15 BEST Hot Springs in La Fortuna (and which ones you should visit!)

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After an adventurous day out in the Arenal/La Fortuna area, there is no better way to unwind than soaking in a relaxing hot spring! Fortunately, you will find plenty of hot spring options just outside of downtown La Fortuna. 

There are luxurious hot springs that come with hefty price tags along with budget-friendly ones that won’t leave your wallet empty.

With so many options available, I figured I’d help you out by telling you all about the 15 different hot springs you can visit in La Fortuna. Below, I’ll compare them all including prices, facilities, and location so that you can easily find the right hot springs to visit for your upcoming holiday.

Here’s everything you need to know about the hot springs in La Fortuna.

15 Hot Springs in La Fortuna

1. Tabacon Hot Springs 

• Location: 13 km (8 miles) northwest of La Fortuna

• Price: Day Pass (with lunch or dinner) – $81 USD; Full-Day Pass (with lunch and dinner) – $149 USD

• Hours: Day Pass and Full-Day Pass – 10 am to 10 pm

• Best for: Anybody looking for a luxurious hot spring where price isn’t an issue.

Tabacón Hot Springs is one of the favorite hot springs in La Fortuna. It is well-known for its natural hot springs and pools that wind through a luscious garden, giving guests the sense of being in the heart of a jungle.

Within the property, you can find five different springs with mineralized, naturally heated water. The springs feed dozens of pools at temperatures ranging from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), so no matter your preference, you will surely find the perfect pool for you.  

For that deluxe touch, the main area of the hot springs comes complete with a swim-up bar and a waterslide. Sip on a cool beverage as you soak in the soothing streaming water. Meanwhile, there are secluded pools in the lower section that offer a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano. 

The Tabacon Hot Springs are located within the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, one of the most luxurious non-all-inclusive resorts in the Arenal area. While some hotels in La Fortuna only offer their on-site hot springs to guests, the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa hosts a day pass program that allows non-hotel guests to enjoy their hot springs. However, if you’re planning on staying in the hotel, access to the hot springs is complimentary.

2. Baldi Hot Springs

• Location: 4.7 km (2.9 miles) away from downtown La Fortuna

• 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

• Hours: 9 am to 10 pm

• Best for: Family-friendly facilities

The Baldi Hot Springs is one of the most developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93°F to 152°F (doesn’t it sound dreamy?!). It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. 

One of the major draws of Baldi Hot Springs is its massive space that lets you unwind in the company of friends and family. The property not only provides you with a spacious therapeutic paradise to relax in, but it also has bustling pool/bar areas and massive water slides that cater to social gatherings. There’s even an interactive kids’ play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient!

With that said, these hot springs are probably not the best choice for anybody looking for a super relaxing and peaceful experience.

I’d say the two things that I really love most about Baldi is that despite its safe location outside the danger zone of the Arenal Volcano, it still offers breathtaking views of the majestic landform. This property is also clearly visible from the main road, thanks to its showy, roofed entry.

The Baldi Hot Springs is part of the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa, a superior-quality hotel with rooms starting at $276 USD per night. Many consider it to be one of the best hotels in La Fortuna, and if you’re a guest at the hotel you can enjoy the hot springs for free as much as you want.

Related Read: While in La Fortuna, be sure to visit the famous La Fortuna Waterfall!

3. EcoTermales Hot Springs

• Location: 5.2 km (3.2 miles) from downtwon La Fortuna

• Price: Entrance only – $45 USD; Entrance with lunch or dinner – $73 USD

• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 9:45 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 9:45 pm

• Best for: an intimate and romantic experience

Nestled in La Fortuna’s primary rainforest, EcoTermales Hot Springs is a family-owned and operated natural hot spring. The thermal springs that await you at this property come from hyperthermal magnesia-filled waters. This means that you can indulge in the waters’ muscle-relaxing, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties! Sounds nice, right? 

There are six intimate and romantic pools here, the temperatures of which range from 99° F to 106° F. Should you prefer a change in temperature, there is also a freshwater waterfall and pool here, as well as two pools with ordinary water.

Part of what makes EcoTermales Hot Springs appealing is that it offers a quiet getaway where you can escape for a few hours without breaking the bank. Although there are other less expensive hot springs in La Fortuna that provide the same service, the EcoTermales Hot Springs remain a popular destination. This is because the resort allows a maximum of 80 visitors per time slot every day so that everyone has a chance to experience total relaxation.

