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Costa Rica is known as the adventure capital of Central America, and even though there are heaps of adrenalin-pumping activities on offer here, from surfing to ziplining to ATV’ing, there are also plenty of relaxing experiences that can be enjoyed in this stunning nation or to use its nickname the land of ‘pura vida!’
And one of my favorite relaxing activities when I’m on vacation here is to visit a hot spring and laze about in the super-warm water.
In fact, one of the things that Costa Rica is most known for is its natural hot springs, which, if you don’t know, are springs that are geothermally heated (from the earth!)
But, where can you find the best hot springs in Costa Rica?
Well, I’ll go into that below as well as list some cheap and luxurious options. I’ve even included a free hot spring for those on a really tight budget.
I’ve managed to narrow it down to 15 of the best hot springs in Costa Rica, and in this blog post, I’ll compare them all, including prices, facilities, and location, so that you can easily find the right hot springs to visit on your next trip to my favorite country!
Where are the BEST Hot Springs in Costa Rica
You may be surprised to know that while there are lots of hot springs in Costa Rica, most of them are located in La Fortuna because the nearby Arenal Volcano heats the groundwater that the hot springs discharge. Yep, hot springs are heated by geothermal heat – which means that they are only found in volcanic areas.
Other parts of the country where you will find hot springs include Rincon de la Vieja National Park, about 40 minutes from Liberia, and there are hot springs to be found close to the Miravalles volcano, which is in the Guanacaste province, and 50 km (31 miles) from Liberia International Airport.
Some of the best hot springs in Costa Rica include Tabacón Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs in La Fortuna, and Rio Negro Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
The BEST Hot Springs in Costa Rica
1. Free Hot Springs, La Fortuna
First up and perfect for those on a budget are the free hot springs located just outside of La Fortuna town. This wild hot spring is a lot different from the other more luxurious hot springs (which I’ll list below) because this one is, in fact, a river with hot water. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better free thing to do in La Fortuna!
If you have a rental car, the hot springs are easily reached from La Fortuna town; however, I should add that you will have to pay the “car park attendants” to allow you to park your car on the street near the hot springs. They will try to charge you 3,000 colones ($5.65 USD) to park your car for you and keep it safe – but tell them that you know the price should only be 1,000 colones ($1.88 USD), and they will accept it.
If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to get here is via taxi.
The car park attendants will point you in the direction of the river, and it really is beautiful as it’s surrounded by lush green jungle. Pick a quiet spot and relax in the super-hot water, and my top tip is to bring some snacks or beer with you and spend an hour or two here.
Unfortunately, there have been several petty theft incidents at the hot springs, so make sure to keep any valuables close to you at all times or, better yet, leave them at your accommodation.
Related Read: Other great things to do while you’re in La Fortuna include taking a tour of La Fortuna Waterfall or looking for adorable sloths!
2. Baldi Hot Springs
- Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
- Price: Entrance only – $27 USD for nationals, $44 USD for foreigners; Entrance with lunch or dinner – $49 USD for nationals, $66 USD for foreigners; Entrance with lunch and dinner $71 USD for nationals, $88 USD for foreigners
- Location: Near La Fortuna
If you’re after a more fun and lively hot springs experience, then be sure to check out Baldi Hot Springs, one of the most popular hot springs in Costa Rica. Boasting no less than 25 thermal water pools, which range in temperature from 93°F to 152°F and are surrounded by lush vegetation and with views of Arenal Volcano, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most-visited hot springs in the country.
Oh, I forgot to mention it also has a giant jacuzzi that can hold up to 60 people!
Despite being super busy most days, Baldi Hot Springs is spacious, so you won’t feel like you’re on top of other guests. And as well as the relaxing therapeutic pools I mentioned above, it also has a bustling bar area and a huge water slide, and kid’s play zone, making it ideal for families!
The Baldi Hot Springs is located within the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa, a luxurious property with rooms starting at $278 USD a night. In fact, it’s widely regarded as one of the best hotels in La Fortuna, and the best thing is that if you do decide to stay here if you can enjoy the hot springs for free!
Book a room at Baldi Hot Springs online here!
