Arenal Volcano & Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose｜Costa Rica

Your first stop is Sarchí, the country’s artisan capital. This is where Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts are made, alongside tropical wood furniture and handmade souvenirs crafted by local families. The showstopper is the world’s largest oxcart - a towering, two-storey cedar creation that’s officially listed by Guinness World Records and a proud symbol of Costa Rican culture.

From Sarchí, the route weaves through fertile countryside dotted with pineapple and banana plantations, traditional cattle farms and flower nurseries adding a splash of colour. It’s a scenic snapshot of rural Costa Rica at work.

In La Fortuna, you’ll sit down for a typical local lunch with front-row views of Arenal Volcano. Its near-perfect cone dominates the landscape and, while it’s currently resting, the occasional wisp of steam is a reminder of the power still bubbling beneath the surface.

Then it’s time to slow the pace. Sink into Arenal’s famous hot springs, naturally heated by volcanic energy. With pools of different temperatures set among the greenery - it’s the kind of relaxation immersed in nature that Costa Rica does best.

As the day winds down, head back to San Jose to enjoy dinner with Arenal silhouetted against the evening sky.