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Jungles, waterfalls, volcanoes, national parks and so much more; Costa Rica’s natural beauty is truly unmatched. Several essays can be written about the sprawling and lush landscapes, but right now we’re here to talk about hot springs.
All over the country are thermal pools and matching thermal resorts where travellers and locals can soak for hours and hours. Paradise, right? No Costa Rican itinerary is complete without a stop at the springs.
But, there’s so many to choose from, and if you’re heading over to the tropical nation soon, you might be a little overwhelmed with choice. So, here’s our list of best hot springs in Costa Rica to help you out.
Do you need water shoes for hot springs in Costa Rica?
It depends on the hot springs you’re visiting. Water shoes aren’t always mandatory – though some resorts might require them, so make sure you look it up ahead of time – but they can be a good idea.
As you can imagine, the bottom of these hot springs can be made up of slippery rocks, and if you’d rather not fall while you wade through the warm mineral waters, shoes can help you get a better grip.
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How hot are the hot springs in Costa Rica?
Not all hot springs are built the same, so the temperature is different for each one! Generally, though, the temperature of hot springs in Costa Rica ranges between 22-40°C (72-100°F).
How deep are the hot springs in Costa Rica?
Depending on the location of these hot springs and the origins of them, the depth varies. Some are extremely deep, allowing you to completely submerge yourself and swim, others are only shallow enough to dip your toes in!
Best hot springs in Costa Rica
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1. Rio Negro Hot Springs
Located near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the Rio Negro Hot Springs resort is made up of 10 pools built along the riverbanks and filled with crystal clear thermal waters. These Costa Rican hot springs are naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja volcano and are said to have amazing rejuvenating and therapeutic properties. You’ll soak in deliciously warm water, surrounded by the endlessly green jungle all around you. Also available at the Rio Negro Hot Springs are volcanic mud treatments!
2. Tabacon Hot Springs
The Tabacon Hot Springs are probably the most famous and popular in Costa Rica – and with good reason! Complete with hanging bridges over the jungle, waterfalls throughout, and incredible spa treatments, booking a day pass here is one of the best things you can do in Costa Rica.
This hot spring resort is in La Fortuna, a town just north of the capital city San José (and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica), and right on the edge of Arenal National Park. So, while you’re getting lost in all that perfect steamy bliss, keep an eye out for views of Arenal volcano.
3. Shangri La Gardens
The Shangri La Gardens are a part of the Tabacon Hot Springs, but this area is adults only so you can enjoy the white noise of rushing water and crashing waterfalls without children running in the background. No offence to the kids! But sometimes the tax-paying people of the world need the extra calm.
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4. Baldi Hot Springs
Nearby Arenal volcano as well, the Baldi Hot Springs Resort is dreamy. Kind of giving White Lotus season 3 vibes! With swim up bars, spa treatments, and lots of water slides, there’s fun and relaxation to be had for travellers of all ages and interests.
5. Los Lagos Hot Springs
Another family-friendly location, Los Lagos Hot Springs has it all. Fitted out with plenty of natural hot springs as well as a few chlorinated swimming pools, wet bars, and a spa; you can also go ziplining, kayaking, and hiking. Only a few kilometers away from Arenal Volcano, the views and the vibes are out of this world.
6. EcoTermales Fortuna
Of all the hot springs around Arenal National Park, the EcoTermales springs are the smallest, but they put the onus on privacy. Family-owned, this resort is sheltered by lush rainforest, offering you the most serene time of your life! Waterfalls gushing with warm water, hanging bridges overlooking it, little cabanas to lounge in, and of course plenty of thermal pools – this is one of the best hot springs in Costa Rica by a mile.
7. Club Rio Springs
Part of The Springs Resort Spa, the Club Rio Springs are unique in that they border a river and offer a much more secluded vibe. The pools are small, surrounded by greenery and budding local flora, and you can gaze at gorgeous views of the river canyon. Another unique part of Club Rio Springs is the nearby Ojo Del Agua spring where the mineral water flows from the earth with tiny bicarbonate bubbles!
8. Perdido Springs
Another part of The Springs Resort Spa, Perdido Springs is made up of an interconnected system of forest trails which lead to different spring-fed pools, all as hot and zen-inducing as the last. It’s quiet and secluded, but don’t worry about getting thirsty – the Los Perdidos Bar sits at the heart of it all, waiting for you to order a cocktail, or two, or three, or four…
9. Rio Perdido Thermal River Resort
Located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, nearby gorgeous Tamarindo beach, the Rio Perdido resort is truly a beacon for nature-lovers. If you’ve always dreamed of spending some time in the heart of the rainforest, engulfed in the trees and the wildlife, this is the hot spring destination for you.
The resort offers private accommodations like bungalows and suites, tucked away in a world of serenity. And of course, the hot springs themselves are to die for.
10. El Choyín Thermal River
The Choyín Thermal River is one of the best hot springs in Costa Rica for the simple reason that it’s so budget-friendly! Lockers and parking are free, and the day pass is so affordable you’ll be able to come here over and over again on your trip! With views of the Arenal Volcano (we promise you won’t get tired of this), you can soak right in the river, heated by the magma just below the Earth.
