Top Things to do in Arenal Volcano National Park
Top Hotels in Arenal Volcano National Park
- 1. Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs
- 2. Nayara Gardens
- 3. Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs
- 4. Hotel Amor Arenal
- 5. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- 6. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- 7. Hotel Amor Arenal
- 8. The Springs Resort and Spa
- 9. Noah"s Forest by Tifakara
- 10. Hotel El Silencio del Campo
What to do and see in Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela: The Best Hot Springs & Geysers
If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava fields. Take a rafting tour or hit the beach, then retire to a comfy hotel.
Restaurants in Arenal Volcano National Park
1. Tabacon Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,923 reviews
Nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. This five-star resort offers a unique blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. The resort's unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerges from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools and ponds surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Reviewed By ZeroHourFallGuy - New York City, United States
After thoroughly soaking and enjoying the Thermal Hot Springs earlier in the day, we we immersed in the Idyllic Massage experience at the Tabacón Spa and our exquisite and perfect massages in a private secluded outdoor bungalow in the rain forest, were followed by an unbelievably relaxing and exceptional hot thermal milk bath in an outdoor jacuzzi. Then it was dinner time... However this wasn’t just “dinner”.... If you haven’t experienced the Ephemeral Table Dining Experience at Tabacón, then add it to, and move it up to the top of your bucket list... “Ephemeral” is refined as the the ability to feel the magic of the time in a lapse that is going to pass. Simply - It is to share the best of the moment... And I just happily shared another “best of the moment” multi-sensorial experience with my Wife Nahanni, celebrating on our 2,500th day together at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, on the last day of our latest fascinating journey in Costa Rica. We enjoyed a exceptionally unique culinary experience in a very private, and very secluded outdoor bungalow, in the very heart of the Costa Rican Rainforest, on the edge of a 300 foot embankment overlooking the Rio Chollin. We were picked up in an electric golf cart and whisked away to our own incredible little Jungle Bungalow in Paradise to meet one of the finest chefs I’ve had the pleasure of dining with. Executive Master Chef Guillermo Manolo Castillo’s concept of the Ephermal Table arose from his desire to captivate, engage, and entertain all Five of Senses to be completely involved in an incredible culinary experience far away from ordinary, where there is no glass, or wall separating you from the kitchen. Nahanni and I had a front row seat to see, and smell, the preparation of each incredible and indescribably delicious dish, throughout the entire six course extraordinary dining experience. Each and every step was an amazing interaction with Chef Guillermo, who described each intricate dish, it’s composition, blending, intention, and incidentally who also personally prepared the 6-course meal according to our own specific dietary preferences and requests, from the best, and freshest ingredients for “us to discover at each moment in time”, and throughout our two hour dining experience. Master Waiter Sergio served each course with impeccable skill and expertise, seamlessly and flawlessly transitioning from one course to the next. They have created the most incredible & best food to pair with Chef Guillermo ́s selection of wine and beer. They even mastered the art of non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine, to match the exquisite and delectable courses for Nahanni. The Place , The Nature, The Space Feel it, Taste it, Drink it! Seriously an absolute must experience, at least once in this lifetime... Pura Vida Steve Lucescu
2. Ecotermales Fortuna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,843 reviews
The family owned and operated natural hot springs, which allow only a limited number of guests each day, provide a private, relaxing oasis during your vacation.There are five pools, one with a cascading waterfall, which reach up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no better way to unwind after a long day than by visiting the hot springs and treating your body to its naturally replenishing effects. When taking a break from the soothing hot springs, you can dine in the authentic, home-style Costa Rican restaurant.
Reviewed By pennybaker42 - Taunton, United Kingdom
We did a fair bit of research about which was the best hot spring to go to. Tabacon and Baldi were the most expensive and Tabacon is the most popular, but looking at Baldi, it didn't have the natural look that we wanted from the hot springs. Tabacon was the most expensive at $77 per person (including lunch or dinner). We reviewed Ecotermales was a much cheaper alternative and had the natural look that we wanted ($40 per person, without lunch or dinner), you could stay here all day from 10am until 4pm and leave and come back later at Ecotermales, which I didn't think you could do at the other two sites. The water was so warm! The warmest pool being 40.5 degrees Celsius, there was also a colder pool with a small waterfall for cooling off. We saw a lot of nature whilst at the hot springs, howler monkey, basilisks, our first frogs, iguanas, a range of insects and big birds including the prettiest turkey I've ever seen! I would definitely recommend coming here instead of the two more popular sites as it was nice a quiet when we visited, not overcrowded at all. There is a bar and options to have meals included, but we didn't feel like we needed to use these services. They provide lockers, changing rooms and towels included in the entry fee.
