7 Spa & Hot Spring Days in Costa Rica to Build a Day Around

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.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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