3. Tabacon Hot Springs
- Hours: Full-Day Pass – 10 am to 10 pm
- Price: Full-Day Pass (with lunch or dinner) – $81 USD; Full-Day Pass (with lunch and dinner) – $149 USD.
- Location: La Fortuna
Next up is one of my favorite hot springs in La Fortuna – Tabacón Hot Springs, which is well-known for its stunning setting amidst a colorful garden that some visitors describe as giving them the feeling of being in the middle of the jungle!
Here, you can enjoy five different hot springs, which range in temperature from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C) – so no matter how hot you like it, you’re sure to find the ideal pool for you! Plus, if you want some peace and tranquility, you can head to the quieter pools in the lower sections, which come with a marvelous view of Arenal Volcano!
Adding a luxurious touch to the experience, the property also features a swim-up bar and, for the kids (or big kids!) – a waterslide.
The Tabacon Hot Springs are part of the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, one of the best-rated non-all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica. And a bonus is that if you’re planning on staying in the hotel, access to the hot springs is complimentary.
4. The Springs
- Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
- Price: Two-Day Pass – $85 USD; Multi-Adventure Package – $124 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
If Tabacon is a little too pricey for you, but you’re still keen to visit a large hot spring resort then I recommend The Springs, where you can enjoy no less than 28 hot springs and pools set amongst four acres of exquisite rainforest. As well as that, The Springs offers guests a swim-up bar and one of the best views of Arenal Volcano that I’ve ever seen.
Here, you can relax in pools that are as cool as 83° F and as hot as 104° F. And what’s great is that the pools are set in different settings, from peaceful woodlands to some that are surrounded by gushing waterfalls.
It’s a little confusing, but there are, in fact, three hot springs resorts located here, and you have access to all of them with your ticket – Perdido, La Lagunas, and Club Rio. At Perdido, there are seven pools and a water slide, while at La Laguna, you will find eight pools with volcano views and a swim-up bar. The last one – Club Rio, is different from the others because it is set in a natural environment with waterfalls and river canyon views.
The Springs Resort Hot Springs is located in The Springs Resort & Spa, which boasts luxurious rooms, on-site restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and a tour and activity hub. It’s one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica!
Related Read: if you plan to stay a few nights in La Fortuna, you’ll want to know what the best restaurants in La Fortuna are!
5. Titoku Hot Springs
- Hours: 10 am to 8 pm | 1 pm; 1pm to 3 pm; 3 pm to 5 pm; and 5 pm to 8 pm
- Price: Entrance only – $15 USD for nationals, $33 USD for foreigners; Entrance with a meal – $40 USD for nationals, $52 USD for foreigners
- Location: La Fortuna
Ideal for couples or those after a more intimate hot springs experience, Titokú Hot Springs is smaller than those mentioned above, with just eight jacuzzi-style pools located here. But that only adds to the peacefulness of the place. The pools here are situated in a unique setting in that they cascade down through the gardens, and the closer to the bottom the pool is, the lower its temperature!
If you come at night, the pools are lit up with multi-colored ambient lights giving a sense of romance. And not forgetting the full-service bar here – so you can indulge in your favorite beverage while relaxing in the pool with your loved one.
For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available.
Best described as a hidden gem in La Fortuna, Titokú is often overlooked by tourists who tend to favor the larger resorts, which is a shame because it’s such a unique property. What I love most about it is that it limits its capacity to 80 guests, so it never gets too crowded!
Titokú Hot Springs is part of the Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, a gorgeous property set within 27 acres of verdant countryside. However, because the hot springs are located in a separate section of the resort, they still retain their peaceful status.
6. EcoTermales Hot Springs
- Hours: 9 am to 4 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm
- Price: Entrance only – $45 USD; Entrance with lunch or dinner – $73 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
Different from most of the other La Fortuna hot springs on this list as EcoTermales Hot Springs is not part of a hotel; instead, it’s a family-owned and operated natural hot spring. This is pretty cool, and that, combined with the fact that it’s surrounded by rainforest, makes it one of the must-visit hot springs in Costa Rica!
Best of all, the hyperthermal waters in these springs are full of magnesium which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a great spot to ease your aching muscles after indulging in all the adventure activities that La Fortuna offers.
