This is the ultimate list of the best Arenal Costa Rica Hot Springs you must visit. This list includes luxury Hot Springs Arenal Volcano, some of the best Arenal Hotels, and a free option.
The 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption has proven to be both tragic and beneficial to the district of La Fortuna in San Jose, Costa Rica.
One of nature’s creations resulting from this destructive occurrence is the natural hot springs that now make the Arenal area a must-visit to anyone in La Fortuna looking for ways to relax their tired muscles after a long day of adventure and exploration.
The hot springs in La Fortuna are scientifically proven to have minerals enriching the waters that can potentially bring healing or relief from various human ailments.
Many hotels in La Fortuna have hot springs in their facilities.
Some take pride in having naturally heated pools. In contrast, others use technology to heat their thermal pools at different degrees to give the utmost satisfaction to every spring visitor.
These hotels offer stay-in guests complimentary access to their Arenal Hot Springs.
Day passes are also available to those who wish to avail themselves of the various hot springs in the Arenal area.
Most offers include a lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants.
To know which suits your preference, here is our list of the best Arenal Costa Rica Hot Springs – including one that’s for free!
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Also, don’t forget to check out our Costa Rica travel guide and our articles to help you book your transportation in Costa Rica.
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1. Tabacon Hot Springs Arenal Volcano
Found inside the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is the Tabacon Natural Hot Springs. This is the most popular and regarded as one of, if not the best, Arenal Costa Rica Hot Springs.
The hot springs are natural, with the Tabacon River serving as its source of mineral-enriched waters that are naturally heated through the rainforest’s geothermal activity.
The Tabacon Natural Hot Springs near the Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is undeniably on the expensive side of life.
For around 85 to 94 USD, you have a day pass that includes lunch or dinner at the thermal resort. On the other hand, guests staying at the resort get complimentary access to the hot springs.
Relax and enjoy the lush scenery as you immerse your whole body in the warm waters of the natural Arenal Hot Springs.
Put on a volcanic mask and sip on some refreshing beverages while releasing every tension in your system.
A visit to the Tabacon Natural Hot Springs is highly recommended after hiking the Arenal and the Cerro Chato Volcanoes, visiting the La Fortuna waterfall, or completing the Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour.
These natural hot springs are perfect for honeymooners and families alike.
Did you know? You can also visit the Tabacon Hot Springs on a day tour from San Jose!
2. Baldi Hot Spring Arenal Costa Rica
Feel nature healing your body as you bathe in Baldi Natural Arenal Hot Springs.
Located within the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort and Spa property, this haven offers access to 25 naturally heated pools rich with minerals from the wonders of Mother Nature.
It is also home to a large jacuzzi accommodating up to 60 guests.
For 63 USD, you get to enjoy a day pass to one of the most popular sites for hot springs in La Fortuna, San Carlos, Costa Rica. This price includes a sumptuous lunch or dinner, as you prefer.
Baldi Hot Springs is less expensive than Tabacon; however, it is also a bit less luxurious.
Marvel at the beauty of the jungle with the Arenal Volcano as your neighbor and tropical birds as your friends.
Tip: If you want to visit the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Costa Rica Hot Springs on a day trip, we recommend this day tour from San Jose. It combines a nature walk on the hanging bridges in the shadow of Arenal Volcano with a visit to Baldi Hot Springs.
3. The Springs Resort & Spa
With a magnificent resort property that caught the eyes of many Hollywood producers, The Springs Spa and Resort in La Fortuna is a piece of art in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle.
The Arenal Volcano poses nearby, showing its whole self to visitors lounging on sunbeds and dipping in Arenal Hot Springs. The spa resort has two main thermal pool areas – the Las Lagunas and the Perdido Springs.
The pools that comprise these swimming grounds are heated at different temperatures.
For example, the one near the resort bar is set at a pleasantly warm temperature, enough for you to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Enjoy the Springs Spa and Resort’s hot springs facilities and access to its five restaurants for 68 USD – with a clear view of the Arenal Volcano.
This property boasts better thermal pools, more expansive lounge areas, and a superb dining service compared to the nearby hot springs down the volcano.
For an additional fee, experience their wildlife tour with your day pass.
Indeed, The Springs Spa and Resort is a one-stop destination for everything luxurious.
4. Ecotermales Arenal Hot Springs
In La Fortuna, San Carlos, there are natural hot springs so pure you are expected to feel healing results from them in no time.
Mental fatigue, psoriasis, and arthritis are some ailments they can relieve by swimming in thermal mineral water.
Such is the pitch of Ecotermales, a place of peace and relaxation at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.
From the volcano comes the geothermal energy that naturally heats the pools of Ecotermales, with controlled visiting hours to give each visitor a comfortable and valuable stay on the property.
This property is one of the few hot springs in the Arenal area that market their places with high regard for health and wellness more than luxury.
