Easily the star of the Tabacon Thermal Resort, a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”, the Tabacon hot springs is an immense network of naturally formed thermal pools, streams and waterfalls. In fact, it’s Costa Rica’s largest network of free-flowing thermal springs.
What makes the Tabacon Hot Springs so special? Aside from the size and beauty of it, the springs are 100% natural, meaning that the resort was built around the springs, not vice versa. Many thermal spring spots throughout the region rely on pumps, mechanical systems and alternative heating methods to keep the springs moving, the pools filled and the water heated to the perfect temperature.
The Tabacon Hot Springs are comprised of five main springs of different temperatures and mineral contents, along with dozens of waterfalls, cascading pools and hidden nooks, all tucked into an environment of tropical vegetation, smells and sounds. The waters, which vary in temperature and flow from pool to pool, are heated naturally and mineralized naturally and over time by the Arenal volcano’s underground magma.
Guests at the resort enjoy complimentary access to the springs, but luckily being a guest isn’t a requirement in order to indulge oneself with a soak in its relaxing, mineral-laden springs. A variety of partial- and full-day passes are available, but we definitely recommend purchasing your pass ahead of time, as the resort has a daily limit in its effort to ensure tranquility-seekers enjoy the soothing experience they seek. During peak dates day passes can even sell out weeks ahead of time. Non-guest pass packages start at $70 per adult.
The Tabacon Thermal Resort, which sprawls across 900 acres of private natural reserve, is located close to the base of the Arenal Volcano, 13 kilometers west of La Fortuna on highway 142. If you plan to stay at the resort, Tabacon will help arrange private transportation to and from other airports and hotels throughout Costa Rica.