There are also paved and illuminated pathways through the jungle at EcoTermales, perfect for romantic strolls with your special someone, wildlife observation, and some amazing photo ops!

EcoTermales, unlike the above two La Fortuna hot springs mentioned, is a stand-alone hot spring without an accompanying hotel. However, there is a restaurant and a bar on the grounds, so you can dine here for lunch or supper. It is also just a few minutes away from downtown La Fortuna, putting it in a handy position close to most hotels.

4. Titoku Hot Springs

• Location: 4.8 km (3 miles) west of downtown La Fortuna

• Price: Entrance only – $15 USD for nationals, $33 USD for foreigners; Entrance with a meal – $40 USD for nationals, $52 USD for foreigners 

• Hours: 10 am to 8 pm

• Best for: Those looking to avoid crowds.

If you’re looking for a more intimate and genuine hot springs experience in Arenal, then I think you’ll fall in love with Titokú Hot Springs. There are eight jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and come with a lower temperature as you get closer to the bottom. 

The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. For additional convenience, there are dressing rooms, showers, and lockers available for guest use.

Small and intimate, Titokú is frequently overlooked by visitors since it’s surrounded on all sides by larger thermal resorts. But it’s exactly because it’s hidden in plain sight that makes it such an incredible find!

Not to mention the fact that this property has a maximum capacity of 80 guests, with each pool accommodating between six and twenty people. With the fewer guests around, you can expect a really peaceful and uncrowded experience. In fact, you often have an entire pool to yourself, which is one of the delightful perks of visiting these hot springs. It’s no wonder this place is often considered one of the best hot springs in Costa Rica!

Titokú Hot Springs is part of the Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, a luxury hotel set on 27 acres of lush, verdant countryside. However, since the hot springs are on a separate parcel of land, you feel far away from the hustle and bustle of the resort.

5. Paradise Hot Springs

• Location: 4.8 km (3 miles) northwest from La Fortuna

• Price: Basic Day Pass – $38 USD; Day Pass + Meal – $58 USD; Premium Day Pass – $170 USD

• Hours:  11 am to 9 pm

• Best for: Hot springs with hydromassage

After a long day of exploring Arenal, a refreshing dip in the outdoor hot spring pools and jacuzzis is just what you need. They feature natural magnesium-rich water that cleanses the skin and promotes relaxation. Similar to the other La Fortuna hot springs, the property’s pools also have varying temperatures, from a steamy 104° F to a cooler 81° F.

But the main selling point of Paradise Hot Springs is the variety of hydromassage (different intensity water jets or waterfalls) featured in each pool. This alleviates stress and muscle soreness in the back, shoulders, neck, and feet. It’s a truly relaxing experience you don’t want to miss!

The Paradise Hot Springs’ tropical aesthetic is also stunning. The pools are tucked away in verdant gardens with Costa Rican coffee trees, exotic palms, and local flowers. At night, they are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colors for a romantic vibe— trust me it’s just as magical as it sounds!

You can find the Paradise Hot Springs within the Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort, a 17-room high-end hotel.

6. The Springs Resort Hot Springs

• Location: 12 km (7.5 miles) northwest from Parque de la Fortuna

• Price: Two-Day Pass – $85 USD + 13% VAT; Multi-Adventure Package – $124.20 USD

• Hours:  8 am to 10 pm

• Best for: Luxurious hot springs that’s affordable

If Tabacon is out of your price range, but you still want to experience a huge, luxurious hot spring resort, consider The Springs. This sprawling resort features 28 hot springs and pools, four acres of beautifully landscaped recreational grounds, swim-up bars, and one of the best volcano views in La Fortuna!

Nestled within picturesque patches of rainforest, the hot springs in this property are pretty varied in terms of temperature and environment. You can choose to dip in pools that are as cool as 83° F and as steamy as 104° F. You can also find them in a variety of settings, from rushing waterfalls to quiet woodlands. Isn’t it great to have options?

Three hot springs are found here: La Lagunas, Perdido, and Club Rio. At La Lagunas, you can enjoy eight pools with views of Arenal Volcano and a swim-up bar, while at Perdido, there are seven additional pools and a kiddie slide. But unlike the other two with a man-made atmosphere, Club Rio boasts waterfalls that gaze out over the river canyon, giving it a more natural feel.

