EcoTermales Fortuna

What to expect

EcoTermales is the small, quiet option on La Fortuna’s hot springs strip. It sits back from Route 142 in secondary rainforest, on land that has belonged to the Hidalgo Murillo family since the early days of La Fortuna. The family turned what had been farm and pasture into a hot springs park and opened it to the public more than 25 years ago. It still feels like a family business, with paved paths through the trees and no hotel attached.

The key difference from its neighbours is the cap on numbers. EcoTermales sells a limited number of places in each of its two daily sessions. It does not publish the figure, but one visitor guide says each session is capped at about 150 people, and a reseller puts it lower. Either way, it is far fewer than at the large resorts nearby, and you can usually find a pool to yourself for a while.

The pools are built from stone and concrete in a chain that imitates a river. Hot water from the property’s own spring enters a small waterfall pool at the top at about 106°F41°C and flows from pool to pool, cooling as it goes. The booking page lists eight thermal pools from 90 to 106°F32 to 41°C, plus a cold, spring-fed pool with a waterfall. The “About us” page gives the hot pools as 99 to 106°F37 to 41°C. Some pools have underwater loungers, small bridges and fountains. Waiters take drink orders at the pools.

EcoTermales says its water rises naturally and is of volcanic origin. It is not heated, and the pools are built so that the water keeps flowing through, with the pools cleaned twice a day.

Wildlife is part of the appeal. The forest around the pools has howler monkeys, toucans and sloths, and visitors regularly report seeing them from the water.

Getting there

EcoTermales is about 4 km (2.5 miles) west of central La Fortuna on Route 142, the road toward Arenal Volcano National Park. It is a few hundred metres from Baldi Hot Springs, on the same road, and about 5 km (3 miles) before Tabacón.

• From La Fortuna: about 10 minutes by car or taxi. EcoTermales does not offer transport.
• From San José (SJO): about 3 hours by road via San Ramón.
• From Liberia (LIR): about 2.5 to 3 hours, either around Lake Arenal or via the northern lowlands.

There is free, secure parking on site.

When to go

EcoTermales is open every day of the year, in two sessions:

• Day session: 10am to 4pm.
• Night session: 5pm to about 9:30pm (the reservations page says 9:45pm).

A reseller reports that in very busy periods EcoTermales adds an alternative night slot (7pm to 9:30pm) and an adults-only late session with a cocktail included. Ask when you book.

The night session is the pick on a hot, humid day. The day session gives you more hours, but the hottest pools are hard work in the midday heat. The December to April dry season is the busiest time, and sessions sell out. Plan to book at least two weeks ahead in those months.

Prices and booking

EcoTermales does not post prices on its own website. Foreign visitors book online through its booking engine; Costa Rican citizens and residents ask for their separate rate through the contact form and show ID at reception.

The most recent rates we found are from Two Weeks in Costa Rica, a reseller, for 2026-27:

• Entry only: US$43 per adult, US$25 per child aged 5 to 11, plus 13% tax.
• Entry with lunch or dinner: US$67 per adult, US$39 per child, plus tax.
• Children 4 and under enter free. 12 and over pay the adult price.

Treat these as a guide and check the live price when you book.

What is included and the rules:

• Towels, lockers and showers are included. The lockers sit in the open, in view of staff.
• No pets. Outside food and drink are not allowed.
• Dry off and dress before going into the restaurants.
• Changes and cancellations: you can change a booking up to 5 days before, subject to space, and cancel up to 4 days before for a full refund.
• Thunderstorms: staff may clear the pools when there is lightning.

Meals are served at the restaurant on site, with buffet and à la carte options. Much of the produce comes from the family’s garden and local farms.

Where to stay nearby

EcoTermales has no rooms, so most visitors stay in La Fortuna town, about 4 km (2.5 miles) east, which has the widest choice of hotels and hostels. Route 142 west of EcoTermales has lodges with volcano views. If you want a room with hot springs included, Baldi, Tabacón and The Springs Resort & Spa all have hotels.

Safety notes

• Heat: the top pool at about 106°F41°C is hot. Keep soaks short, drink water and move to the cooler pools or the cold pool between dips.
• Lightning: staff follow a safety protocol in thunderstorms and may ask everyone out of the water.
• Footing: paths and pool edges are wet and can be slippery after dark.
• Wildlife: enjoy the monkeys and birds from a distance and do not feed them.

Nearby stops worth adding

Arenal Volcano National Park is a short drive west on Route 142. La Fortuna Waterfall is south of town. For a livelier day with slides, Baldi is next door, and for a natural thermal river, Tabacón is about 10 minutes west.