Costa Rica hot springs
Even in spite of the weather, we saw and really understood more about nature than we'd ever imagined. The beauty of (Serendipity leader) Juan Carlos as our guide was the extreme pleasure in the little things -- the frogs and the butterflies, even the exotic mushrooms and wild cocoa. Of course we enjoyed the monkeys and crocodiles! .....the special exploration of nature with Juan Carlos made it all seem spread out exclusively for us..... we were a real Robinson Crusoe family for 10 days. — Barbara H., Cleveland, OH, March, 2006
Tabacón Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano
Tabacon Hot Springs is the biggest commercial hot springs near Arenal Volcano, catering to more than a thousand tourists a day.
The Tabacón river originates in Arenal volcano, coming to the surface with bubbling clear water in several places. At least five different commercial pools use the hot spring water to provide entertainment for tourists. The most famous of these is Tabacón Resort.
Serendipity will visit the Arenal area, and hot springs, but we are resistant to sleeping in hotels in the danger area described by the U.S. Geological Survey. There is real danger under the volcano, and this danger is often ignored by tour operators.
Other Costa Rica hot spring locations
Borinquen hot springs has mud bath treatments.
There are dozens of commercial hot springs around Costa Rica, both near active and dormant volcanoes. Springs create tourism centers in Cartago, Manuel Antonio, Fortuna, even near San Jose.
The most famous springs are related to health spas like El Tucano on Platanar volcano, or Borinquen Resort on Rincon de la Vieja volcano, with mud baths, massage, yoga, and lots of relaxing enterprises.
Serendipity's favorite hot springs in the jungle.
Serendipity's favorite is primarily a "locals" favorite, but the natural setting makes up for the swim-up bar. The hot springs is on the side of an inactive volcano. We like to arrive before nightfall, descend the long trail next to the river to the baths, and leave after dark. The change in the forest — the sounds of the critters — is amazing.
