Discover Costa Rica’s hot springs—natural pools heated by active volcanoes and surrounded by lush rainforest. From luxury resorts in La Fortuna to family-friendly springs in Guanacaste (and even free riverside options!), these thermal waters are the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure.

Hot springs in Costa Rica? Yes, please! There is nothing better after a long hike than hot thermal waters to relax the muscles. And Costa Rica, with its many active volcanoes and countless springs, has some of that healthy and delicious heat to offer.

Here, you can hang out with hummingbirds within the lush tropical vegetation and watch lizards taking a little steam bath just next to the pools while healing your heart and body in the hot mineral water.

What Are Costa Rica’s Hot Springs?

Hot springs are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth’s crust and are found in areas with volcanic activity. If we consider that Costa Rica and Panama have emerged fairly recently by a volcanic mountain chain rising out of the sea, it is not surprising that the country hosts an abundance of thermal resorts.

The rich content of minerals in the water helps our body with circulation, which can lower blood pressure, and the hot water relaxes the muscles. Costa Rica’s hot springs are the perfect pit stops for some relaxation between expeditions exploring the country.

Hot Springs, Costa Rica – Location

Hot springs in Costa Rica are found mostly in the northern part. The most famous ones are located around the Arenal volcano, which is highly active and, until recently, provided a spectacle for visitors by spitting hot, glowing lava every night.

This area, known as La Fortuna, provides an abundance of hot springs nestled in the beautiful, lush greenness of the area. The other hot springs in Costa Rica, closer to the beaches and located around the beautiful Rincón de la Vieja national park on the Río Negro in Guanacaste, host other attractions such as hanging bridges and ziplining.

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Most Popular Hot Springs In Costa Rica

La Fortuna

In the hot springs around La Fortuna, beautiful spring resorts offer pleasant access to the mineral-rich waters. Here, you can combine hiking in the beautiful national park around the Arenal volcano with a relaxing visit to the thermal waters.

The grand spa Tabacón on the river carrying the same name has natural hot springs and is definitely on the more luxurious side. The resort also offers other relaxing features, such as massages, and the gardens are filled with beautiful tropical flowers and are very well tended.

Not far from Tabacón are the Eco Termales hot springs, located on a privately owned and family-operated property; it is one of the few in the area that is not part of a larger resort. Only a limited number of guests are admitted to the springs, so those who visit here can expect a more peaceful and romantic atmosphere.

One of our favorites is the Kalambu Hot Springs with their stunning volcano views, lush grounds full of flowers, water slides, and great restaurant, and more than anything kids kid-friendly, which for us means that there are a variety of shallow pools and also ones with lower temperatures.

Baldi Hot Springs offers day passes to its more than 25 natural spring-fed pools that vary in temperature, size, and shape. Thus, guests have a lot of choice when picking that perfect hot spring spot for a dip in nature. The Baldi hot springs have a kids’ area and offer fun for the whole family.

Another kids’ favorite is the Volcano Lodge and Springs, a beautiful, moderately priced hotel that offers a good breakfast, amazing views, and hiking trails, along with family-friendly pools. Relaxing while your kids are having fun… what’s not to like?

Around La Fortuna, you can also find free hot springs, notably on the Tabacon River. Just next to the resort, cross a little bridge, and then turn left onto a trail leading along the river. You will soon see people relaxing in the natural pools. The best (and hottest) spots are further up!

Guanacaste

Those who want to stay closer to the beach can visit hot springs in the Guanacaste area, located around the stunning Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

The Río Perdido, meaning “lost river”, is the centerpiece of the 600-acre private reserve, which allows you to enjoy adventures such as ziplining and mountain biking, as well as wellness, all in an exclusive setting. This tastefully designed property with comfortable housing is definitely high-end, but exquisite in every way.

Hacienda Guachipelín is a good place for families, even though not many kids were there when we visited. You can do tubing on the river here and go on little adventures. The design of the whole place is also more traditional, so you can get a little campo feel. Get a 5% discount by clicking on this link!

The Vandara park offers not only hot springs but also zip lining and mud baths. It is a great place to relax while being immersed in Costa Rica’s beautiful nature, and it has many activities close by.

If you are looking for a wilder experience, you can go to the free natural hot springs on the road to the Rio Celeste waterfall. This magical blue river is worth a visit in any case, and fun exploring with kids! Don’t miss the largest tree in Costa Rica– complete with tens of blue jean frogs!

You can find hot springs that are more developed in the Thermomania resort and spa. Here, you can enjoy facilities such as a bar and restaurant, camping and cabanas, and even get a massage. This place is especially nice with kids, and they offer excursions such as a tour to the Miravalles volcano, zip-lining, canopy, and horse tour, as well as a visit to the local wind and geothermal power facilities.