The 15 Best Hot Springs in Costa Rica

1.Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

Spend about 13 hours traveling from San Jose to Sarchi and La Fortuna, with a stop at the famous painted ox cart, volcano views, lunch, thermal hot springs, dinner, and hotel transport. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, and Roberto have earned strong praise, but long drives, weather, and occasional itinerary changes matter.

“This tour makes for a long day. We were picked up at the hotel at 8:30, and weren’t back until 10:30. I was really expecting a relaxing experience at the hot springs, and a lunch with a view of the volcano (like the pictures)- neither happened. We drove 45 mins or so to Sarchi and the Ox Cart Factory (by far the highlight of the tour), and then 3 hours to lunch (not at the Arenal 1968 as advertised), then to a view point at the hotel hot springs - Los Lagos (not the advertised Baldi). The hotel hot springs were not peaceful, or relaxing- lots of families and kids…”

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2.Baldi Hot Springs Day Pass in La Fortuna: 25 Thermal Pools

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend up to 12 hours at Baldi Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano, moving among 25 thermal pools with different temperatures, water slides, swim-up bars, and lush gardens. You can add lunch, dinner, or both. Make your own way there, bring dry clothes for the restaurant, and budget separately for the required locker fee.

“The staff were friendly and helpful. The location was centrally located and easy to get to. The water was incredibly relaxing. I would definitely spend at least 1/2 day here unwinding. The slides were a bit fast even for the older kids, but a perk. We enjoyed the buffet and had plenty of options even for our little picky eaters.”

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3.Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 135 reviews · 1 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $47Best value

Spend up to five hours at Paradise Hot Springs near La Fortuna, moving between naturally heated pools, hot tubs, hydromassage features, and cooler pools surrounded by tropical plants. Towels, lockers, changing rooms, and showers are available. Add lunch or dinner if desired, and plan your own transportation to the springs.

“We were pleasantly surprised by both the size and beauty of Paradise Hot Springs. Although there were a number of guests there, there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out in different areas. The loungers in the hot springs were so relaxing as were the loungers around the area. And we loved the swim up bar! Towels are provided if you leave a down payment, which is returned when you return the towels. We had such an incredibly fun and relaxing afternoon!”

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4.Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $176Top rated

Start from Liberia at 7:00 a.m. for Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, then continue to Miravalles for jungle trails, hanging bridges, hidden waterfalls, volcanic mud pools, a sauna, and hot springs. Guides such as Andy add helpful commentary and take photos. Expect a full, active day with time to change and bathe.

“Absolutely amazing experience!! Guide was phenomenal... kept everyone engaged and provided some knowledge as well!”

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5.Arenal Hanging Bridges, Guided Walk, Hot Springs Optional

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $87

Walk 3 kilometers through Arenal’s forest with a local guide such as Andreas or Gustavo. Cross 10 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges, including one 100 meters long and 55 meters high. The trail has gentle slopes, no steps, safety rails, and non-slip concrete. Morning or afternoon departures are available, with optional hot springs.

“Andreas was a great tour guide! Very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. Didn’t hesitate to stop the group to look for animals. We saw lots of snakes and frogs!”

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6.Combo Arenal : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs + Fortune Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $249

Travel from San Jose to Arenal for La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Hanging Bridges, and Los Lagos Hot Springs. Guides such as Hayro, Fernando, and Alejandro are praised for wildlife spotting and local insight. Expect breakfast, lunch, a small group of up to 15, heavy walking, and a very long day.

“Awesome experience. Our guide was so knowledgeable and just all around amazing. If you get Haro be prepared for a great time.”

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7.Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour with Lunch and Hotsprings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 76 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $75

Walk 3 kilometers across Mistico Park’s hanging bridges with a guide, then enjoy lunch, Arenal views, and a hot river soak. Guides such as Rasta, Christian, Eric, and William are praised for spotting frogs, birds, monkeys, and sloths. Confirm the pickup time and mud facial details before booking.

“A nice fairly short tour which takes in some of the views from the Arenal Observatory and an informative guided walk through the gardens and national park. Our guide William was very knowledgeable and provided an interesting insight into the ecology, flora and fauna of the area. The trip ends in the hot springs which are ok but not great. Unfortunately for us the rain and the low cloud obscured the views of Mnt Arenal itself but it was an interesting trip none the less.”

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8.PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

Spend about nine hours at Buena Vista with a private guide such as Eugenio, Elial, or JB. Ride horses, tackle eight zip lines, try the water slide, sample Costa Rican treats, paint on volcanic mud, soak in hot springs, and finish with lunch. Pickup is available from Tamarindo-area hotels on the guided option.

“Our guide (sorry if I butcher the spelling) Eli was incredible, the staff in general was incredible, and the food was incredible. If you want an amazing experience that is exciting, delicious, and relaxing then there’s no other choice!”

