Costa Rica hot springs
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. A dozen commercial pools use the thermal waters to provide entertainment for tourists. The most famous of these is the Tabacón Resort, but there are other smaller options that are highly appreciated by Serendipity’s clients for being a lot less crowded.
Serendipity will visit the Arenal area, and hot springs, but we are resistant to sleeping in hotels around the base of the volcano, mainly because it is a “touristy” area that tends to get crowded in high season. There are also other hotels more conveniently located where our activities take place.
Other Costa Rica hot spring locations
Borinquen hot springs has mud bath treatments.
There are many other hot springs around Costa Rica too, near both active and dormant volcanoes. Springs create tourism centers in Cartago, Rincon de La Vieja, and even near San Jose and Manuel Antonio.
The most famous springs are linked with 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 relaxation.
Serendipity’s favorite hot springs in the jungle.
One of Serendipity’s favorites is also a “locals” favorite, and the natural setting makes up for the lack of ‘swim-up bar’. The hot springs are 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 truly amazing.