Hot Springs in La Fortuna
7 options compared — $0 to $110. Honest prices, real trade-offs, no paid rankings.
Which Hot Spring Is Right for You?
La Fortuna has 7 commercial hot springs and one free river — all fed by Arenal Volcano’s geothermal energy. The difference between a $10 and $110 experience isn’t always what you’d expect.
This guide ranks all 7 by price, crowd levels, water quality, and facilities — based on official sources and verified visitor reviews. No hot spring has paid to appear here.
Los Laureles — Best Budget
$10–$12 · Bring your own food · Local vibe
Baldi — Best for Families
$51–$75 · 25 pools · Waterslides · Full day
EcoTermales — Best Overall
$47–$67 · 100-person cap · Perfect for couples
Full Price Comparison
Prices as of June 2026 — verify on official websites before booking. All prices exclude 13% Costa Rican VAT.
💡 Pro tip: Book Tabacon and EcoTermales at least 1 week in advance during high season (December–April). Click any hot spring name for a detailed guide.
Browse by Type
Free Hot Springs
Rio Chollin — No cost, no lifeguards, bring water shoes.
Family Hot Springs
Baldi & Paradise — Waterslides, shallow pools, all ages.
Best Value Hot Springs
EcoTermales & Baldi — $47–$75. Best quality-to-price ratio.
Luxury Hot Springs
Tabacon & The Springs — $99–$141. Special occasions only.
Dark swimsuit — minerals stain light colors permanently
Water shoes — rocks are sharp, sandals slip
Waterproof phone pouch — for photos without risk
Cash — credit machines often down at budget spots
Quick-dry towel — most luxury spots provide one
Reef-safe sunscreen — protect the ecosystem
Reusable water bottle — stay hydrated
Small dry bag — for valuables while soaking
Heavy books — they'll get wet and moldy- Expensive jewelry — theft risk at free springs
- Big camera — your phone in a pouch is enough
- Street shoes — you'll never wear them
A plastic bag for wet clothes. Trust me, you don't want to put that soggy swimsuit back in your backpack. Also bring cash for parking — some lots charge $2–$3 but don't take cards.
Hot Springs FAQ
EcoTermales ($47–67) is the best overall for most travelers — intimate, natural-feeling, and never overcrowded thanks to the 100-person daily cap. For luxury seekers: Tabacon ($99–115) offers a free-flowing thermal river in stunning gardens. For families: Baldi ($51–75) has 25 pools and waterslides. For budget travelers: Los Laureles ($10–12) provides an authentic local experience.
Tabacon and EcoTermales require advance booking — same-day entry is almost never available, especially during high season. Baldi and Paradise accept walk-ins but recommend reservations December–April. Los Laureles and Rio Chollin need no booking — just show up with cash.
Pro tip: Book Tabacon at least 1–2 weeks ahead during peak season (December–April) for evening slots.
Yes — Rio Chollin (also called Mini-Tabacon or Tabaconcito) is a free public section of the Tabacon thermal river. It’s completely unmanaged with no lifeguards, no lockers, and a real theft risk — never leave valuables unattended.
Los Laureles at $10–12 is a much safer alternative with basic facilities and food allowed.
Essentials: Dark-colored swimsuit (minerals stain light colors permanently), water shoes (rocks are sharp), waterproof phone pouch, cash for entry and parking.
Most forget: A plastic bag for wet clothes — your backpack will thank you. Also bring $2–3 for parking at spots that don’t take cards.
Most resorts provide towels; check before bringing your own.
5 PM – 9 PM for atmosphere — cooler air, magical lighting, and fewer day-trippers. This is when the thermal experience feels most special.
7:30–9:30 AM if you want pools to yourself — tour buses from San José haven’t arrived yet.
Avoid 10 AM – 2 PM — this is peak time when large tour groups flood the popular spots.
Rainy season (May–November) means fewer crowds and lush green surroundings, but pack a poncho for the walk between pools.
The average mid-range hot spring costs $45–$70 per person for a day pass. Here’s the breakdown:
- Budget ($0–$15): Rio Chollin (free), Los Laureles ($10–12)
- Mid-range ($42–$75): Paradise ($42), EcoTermales ($47–67), Baldi ($51–75)
- Luxury ($99–$141): Tabacon ($99–115), The Springs ($105–141)
Add 13% VAT to all prices. Some resorts offer dinner packages that increase the cost but provide better value.
Tabacon
$99–$115 · 13 km from town
Baldi
$51–$75 · 5.2 km from town
The Springs Resort
$105–$141 · 12.5 km from town
Paradise
$42 · 5.3 km from town
Los Laureles
$10–$12 · 6.9 km from town
Rio Chollin (free)
$0 · 15 km from town
Click any location to open in Google Maps · All 7 hot springs are along Route 142 west of La Fortuna