Best Costa Rica Hot Springs & Thermal Resorts

The mineral-laden waters of the hot springs in Costa Rica have been used therapeutically for over 200 years, Whether or not you visit for the mystical healing, a Costa Rica hot springs experience is a quintessential vacation activity for many first-time visitors.

Formed by volcanic springs heated underground and returned to the surface, the Costa Rica hot springs offer travelers the opportunity to relax and renew in mineral-laden water. Here, magma or lava has worked its way up through the Earth’s crust to relatively shallow depths below the surface. Groundwater percolates downward, comes in contact with the hot rock, and is heated. As the water returns to the surface, it collects into pools known as hot springs.

Surrounded by tropical beauty and neck-deep in a natural Jacuzzi, guests delight in the true sense of rejuvenation that comes from a visit to Costa Rica’s hot springs. With several different locations to visit, each with its particular ambiance and specialty, there’s something to fit any traveler.

Hot Springs near the Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for travelers who want to try out the amazing relaxing comfort of a natural hot spring! While the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the magma still rises close enough to the surface to come into contact with groundwater and keep the natural thermal pools warm. A variety of locations around Arenal offer the opportunity for guests to enjoy the heat.

Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa

The multiple hot springs and free-form landscaping at The Springs Resort introduce guests to the luxury of choices. Find the perfect corner for your relaxation – whether it’s beneath a tiny flowing waterfall amid flowering vegetation, or as the center of attention at the divine swim-up bar!

Perdido Springs is an intricate maze of trails and spring-fed pools within The Springs Resort. Along the trail, guests will find an array of beautiful flowering Heliconias as well as other rainforest greenery. Perdido Springs has a quieter ambiance than Los Lagunas. Centered amongst the pools are a small jungle bar and a water flume called the Monkey Slide.

Hot springs temperatures: 83-104F

Day Pass: Ecotermales Hot Springs

This family-owned and operated hot springs is the only one on our list that isn’t a part of a resort. The low-key environment and intimate layout offer one of the more authentic hot springs experiences in Arenal. Visitors to Ecotermales also have the chance to enjoy an expansive buffet lunch or dinner with traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Hot springs temperatures: 99-106F

Tabacon Thermal Resort Hot Springs

Romance, intimacy, and privacy

One of the first hot springs resorts in the region to open, Tabacon Thermal Resort is still at the top of its game! This carbon-neutral boutique hotel is one of the only ones in the area with completely natural hot springs, with no use of pumps, mechanical systems, or re-circulating or re-heating of water. The underground Tabacon River, which flows through the grounds and breaks the surface in multiple locations, provides fresh running water and natural circulation for all of the pools. Gravity is all that powers the water through Tabacon Resort’s grounds, using a variety of small streams and tumbling waterfalls.

The adults-only Shangri-La Gardens section of the Tabacon hot springs create an intimate and romantic escape within the greater hot springs facility. The space has a dedicated bar, spa, and secluded thermal coves for a more tranquil experience.

Hot springs temperatures: 77-122F

Guanacaste Hot Springs

Rio Perdido Thermal River Resort

Just 1 – 1.5 hours from international airport in Liberia, Rio Perdido Thermal River Resort is was designed within 600-acre private with the thermal river at its center. The hot springs are naturally heated by the Miravalles Volcano, creating a unique thermal experience not often accessed by most travelers. There are dozens of natural pools at varying temperatures in which guests can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Rio Perdido also offers a variety of massage treatments and their signature mud body-painting treatment with mineral-rich soil from the river.

Rio Negro Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The Rio Negro Hot Springs within Rincon de la Vieja National Park are naturally heated by Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. There are about 10 natural pools where you can take a dip; the best way to access these springs is on a guided hike from the Guanacaste region.