Tabacon Hot Springs
La Fortuna’s most luxurious hot springs — a free-flowing thermal river, 12 pools, and swim-up bar.
Quick Information
| Price (Adult Day Pass) | $99–$115 — verify current at tabacon.com |
| Opening Hours | 10 AM – 10 PM daily |
| Location | 13 km west of La Fortuna on Route 142 |
| Thermal Pools | 12 pools — 77°F to 105°F (25°C to 40°C) |
| Advance Booking | Required — book 7–15 days ahead in high season |
| Towels & Lockers | Towels $5 extra · Lockers included |
| Meal Included? | Lunch included in some packages — check when booking |
| Spa Treatments | $160–$255 — NOT included in day pass |
| Family Friendly | Yes — but adults-focused atmosphere |
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 — based on verified visitor reviews |
Quick Answer — Is Tabacon worth it?
Couples, anniversaries, honeymoons
The free-flowing thermal river is unique — no other resort in La Fortuna has it
$99–$115 per person · Book 15+ days ahead in high season
Spa treatments ($160–$255) and dining are NOT included in the day pass
Shangri-La Gardens are hotel guests only
Day pass visitors cannot access the most photographed area — check before booking
Why Visitors Love Tabacon
The Only Free-Flowing Thermal River
Water flows naturally from the mountain — not pumped. Creates a living, changing experience unlike any other resort in La Fortuna.
Real Privacy in the Pools
Mature vegetation creates genuine seclusion. Private alcoves where you won't see other guests — this is real, not marketing.
Unmatched Evening Atmosphere
After sunset, the lighting and sound of flowing water create an atmosphere that justifies the price for special occasions.
Volcano Views Available
On clear days, Arenal Volcano is visible from the viewpoint near the cold pool — best at 5–7 PM.
Honest Drawbacks
Shangri-La Gardens — Hotel Guests Only
The most photographed area is reserved for hotel guests. Day pass visitors cannot access it. If you saw it on Instagram, you may not be able to go there.
Spa Is Not Included
Treatments cost $160–$255 extra. Many visitors arrive expecting the spa — it requires a separate booking and budget.
Price Is Hard to Justify for One Person
At $110+ per person, a couple pays $220+ before drinks or tips. EcoTermales gives 80% of the experience at 55% of the cost.
Dining Is Just Average
The included meal is casual, not gourmet. Visitors report lunch for two with drinks costs an additional $80–100.
Facilities
Free Parking
Large on-site car park
Restaurant
Ave Restaurant — lunch included in some packages
Spa
$160–$255 · Book separately
12 Thermal Pools
77°F to 105°F (25°C to 40°C)
Swim-Up Bar
Cocktails and drinks inside the pools
Waterfall Massage
Natural water pressure feature — shoulder and back
Cold-Water Pool
For cooling down between hot pool sessions
Wi-Fi Available
In common areas — not in pool zones
Visitor Tips
Book the Evening Session
The 5 PM – 9 PM window has better lighting, cooler air, and fewer day-trippers. If Arenal is clear, you can see it from the cold pool viewpoint at sunset.
Wear Dark-Colored Swimsuit
Mineral water permanently stains light-colored fabrics. Dark colors are essential.
Check Your Credit Card
Some premium credit cards include spa credits or resort benefits for Tabacon. Check before paying full price.
Book 15+ Days Ahead
In December–April high season, Tabacon sells out fast. Book with free cancellation when possible — weather affects visibility.
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi from La Fortuna | $12–$18 | 15 min | Ask your hotel to call a reliable driver |
| Rental Car | Fuel only | 15 min | Route 142 west — free parking on-site |
| Hotel Shuttle | Varies | 20 min | Many hotels offer hot springs shuttle packages |
| Uber | $10–$15 | 15 min | Available in La Fortuna — limited drivers at night |
📍 Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort · Route 142, 13 km west of La Fortuna · La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Book Tabacon in Advance
Book 7–15 days ahead in high season (December–April). Prices include day pass — spa, dining, and hotel access are separate.
Affiliate disclosure: This link may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tabacon Hot Springs FAQ
For a special occasion — anniversary, honeymoon, birthday — yes. The free-flowing thermal river is genuinely unique. For a regular afternoon soak, EcoTermales ($47–67) or Paradise ($42) give excellent value at half the price.
No. The Shangri-La Gardens — the most photographed and secluded area — is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Day pass visitors access a separate zone. If you saw a specific pool on Instagram, verify it’s in the day pass area before booking.
Access to the thermal pools, cold pool, waterfall massage feature, and swim-up bar. Some packages include lunch at Ave Restaurant. Spa treatments ($160–$255), premium cocktails, and hotel amenities are NOT included.
13 km west on Route 142 — approximately 15 minutes by car or taxi ($12–18 each way). There is no direct public bus.
For the evening session: arrive at 5 PM opening. For daytime: arrive at 10 AM before the tour buses from San José arrive at 11 AM. The evening session (5–10 PM) consistently gets better reviews for atmosphere.
Related Hot Springs
EcoTermales Hot Springs
Best overall · $47–$67 · 100-person cap
Baldi Hot Springs
Best for families · $51–$75 · 25 pools
Paradise Hot Springs
Budget quality · $42 · Zero-entry pool
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