The Springs Resort Hot Springs is part of The Springs Resort & Spa. If you’re wondering where to stay in La Fortuna, this definitely isn’t a bad option! On top of its cold-water pools and hot springs, the resort comes complete with luxurious accommodations, on-site restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and a tour and activity hub.

Related Read: Soaking in hot springs in La Fortuna is one of our “must-do” activities in our 7-day Costa Rica itinerary!

7. Los Laureles

• Location: 4 km (2.5 miles) west of La Fortuna town

• Price: $12 USD

• Hours: 9 am to 9 pm

• Best for: Budget-friendly hot springs with camping area

Los Laureles Hot Springs is one of the smallest hot springs in La Fortuna. While it may lack the luxurious facilities found in Tabacon or Baldi, it is still a great place to unwind and experience La Fortuna’s hot springs!

There are a total of seven thermal water pools and two cold-water pools on the property, along with a restaurant and a ranch. The grounds are well-kept and home to a diverse assortment of native tropical plants and flowers.

Yes, the hot springs at Los Laureles are very basic, but they are a must-visit for budget travelers! You can also spend the night here as they have a camping area and cabins available.

You won’t find a restaurant or bar here, so guests can bring their own food and drinks and have a picnic or grill out on the BBQ!

8. Termalitas del Arenal

• Location:  4.2 km (2.6 miles) west of La Fortuna

• Price: $10 USD or less

• Hours: 9 am to 9 pm

• Best for: Cheap hot springs for families.

Termalitas del Arenal is a family-friendly leisure complex with hot springs surrounded by lush tropical gardens and an awe-inspiring view of the Arenal Volcano. Pools of different sizes and temperatures are provided to suit the needs of swimmers of all ages and levels. You can also find hydromassages in the pool that are either water springs or waterfalls.

In addition to the hot springs, there are other amenities within the premises of Termalitas del Arenal, including cold water pools, a slide, hydromassage beds (I really love these things!), a wet bar, ranches with BBQ grills, and a restaurant.

You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages inside, but take note that no accommodation or camping facilities are available.

9. Los Lagos

• Location: 1.6 km (1 mile) from Arenal Natural Ecological Park

• Price: $17 USD

• Hours: 9 am to 10 pm

• Best for: A variety of hot springs in one place

Los Lagos Hot Springs is a popular La Fortuna hot springs destination for kids and couples alike, thanks in part to the affordability of the hot springs pass. Although it isn’t the cheapest hot springs in La Fortuna, this pass gives you access to a variety of hot and cold pools, as well as free admission to a few wildlife exhibits on-site. It ends up being a pretty good deal!

The pools at Los Lagos are large and fed by crystalline rainforest springs. However, what makes them stand out from the other hot springs in the area is that they are all different from one another. They are framed with handcrafted concrete that looks like natural-looking gray/brown boulders. It’s definitely a sight to see.

Pool areas and pathways between them are decorated with colorful gardens full of plants and flowers, such as heliconia, ferns, and tall grasses. Several of the property’s pools include turquoise mosaic tile flooring, adding to the tropical theme. You can also find fun waterslides on the premises, along with waterfalls and a faux volcano. 

The Los Lagos Hot Springs are the in-house hot springs of Hotel Los Lagos, a tropical hotel housing a gourmet restaurant, a wet bar, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a luxurious spa.

Related Read: Love food? Be sure to eat at a couple of the best restaurants in La Fortuna while you’re there!

10. The Royal Corin Thermal

• Location: 5 km (3 miles) west of La Fortuna

• Price: Single Adult Pool Entry with a meal- $49; Family Pass Pool Entry with a meal – $150

• Hours: –

• Best for: Relaxing boutique experience at affordable price

The thermal water at The Royal Corin is 100% natural and teeming in mineral salts and ions, including calcium, carbon, and magnesium. Thanks to the waters’ high mineral content, just soaking in the pool replenishes your skin’s moisture and brings back its radiance! (Sign me up!)

Within the property, you will find two natural warm water swimming pools that range in temperature from 93°F to 104°F. There are also four thermal water jacuzzis with hydromassage to give you a more relaxing experience. If you need a break from the heat, you can dip in the cold-water pool or head to the wet bar for a drink. 

One of my favorite things about The Royal Corin is that it isn’t as crowded as Tabacon, so you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself and get a better value for your money.

