Costa Rica is teeming with natural gems, from volcanos to beaches and waterfalls. Another one of its most popular attractions is its incredible hot springs. These thermal pools have been heated by the island’s volcanoes, creating a blissfully warm and rejuvenating experience.
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we specialize in Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours that take you to some of the most breathtaking and thrilling locations on the island. Once you’re done with these exciting adventures, the hot springs provide the perfect place to relax.
We’ve created this guide to the 10 best hot springs in Costa Rica, where you can feel the healing effects of the mineral-rich waters. Keep reading to find out more, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our tours.
El Choyin
El Choyin is not so much a spring as a rushing thermal river. It’s also one of the few free geothermal baths in Costa Rica! You can sit in the river and feel the warm waters gushing around you, providing an unparalleled experience. Located a short drive from La Fortuna along the Ruta Nacional Secundaria 142, you can park your car nearby and head to the river for a relaxing day in the natural waters.
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Opposite El Choyin is the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, home to the largest network of naturally flowing springs. With river pools and waterfalls ranging between 72 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect a truly rejuvenating experience. And if you’re a guest at the hotel, adults can even access the exclusive Shangri-La Gardens.
If you’re interested in chasing more waterfalls on the island, check out our guide to the Top Waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Eco Termales
Located in La Fortuna, the Eco Termales hot spring offers a secluded escape. As the smallest of the Arenal hot springs, Eco Termales only accepts 100 visitors at a time. This makes it the perfect place for small families and couples who are looking for a more intimate experience.
There are four geothermal pools available, ranging in temperatures from 89 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. Surrounded by lush greenery, there’s also a waterfall you can relax under. And if you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat and even a cocktail from the on-site buffet.
Rio Negro Hot Springs
At Rio Negro hot springs, you’ll find nine pools built along a river that flows with water naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The idyllic setting provides the ideal location to relax, and you can even enjoy your own mud treatment by covering yourself with the volcanic mud for a DIY spa treatment.
Baldi Hot Springs
With 25 different thermal water pools, the Baldi Hot Springs are a smorgasbord of geothermal fun! Ranging in temperatures, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spring for you. If you’re looking for a bit more of an adventure, there are also thrilling water slides and a kid’s area in cool waters! You can buy a day pass just for the springs, or include lunch or dinner in your ticket to make the most of your time here.
Paradise Hot Springs
As the name implies, Paradise Hot Springs is practically a utopia. The thermal waters here are heated by the Arenal Volcano and have around 12 different minerals with healing properties that are anti-inflammatory and soothing. The revitalizing pools are set beneath the Arenal Volcano, giving you a one-of-a-kind view of the towering landmark. With a day pass, you can enjoy lunch and drinks at the facilities, or even opt for additional services like a massage or facial.
Vandara
Located in Guanacaste near the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Vandara gives you access to stunning thermal pools on the banks of the Tizate River. There are a number of pools available that are heated naturally by the volcano and surrounded by emerald trees, providing a tranquil backdrop. With a day pass, you can also experience activities like hiking, bird watching, and volcanic mud baths.
The Springs Resort
With its beautiful series of springs, the Springs Resort offers an incomparable experience of Costa Rica’s thermal waters. At the Las Lagunas Pools, you’ll enjoy waters directly fed by hot mineral springs as well as a swim-up bar with views of the Arenal Volcano. At Perdido Springs, you can swim beneath the canopies of a forest canyon, while at Club Rio Springs, you’ll experience some of the most incredibly blue waters.
Los Lagos Springs
Soak in the healing waters of the Los Lagos hot springs, where there are a number of pools with varying temperatures. These waters are heated by the Arenal Volcano and are replete with healthful minerals. With a swim-up bar and a buffet, you could easily spend the whole day here!
Titoku Hot Springs
Just outside La Fortuna, the Titoku hot springs offer eight different thermal pools of varying temperatures in a beautifully picturesque setting. The pools are also fairly limited in size, allowing for between six and 20 people at a time, meaning you can expect a much more intimate experience as well.
Discover More of Costa Rica with our Tours
Costa Rica offers plenty of adventures, with the hot springs being one of the top experiences. If you want to discover even more of the island, then check out our Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours and our other Jaco Adventure Tours! Should you have any questions about our excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
