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Tabacón Hot Springs La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Thermal Pools

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Duration3h–7h

PickupAt your hotel

Five Natural Hot Springs at the Foot of Arenal Volcano

You get all-day access to five naturally heated thermal springs, cascading waterfalls, and mineral pools set in Arenal's private rainforest, with entry fees and taxes included upfront. Move between pools at your own pace, choosing water temperature and seclusion level as you go. No guide, no schedule, no surprises—just thermal water and jungle for as long as you want to stay.

3h–7h

Step-by-step itinerary

Arrive at Tabacón Hot Springs
Explore naturally heated thermal pools
Relax in mineral-rich waters
Enjoy cascading waterfalls and pools
Experience the rainforest surroundings

The Experience

Hands slip into water that's already warm before you've waded in knee-deep—that's the first thing you notice at Tabacón Hot Springs in La Fortuna. The thermal pools feed directly from five natural springs, heated by magma beneath Arenal Volcano, and thousands of gallons flow through the property every minute. You're not soaking in a resort pool that's been heated; you're standing in water the earth itself warmed, which feels different the moment you step in.

The day pass gives you access to the entire network of pools and cascading waterfalls spread across the private rainforest reserve. There's no schedule to follow—you move between the springs at your own pace, choosing which temperature suits you, which waterfall you want to stand under, which quiet pool feels right for longer soaks. Some spots are more open and social; others are tucked into the jungle where you're alone with the sound of water and the canopy above. The varying temperatures mean you can cool off in one pool and warm up in another without leaving the property.

La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal, so the volcano's presence shapes everything here—the mineral content of the water, the lush vegetation that thrives on volcanic soil, even the way the landscape feels enclosed and alive. The rainforest around Tabacón is dense enough that you forget how many other visitors are on the property; the jungle absorbs sound and creates pockets of privacy. Paths wind between pools, past ferns and flowering plants, and the whole experience moves at the pace of someone who's decided to spend a day in warm water instead of rushing through a checklist.

Your day pass includes all entry fees and taxes, so there's no additional cost once you arrive. The property is wheelchair accessible, and the infrastructure is solid enough that families with young children, strollers, and varying fitness levels can navigate it comfortably. The only real constraint is that it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns—the heat and exertion of moving between pools can be taxing—but for most people, the day unfolds at whatever intensity you choose. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen; the rest is just moving between pools and letting the thermal water do what it's designed to do.

What’s included

Your day pass includes all-day access to the five natural thermal springs, cascading waterfalls, and mineral-rich pools across the private rainforest reserve.
All entry fees and taxes are covered in the price.
Changing facilities and secure storage for belongings are available on-site.
You move between pools independently with no guided tour or scheduled activities.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tico Paradise Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day of thermal pools without arranging transport, timing, or additional costs—the all-inclusive pass and private reserve setting mean you can soak and move between springs at your own rhythm, which is what makes a day of thermal water feel like rest instead of tourism.