The Royal Corin Thermal is located on the grounds of the 54-room boutique hotel of The Royal Corin. It is recognized for its excellent service, welcoming environment, and romantic atmosphere, integrated into a natural setting that is nestled in the midst of lush rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

11. Volcano Lodge and Springs

• Location: Right next to Arenal Natura Ecological Park

• Price: $113 to $388 USD per night

• Hours: –

• Best for: Luxurious hot springs exclusive to hotel guests

There are plenty of beautiful and therapeutic hot springs in La Fortuna, but the Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience stands out for its exclusivity. If you’re looking for an epic experience at a hot spring, this is where to stay in La Fortuna so you have the chance. Private and far away from the crowds, these springs are accessible only to hotel guests.

Two main springs are located on the premises: one close to the cold-water free-form pool and the other located near the swim-up bar and has its own ambient lighting and music. Both locations are designed with falls, waterways, tropical gardens, and secluded pools with different temperatures for you to relax in.

For a more private experience, consider booking either the Junior Suite or Thermal Superior Room. A private plunge pool with its own waterfall and naturally heated water await you here.

The Volcano Lodge Hot Springs is set within the Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience at the base of the Arenal Volcano. This 64-room hotel combines its rustic yet modern vibe into its luxurious amenities, including hot spring-fed jacuzzis, boutique spa, and on-site bars.

12. Loma Real Hotel and Hot Springs

• Location: 3 km (1.9 miles) from Arenal Natura Ecological Park

• Price: from $79 USD night

• Hours: –

• Best for: Cheap hot springs exclusive to hotel guests

Loma Real Hotel and Hotsprings is one of the properties in La Fortuna that only offers its hot springs to guests. The hot springs themselves are pretty basic, with a few tropical plants surrounding them. Apart from hanging out in the hot springs, you can also stroll in the garden while admiring the majestic view of the Arenal Volcano in the distance. 

A continental or à la carte breakfast is available at the Loma Real Hotel & Hotsprings. When staying here, you’ll have a room with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a terrace with a garden view.

13. Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

• Location: 8 km (5 miles) from downtown La Fortuna

• Price: $170 to $545 per night

• Hours: –

• Best for: kid-friendly hot springs that are exclusive to hotel guests

The hot springs at Arenal Manoa are exclusive to guests and cater to swimmers of all ages. The property features a large hot spring for adults, a shallower one for kids, and a jacuzzi should you want a more relaxing experience. 

Also on-site is a full-service swim-up bar where you can order food, drinks, and cocktails without leaving the water. It goes without saying that you’ll find it very easy to relax here. 

Arenal Manoa’s hot springs are therapeutic, as are most of the hot springs in the Arenal region. Research done on the waters at the property has discovered minerals in the waters, such as sulfate and magnesium, that deliver some health benefits to your body. 

Naturally, the resident hotel of Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs, the Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort, is worthy of praise, too. It comes complete with a working ranch, rooms with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, lush gardens, and an on-site restaurant serving an eclectic blend of local and foreign cuisine.

14. Kalambu Hot Springs

• Location: 4.8 km (3 miles) west of Parque de la Fortuna

• Price: Entrance only – $11.20 USD; Entrance + Food – $17.75 USD

• Hours: Friday to Sunday 9 am to 9 pm

• Best for: Most unique hot springs experience in La Fortuna

Kalambu Hot Springs is the only one of its kind in La Fortuna as it combines water park fun with hot springs— it’s a thermally heated water park! With massive slides, thermal pools, swim-up bars, and play areas, the facility has something in store for everyone!

Within walking distance of the changing rooms is an interactive playground designed especially for children. It’s basically a pool of geothermal water with several water cannons, slides, and platforms of varying heights.

Nearby, you can find a five-story tower with three slides (Cyclone, Tornado, and Avalanche) that go directly into the pool. Opposite the tower is the so-called Mammoth, a four-story 370-foot-long (113 m) water slide. 

After all that action, you can unwind in one of two thermal pools in the property, both of which come with a swim-up bar. One is for families, while the other is solely for adults. 

These thermal pools are located on the sides of the park’s restaurant, which serves Mexican and Costa Rican cuisines, salads, and grilled selections. There is also a snack bar, where you can get typical theme park food, along with frozen drinks, fresh fruit juices, and even Costa Rican beer.

