Hot Springs Near Arenal Volcano
Honest comparison of Baldi, Tabacón, Paradise and Los Lagos — prices, hours, vibe and how to combine with a tour for a full day.
Check availabilityLa Fortuna is Costa Rica's hot-springs capital. Arenal Volcano, still active, heats aquifers that feed more than a dozen resorts within an 8 km radius. What separates one from another isn't the water quality — all draw from the same source — but the design, price, food and vibe. This guide compares the four best and explains how to combine them with a tour for a full day.
As a local operator in La Fortuna we book tickets at direct-resort rates (no middleman markup), include hotel pickup and can build a combo that pairs the La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal 1968 hike or Safari Float with hot springs at sunset — the most magical time.
The 4 best hot springs
Official 2026 prices, verified directly with each resort. All feature geothermal water from Arenal.
Baldi Hot Springs
From $50 pp · with meal $76 pp
25 thermal pools, 4 waterslides, swim-up bar
Temperature: 32°C – 67°C
Best for: families with teens, groups, all-you-can-eat buffet lovers
Tabacón Hot Springs
Day pass from $85 pp · Lunch $115 pp
Natural river-fed pools inside rainforest, spa on site
Temperature: 30°C – 40°C
Best for: couples, honeymoon, luxury travelers, spa lovers
Paradise Hot Springs
From $32 pp · with lunch $58 pp
Boutique — 12 quiet thermal pools in tropical gardens
Temperature: 32°C – 40°C
Best for: quiet soaking, small groups, birdwatchers post-tour
Los Lagos Hot Springs
From $40 pp · with meal $60 pp
7 thermal pools, 2 waterslides, wildlife lagoons on site
Temperature: 32°C – 40°C
Best for: value-conscious families, half-day soak
Combine hot springs with a tour
La Fortuna Classic Combo
Waterfall + Arenal 1968 + hot springs · Full day with lunch
Safari Float + sunset hot springs
Peñas Blancas River morning, hot springs afternoon.
Bogarín Trail (sloths) + hot springs
Family-friendly — gentle morning, relaxing afternoon.
Mistico Hanging Bridges + hot springs
Rainforest morning, sunset thermal soak.
Practical info
Hours
Baldi 10am–10pm · Tabacón 10am–10pm · Paradise 11am–10pm · Los Lagos 10am–10pm. Last entry 2h before close.
Kids pricing
0–4 free at most resorts · 5–11: 50% off · 12+: adult rate. Confirm on booking.
Safety
Skip the hottest pools if you have hypertension, are pregnant or have been drinking alcohol. Hydrate.
Frequently asked questions
Which hot springs near Arenal are the best?+
The four premium options are Tabacón (luxury, river-fed inside rainforest), Baldi (largest, 25 pools + waterslides), Paradise (boutique, quiet) and Los Lagos (family-value). All draw geothermal water from the Arenal Volcano. If you want the most natural setting go Tabacón; if you want the biggest with slides and buffet go Baldi; on a budget pick Paradise or Los Lagos.
Are there free natural hot springs in La Fortuna?+
Yes — the "Free Hot Springs" (Chollín / Río Chollín) is a public river section fed by hot volcanic water, just before the Tabacón resort entrance. Free of charge but no facilities, no lockers, no lifeguards. Bring water shoes and go before sunset. Not recommended after heavy rain.
How much do hot springs in La Fortuna cost?+
Day passes range from $32 (Paradise) to $85 (Tabacón). Meal-included packages run $58 to $115. Kids under 5 are typically free; ages 6–11 pay half. We book direct-operator rates without middleman markup and include hotel pickup.
Can I combine hot springs with a tour on the same day?+
Yes — the La Fortuna Classic Combo pairs the La Fortuna Waterfall + Arenal 1968 hike + hot springs into one full day with lunch. We can also add hot springs to any afternoon after Bogarín Trail, Safari Float or Mistico Hanging Bridges.
What should I bring to the hot springs?+
Swimsuit, towel (some resorts provide), sandals, waterproof phone pouch, hair tie (chlorine-free but mineral-heavy water), and cash for spa or bar. Alcohol raises heart rate — go easy in the hottest pools.
What time is best to visit hot springs in La Fortuna?+
Late afternoon into evening (4pm–9pm) is magic — cooler air makes the hot pools more enjoyable, and on a clear night you can see stars over the volcano. Mornings are usually empty at Paradise and Los Lagos.
Do hot springs include transportation from my hotel?+
Only if you book with an operator. Direct resort tickets do not include transport. When you book through VIVO Expeditions we include round-trip hotel pickup within 10 km of La Fortuna center at no extra cost.