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9.Los Cañones Canopy with Hotsprings Los Lagos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

You’ll ride 12 canopy lines near La Fortuna with bilingual guides, safety gear, and a possible Tarzan swing, then use Los Lagos hot springs, pools, and waterslides. Guides such as Antonio, Memo, and Diego have been praised for their humor and care. Hotel pickup is included within 15 minutes of Fortuna.

“We booked this tour last minute as I was unsure if my daughter would be too scared to zip line. So glad we did as it ended up being her favorite day of the trip! All of the guides were so nice and funny and great with the kids. They made sure everyone was comfortable and was having a great time. We even got to do a giant Tarzan swing which I was terrified to do, but I’m so glad they talked me into it! The hotel after was perfect as well with water slides and several gorgeous pools. Book the tour, you won’t regret it!”

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10.Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Visit Scenic views of Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $155

Leave San Jose at 7:00 am for Termalitas hot springs near La Fortuna, where several warm pools sit among tropical plants and birdsong. After five hours of soaking, visit La Fortuna’s park, church, and Arenal viewpoints. Guide quality can vary, with Charlie, Felix, Roa, and others praised for friendly service.

“The actual hot springs were great after we figured out how to get to pools in back by hotel and the boat bar. There water was hot and pools less crowded. Views of Arenal mountain were great from boat bar and Fortuna. Ride was really long 3 hours coming 4 hours going Read more”

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11.Arenal Volcano Combination Tour: Zipline, Tubing and Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $176

Start with 9 zip lines, 13 platforms, a hanging bridge, and forest views at Go Adventure Arenal Park. Then meet Maleku guides, tube through Arenal River rapids, and relax in hot springs. Guides including Miguel, Jefferson, Arturo, and Tiger are known for patient help, especially with nervous or older participants.

“Amazing experience. We did the zip lining/ rappel and tubing down the rapids plus hot springs at the end. So much fun. We have done zip lining several times in the past and these lines seemed really fast. The tour guides on both experiences were amazing. The tubing in the rapids has been the highlight of our trip so far. My group was my family of six ages, 21, 23, 24, 43, 44 and my mom 67! The compassion that was shown to my mom on the rapids is un heard of. She flipped over (which most of our group did) and one of the tour guides said “(Mama) I’m…”

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12.3-Days Arenal Volcano Tabacon Resort -Monteverde – Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $850

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from San José to Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio with a guide such as Yojhan, Luis, or Juan José. Expect volcano views, La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacón hot springs, Selvatura’s hanging bridges, optional ziplining, local meals, wildlife, and a Pacific beach. The tradeoff is long hours on winding roads.

“The tour was great and it was a very efficient way to see several locations in the country in a very short time, combining 3 different day trips while cutting out the backtracking to and from San Jose to give you more time at each location. They also worked with me to extend my stay for an extra night at the final hotel. My one complaint is that the company was not responsive to me prior to my arrival. It took several attempts to contact them and assistance from Viator for them to actually respond to me. Thus I didn't really know what to expect each day beyond the limited…”

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13.MEGA COMBO: 8 activities in 1 day, including natural hot springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $215

From Tamarindo, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to an adventure park near Rincon de la Vieja. Guides such as Martin, Michele, Toni, and George lead a busy day of ziplining, hanging bridges, horseback riding, a long waterslide, tractor ride, waterfall hike, volcanic mud, and natural hot springs. Lunch, snacks, coffee, hydration, and pickup are included.

“This is a packed day of activities and well worth! Michele, our guide was so knowledgeable and definitely patient with our group with our stop and go’s in between. Would recommend 10/10”

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14.Arenal Volcano Expeditions Walk with Optional Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $58

You’ll ride from La Fortuna to a volcanic-rock trail near Arenal Volcano, then walk about 1 kilometer to the closest legal viewpoint. A guide explains the volcano and local ecosystem while you look for toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. Add roughly three hours at a hot spring for an extra fee, with hotel pickup and return transport included.

“This tour was a bit disappointing. We were actually expecting much more than what we got. It only consisted of us walking down a trail, reaching a viewpoint and returning back to the van. The price we paid was way too high for just that. We didn't even get the Hot Springs Option. Do not get me wrong... the tour guide and driver were SUPER nice and knowledgeable but I would not recommend this tour to anyone. Heads up: You can actually just pay the park entrance fee and walk the trail on your own. You do not need a guide. Once I found this out, I was upset.”

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15.Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano with Lunch and Hotsprings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $99

Start at 7 a.m. with a small-group hike across Mistico’s hanging bridges, then explore Arenal’s 1968 lava fields, eat lunch, and relax in six hot spring pools. Guides such as Rasta, David, Chris, Julian, and Marcos are praised for spotting wildlife and explaining the volcano. Pickup is offered, and the tour returns to La Fortuna.

“This was a fun day for our whole family! Our guides Rasta and Melanie (names might be off) were great, and the pace of everything seemed appropriate for a range of age and fitness levels. We did the hanging bridges first, followed by the volRead more”

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