Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful hot springs on the planet. It’s also home to some of the most difficult-to-reach hot springs on the planet. Finding a natural hot spring in Costa Rica isn’t that hard; they’re everywhere. Finding one that’s easily accessible and doesn’t require rappelling, climbing, or a boat ride through whitewater rivers? That’s another story. Even for locals, finding a simple place to soak in a natural hot spring can be challenging. However, the difficulty in accessing these gems makes them even more special. So if you’re up for a challenge and willing to put your jungle skills to the test, here are 8 must-see hot springs in Costa Rica.
What are The Best Hot Springs in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a lush and green country with many natural hot springs. The cost of a hot spring day pass ranges from $15 to $25 per person. Some of the most popular hot springs include the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, and Santa Teresa.
- Arenal Volcano Hot Spring
- Poas Volcano Hot Spring
- The Cocteles Hot Spring
- The Jaco Hot Spring
- El Mundo de las Cavernas (The World of Caverns)
- Rio Celeste Hot Spring
- Tincan Hot Spring
- Las Baulas Marine National Park and its hot springs
Arenal Volcano
First on our list of must-see hot springs in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, near the town of La Fortuna.
The park is named after the active Arenal Volcano that looms over the park. This volcano is one of the most visited in Costa Rica, and has been erupting on and off since the 1960s. The Arenal Volcano Hot Springs is a beautiful, serene spot located in the middle of the rainforest.
You can sit in the hot springs and watch the wildlife go about its business around you. The hot springs are open 24/7 and are free to visit. There are also a couple of nearby natural pools that are part of the Arenal Volcano Hot Springs. One of them is heated by the volcano and is a great place to relax after a hike in the park. The other is a cold water swimming hole that is great for cooling off.
Poás Volcano
A visit to the Poás Volcano is a must-see experience for any hot spring fan. The volcano is one of the most active in the region and is the second-largest in Costa Rica. Visitors can choose from two trails to the top of the volcano. The first trail is a short path that takes about one hour and is great for families.
The second trail is a bit longer at about two hours, but it is much more challenging. Both trails take you through a stunning cloud forest. The highlight of the hike is a view of the inside of the active volcano. The bubbling, gurgling pool of yellow liquid is a result of sulfuric gases escaping from the volcano.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can’t get at any other hot springs in Costa Rica. The Poás Volcano Hot Springs are found in the crater at the top of the active volcano. The temperature of the water inside the crater is a toasty 96°F (35°C). The sulfuric gases escaping from the volcano are what create the heat in the water. Visitors can choose to soak in the crater’s hot water and observe the eruption of the Poás Volcano through the viewing area.
The Cocteles
The Cocteles Hot Springs, or Los Cocteles, are located in the middle of the Arenal Volcano rainforest. The hot springs are part of a collection of natural pools that are fed by hot springs that rise from the earth.
The pools are formed inside the wall of a small gorge. If you visit during the dry season, you may be able to walk or jump from the top of the gorge into the pool below. However, during the rainy season, the water is so high that you can only access the gorge by swimming through the river.
The water in the pools is about 90°F (32°C) and flows towards the Sarapiquí River nearby. The Cocteles Hot Springs are a great place to unwind after a long day hiking in the rainforest. The pools are a bit off the beaten path, so they aren’t as crowded as some of the other hot springs in Costa Rica. The Cocteles Hot Springs are a great option if you want to visit a natural hot spring without having to hike long hours through the jungle.
The Jaco
The Jaco hot springs are a unique type of hot spring that is more like a giant spa. Place are located in the Jaco Beach area of southern Costa Rica. This spots are a collection of large pools, fountains, and waterslides. The pools are filled with water from natural hot springs that are located nearby.
To visit Jaco is a great way to relax after a day of surfing or exploring the surrounding areas. The Jaco hot springs are open from 8:30 am until 11 pm. You don’t have to be a guest at the nearby hotels to visit the Jaco hot springs. There are several entrances throughout the complex, and public areas are available for everyone’s use.
El Mundo de las Cavernas (The World of the Caverns)
El Mundo de las Cavernas is a unique combination of hot springs and underground exploring. The hot springs are located in the Boca del Rio area, which is a couple hours west of San Jose. The best way to travel to the hot springs is by car.
The closest major town to the hot springs is Paquera, which is a short drive from the San Jose Airport. The hot springs are located at the foot of a mountain near the Boca del Rio river.
Most of the hot springs are open to the sky, which allows for a great view of the stars. However, the deepest and most interesting hot springs are in the underground caverns. El Mundo de las Cavernas combines the fun of hot springs with the excitement of underground exploring. It’s a great place to take the family or a group of friends.
Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste Hot Springs are a must-see for anyone visiting the famous Rio Celeste river. The hot springs are a couple hours’ drive from the Rio Celeste. It’s best to visit the hot springs at the end of the day when the sun is setting. At this time, the clouds that fill the river turn a bright, beautiful blue.
The Rio Celeste Hot Springs are a collection of pools that are fed by natural spring water that bubbles up from the ground. The water is heated by the nearby volcano.
The hot springs are located in the Tenorio National Park, which is the park that contains Rio Celeste river. The Rio Celeste Hot Springs are a great way to wind down after exploring the nearby river or hiking in the nearby rainforest. They are also a perfect place to relax after a long day of travelling.
Tincan
The Tincan Hot Springs are a collection of natural hot springs that are located in the southern part of the country. The hot springs are located near the town of Paso Real, which is a few hours’ drive from the Caribbean coast. The Tincan Hot Springs are fed by underground volcanic activity.
The water of the hot springs is a lovely light blue color, and it’s a great place to relax after a day of exploring the nearby attractions. The Tincan Hot Springs are located next to a river. The river is a great place to cool down and relax after a long day at the hot springs.
Las Baulas Marine National Park and its hot springs
The Las Baulas Marine National Park is located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The park is home to a colony of sea turtles. These turtles are amazing creatures that come out of the water once a year to lay their eggs. The Las Baulas Marine National Park is also home to a small collection of hot springs.
The hot springs are a great place to relax after a day exploring the park. They are also a great place to unwind after a long journey to Costa Rica. The hot springs are located less than an hour’s drive from the San Jose International Airport.
You may also like our blog post about Cenotes In Cancun.
Where To Stay In Costa Rica During Your Trip
There are many options when you visit hot springs in Costa Rica. Our experienced editors reduced the list of hotels around hot springs to 5 top hotels:
- Arenal Monao Resort
- Volcano Lodge Hotel&Thermal Experiences
- Noah Forest Hotel By Tifakara
- Casa Luna Hotel&SPA
- Tifakara Boutique Hotel&Birding Oasis
How To Get There
The closest airport is San Jose International airport. Almost all countries offers flights to San Jose and other main airports in Costa Rica. All hot springs and the hotels are half hour drive away from the airport.
You can use public transport, private airport transfers to reach the hotels and the spots. Or you can hire a car and explore all the sightseeing by yourself.
Conclusion
The hot springs in Costa Rica are a great way to relax after a long day of exploring the country. The hot springs come in many forms. Some are a collection of pools at a nearby hotel, while others are more like a giant spa. The hot springs come in many different temperatures, so there is something for everyone.
The best part is that they are very affordable and easy to visit. Visit these must-see hot springs in Costa Rica and relax after a long day exploring the country.