It also only allows 80 visitors per time slot, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a peaceful experience here. Take some time away from the pools to walk the paved, illuminated pathways in search of wildlife like sloths and monkeys!
There is a restaurant and a bar on the grounds, so you can dine here for lunch or dinner.
7. The Royal Corin
- Hours: Daily between 10 am and 10 pm
- Price: For hotel guests only. The starting rate for a 2-night Deluxe Volcano View Room Package is $1,055 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
At The Royal Corin near La Fortuna, you can treat yourself to a relaxing day spent in two naturally heated swimming pools which vary in temperature between 93°F to 104°F. The thermal water in the pools is brimming with salts and ions, such as carbon, calcium, and magnesium – which combined will add moisture and radiance back into your skin! Plus, there are four thermal water jacuzzis with hydromassage to really add to the overall relaxed vibe.
And if the hot water is getting a bit much for you, you can plunge into the cold-water pool to cool down or head on over to the swim-up bar for a refreshing drink.
The Royal Corin is a quieter option than Tabacon or Baldi and is reserved for guests staying at The Royal Corin, a boutique hotel with 54 bedrooms and a romantic atmosphere.
8. Paradise Hot Springs
- Hours: 11 am to 9 pm
- Price: Basic Day Pass – $38; Day Pass + Meal – $58 USD; Premium Day Pass – $170 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
Paradise Hot Springs offers an amazing array of outdoor hot springs and jacuzzis varying from 104° F to a cooler 81° F (40 C to 27 C), each with magnesium-rich water that hydrates the skin. But the cherry on top is the variety of hydromassage in each pool that helps relieve muscle soreness and relax the body.
Spending time at the Paradise Hot Springs’ will literally make you feel like you’re in paradise as the pools are hidden among beautiful gardens full of native trees like the Costa Rican coffee tree, palm trees, and colorful flowers. If you get the chance to visit here after dark – I highly recommend you do – the pools are illuminated with multi-colored lights, which adds to its romantic vibe.
Considering all of the above, I have to say that Paradise Hot Springs may just be one of the best hot springs in Costa Rica! The pools are located within the Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort, a 17-room high-end hotel.
9. Los Lagos
- Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
- Price: $18 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
Popular with couples and families, Los Lagos Hot Springs is one of the best-value-for-money hots springs in La Fortuna and all of Costa Rica, for that matter. This spot offers a hot springs pass which allows visitors access to all the hot and cold pools on-site as well as entry to their wildlife exhibits. So, considering its two experiences in one, it’s a pretty awesome deal!
The pools here are unique because they are fed by crystalline rainforest springs, and each one looks completely different from the next. Each pool is framed with what looks like natural gray/brown boulders, but they are, in fact, man-made using concrete. And some of the pools have turquoise mosaic floors, which really stands out! Surrounding each pool and on the pathways between pools are colorful gardens full of plants like ferns, tall grasses, and heliconia.
You can also find fun waterslides on the premises, waterfalls, and my favorite – a faux volcano.
The Los Lagos Hot Springs is part of the Hotel Los Lagos, a well-rated hotel that features a gourmet restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool, a wet bar, and a luxurious spa.
10. Kalambu Hot Springs
- Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday to Sunday – 9 am to 9 pm
- Price: Entrance only – $11.30 USD; Entrance + Food – $17.98 USD
- Location: La Fortuna
A one-of-a-kind hot springs in La Fortuna, Kalambu Hot Springs is double the fun because it’s both a water park and a hot springs resort! Yep, both adults and kids will enjoy spending a full day here thanks to its thermal pools, huge waterslides, play areas, swim-up bars, and more!
We spent a full day here during our time in La Fortuna, and some of our highlights included the five-story tower, which has no less than three slides coming off it into the pool, and the Mammoth, a waterslide that’s 370 feet (112 meters) long!
While we were there, the interactive playground seemed to be very popular too, and it features several water cannons and slides going into a pool of geothermal water!
And when you want a little break from all the fun, you can unwind in one of the park’s two thermal pools, both of which feature a swim-up bar. One is for families, while the other is solely for adults. These pools are located beside the park’s restaurant, which serves Costa Rican and Mexican dishes as well as salads and a grilled section. There is also a snack bar, where you can get typical theme park food, plus frozen drinks, fresh fruit juices, and even Costa Rican beer.
