After a day hiking to waterfalls and volcanoes through the lush tropical rainforest, the best way to end the day is to immerse yourself in the world famous hot springs in La Fortuna. The many hot spring resorts, rivers and natural pools makes this area Costa Rica’s paradise of thermal relaxation and a top destination in Costa Rica for wellness seekers.
As a visit to La Fortuna is not complete without a trip to the hot springs, here is our guide to help you decide which La Fortuna hot spring resort is best for you. From the luxurious offerings of Tabacon Thermal Resort to the kid friendly Baldi Hot Springs, each spot delivers a unique and rewarding experience.
We offer discounts on La Fortuna tours including hot springs such as the Arenal 4 in 1 (hanging bridges, waterfall, volcano and hot springs). Click to check the Fortuna tours discount here!
Quick La Fortuna Information
- La Fortuna is in the Alajuela province.
- ~3 hour drive from both Costa Rica international airports: SJO International Airport and LIR International Airport.
- Known for thermal springs, natural hot springs, hiking, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna waterfall, tropical rainforest, outdoor adventure (ziplining, white water rafting, waterfall rapelling, mountain biking, ATV), birdwatching and wildlife watching. Read about other things to do in La Fortuna here.
- Has hundreds of hotels and vacation rentals in the area of all budgets. Has some of the most high end resorts in Costa Rica.
- 4×4 not required to reach La Fortuna from either San Jose and Liberia
- Hot and humid all year long. Average year round temperatures are 70-85 F or 21 to 29 C. Dry season months are December through April and rainy season months are May through November. However, as tropical rainforest, this area can rain any time of the year.
All prices are in USD. There are affiliate links in this post.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon hot springs is the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna and arguably Costa Rica. With a handful of intricately built warm waterfalls, hot pools and sitting areas blending in with the natural environment, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered deep into a magical rain forest. You’ll have a hot springs experience you won’t forget!
The Tabacon hot springs gardens are gorgeous and is a reason why Tabacon is arguably the best hot springs in La Fortuna and in Costa Rica. So if you’re visiting in high season, just know that Tabacon hot springs get extremely crowded and you will need to purchase your Tabacon hot spring pass well in advance during busy times like Christmas, New Years, Holy Week and summer vacation
For the ultimate Tabacon hot springs experience, I recommend staying at the Tabacon Hotel, right next door to the hot springs resort. Hotel guests get an extra 2 hours at Tabacon hot springs exclusively for them. They also have access to the exclusive adult only Shangri La Gardens and can book spa services.
The Tabacon hot springs is not for those on a budget as their hot springs pass starts at $80 per adult, more expensive than other hot springs in La Fortuna. No food included. Tabacon hot springs is a 16 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna.
Baldi Hot Springs
The Baldi hot springs is one of the best hot spring resorts in La Fortuna for groups, boasting that they are the world’s largest hot springs. Their hot springs resort is a very kid friendly hot springs resort. They have water slides, a dedicated interactive kids play zone with a splash pad, caves, hot and cold pools and swim up bars. Likewise, Baldi hot springs is popular with school groups so it’s a great place for friend groups and multi generational families.
Baldi hot springs is a large hot spring resort with 25 different thermal water pools. They have one thermal pool that is extremely hot, perfect for those inclined to soak up a sweat. In another section, they have a cold water pool surrounded by a large warm water pool.
Their caves are very fun as it provides a sauna experience, something other hot spring resorts don’t offer. Their swim up bar pool also has tvs and water beds.
You can stay at the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel, but they don’t really offer more exclusive special perks to hotel guests.
I will say that the food at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel is not the best.
Baldi hot spring day pass fee: Starts at $44 for day pass without meals. $66 per adult with one meal. Baldi hot springs resort is an 8 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna.
Ecotermales Hot Springs
The Ecotermales hot springs offer a very relaxing and natural hot spring experience in La Fortuna. They have a waterfall, several thermal pools, a cold water pool, natural pool and swim up bars so you can enjoy a yummy cocktail while soaking in the mineral waters. Their hot spring facilities are well maintained with concrete paths, lush gardens, ample clean changing rooms, bathrooms and lockers.
