Arenal Hot Springs (La Fortuna Area)
The most famous hot springs in Costa Rica are located near Arenal Volcano. This region offers everything from luxury thermal resorts to more natural river-style pools.
Hot springs in Costa Rica: best thermal springs and where to relax
Thanks to its volcanic landscape, Costa Rica is home to some of the best natural hot springs in Central America. Nestled in rainforest, rivers, and luxury resorts, these thermal waters are the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure — whether you’re hiking, surfing, or zip-lining.
From natural rivers heated by volcanoes to beautifully designed hot spring resorts, Costa Rica offers something for every travel style and budget.
Compare La Fortuna hot springs and other thermal areas
Swipe horizontally to compare all trip details.
| Hot springs | Area | Setting and style | Best for | Day-pass model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldi | La Fortuna / Arenal | Lively thermal water park: 25+ pools at mixed temperatures, water slides, swim-up bars | Families, kids and groups | Mid-range full-day pass with no time slots (our guide lists adults from $47, from $69 with lunch); buffets on site. |
| EcoTermales | La Fortuna / Arenal | Quiet, family-run garden pools with a visitor cap for calm | Couples and quiet relaxation | Mid-range day pass, limited daily entries (our guide lists adults from $47, from $77 with lunch); lockers and showers included. |
| El Choyin (Río Chollín) | La Fortuna / Arenal | Free public stretch of the naturally heated river, past the Tabacón entrance | Budget and nature travellers | Free and open around the clock, with no facilities or lifeguards; a separate paid section (Choyin Río Thermal) adds parking, lockers and changing rooms. |
| Orosi Valley (Cartago) | Cartago / Orosí | Low-key local thermal pools in a green valley near Tapantí | Off-the-beaten-path travellers | No resort scene; day-trip from San José combining coffee farms and Lankester gardens |
| Paradise | La Fortuna / Arenal | Landscaped pools and gardens on a hotel estate | Families and relaxed couples | Resort day pass with meal options; confirm current rates and hours directly. |
| Rincón de la Vieja / Río Negro | Guanacaste (Liberia side) | Volcanic pools in dry forest along the Río Negro, with mud baths | Combining springs with adventure parks | Usually sold as part of park combo tours rather than a standalone pass; confirm what your booking includes. |
| Tabacón | La Fortuna / Arenal | Naturally flowing thermal river and pools landscaped into lush rainforest | Couples and luxury travellers | Premium day pass (our guide lists adults from $89, from $158 with lunch or dinner); book ahead in peak season. |
| The Springs Resort | La Fortuna / Arenal | Luxury resort with 28 hot and cold spring pools and volcano views | Luxury and honeymoon travellers | Premium day pass (our guide lists from $105); staying at the resort includes unlimited access to the springs. |
| Titokú | La Fortuna / Arenal | Smaller, contemporary pool complex | A quieter, budget-friendlier soak | Day pass, generally gentler priced than the big resorts; confirm current rates directly. |
Prices are the day-pass ranges published in our own La Fortuna guides and can change; confirm current rates and availability directly before you travel. Free river soaking has no facilities or lifeguards — never leave belongings unattended and stay out after heavy rain.
Book your hot springs experience
Tours shown: 3 / 3 · sorted A–Z
Adventure & ThrillKid-friendlyRelaxation & Wellness
10% OFF - La Fortuna Adventure & Relaxation Combo – Sky Adventures & Baldi Hot Springs
La Fortuna · 6 hours
$214.70$203.40
Bookall taxes included. No hidden fees.
- Price before tax
- USD 180.00
- Costa Rica sales tax (13%)
- USD 23.40
Total taxes includedUSD 203.40
Kid-friendlyRelaxation & Wellness
Baldi Hot Springs Day Pass
La Fortuna · 5 hours
from $51.00
Bookall taxes included. No hidden fees.
- Price before tax
- USD 45.13
- Costa Rica sales tax (13%)
- USD 5.87
Total taxes includedUSD 51.00
Kid-friendlyRelaxation & Wellness
Eco Termales Hot Springs
La Fortuna · 5 hours
from $49.00
Bookall taxes included. No hidden fees.
- Price before tax
- USD 43.36
- Costa Rica sales tax (13%)
- USD 5.64
Total taxes includedUSD 49.00
Why visit hot springs in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning geothermal activity heats underground rivers and pools across the country. These mineral-rich waters are naturally warm and are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties.
- Naturally heated by volcanoes
- Surrounded by rainforest and tropical scenery
- Perfect year-round, rain or shine
- Great for couples, families, and solo travelers
Hot springs are especially popular around Arenal Volcano, but you’ll also find excellent options in Guanacaste and other volcanic regions.
Planning time in Arenal? Read our complete guide to La Fortuna hot springs — it compares every resort, the free river option and how to get there.
Best hot springs in Costa Rica
EcoTermales — Quiet & Intimate
EcoTermales offers a more tranquil hot spring experience, with limited daily visitors and views of Arenal Volcano.
Tabacón Hot Springs — Luxury & Nature
Tabacón is known for its natural thermal river, flowing freely through lush rainforest. The pools blend seamlessly into the jungle, offering a peaceful, high-end experience.
Rincón de la Vieja Hot Springs (Guanacaste)
Near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, you’ll find hot springs surrounded by tropical dry forest. Many experiences here combine thermal pools with volcanic mud baths.