15. FREE hot springs 

• Location: 12.1 km (7.5 miles) west of La Fortuna

• Price: FREE

• Hours: Always open

• Best for: Free wild hot springs in La Fortuna.

Want to visit hot springs in La Fortuna without spending a thing? Well then, it’s time to skip all of the above hot springs and head straight to the wild hot springs! Just outside of La Fortuna town you’ll find a river where the water is hot. It is completely free to visit and one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna.

The hot springs location can be found on Google Maps (It’s called El Choyin) and if you have your own car you can easily drive there. With that said, there are guys who will charge you for parking (on the street) to keep your car “safe.” I’m not totally sure it is necessary for safety, but you should pay them as it is their job and they will help you park. They will try to charge you around 3,000 Colones ($5.60 USD), however, if you tell them you know that the price is 1,000 Colones ($1.87 USD) they will accept it.

After parking, they will direct you towards the river, under a bridge. Here you can explore the river and find your own place to relax. If you want, bring a beer or some snacks. It really is beautiful and the water is super hot!

One thing that is important to know is that some petty theft has been known to happen here. Keep your valuables with you at all times, or just don’t bring them to the river at all.

If you don’t have a car, you can try and hitchhike there or take a taxi from town.

Related Read: Be sure to check out the hanging bridges in La Fortuna while you’re in town!

Other Things to do While You’re in La Fortuna

Of course, exploring the hot springs in La Fortuna is one of the best experiences, but there are so many other things to do in La Fortuna you won’t want to miss! These are just a few of our top picks:

• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall –  One of the things Costa Rica is famous for is its waterfalls. Top among them has to be the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. The water shoots out of a tall cliff into the pool below surrounded by lush forest. You can swim in the natural pool here and see wildlife! Entrance is $18 USD and you can buy a skip-the-line ticket online or join one of the La Fortuna Waterfall tours.

• Hanging bridges – The views of La Fortuna are even better among the treetops! The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best to explore. There are 14 total bridges here with 6 of them being hanging bridges. It’s a fantastic place to spot wildlife especially if you join this guided tour! 

• Arenal Volcano – Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of La Fortuna! You can wander the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park on your own or as part of a hiking tour. For more unique volcano views, take to the sky aboard the Sky Tram, fly by on an ATV ride, or take a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Arenal.

• Drink great coffee – It’s no secret some of the best coffee in the world comes from Costa Rica! You can grab a cup of coffee at one of the restaurants in La Fortuna or take it a step further with a coffee tour. We had the freshest cup of coffee and tasted amazing homemade chocolate on this Costa Rican coffee and chocolate experience that takes place on a small family-owned plantation.

• Take a cooking class – The food is one of my favorite things about Costa Rica! The next best thing to eating locally-made Costa Rican food is learning to make it yourself. This 3-course cooking class is not only a super fun experience, but lets you get into the culture too!

Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Here are our top recommendations for every budget.

Selina La Fortuna – $

One of the go-to budget options is Selina La Fortuna. I’ve stayed in Selina hostels around the world and this is a great one. It has a fun party atmosphere and a great co-working space where we spent a lot of time.

Selina Fortuna is located right in the middle of town, so you have easy access to great bars and restaurants nearby. Rates begin at $26 USD for a one-night stay in a dorm and $124 USD for a one-night stay in a private room. You can check availability and book on Booking.com, Hostelworld.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa – $$

Those with a medium budget should check out Casa Luna Hotel & Spa. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. You can also enjoy the tropical botanic garden at the hotel.

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is near Arenal Volcano National Park, and all the rooms have views of the volcano and the rainforest. The hotel also includes a delicious breakfast in the $204 USD room rate. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town and you can reserve a room online on Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here.

The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal – $$$

For arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna, check out The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. While the rooms don’t come cheap ($600 USD+), it’s a bucket list place to stay that’s perfect for visiting Costa Rica on a honeymoon!

You’ll find 28 hot spring pools here, making the resort the perfect place if you really want to relax. There’s also a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. You can reserve a room at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal on Booking.com, on Hotels.com, or on Expedia.

For more in-depth info on the areas to stay in La Fortuna, check out our blog on where to stay in La Fortuna!

Pura Vida!

I hope this blog has helped you learn all about the different hot springs you can visit in La Fortuna/Arenal. If you have time, why not visit a couple of different hot springs? If you do, be sure to comment below and tell me which hot springs in La Fortuna were your personal favorite!

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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