11. Rio Negro Hot Springs
- Hours: 1.5-hour sessions daily from 9 am to 4 pm
- Price: Adults $30 USD, children aged between 4 – 12 are $25 USD
- Location: Rincon de la Viejo National Park, Guanacaste (a 30-minute drive from Liberia)
Another must-visit hot spring in Costa Rica is Rio Negro Hot Springs within the Hotel Hacienda Guachipilen. These hot springs and hotel are located within the famed Rincon de la Vieja National Park – one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica!
And despite the fact it’s naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja volcano and the pools here are connected by photogenic hanging bridges, this spot is considered by many to be a hidden gem because it’s never as busy as the hot springs in La Fortuna.
The ten pools here are built on the banks of a crystal-clear river and are mineral-rich, resulting in therapeutic and rejuvenating benefits for you. Spending time at these hot springs offers a relaxing experience because it’s surrounded by nature – to be specific, a dense, dry tropical forest.
You can try a DIY spa treatment here where you lather the hot volcanic mud all over your body, let it dry in the sun for a few minutes, and then rinse it off in one of the pools – honestly, your skin will feel as smooth as a baby’s after.
There are changing rooms and lockers at the entrance to the hot springs, and from there, it’s a 350-meter (1,148 feet) woodland walk into the pools. But there is no restaurant here so best to pack a picnic.
The hot springs are part of the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, a stunning boutique property with beautiful rooms and a variety of adventure activities like horseback riding and mountain biking. If you stay here access to the hot springs is free! Plus, its close proximity makes it a great stop right after you fly into Liberia airport.
12. Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River
- Hours: Day Pass from 8 am to 6 pm
- Price: For hotel guests only. The nightly rate for a bungalow begins at $442 USD
- Location: An hour drive from Liberia in a remote location
Situated close to the city of Bagaces in the Guanacaste region, the Rio Perdido Hot Springs are naturally heated by the Miravalles Volcano and are set along a mile-long thermal gorge that cuts through the Rio Perdido Hotel, a magnificent property in its own right that’s nestled within a 600-acre private reserve.
There are dozens of naturally heated hot pools all along this gorge, and each one varies in temperature, so sit back, relax, and enjoy these pools’ naturally scenic setting within a unique dwarf forest. An added bonus is that the pools have therapeutic jets!
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River offers bungalow-style accommodation, and their spa is top-class, offering a variety of massage treatments and their signature mud body-painting treatment, which uses mineral-rich soil from the river. Only guests of the hotel can use the hot springs so it’s a super exclusive experience!
13. Vandara Hot Springs
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Price: Explorer Pass: $95 USD per adult, $75 per child aged between 5-12, under 5’s free. Nature Pass: $65 per adult, $52 per child aged between 5-12, under 5’s free.
- Location: Rincon de la Viejo National Park
The setting for the Vandara Hot Springs couldn’t be more stunning set along the peaceful Tizate River and hidden among dry tropical forest. It’s another great option in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and in fact, the waters in the five thermal pools here are naturally heated by the volcano of the same name.
As well as the pools, there’s a jacuzzi, mineral mud baths, a wet bar, a jungle water slide, and an open-air massage area. Not forgetting the on-site restaurant, which serves up the best of Costa Rican cuisine. And even better is that most of the ingredients are grown in the resort’s organic garden.
Yet the best thing about Vandara isn’t what I’ve just listed above; it’s that the springs part of a large nature reserve ( a whopping 350 acres) filled with hanging bridges, butterfly gardens, and hiking trails. So, after a relaxing morning, why not try your hand at horseback riding or go birdwatching?
The Explorer Pass includes all of the above-listed activities and starts at $95 USD per adult, while the Nature Pass is a cheaper option at $65 USD and includes access to the hot springs, mud baths, and hiking trails. Both of the above options include a garden-to-table lunch experience.
14. Blue River Resort & Spa
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Price: $20 USD per adult, $10 per child under 12 - Location: North of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, over an hour’s drive from Liberia
Situated on the northern side of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, Blue River Resort & Spa is aptly named because here, there’s a bright blue river (named Rio Azul) opposite the property as well as waterfalls.
