice about taking this day tour and also suggest that don't get fooled with their two day tour offer as there are no tour for the second day so don't get fooled. Big disappintment.

An agency with custom designed tours

Tropical Expeditions designed and managed all the tours and transfers of our trip efficiently and be delighted with the result. Excellent value for money

Arenal Volcano and hot springs

The view of the Arenal volcano is impressive, it is a must-see on your trip to Costa Rica, the Baldi hot springs are very relaxing, there is a natural jacuzzi, waterfalls, slides and the dynamics of the place are very practical for you to leave your belongings in a locker and walk without worries throughout the place, in addition to some points you can see the volcano, there are restaurants and bars, Gary gave us a good guide during the trip, he explained to us about everything we saw on the way to La Fortuna; David got us safely on the way there and back.

Une excellente journée

On a passé une excellente journée.Le bus vient vous chercher à l'hôtel.Le guide Jordan était heureux de partager avec nous et a tout fait pour que cette journée soit parfaite.La visite de la fabrique de Sarchi était intéressante.Puis nous nous sommes arrêtés pour débeuner dans un bon restaurant.Produits frais et choix des plats.Nous avons ensuite fait un stop pour voir le volcan Arenal.Il était fort visible et nous avons pu prendre de très belles photos.Puis nous avons pu nous détendre trois heures dans les bains chauds des Baldi Hot Springs.Nous avons beaucoup aimé. plus avons terminé par un repas buffet au Hot Springs qui malheureusement était nettement moins bon que le repas du midi.Nous avons néanmoins beaucoup apprécié cette journée.