Ecotermales hot springs is one of the best La Fortuna hot springs for both couples and families with their 8 different thermal water pools with temperatures from 32-41 C (90- 106 F) and cold water pools. Their hot spring pools don’t offer as much hydrotherapy as others (no water jets or hydromassages) as they only offer 2 small waterfalls. Ecotermales hot springs is best for a good long soak accompanied a nice cold drink.
They offer a lunch and dinner buffet which has delicious food, all farm to table. Ecotermales hot springs resort limits how many people can visit per time slot as not to let the thermal pools get overcrowded.
Ecotermales hot spring day pass: $45 per adult, $73 per adult with a meal. It’s a 9 minute drive from La Fortuna downtown.
We have also visited Ecotermales as part of the Arenal Volcano San Jose day trip. Get our San Jose day tours discount and check out what other San Jose day trips we recommend!
Paradise Hot Springs
Paradise hot springs is another great hot spring option for those looking for a beautiful hot spring resort that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a great option for couples, solo travelers and families alike.
All of Paradise hot springs thermal pools and jacuzzis have natural mineral thermal water, built for guests to enjoy hydrotherapy (therapeutic use of thermal water). Guests can enjoy various hydromassages, water jets and waterfalls of different pressures to take full advantage of the rich mineral water benefits.
Their thermal pools temperatures range from 35-41 C (95-104 F) so they have very nice hot pools of thermal water. You can also book a hotel room at Paradise to have a full hot spring stay in Costa Rica.
Paradise hot springs day pass: $38 per adult. $58 per adult for day pass with a meal. $170 for premium day pass. Paradise is an 8 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna.
Los Lagos Hot Springs
Hotel Los Lagos has their own hot springs open to hotel guests and to the public. The Los Lagos hot springs are not the most natural, it is a bit more like a waterpark. They are very fun though, especially for families as they have a long water slide and pools of different temperatures. However, their hottest hot spring pools gets up to around 37 C (100 F) which is not the hottest temperature if you enjoy very hot thermal pools.
Their hot spring facilities are nice and big with a swim up bar, two fun waterslides, pools with waterfalls and one with a fake volcano. Included in the Los Lagos day pass is a visit to their butterfly garden and turtle pond.
The Los Lagos hot spring is a great budget friendly hot springs facility in La Fortuna so it’s one of the best hot springs for those traveling to Costa Rica on a budget. We also highly recommend the Los Lagos hotel which is very nice. Their hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable with standards, superiors and villas. One of the best features of their hotel property besides the Los Lagos hot springs is their view of Arenal Volcano and emerald lake.
Los Lagos hot spring Day Pass: $18 USD per adult and $10 for children ages 7-10. Children under 6 are free for basic day pass hot springs pass. With one meal, it is $37 USD per adult, $23 for children ages 7-10 and $6 for children under 6. Open 10 AM to 10 PM. Lockers included, towel rental is $2 per towel or you can bring your own. Los Lagos hot springs is a 9 minute drive from La Fortuna downtown.
Titokú Hot Springs
Titoku hot springs is the smallest hot spring facility in Arenal with 8 small hot spring pools of different temperatures. They also have a waiting room, bar and meeting room with a maximum capacity of 80 people at a time. Guests of Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa receive complimentary passes.
When we stayed at the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa Hotel, we decided to take advantage of their complimentary Titokú hot springs pass. Even though Arenal Kioro has their own exclusive on-site hot springs for only hotel guests, we had a nice experience hot springs at Titokú.
However, for how small it is, it isn’t the cheapest hot springs compared to other hot springs resorts. Additionally, they closer earlier than other hot springs resorts at 8 PM but they do open at 10 AM. I would personally not choose to go there if it wasn’t already included in our stay at Arenal Kioro.
Titoku hot springs day pass: $33 per adult for basic day pass. $52 for day pass and meal. Lunch or dinner is in the restaurant of Arenal Kioro with a special a la carte menu. Titoku hot springs reservations required by calling 506 2479 1700, it is an 8 minute drive from La Fortuna town.
