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.
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Which Hot Springs Should You Visit?
This depends on your budget and your party.
There are some hotels in La Fortuna that have their own on-site hot springs for hotel guests.
If you’re not staying at a hotel with its on hot springs pools, then you definitely should buy tickets to one of the Arenal hot spring resorts.
Our Personal Favorites
We personally love Baldi, Ecotermales, Hot Springs Pura Vida, Termalitas and The Springs Resort.
Baldi: Best for friend groups, families, looking for some fun rather than only soaking in pools
Ecotermales: Adults, families, those who wish to relax and soak in pools
Hot Springs Pura Vida: Older families, adults, couples, solo travelers. Those who want to experience the naturally warm Tabacon river
Termalitas: Those on a tight budget, family friendly, adults, friends, couples
The Springs Resort: Those not on a budget, want luxury hot springs, epic views, drinks,
Below are descriptions of the main hot springs resorts in La Fortuna.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon hot springs is the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna.
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 will also need to purchase your Tabacon hot spring pass well in advance during Christmas, New Years, Easter week and the high tourism season December through April.
For the ultimate Tabacon hot springs experience, I recommend staying at their partner hotel, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, 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.
Their pool temperatures range from 72°-105° F (22° – 40.5° C).
The Tabacon hot springs day pass starts at $80 USD per adult and they offer different day passes with meals 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 also a 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 groups so it’s a great place for friend groups and multi generational families.
In another section, they have a cold water pool surrounded by a large warm water pool. Baldi hot springs pool temperatures range from 91°F – 152°F (33°- 67° C), excluding the cold pool.
Their caves are very fun as it provides a sauna like experience. Their swim up bar pool also has tvs and water beds. The pools are definitely the highlight of Baldi.
Unfortunately we didn’t think their food was that great.
Baldi has more of a party atmosphere as many young city Costa Ricans like to go there on long weekends and holidays.
They also have hotel rooms if you want to stay: Baldi Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil, natural and quiet atmosphere and you are visiting during busy times like Christmas, New Years and Holy Week, I recommend to consider a different hot spring resort.
Baldi hot spring day pass fee: Starts at $44 USD for day pass without meals. $66 USD 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).
Ecotermales hot springs are best for a good long soak accompanied with 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 USD per adult, ~$73 USD 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.
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).
The hot springs are part of their hotel, Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Resort.
Paradise hot springs day pass: ~$38 USD per adult. ~$58 USD per adult for day pass with a meal. ~$170 USD for premium day pass. Paradise is an 8 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna.
They also have rooms at their Paradise Hotel.
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 for families visiting La Fortuna as they have a long water slide and pools of different temperatures. Their hottest pool is 37° C (100° F).
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 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.
For how small it is, it isn’t the cheapest hot springs compared to other hot springs resorts.
However, when we visited, we were the only people there for 2 hours. Most people go to the bigger hot springs resorts, so we enjoyed having the pools to ourselves.
Titoku hot springs are open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Hotel guests of Arenal Kioro have free access to Titoku Hot Springs.
Titoku hot springs day pass: ~$33 USD per adult for basic day pass. ~$52 USD for day pass and meal. 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.
Temperatures range from 83° – 104° F (28° – 40° C).
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.
The Springs Resort hot springs are one of the best hot springs in La Fortuna and they are one of our favorite Arenal hot springs.
We have visited twice, and both times, 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.
Their day pass is not for those looking for budget friendly hot springs in La Fortuna. The Springs Resort hot springs is for those who are not traveling on a budget or want to splurge.
Their hot springs day pass ranges from $124.30 – $141.25 USD per person (depending on time of year) and it is good for two consecutive days. We have a The Springs hot springs day pass discount which you can book in the link!
Hot Springs Pura Vida
There is an official hot spring section in the Tabacon river called Hot Springs Pura Vida. It is the exact same river as the Free Hot Springs, just on the other side of the bridge.
They have a secure parking lot, lockers, well maintained paths, a warm pool, river access, and a small cafeteria. Costs around ~$25 USD per adult and ~$15 USD per child.
They have also have one warm pool (36-38° C or 96-100° F) so you can soak in the naturally warm river for a bit and then finish off at the pool.
Hot Springs Pura Vida allows you to enjoy the natural river in a safe and secure environment.
Read our La Fortuna free swimming holes guide for more details.
Termalitas
A great option for budget friendly hot springs in La Fortuna.
At just ~$8 USD per person for adults and kids, tourists and locals alike, it’s super wallet friendly for large families or friend groups on a budget.
It is nothing fancy at all and I recommend to bring your own towels.
PS. We offer discounts on La Fortuna tours with hot springs included such as the Arenal 4 in 1 (hanging bridges, waterfall, volcano and hot springs).
Click to check the Fortuna tours discount here! We also offer a discount for The Springs Resort and Spa Hot Springs Day Pass.
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?
Then head to the free hot springs in La Fortuna, called Choyin.
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 “El Choyin.”
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.
Then when you are at the river, we highly recommend to stay by your stuff. Do not ever leave your stuff 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.
Budget Hot Springs
Some options for cheap hot spring resorts in La Fortuna popular among locals are Los Laureles Hot Springs, Kalambuand Relax Termalitas.
Kalambu is more like a waterpark with water slides and water buckets for kids. Not really a ton of hot springs pools.
Los Laureles hot springs has a campground, ranchos for barbecues, seven pools, restaurant and salon. It costs 5000 CRC per adult (~$10).
Relax Termalitas is a cheap hot springs in La Fortuna. Their entrance fee is 4000 CRC per person (~$8 USD).
Relax has several hot pools, cold pools and a funny pirate ship with a bar inside. The hot pools are in a separate section from the pirate ship. It also has an observation tower with a nice view of Arenal Volcano.
Termalitas Arenal has several hot pools, one water slide and a cold pool. Also has ranchos and small fast food joints inside. Entrance fee is around $8 USD (4000 CRC) per person.
Los Laureles, Termalitas and Relax Termalitas are super popular with Costa Ricans so if you go on a weekend or holiday, they will be packed.
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 4 in 1 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!
Quick La Fortuna Information
- La Fortuna is in the Alajuela province.
- ~3 hour drive from both Costa Rica international airports: San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport. Read about the drive to La Fortuna after landing.
- Popular tourist destination for adventure, nature, wellness, family activities and culture
- 4×4 not required to reach La Fortuna from both San Jose and Liberia
- Hot and humid all year long. Average year round day time temperatures are 70°-85° F or 21°-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.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
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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).