3. Los Lagos Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
Reviewed By jodyk339 - Richmond, United States
Excellent facility Well worth the time Enjoyed the different pools, Hoping from cool to hot, Loved the water slides, a huge attraction Very clean facility, well maintained
4. Paradise Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Great for relaxing without the crowds, perfect for couples and for friends looking for a special revitalizing experience. Spend a day at Paradise Hot Springs Resort and relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures (35ºC/95ºF to 41ºC/104ºF) with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet. The Resort also respects a maximum capacity of visitors to provide a peaceful atmosphere. There is a parking area within the property, changing rooms and toilets, showers, massages and body treatments service, food and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along the pool areas. All of the necessary elements for a magnificent and relaxing experience.
Reviewed By DebbieK2003 - Potomac, United States
We were staying in Santa Clara and went to La Fortuna for the day and found Paradise Hot Springs which permits day visitors - we had a wonderful few hours of soaking our soar muscles from prior days' hikes to Rio Celeste, etc. The grounds are so lovely and well kept and the people so nice. Plus the lunch and service were great - I wish I could remember our waiter's name (he worked the lunch shift on August 3, 2019). :)
5. Rio Chollin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,091 reviews
If you talk with the locals they will tell you to go to Scratch River or the Free hot springs. This is perfect if you are travelling on a shoestring budget as it is FREE! To get there go to the yellow gate next to Tabacon Springs. You can park on the road shoulder and you will definitely see it. Walk down the path behind the gate and in a very short walk you will arrive at a bubbling hot creek. You can go 24 hrs a day but keep your items in your site. Leave your valuables at the hotel and just bring a towel and prepare to relax.
Reviewed By bye_jules - Athens, United States
I read about the free hot springs before I came to Costa Rica and to be honest I thought that it would be hard to find them and if I found them that I would feel unsafe. Well, neither was the case. Driving down the road back to La Fortuna from Cerro Chato it was very easy to spot the row of cars lining the road and hear the sound of rushing water. I confirmed with the guy, an unofficial parking attendant, who helped me park properly and legally on the mountain road and took $2 in exchange for "watching my car" and then I followed a few locals carrying towels. This place is a good mix of locals and travelers and it wasn't too busy when we went. You are basically sitting in a shallow river of warm water. The water feels clean and perfectly warm, like a bath that never runs cold but it was a great place to spend an hour after a long day of hiking!
6. Free Natural Hot Springs River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Akurtis28 - Nashville, United States
The coordinate points attached with Trip Advisor is a little off. Enter in Tobacon Resort on your GPS, and you’ll find it. It’s right past the second entrance of the resort. Attached are photos to make it easier to find. I recommend going early in the morning, and the few road side spots to park fill up fast. Highly recommend wearing crocs or good water shoes, as there are a lot of rocks that will hurt your feet without good shoes on. There was a little trash around which sucked, but not as bad as it could be. Pay the attendant a few dollars and leave your car and walk down. It’s really beautiful and highly recommend checking it out.
7. Baldi Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,747 reviews
Reviewed By thomasgG1831EK - Washington DC, United States
Fantastic hot springs pools cascading from one to the next!!! Clean and beautiful grounds and impeccable service and friendly!! Swim up bars and waterfalls everywhere
8. Titoku Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Titoku ...meaning water from the gods, in Maleku (Costa Rican native language). It's located at only 4km west from La Fortuna. We offer 8 different hot springs pools. Every pool comes with different temperature and size (6-20 people), Titoku has a total capacity of 80 people. Titoku's other services: - Front desk. - Waiting room. - Lobby Bar (30 people). - Lunch or Dinner at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa. - Bathrooms. - Dressing room. - Lockers and towels are included. - Parking lot. Our schedule: From 10:00 am until 8:00 pm.