The Springs Resort Hot Springs
The Springs Resort & Spa is not only one of the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna, they also have some of the nicest hot springs. Their extremely large property has two hot spring sections, Las Lagunas and Los Perdidos.
Las Lagunas has 12 pools with 4 chlorinated pools and 8 natural. Los Perdidos hot springs connect to Las Lagunas by a short trail and has seven pools.
Since the Springs Resort hot springs property is so big, they offer a two day hot spring pass. Visitors can spend two full days enjoying their property going on the waterslide, walking down to the river and soaking in all the natural and non natural pools. One of their waterfall pools down by in Los Perdidos has an awesome river view.
One of their pools has a swim up bar with an amazing view of Arenal Volcano. Their bartenders are very funny and entertaining and make absolutely delicious ice cold drinks and cocktails. Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants, included in their hot spring day pass.
The Springs Resort hot springs are one of the best hot springs in La Fortuna adn they are our favorite Arenal hot springs. When we visited in May, we were the only ones down by the river pools. The Springs Resort has the perfect mix of natural hot springs, thermal pools, swim up bars, secluded pools and chlorinated pools for all visitors.
The downside is that their day pass is not cheap so it’s not for those looking for budget friendly hot springs in La Fortuna. The Springs Resort hot springs is definitely for those who are not concerned about the cost.
Club Rio Outdoor Center
The Springs Resort also has an outdoor adventure club, Club Rio located on the banks of the Arenal River. They offer a multi adventure package where guests choose two activities: Tubing/kayaking/horseback riding/rock wall/guided nature walk/guided animal sanctuary walk. It also includes lunch and a 2 day hot spring pass. Read more about Club Rio and get $10 off in this link: Club Rio discount.
Springs Resort & Spa day pass: $126.80. Reservations required and there are blackout dates.
Club Rio multi adventure package: $140.34 per adult. We offer a $10 USD discount per person here!
If you have the budget to splurge, we highly recommend staying at their hotel. Their hotel rooms have spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, the restaurant is top notch, their spa is amazing and it’s a popular resort for celebrities to visit in Costa Rica.
The Springs Resort is a 20 minute drive to La Fortuna center.
The Free Hot Springs
Don’t want to spend a huge chunk of your travel money to enjoy any of the Arenal hot springs resorts? Want to see where locals go to in La Fortuna to bathe in the naturally hot waters of the Tabacon river? Then head to the free hot springs in La Fortuna.
The entrance is across from the Tabacon hot spring building, about 100 meters down. You can park along the road and walk down to the hot spring, which is actually the Tabacon river, naturally warm from volcanic activity. On Google Maps, it is called “Free Natural Hot Springs River.” This is the same river that supplies the Tabacon hot springs and other Arenal hot springs in the area.
It gets super crowded on weekends so go early. Read our La Fortuna free swimming holes guide for more details.
Pro tip: there is a “parking lot” along the side of the road. You will be greeted by locals wearing an orange/yellow vest. They will charge you to park and they will “offer” to watch your car. Unfortunately this is not a secure parking lot and they are not insured parking guards but they will insist on a tip. You can give them a small but do NOT leave anything in your car if you drive. Then when you are at the river, we highly recommend to stay by your stuff. Do not ever leave your wallet/keys/phone/valuables out in the open. Bring a waterproof pouch to keep them with you. Theft is not uncommon here. Also be careful of the slippery rocks. It will be better to wear water shoes or hiking sandals.
Other Arenal Hot Springs
Other hot spring resorts in La Fortuna that are worth checking out are Los Laureles Hot Springs, Kalambu hot springs and Termalitas del arenal hot springs. Kalambu Hot Springs is more like a waterpark with an interactive kids water playground, tobagan, big waterslides and an adult swim up bar.
Los Laureles hot springs is better for those on a tight budget. Many city Costa Ricans like to go to Los Laureles hot springs because they have a campground, ranchos for barbecues, seven pools, restaurant and salon. Los Laureles hot springs is not exactly a resort like the other ones but it is one of the cheapest hot springs in La Fortuna at 5000 CRC per adult (~$9).