Baldi Hot Springs — Fun & Variety
Baldi is one of the largest hot spring complexes in Costa Rica, with multiple pools at different temperatures, waterfalls, and bar areas.
Natural Hot Spring Rivers
For a more rustic experience, Costa Rica also offers natural hot spring rivers, where warm volcanic water mixes with cool river water.
El Choyin — the free thermal river
A free, naturally heated river stretch open around the clock, past the Tabacón entrance. Rustic and wild: no facilities or lifeguards, so bring water shoes and watch your belongings.
Complete guide: best hot springs in La Fortuna
Our full comparison of every La Fortuna hot spring — luxury resorts, mid-range gardens, budget pools and the free river — with day-pass prices, how to choose and how to get there.
Choosing hot springs by travel style
The right hot springs depend less on “the best” list and more on who you are travelling with. Here is how we would choose, based on the properties we have written about in La Fortuna.
For couples:
- Tabacón — a naturally flowing thermal river through lush rainforest; the most iconic romantic choice
- EcoTermales — family-run garden pools with a visitor cap, so it never feels crowded
For families and groups:
- Baldi — 25+ pools, water slides, swim-up bars and buffets; a full day of variety for kids and adults
- Kalambu or Los Laureles — budget-friendly pools, slides and picnic areas popular with local families
For budget travellers:
- El Choyin (Río Chollín) — the free river soak, rustic and wild; bring water shoes and skip it after heavy rain
- Termalitas del Arenal — a local, laid-back, low-priced option with volcano views
For luxury:
- Tabacón or The Springs Resort — premium landscaping, spa services and volcano views; at The Springs, staying overnight includes unlimited access to the 28 spring pools
Some hotels (The Springs, Los Lagos, Arenal Kioro) include their hot springs with a room, which can beat buying separate day passes — compare the maths before booking.
Beyond La Fortuna: other thermal areas
Arenal is the headline act, but it is not the only volcanically heated water in the country. If your route takes you elsewhere, these areas are worth knowing about.
Rincón de la Vieja / Río Negro (Guanacaste):
- Volcanic pools in tropical dry forest along the Río Negro, reached from the Liberia side of Guanacaste
- Mud baths are part of the experience — many visits combine the springs with volcano hikes, waterfalls and adventure parks as combo tours
Miravalles / Río Perdido area (Guanacaste):
- A quieter geothermal zone around Volcán Miravalles, where canyon rivers and forest trails support small-scale thermal and adventure properties
- A good fit if you want springs plus zip-lining or hanging bridges away from the Arenal crowds
Orosi Valley (Cartago):
- A green, off-the-beaten-path valley near Tapantí where thermal water is a low-key local affair rather than a resort scene
- Best combined with coffee-farm visits and the Lankester gardens on a day trip from San José
Best time to visit hot springs
Hot springs are enjoyable all year, but each season has its perks:
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Clear evenings, perfect for sunset and nighttime soaking
- Green Season (May–Nov): Rain enhances the jungle atmosphere — soaking while it rains is magical
Hot springs are especially popular in the evening, after a full day of exploring.
What to bring to hot springs
- Swimsuit
- Towel (some places provide them)
- Sandals or water shoes
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case
Combine hot springs with other adventures
Many hot spring visits pair perfectly with:
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano hikes
- Hanging bridges
- Wildlife tours
- Zip-lining
Hot springs are often included as the relaxing finish to an adventure-filled day.
Ready to relax in Costa Rica’s hot springs?
We’re constantly exploring new parts of Costa Rica to bring you the best recommendations.
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Read moreWhy book with Pura Vida Traveling?
We can help you compare the options listed on this site against your dates, location and group needs, and identify details to confirm before payment.
Availability, included services, weather decisions and cancellation terms vary by product; check those on the booking page.
Frequently asked questions about hot springs in Costa Rica
The most famous are located near Arenal Volcano in the La Fortuna area, ranging from luxury thermal resorts to more natural river-style pools. You will also find excellent options in Guanacaste, near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, where many experiences combine thermal pools with volcanic mud baths.
For families and groups, Baldi is one of the largest hot spring complexes in Costa Rica, with multiple pools at different temperatures, waterfalls and bar areas, along with resort-style hot springs in La Fortuna. For couples and relaxation, Tabacón's natural thermal river and the quiet, limited-capacity EcoTermales are the top picks.
Hot springs are enjoyable all year. The dry season (Dec–Apr) brings clear evenings perfect for sunset and nighttime soaking, while the green season (May–Nov) enhances the jungle atmosphere — soaking while it rains is magical. Hot springs are especially popular in the evening, after a full day of exploring.
Bring a swimsuit, a towel (some places provide them), sandals or water shoes, a change of clothes and a waterproof phone case.
Yes. Hot springs pair perfectly with La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano hikes, hanging bridges, wildlife tours and zip-lining — they are often the relaxing finish to an adventure-filled day.
No. Most La Fortuna hot springs sell day passes, so you can enjoy the pools without staying the night. That said, access to the springs is usually included if you stay at the attached hotel — resorts like The Springs Resort and Spa, Los Lagos or Arenal Kioro have their own hot spring pools, which can make an overnight stay cost-effective.
Yes. El Choyin (Río Chollín) in La Fortuna is a free, naturally heated river stretch open around the clock, with no facilities or lifeguards — bring water shoes and keep an eye on your belongings. A separate paid section (Choyin Río Thermal) adds parking, lockers and changing rooms if you want amenities.
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