Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

What to expect

Tabacón is the best-known hot springs resort in Costa Rica, and the reason is the water itself. Most of the La Fortuna resorts pipe thermal water into built pools. At Tabacón a hot river, warmed by the geothermal system beneath Arenal Volcano, runs straight through the property. The resort has landscaped it into a chain of 23 pools and cascades spread over about 7,790 m² (83,880 sq ft) of rainforest garden, with wooden bridges and paths linking them.

The water is not reheated or recycled, according to the resort. Temperatures range from about 72 to 100°F22 to 38°C. The upper pools and the spots right under the falls are the warmest. Lower down, where the river spreads out, it is closer to bath temperature. Standing under one of the hot waterfalls, with the water hitting your shoulders, is the classic Tabacón experience.

The rest of the setting is polished. There is a swim-up bar in the springs (Agua Ardiente), a restaurant beside the river (Ave), private cabanas and a spa. The atmosphere is quieter and more adult than at Baldi down the road, and the price reflects that.

Getting there

Tabacón is west of La Fortuna on the road toward Arenal Volcano National Park and the Arenal dam (Route 142). The resort gives the distance as 13 km (8 miles) from town. The road is paved.

• From San José (SJO): take the Inter-American Highway toward San Ramón, drive through San Ramón, and continue north through Los Ángeles, La Balsa, Santa Clara, Javillos and El Tanque to La Fortuna. Then follow the main road toward the volcano. Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• From Liberia (LIR): take the Inter-American Highway south to Cañas, then follow signs to Tilarán, turn toward Lake Arenal and drive around the lake past the Arenal dam. Tabacón is about 15 minutes past the dam. Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• By air: there are daily domestic flights from San José to La Fortuna, about 30 minutes’ drive from the resort.

Valet parking is part of the arrival, and parking is included in the day pass. Baldi and EcoTermales are on the same road closer to town.

When to go

Tabacón is open year-round. The December to April dry season is busiest, and day passes sell out. The May to November green season brings more rain, usually in the afternoons, and Tabacón itself suggests a warm rain shower is a good time to be in the river.

Late afternoon is a good time to arrive on a day pass. You get some daylight in the gardens, then the lit pools after dark, and you can stay until 10pm.

Prices and booking

Tabacón sells two day passes, both valid from 10am to 10pm:

• Day Pass Thermal Experience: US$115 per person in October 2026, with no meals.
• Day Pass + Culinary Experience: US$184 per person in October 2026, with lunch or dinner at Ave Restaurant. Drinks are extra.

Both include the pools and river, towels, lockers, changing rooms and showers, parking and Wi-Fi. Tabacón says its prices are per person in US dollars and include tax, and can change. Children under 6 enter free. The booking form groups guests as adults (12+), children (6 to 11) and infants (0 to 5); check the price for children on your date.

The booking rules are strict:

• Day passes are limited. Book ahead, especially from December to April.
• Payment: your card is charged 15 days before your visit. Last-minute bookings can pay at the resort.
• Cancellation: cancel less than 15 days out and you lose the full payment.
• Holidays: for Christmas to New Year (Dec 18 to Jan 8) and Easter Week, payment is taken 45 days ahead. Cancelling a Christmas booking 44 days or less before arrival forfeits the full amount.
• Group size: maximum 15 people booking together.
• No smoking anywhere on the property, indoors or out, under Costa Rica’s Law 9028.

Hotel guests do not need a day pass. A stay includes unlimited access to the hot springs from 8am to 10pm and to the adults-only (18+) Shangri-La Gardens. Spa treatments need a booking for both guests and day visitors.

Where to stay nearby

• Tabacón’s hotel has 105 rooms and suites, including a Private Pool Suite (adults only) with its own thermal plunge pool. Children 0 to 5 stay free when sharing with two adults; 12 and over pay the adult rate.
• The Springs Resort & Spa, a few kilometres east and up the hill, has its own spring-fed pools; see our listing.
• La Fortuna has the widest range of cheaper hotels, about 15 minutes’ drive east.

Safety notes

• Slippery rock: the pools sit on natural river rock. Tabacón strongly recommends water shoes, and they help.
• Waterfalls: the force of the hot falls can be strong. Keep children out from under them.
• Heat and alcohol: the swim-up bar is tempting. Drink water and keep hot soaks short.
• Children: under 16s must be with an adult at all times.
• The volcano: Arenal is an active volcano. Follow any instructions from the park or the resort if conditions change.

Nearby stops worth adding

Arenal Volcano National Park’s entrance is a short drive west, with trails over old lava fields. The Arenal dam and Lake Arenal are beyond it. EcoTermales and Baldi are closer to town if you want to compare a second set of pools on another evening.