Termalitas del Arenal hot springs is also another budget friendly hot spring. Their adult day pass entrance fee is $15 USD with lunch included. Termalitas del Arenal hot springs is another popular place for Costa Ricans.
Which Hot Springs Should You Visit?
This depends. There are some hotels in La Fortuna that have their own on-site hot springs for hotel guests. Some of these hotels are Arenal Kioro, Volcano Lodge & Springs, Hotel Montana de Fuego, Arenal Manoa, Hotel El Silencio del Campo, The Royal Corin Thermal Water and Arenal Springs Resort and Spa.
If you’re not staying at a hotel with its on hot spring pools, then you definitely should buy passes to one of the Arenal hot spring resorts.
When it comes down to it, a lot of it will depend on your budget. We recommend to book a hotel with their own hot spring facilities but if not, Baldi, Ecotermales and Paradise are great moderate hot springs. Tabacon and The Springs are the most expensive. Los Lagos is the budget friendly and the free river is the best for saving money.
Our Recommendations
With that being said, we personally love Baldi (except the food), Ecotermales and The Springs Resort. The Spring Resort’s property is very big with two separate sections. The pools are very spread out which is super nice. We loved the pools that overlooked the river and also the pools with the swim up bar and view of Arenal Volcano. The Springs hot spring pass is also good for 2 days which is fantastic.
Tabacon hot springs is gorgeous and one of the most popular hot springs in Costa Rica but we felt that it was a bit too expensive and too many people for our taste. It was a little like going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It is very nice but crowded, expensive and a little over rated when there are so many other excellent options.
We do love bringing our friends and family to Baldi hot springs since it’s a bit more fun with the caves, music and waterslide. Baldi is great for families too.
If your group is not on a budget, The Springs is a fantastic choice. When it is just us as a couple looking to relax and soak, Ecotermales or Paradise.
Arenal Combo Tours with Hot Springs
If you’re booking any tours in La Fortuna or Arenal, you can add on the hot springs to many of them. One of the most popular tours is the Arenal Combo Tour. This tour is hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, lunch, Arenal Volcano hike and hot springs. Get a discount off this tour!
Read about other things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna here!
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Ashley says
Hi there, I noticed you mentioned Baldi as one of the more budget friendly hot spring resorts, but when I looked for our family of 4, it was almost $600/night. Granted it was in December, but I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something and maybe they truly do just increase their prices that much in the holiday season.
Sammi says
They may not have updated it all the way but yes Christmas/New Years is always crazy expensive and hotel prices increase a ton. It’s normally around $300 a night in high season, they used to be cheaper before pandemic so probably they have redone something to make it more expensive
Lindsay says
I had planned our entire visit to La Fortuna around going to Club Rio with our kids! It was to be the highlight. But now it says that you can’t get day passes for March 25th weekend? Is there any way to buy passes to club rio or the hot Springs anytime from March 22nd to 26th?? Or any other suggestions? Really wanted to do the animal sanctuary etc. with the hot springs.
Sammi says
Hi Lindsay, unfortunately they blacked out those dates so non-hotel guests cannot enter the property since it is a peak season time. They don’t allow any outside guests for hot springs or their Club Rio. You’d have to book outside the blackout dates or be a hotel guest to use their property.
Joel says
For the ones that have both hot springs/pools AND a hotel, if you are staying at the hotel, does the cost of the hotel room typically include entrance to their hot springs/pools or do you need to pay extra?
Sammi says
Usually but make sure to ask the hotel to be sure
Beatrice says
Hi,
We will visit Arenal in December and want to visit The Springs.
Just some questions:
-My mom is 86 years old and have some mobility issues, she walks using a cane and sometimes a walker. Is easy to walk around this property?
-I see on the website two options:
-one for $79 that offers access to the Springs for two days. But is not saying that this option includes lunch or dinner. Is there any other option that includes a meal?
I only saw that the option Club Rio for $119 where you can choose two activities and the lunch is also included. But we would like to enjoy the hot springs only and have lunch or dinner.
