Detailed List of The Best Hot Springs in Arenal, Costa Rica
When planning my trip to Costa Rica I spent hours reading about the different hot springs in the Arenal region, deciding which hot spring to go to was a feat in itself…
Personally, I think I would have been happy with whatever we chose, we are low maintenance and love a relaxing day, (especially after going to Mistico Hanging Bridges.)
That being said, I did a ton of research and we were very happy choosing one of the most luxurious hot springs, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
I created this detailed list of the best hot springs in Arenal, Costa Rica so that you do not have to spend those hours researching!
Some links in this post are affiliate, if you click on them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
List of The Best Hot Springs in Arenal, Costa Rica
I think one of the biggest mistakes when visiting the Arenal region would be not including a hot spring day on your La Fortuna itinerary.
The hot springs in Costa Rica are wonderful, you really cannot go wrong in your choice. I do recommend choosing ahead of time, so you are able to have the flexibility in booking and getting your first choice.
If you are unsure which hot spring to choose and need some guidance or just some information on what they have to offer, continue reading!
I got you covered with an organized & detailed list of the best Arenal hot springs.
While many of these hot springs have meal options, I recommend checking out some La Fortuna restaurants.
If you’re still figuring out where to stay in La Fortuna you can choose to stay at the hot springs themselves, or head over to this post on where to stay in La Fortuna!
Prices are in USD & updated end of August 2024.
Map of The Best La Fortuna Hot Springs
Luxury Hot Springs in Arenal
1. The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort & Spa is known as the most luxurious hot spring in Arenal.
It was one of my top choices for purchasing a day pass, you need about ~2-3 weeks in advance to book a pass here.
If you are interested in spending time here, make sure to book well in advance!
Day Pass Packages:
- Two Day Pass (not on holidays or peak seasons): $105.00
- One Day Pass (peak season): $125.00
Peak Season: December 15 – January 6 & March 8 – April 20.
Day Pass Booking: click the link for their website.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Budget: $$$
Hotel on site: booking link if you want to stay at this Costa Rica hot spring Resort
Spa on site: click here for spa information.
Other Facts:
- Can come & go with a day pass at any point between 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reservations required
- 5 restaurants, 6 bars on site
- Views of Arenal Volcano
- They have hosted the TV shows; The Bachelor & Keeping up with The Kardashians
- The resort offers a water slide, mini-golf course, a game lounge and adventure centre
- Animal Sanctuary on site
2. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
I loved Tabacon so much that I wrote an entire blog post dedicated to my Tabacón review. I highly recommend it, it is one of the best hot springs in La Fortuna.
Day Pass Packages:
- Entrance fee (10AM-10PM) + 1 meal (lunch or dinner); Adult: $158, Child: $82
- Entrance fee (10AM-10PM) no meal; Adult: $89, Child: $47
Day Pass Booking: Booking link for day pass.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Budget: $$-$$$
Hotel on site: If you would like to stay at this Costa Rica hot springs resort, check out prices here.
Spa on site: read more for spa information.
Other Facts:
- Reservations required, book here
- Towels & lockers available, temporary deposit required
- Hot springs & pools with temperatures ranging from 72 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hotel guests ONLY can access the Shangri-La Gardens (adults only)
- Hotel guests have complimentary access to the hot springs
- 2 restaurants (1 at the hot springs), 4 bars (2 at the hot springs)
Mid-Range La Fortuna Hot Springs
3. Eco Termales Fortuna
Before we ended up choosing Tabacón, Eco Termales was my first choice for a hot spring in La Fortuna. I had read MANY amazing things and loved the look of it on Instagram.
We are still very happy with our Tabacón choice, however, I would love to try out Eco Termales! If you have ever been, let me know how it is!
Day Pass Packages:
- Entrance; Adult: $47, Child: $32
- Entrance + 1 meal (lunch or dinner); Adult: $77, Child: $43
Day Pass Booking: Click here for day pass booking with a meal
Hours of Operation:
Two separate entrance times:
- 10:00 AM
- 5:00 PM
Budget: $$
Other Facts:
- Reservations required, I recommend booking online ahead of time.
- Maximum of 80 guests allowed in at a time
- Two bars on site
- Highly sustainable – using & processing 100% of waste
- Takes the name of: Arenal’s Only Truly Natural Hot Springs
4. Baldi Hot Springs: Hotel Resort & Spa
Baldi Hot Springs is highly rated in Costa Rica for it’s expansive hot spring resort. It is one of the most popular and rated 4.6 stars on Google.
