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 La Fortuna for Sarchi’s famous ox cart, an Arenal volcano viewpoint and trails, included lunch and dinner, and several hours at a thermal resort. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, Pablo, and Max have helped make this long day personal, but weather, resort changes, and pickup delays can affect the plan.

“Our driver and tour guide was amazing. We got to see 30% of the volcano and enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Los Lagos. The overall tour was good for our family but we would have planned it better for us. I would do things differently. We literally only saw the volcano for 5-10 mins, which is fine, but not what I expected.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 La Fortuna, moving between 25 thermal pools with different temperatures, water slides, swim-up bars, and a natural sauna. Add lunch, dinner, or both for an extra charge. You make your own way there, and the resort works well for couples, families, and anyone with sore legs after hiking.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 in La Fortuna, moving between mineral pools, hot tubs, and hydromassage areas beneath tropical vegetation. Changing rooms, showers, lockers, and towels with a refundable deposit are available. Add lunch or dinner if desired, but arrange your own transport.

“We were very satisfied with the hot springs. There was plenty of space and several pools at different temperatures. The bar at the one pool was convenient and served delicious specialty cocktails. The whole area was covered with vegetation which made it feel like part of the rainforest and not a tourist location. We read that others were not happy with the dinner option so we decided to do lunch there instead and were happy with it. Overall a solid option to kill a few hours while in La Fortuna.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Start at 7 a.m. with a swim at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, then hike through tropical forest across two hanging bridges to three waterfalls and Las Hornillas’ active volcanic crater. See fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and sulfuric rock before a mineral sauna, volcanic mud bath, and hot springs. Guide Andy also helps with family photos.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Explore a 600-acre rainforest reserve near La Fortuna with a local guide such as Andreas or Gustavo. Walk 3 kilometers across 10 fixed and 6 hanging bridges, watch for frogs and snakes, and learn how the forest changes from ground level to canopy. Hotel pickup, drinks, entrance fees, and family-friendly access are included.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Travel from San Jose to Arenal with a small group of up to 15 people. Walk to La Fortuna Waterfall, cross rainforest suspension bridges, spot wildlife with guides such as Hayro or Leni, then relax in more than 15 Los Lagos hot-spring pools. Breakfast and lunch are included, but expect a long day with plenty of stairs.

“Be prepared for rain if you are going in October/November! The rain was light but steady. Wear good shoes w/ grip; there are quite a bit of inclines on the hanging bridge tour. Ask for Hayro! He was super knowledgeable about the animals, plants, history and Costa Rican culture. We happened to go on a really great day with several clear views of the volcano. Hayro let’s you tailor the trip to your liking; more time here or less time there depending on what interests you :) Breakfast and lunch were provided and we stopped for souvenirs and fruits”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 your own guide and group. Ride horses, zip through forest canopy, try the water slide, sample local coffee and snacks, then relax in hot springs before lunch. Guides such as Eugenio and Elial are praised for keeping families comfortable, safe, and on schedule.

“It was a very enjoyable day!!! Roy and the crew were knowledgeable, humorous, professional, and very courteous. We had two in our party that were a little nervous about zip lining, but the crew did great with them! The cultural demos were well done and informative. Our lunch was surprisingly good! All and all we had a blast!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Spa Luxury & Jaguar Luxury by Sensoria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 2 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $230

Walk through Sensoria’s private rainforest reserve near Playa Hermosa, swim in volcanic thermal pools, visit waterfalls, and finish at a private Jaguar Pool with fruit, snacks, and wine or champagne. A local guide such as Pablo, Daniel, or Paulo leads the roughly one-mile route, followed by lunch at the Casona.

“This tour was absolutely breathtaking! Words cannot express truly how magical the experience was. The hike to the waterfall which is the first stop is roughly 3.5 miles and is moderately difficult as you will be going up and down a lot of steps but it’s so worth it! After you see the waterfall, you then will stop at 3 pools which are breathtaking and incredibly refreshing after the hike. We purchased the private tour that comes with champagne afterwards and it was just lovely. When you’re done, they take you back to the main house for a hole cooked meal of your choice (they provide options) and some refreshing…”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Start at 8 a.m. with 13 aerial platforms, nine zip lines, and a hanging bridge at Go Adventure Arenal Park. Meet Maleku guides, tube through Arenal River rapids, then relax in hot springs. Miguel, Jefferson, Arturo, and Tiger are among the guides praised for calm, caring support.