Thank you for your answer, Mytanfeet is great, we also booked a car rental with Adobe through your website.
Beatrice
Sammi says
They have a shuttle that go from the hotel lobby down to the river but for the hot springs property, it is kind of like on a slope so you do need to walk on some steps and be able to go up and down a hill.
For the hot spring pass, I think you have to buy food separately and you can purchase it there at their restaurants
Alyx Loyola says
Hi!
We’re flying in to Costa Rica next week for our honeymoon. We’re very looking forward in trying out a day pass hot spring. How safe are the hot springs in CR? Are there really health hazards in dipping your head under the hot spring? And what other safety precautions should we take heed before dipping? We’re thinking of going to Ecotermales. I hope you’d be able to provide me a feedback. Thank you in advance!
Sammi says
Hi Alyx, you should never put your head underwater in hot springs, the ones here are natural but if you go to a well established resort like the ones in La Fortuna, they normally have a filtration system, the ones in La Fortuna are well taken care of and maintained as it is the most popular hot spring destination in the country
Stephanie Gick says
Hi,
What a great and informative blog. Do you have any information on Hotel Arenal Springs Resort? Or maybe known by Arenal Springs Resort? We are visiting in March with our 4 year old and would love recommendations.
Sammi says
We stayed there in 2016 so I’m not sure how it is now during COVID but it is a nice resort, a nice property, the pools were so-so and we stayed in a standard room. I remember that when we stayed, there were lots of tour groups at the same time so it was quite full and breakfast was really crowded, and they run a lot of specials for nationals. It’s nice, nothing like amazingly special but it was clean, staff was helpful, and property was nice.
Shannon Kistler says
Hi There!
What is the difference between staying at a hotel that has it’s own hot springs (such as Los Lagos) vs. going to Tabacon or The Springs? Trying to decide if it’s worth it to take a trip to one of them if we have a hotel that already has hot springs. Thank you for the wealth of information you have on here!
Sammi says
Basically you just get to experience a different hot spring resort, they’re all a little different when it comes to the type of pools and their landscaping like gardens, natural waterfalls, etc.
Elena says
What a useful blog!
We are a couple planning a 9 day trip to Costa Rica in the middle of May. Tabacon is on our list to visit immediately to forget the work stress. Do you think May will be packed? We got worried that buses stop by there dropping 100 visitors non stop. We would like to experience two kinds of the Volcano area: tabacon and then something different. What would be that “something different “ in your opinion?
Thank you
Sammi says
May is actually a low season month so it’s usually not that busy, there is a 3 day weekend (May 1-3) here in Costa Rica so a lot of locals will be out that weekend but normally May is not very busy.
For other volcanoes, Poas Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park and Turrialba Volcano National Park are two other very good ones.
Lynn says
We have been to CR numerous times and in the end, loved going to the river for free more than the other options. The setting is beautiful (nature at its natural best), price was right , and had a great time meeting and making new friends. Granted, the bells and whistles is of the natural sort rather than “developed” for tourists, but pure vida wins us over every time! I highly recommend checking this out if you love seeing the real beauty of Costa Rica.
Marija says
Question : advice on what to do with your wallet/money when visiting the springs? I want to buy drinks at swim up bar, but don’t want to swim with purse.
Sammi says
I think you can ask them if you can open a tab before you change and get into the water (depending on which resort you go to but I’d definitely check beforehand).
Beth says
My Friend and I are traveling to Costa Rica the first of February. I see all the Hot Springs have day passes… Are they open for evening? Can we pay for Dinner and then hot springs or is it only for daytime activities do you know?
Sammi says
Yes they are open in the evening (they just call them day passes but most of them are open until 10 PM). They offer different passes like day time + Lunch or night time + Dinner, you can check prices on their website.
Kim says
When are the least crowded times at Tabacon? We’re traveling the first week of December.
Sammi says
Low season like Sept/Oct but first week of Dec is not bad, holiday travel season hasn’t started yet (usually mid Dec starts getting super busy).
Dawn says
We are staying at hotel Arenal Manoa. Are you familiar with this hotel and their hot springs?