That being said, the water slides and party vibes dissuaded me from choosing Baldi Hot Springs.
I wanted a quiet and relaxing day. However, if you are looking for more of a party, Baldi fits this mold!
Day Pass Packages:
- Entrance; Adult: $30, Child: $22
- Entrance + 1 meal (lunch or dinner); Adult: $52, Child: $38
- Entrance + 2 meals (lunch & dinner); Adult: $74, Child: $54
Day Pass Booking: no reservation needed, but you can book in advance here.
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Budget: $$
Hotel on site: Stay at this Costa Rican hot springs resort for the ultimate experience. Check prices here.
Spa on site: for spa information, read more.
Other Facts:
- No reservation needed, however I recommend to reserve.
- Children under 5 years old = FREE
- 25 pools to enjoy
- Sauna
- Water slides
If you want to make a day trip from San Jose to one of the Baldi Hot Springs, this hot springs package offers round trip transportation, lunch AND dinner, and a tour guide for the road.
This tour is highly rated and I recommend checking it out here!
5. Paradise Hot Springs Resort
Day Pass Packages:
- Entrance; Adult: $42, Child: $26
- Entrance + 1 meal; Adult: $64, Child: $41
- Premium Adult Pass (entrance, meal, gym access & a spa treatment); Adult only: $151
Day Pass Booking: day pass package booking, click here.
Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Budget: $$
Hotel on site: check prices here.
Spa on site: for spa information, read more.
Other Facts:
- Reserve in advance
- 8 pools and jacuzzis
- Swim up bar & restaurant on site
- Lockers provided (with temporary deposit $5)
- Towels provided (with temporary deposit $10), can bring own towel
6. Titoku Hot Springs via Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
If you are staying at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa you have free access to the hot springs at the hotel & Titokú Hot Springs.
Take advantage of this perk and spend time in both!
Day Pass Packages:
- Entrance; Adult: $33, Child: $17
- Entrance + 1 meal (lunch or dinner); Adult: $52, Child: $26
Day Pass Booking: website, click here for day pass.
Hours of Operation:
4 Time Slots
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Budget: $$
Hotel on site: check here for prices & information.
Spa on site: for spa information, read here.
Other Facts:
- Children less than 4 years old = FREE
- Children 4 – 11 years of age: 50% of adult fee
- 8 pools
- Locker & towel included
- If staying at the hotel; can access the onsite hot springs OR take the complimentary shuttle to Titoku Hot Springs (with free access)
Budget & Free Hot Springs in Arenal
7. Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort
Day Pass Packages: They are not sold online, however, they are available. You may walk into the hotel to purchase.
The passes are around $25 for entrance. Can also combine with a meal which is $45 USD.
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Budget: $
Hotel on site: booking information here.
Spa on site: more information spa here. You can book with the hotel.
Other Facts:
- Los Lagos is primarily a hotel but a day pass can be purchased on site
- 5 natural hot springs & 4 pools
- has stunning views of Arenal volcano
- 1 Restaurant
- 1 Swim up bar (“Wet Bar”)
8. Rio Chollin / El Choyin
Rio Chollin also known as El Choyin, is a free hot spring in Arenal, just steps away from Tabacón. You can see the entrance from the parking lot of Tabacón.
Parking for Rio Chollin is not a formal lot, it is on the street and there are locals there that you can pay to watch your car.
As this is not a registered hot spring, (it is simply off of the road), I would recommend paying them to watch your car.
I have not personally tried this hot spring, so I cannot speak from experience. However, I have heard great things about it if you are travelling on a budget, as it is FREE!
It is recommended that you wear water shoes. Make sure that you are well versed in water safety and take good care if you are bringing children.
Busy? Pin the Best Hot Springs La Fortuna for later!
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Final Thoughts on the BEST Hot Springs Arenal Costa Rica
Whichever hot spring you choose, you are sure to enjoy yourself.
If you can try more than one that is even better (and I am jealous). Make sure to book in advance for the busier hot springs as they are quick to fill up.
If you are unable to get the one you truly want, try and call to see if they have any cancellations, as this is known to happen (happened to me)!
Arenal, Costa Rica is one of my favourite areas in Costa Rica, but if you want to check out my others:
Get to packing for Costa Rica and Happy Hot-Springing!