Inside a verdant rainforest, this sanctuary features three hot spring pools (naturally heated by the volcano) and two freshwater pools, one with a 98-foot water slide and the other with a huge man-made waterfall! Next to the pools is the Tiki Bar, where you can enjoy freshly made snacks and delicious drinks.
Plus, there’s also a hummingbird sanctuary, butterfly gardens, and stunning botanical gardens filled with over 700 different varieties of plants and flowers.
The Dino Park is the newest addition to the resort and is home to several life-like moving dinosaurs in a natural environment. As you can guess, this is a firm family favorite and is extremely popular. Entrance to Dino Park is extra, and prices start from $28 USD per adult and $17 USD per child under 12.
The Blue River Resort & Spa offers rustic but luxurious cabanas complete with balcony and a hammock and is rated as 4-stars, there’s also an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy access to all the facilities mentioned above free-of-charge.
15. Las Hornillas
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Price: $40 per adult and $30 per child - Location: An hour drive from Liberia
Las Hornillas Volcano Hot Springs is a private, family-run park nestled at the base of Miravalles Volcano, and most cool of all is that it offers tours inside the crater of the volcano. Yep, this is the only place in the country where you can walk in an active crater, and this one is huge at 5000 m2!
Of course, given its location, there are natural hot springs located here, too – three of them, to be exact, but the experience here is a little different. It’s recommended you apply the mineral-rich volcanic mud found in the mud pools first and leave it dry for 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing off and relaxing in one of the hot pools!
These mud pools contain sulfuric thermal water and vary in temperature from 80 C up to 200 C. The mud is odorless and ranges in color, including brown, gray, and yellow. The color indicates how deep the pool is; for example, the brown mud pool is the deepest at two meters deep, the gray mud pool is one meter deep, and the yellow mud pool is closest to the surface and, as a result, contains the most sulfur!
The bubbling hot spring pools are a unique emerald green color and remain at a hot 100ºC unless it rains, which is when they get a little cooler.
There’s also a sauna and restaurant on site as well as a camping area and cabins, should you wish to spend the night.
You can also book a tour package to the resort which includes lunch, and you can choose from two – the first, known as the Waterfalls and Hornillas tour (priced at $65 USD per adult), includes a guided tour of two waterfalls on the property as well as access to the mud and hot pools, sauna, etc.
The BEST Things to do in Costa Rica
While there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica, a couple of specific attractions and activities stand out amongst the rest. They are:
Explore Volcanoes
There are some impressive (and beautiful!) volcanoes that you’ll want to check out while you’re here.
Poas Volcano is known for its bright blue crater lake. Poas Volcano is most commonly visited on a day trip from San Jose. This Poas Volcano tour from San Jose is one of the best you can do since it also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as a coffee farm.
Arenal Volcano is also one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. Arenal Volcano is located closest to the town of La Fortuna. You can book this full-day tour from La Fortuna that takes you to the volcano to hike, the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and even a hanging bridge – it’s a full day of adventure!
Chase Waterfalls
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of our favorite waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. You can easily visit it on this full-day tour in La Fortuna that also visits hot springs.
Rio Celeste is another beautiful waterfall that is famous for its bright blue water. Rio Celeste is a popular attraction to visit from Guanacaste Province and this particular tour includes transport from there. Alternatively, you can book this tour from La Fortuna or this tour from San Jose.
See the wildlife
Costa Rica is the place for wildlife lovers! One of the best places to see lots of animals in their wild habitat is at Manuel Antonio National Park. With the help of a guide you will see plenty of birds, monkeys, and even sloths! This particular tour is super popular and also has amazing reviews, so you really can;t go wrong.
There are also lots of wildlife rescue centers around the country that are worth visiting. The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of our favorites as well as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in San Jose where you can book this private tour.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Pura Vida!
And there you have 15 of the best hot springs in Costa Rica; I hope I’ve helped you narrow down what hot spring to visit while exploring this wonderful nation. Or, instead of visiting just one, why not pop into several while you’re here? If you do, be sure to comment below and tell me which hot springs in Costa Rica were your favorites!
Be sure to keep looking around my blog a little more, too; I have plenty of informative blog articles about visiting Costa Rica!
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