Irazu Volcano & Hot Springs.
Private Tour from San Jose

Book an exclusive Cartago highlights, Irazu Volcano, and hot springs tour from San Jose. Experience the perfect blend of Costa Rican history, volcanic landscapes, and premium relaxation in a single, comprehensive private day trip. Walk along the massive crater rim of the country’s highest active volcano, tour the historic capital city of Cartago, and spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in therapeutic thermal hot springs. Private round-trip transportation, an expert guide, a delicious buffet meal, and all entrance fees are fully included.

Tour Description: History, Volcanoes & Premium Relaxation

Your full-day private excursion begins with a convenient morning pickup directly from your hotel in San Jose. Traveling in a comfortable, modern, air-conditioned minibus, you will ascend the fertile slopes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, passing through scenic agricultural landscapes as you head straight to the summit of Irazu Volcano.

Morning: The Giant of the Central Range & Cartago’s History

Standing at an impressive elevation of 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) above sea level, Irazu Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. Your expert guide will lead you on a scenic walk along the edge of the main crater, where you will witness an extraordinary, moon-like landscape. On exceptionally clear mornings, the summit offers a rare and spectacular bonus: the opportunity to view both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans simultaneously from the peak.

(Please note: Due to the high altitude, the summit can be very windy and cold, with temperatures dropping between 3°C and 17°C or 37°F – 63°F. Warm layers are highly recommended).

After descending the volcano, you will dive into the history of Cartago, the ancient colonial capital of Costa Rica. Your cultural city tour includes guided stops at:

• The Cartago Ruins: A striking historical site featuring the beautiful, unfinished walls of a 19th-century church partially destroyed by the Santa Mónica earthquake in 1910.

• Our Lady of the Angels Basilica: Costa Rica’s most sacred pilgrimage site, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine architecture, intricate wood carvings, and rich religious history.

Afternoon & Evening: Volcanic Hot Springs Relaxation

To perfectly top off your day of exploring, the journey transitions to a premier thermal water resort Hacienda Orosi. Here, you will spend the afternoon unwinding and soaking in multiple mineral-rich hot springs naturally heated by volcanic geothermal energy. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, these therapeutic waters provide the ultimate environment to soothe your body.

Your experience includes a comprehensive, delicious lunch at the resort’s main restaurant, featuring a wide variety of local Costa Rican specialties and international dishes before your comfortable private drive back to San Jose.

What’s Included in This Private Tour

• Private pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel in San Jose, Alajuela, or Heredia.

• Private transportation in a modern, fully insured vehicle or minibus with A/C.

• Professional, ICT-certified bilingual naturalist and historical guide.

• Official admission tickets to Irazu Volcano National Park.

• Guided Cartago City Tour (Basilica of Los Angeles and Cartago Ruins).

• Official admission tickets to the premium thermal hot springs resort Hacienda Orosi

• Delicious, complete meal at Hacienda Orosi

• Complimentary bottle of water.

Tour Plan & Detailed Itinerary

• 07:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up: Meet your private guide at your hotel in San Jose and begin the scenic mountain drive.

• 09:00 AM – Irazu Volcano Summit: Arrive at the national park for a guided hike along the main active crater rim.

• 11:30 AM – Cartago Historic Tour: Explore the beautiful Basilica of Los Angeles and the historic Cartago Ruins with your guide.

• 12:30 PM – Transfer to the Hot Springs: Conclude your cultural tour and travel to the thermal resort.

• 01:00 PM – Meal & Hot Springs Relaxation: Savor a delicious buffet meal and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in the mineral thermal pools.

• 03:00 PM – Return Journey: Board your private transportation for a comfortable drive back to the Central Valley.

• 05:00 PM – Hotel Drop-Off: Safe arrival back at your hotel in San Jose.

Prices and Group Discounts

• 1 Passenger: $350

• 2 to 3 Passengers: $285 per person

• 4 to 6 Passengers: $250 per person

• 7 to 9 Passengers: $225 per person

• 10+ Passengers: $200 per person

• Children Rate (Ages 5-12): $200 per child

Traveling with a large family group, an educational student travel program, or a corporate team? Contact us directly for custom private rates.

Essential Tour Information

• Duration: 10 Hours total (Full-Day Tour).

• Departure Location: Your hotel in San Jose, Alajuela (SJO Airport area), or Heredia.

• Minimum: 1 Passengers required.

• What to Bring: A warm jacket or heavy sweater (essential for the cold volcano summit), long pants, sturdy walking shoes or sneakers, swimwear, sandals for the pools, a change of dry clothes, a towel, rain jacket or poncho, insect repellent, sunblock, and a camera.

• Emergency Contact: Reach our team instantly via WhatsApp text message at +506-8530-2973.

Why Book With Greenway Nature Tours?

• Certified Tour Operator by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) since 2003.

• Certified with Essential Costa Rica since July 2024.

• Proud member of the National Tour Association (NTA) in the United States.

• TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner.

Click this link Private Tours from San Jose for check all our great private VIP Tours. For Multiday Vacation Packages please visit: Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Greenway Nature Tours is a certified tour operator founded in 1999
Certified by the Costa Rica Tourism Board since December 2003
Certified with Essential Costa Rica since July 2024
Member of National Tour Association in the United States.
Travellers’ Choice Award Winner by TripAdvisor Click on the link for check what people say about our tours and services.
Check our Google Reviews: https://g.page/r/Cfu8lg1dd_JBEAE/review