“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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.3 in 1 Combo: La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Thermal Spa from San José

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $249

Leave San José at 6:30 a.m. for La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Hanging Bridges, and Los Lagos thermal pools. Guides such as Hayro, Lenny, Miha, and Yorleny add sharp wildlife spotting and local insight. Expect a long day, a small group of up to 15, and time to relax at the end.

“I highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide Yorleny was professional, friendly, fun, knowledgeable, cautious driver & was very considerate of our needs. She picked us up on time from our SJO hotel. We truly enjoyed the sights … small rural towns, mountain views, Arenal Volcano, waterfalls, hanging bridges in the cloud forest, animals (sloths, monkeys, snakes, birds, pizotes, etc.), and relaxing thermal pools. We had an excellent experience. This tour is a great way to learn about and explore the amazing costarrican nature and wildlife.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Leave Tamarindo at 7:30 a.m. for a private, guided day near Rincon de la Vieja volcano. You’ll combine ziplining, hanging bridges, horseback riding, a long waterslide, a waterfall hike, volcanic mud, hot springs, snacks, coffee, hydration, and buffet lunch. Guides such as Martin, Michelle, Michele, Toni, and George may handle your group.

“This place is incredible. You really get a feel for what CR has to offer. Toni, our guide was great. He was early for pickup. Very safe driver. Super sweet and caring. My daughter wasn’t feeling when and he went way beyond to make her feel better. The experience was just amazing. Hot of course but Pura Vida!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Arenal Volcano Expeditions Walk with Optional Hot Springs

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

Walk a volcanic-rock trail to the closest legal viewpoint at Arenal Volcano, with views toward Arenal Lake and chances to spot toucans or monkeys. A guide explains the area’s plants, animals, and geology. Hotel transfers, park fees, water, Wi-Fi transport, and fruit are included. Add about three hours at hot springs for an extra fee.

“It was an incredible experience! The company was very accommodation. Due to hazardous driving conditions we missed the first part of the trip (national park hike) but the company was kind enough to allow us to go to the hotsprings! The pictures don’t do it justice it was a great time!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Arenal Volcano Hike Expedition with Optional Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $57

From La Fortuna, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Arenal Volcano for a guided 3-kilometer walk through rainforest and volcanic terrain. Guides such as Harven, Daniella, and Elena explain eruptions, plants, birds, and wildlife. Tours run daily at 7:30am and 2:30pm, with optional hot springs available.

“The hike was fun and view was amazing. Our guide Harven was super friendly and helpful and he was able to recommendations for local activities and restaurants. Keep in mind that depending on the weather you might not get to see the volcano. Even if don’t get to see the volcano the tour is worth it as you learn about the history of the Volcano and surrounding area.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Arenal Volcano Hike plus Baldi Hot Springs and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $140

This La Fortuna outing pairs a guided two-hour walk through Arenal Volcano National Park with wildlife viewing, volcano and lake views, and roughly three hours at Baldi Hot Springs, including dinner. Guides such as Miguel and Steven have led informative outings, but expect a rocky, moderate hike and pools that range from warm to hot.

“We had a great experience. We hiked with our 2 boys under 12. We loved the hike, hot springs and lunch at Baldi. Must do.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Vandara Hot Springs & Horses+ Zipline+ sugarmill+ waterslide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $170

Spend a full day near Liberia with guide Wilmar Retana, combining ziplining, horseback riding, a waterslide, sugarcane traditions, hot springs, volcanic mud, and a Costa Rican buffet lunch. Hotel pickup, private air-conditioned transport, snacks, and bottled water are included. The tour needs at least four adults and suits moderately active visitors.

“It was an amazing experience. Wilmer was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable about the country, and easy to talk to.”

Check availability →Read our full review