Sammi says
Hi Dawn, we know some people who stayed there, we haven’t personally but they said it was nice.
Nikki says
Which hot springs would you suggest for a family ages 7-70 years old? I want something to WOW them, upscale atmosphere, but also entertaining for the 7 year old. I am thinking The Springs or Tabacon, as I definitely want a waterslide…
Someone suggested Baldi, but it seems like it might be too hectic for the older people in the family. They like a sense of peace and privacy.
Please let me know. Thanks! 🙂
Sammi says
Can’t go wrong with either Springs or Tabacon. Tabacon does have prettier gardens and waterfalls, the Springs is much bigger and has a waterslide. Tabacon doesn’t have a waterslide.
Jen says
First off, thank you for all the useful information! It has been such a help in my trip planning. I read that if you go to the hot springs that are free that there is a guy that you can pay to watch your car. Is this something you would recommend? We most likely wouldn’t have anything in the car are we would pry have everything at the hotel.
Sammi says
Hi Jen, yes there is a parking guard there. It’s a pretty popular spot so it’s common for there to be several parking guards actually. They’re not exactly official but they do it because a lot of tourists go there so I still wouldn’t recommend leaving valuables in the car but there is those parking guys.
Jenna says
My fiance and I are visiting Costa Rica in January and we are so excited! I’m hoping to spend a couple of days in the Arenal area before making our way to Monteverde. We are avid hikers but I also wanted to relax in the hot springs after driving from San Jose and lots of hiking. Do you know if there are reduced late admission prices or hourly prices for any of these hot springs? My fiance is very restless so even at a more entertaining hot spring like Baldi, I can’t imagine staying for more than a few hours. Your blog has been extremely helpful in planning our vacation – thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Jenna, the hot springs have a day and night pass so you can purchase the night pass. Most people don’t stay for more than a couple hours so that will work out for you guys and you can also purchase the pass with dinner.
Mary says
Loved your travelogue and look forward to more. I was wondering which hotel to book for my visiting family…and although I have been to La Fortuna on several occasions and love Tabacon, the costs are out of reach. Anyway, planned to call the Paradise Springs, and asked for the number by information.. They gave me the wrong number, and long story short, I am now booked at Arenal Hot Springs Hotel. Any comments on what to expect. We did get a good price for the family, at less than $200 a room with breakfast, so just wondering why this resort is not on your log info.??
Sammi says
Hi Mary, which hotel are you staying at? I don’t know of any ARenal Hot Spring HOtel, I know of Hotel Arenal Springs and Arenal Springs Resort though. There are a lot of hotels with this name so it’s a bit cnfusing.
Jane says
Hi,
Are there any Hot Springs in the Guanacaste area. I will be arriving this Saturday with a group of friends.
Sammi says
Hi, there are some up in the Rincon de la Vieja area. The adventure parks and hotels like Guachipelin, Buena Vista, Rio Perdido, and Borinquen have hot springs.
Julia P says
I am surprised Royal Corin is not mentioned here. Perhaps it is because it is advertised as “thermal springs” rather than “hot springs”. I have not found a difference in definition online though. The resort is 5 star. Rooms spacious with an in room jacuzzi in the junior and master rooms. Spa is fantastic, food excellent and the staff called us by name the moment we checked in. It is a boutique hotel so even in high season there are not many in the thermal pools. For the price, service and amenities it is surprising that is not mentioned here.
Sammi says
Hi Julia! I haven’t added it because we actually haven’t been there yet and the only feedback I got from some friends who did visit was they said they didn’t like the actual hot springs very much and preferred Tabacon. I’ll have to check it out again and see. I have heard it’s a nice hotel though!
Katie says
Great breakdown of the different options! This will be super helpful!
The 30 Something Backpackers says
We are big fans of hotsprings having just returned from New Zealand where they have a lot of them! Costa Rica has been on our list of places to visit for a long, long time but we just don’t seem to have made it there yet. Think we will be going soon after reading your post though!! Thanks 🙂
Sammi says
Hope you can visit soon! If you love hot springs, you should also visit Taiwan 🙂
aiman Parween says
really we should visit here once.