Enjoy the natural hot springs of Ecotermales in Costa Rica together with either lunch or dinner for 62 USD. If you are specifically looking for just the best Arenal Hot Springs minus all the fanfare, Ecotermales is the one for you.
It is the most tranquil choice and promises nothing but the purest natural hot spring experience you can get in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Tip: GetYourGuide offers a White Water Rafting and EcoTermales Springs Tour!
It perfectly combines adventure and relaxation in La Fortuna and includes a delicious dinner!
5. The Springs
After a day of adventures, why not finish your day with a pampering session at the Titoku Arenal Hot Springs?
Located just 5 kilometers from La Fortuna, Titoku Hot Springs is famous to tourists wanting to unwind after a full day of adrenaline-packed activities.
These geothermal pools are inside the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Let nature work its wonders within you at Titoku, which, when translated aptly, means “water from the gods.”
Eight hot springs welcome only 80 guests at a time. The pools are different in size, with the biggest being perfect for 20 visitors.
For 58 USD, guests can enjoy one of La Fortuna’s most luxurious hot springs. This includes lunch or dinner at the Heliconias Restaurant.
With its secluded location and world-class facilities, we believe it’s worth the try. Stay at the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, and enjoy the Titoku Hot Springs for no extra fee.
6. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort
Luxury meets wellness in this stunning piece of paradise, Royal Corin. Undoubtedly, Royal Corin is one of the go-to places in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, when it comes to only the best hot springs.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort offers a day pass with lunch or dinner for 49 USD. With this pass, you get to use their hot springs and warm and cold swimming pools, sauna, and jacuzzis.
Treat yourself to an energizing drink from the wet bar while marveling at the splendor of the Arenal Volcano peeking from the rainforest, encapsulating the whole resort into one green ecosystem.
It will not surprise us if you avail yourself of any of Royal Corin’s massage offers during your trip to their hot springs.
It’s the perfect end to an indulgent day at this wellness destination. This makes it to our list of the best hot springs in the Arenal area at La Fortuna.
We help you plan and book your Costa Rica Vacation
With our local tourism agency partner onboard, organizing a customized Costa Rica vacation has never been this hassle-free!
Share your travel dates, places of interest, and other details that would make your travel to Costa Rica memorable.
After completing this form, one of our Costa Rica experts will contact you. Tours, transport, other travel services – you name it, we’ll arrange it!
Arenal Hot Springs for Free
Ironically, next to the most expensive hot springs in the Arenal area is Rio Chollin or Rio Tabacon, a natural hot spring in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, open to all visitors free of charge.
It’s the same thermal spring being naturally heated by the energy emitted by the Arenal Volcano – only without the posh seats, luscious dinner, and top-notch amenities that go with your day pass to the thermal resorts in La Fortuna.
Go west of Tabacon and follow the signs pointing to Rio Chollin, park your car, pay the guard, and get ready to get soaked in mineral-rich hot springs, which Costa Rica is most loved for.
Feel the rush of the current and the goodness of the healing waters against your skin – all paid for by Mother Nature!
More Hot Springs Arenal Volcano Tours
GetYourGuide is my preferred platform for booking day tours!
The following widget shows some of the best Arenal Volcano Hot Spring tours. You can also book day tours from other destinations, like San Jose or Jaco, or combine a visit to the Springs with an adventure activity in La Fortuna.
Frequently Asked Questions Arenal Costa Rica Hot Springs
Are there hot springs in Arenal National Park?
Yes, there are plenty of hot springs within the Arenal National Park. Some are the Ecotermales Fortuna, Baldi Hot Springs, and Los Lagos Hot Springs.
Which is the best hot springs in Costa Rica?
While this is truly subjective, what stands out as the best hot springs in Costa Rica for me is the Tabacon Natural Hot Springs. Visiting here would be a perfect way to end your Arenal and Cerro Chato Volcanoes or the Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour.
How hot are the hot springs in Arenal?
The temperature of the hot springs in Arenal ranges from 77 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are there free hot springs in Arenal?
Yes, there are free hot springs in Arenal. One is Rio Chollin or Rio Tabacon, a natural hot spring in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
How much is an Arenal Hot Springs day pass?
The cost of an Arenal hot springs day pass varies per property. The cost of a day pass in Tabacon ranges from USD 85 to 94, while it’s only USD 63 in Baldi Hot Springs. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort offers it for USD 49.
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, is a Luxury Travel Specialist who helps luxury hotels grow their visibility and attract premium travelers. He shares insights into hospitality and digital nomad trends and pioneered the concept of luxury bikepacking.
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Mareike Wielens is a highly experienced and passionate Tourism in Costa Rica expert with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry.
She is the CEO of Emotional Travel, a Costa Rica travel agency specializing in well-being and mental health vacations, but also designs tailormade roundtrips in Costa Rica.
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