Booking choice: The Arenal Volcano Experience, from $165 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Arenal's rain soaks into the volcano, is heated underground and emerges as thermal water in rivers and springs around La Fortuna. Resorts pipe it into landscaped pools; a few spots let you sit in the hot river itself.
The San José tours each partner with one resort, so choosing a tour is also choosing your springs.
The quick answer
The Arenal Volcano Experience and the zipline combos go to Paradise Hot Springs: man-made pools of natural thermal water at about 35 to 41 °C, with volcano views. The Baldi day goes to Baldi's large pool complex, and the private day to Los Lagos. Tours from La Fortuna use a natural hot river.
Which hot springs does each tour visit?
Paradise for the Go Tours days, Baldi for the Baldi day, Los Lagos for the private day, and a natural river on the La Fortuna tours.
| Tour | Hot springs | Time there |
|---|---|---|
| Arenal Volcano Experience | Paradise Hot Springs | About 2 hours |
| Mega Combo | Paradise Hot Springs | About 3 hours |
| Baldi Hot Springs day | Baldi Hot Springs | Afternoon |
| Private day | Los Lagos Hot Springs | About 3 hours |
| La Fortuna hike tour | El Choyín natural springs | Late afternoon |
Paradise suits you? Check dates for the Arenal Volcano Experience.
Check dates for the Arenal Volcano ExperienceWhat is Paradise Hot Springs like?
A compact resort near the national park road with several thermal pools, natural mineral water at roughly 35 to 41 °C (95 to 104 °F), and a swim-up bar.
The tour listing is clear that the pools are man-made and filled with natural thermal water. Guests love it as the relaxing finale; one noted the water was cooler than expected, so try the different pools.
Are Arenal hot springs natural?
The water is: it is heated by the volcano. Most resorts, including Paradise, Baldi and Los Lagos, pipe it into built pools.
If you want to sit in a natural hot river, that is a La Fortuna experience: the local tours finish in the river, and some guests love its wild feel while others prefer the comfort of a resort.
What is Baldi like?
One of the largest hot springs complexes in La Fortuna, with many pools, slides and bars; the Baldi day tour includes towels and lockers.
It is a lively, resort-style choice. The Baldi day from San José rates 4.1 from 30 reviews, lower than the Paradise tours, though from a much smaller number of reviews.
Prefer a big pool complex? The Baldi day includes towels, lockers, lunch and dinner.
Explore the Baldi Hot Springs dayCan you see the volcano from the hot springs?
Often, yes: the resorts face the cone, but late-afternoon cloud can hide the summit.
You will be in the water when the clouds are most likely, so treat a clear view as a bonus. The rainy season from May to November brings more cloud.
What should you bring for the springs?
A swimsuit, a towel, sandals, a plastic bag for wet clothes and a dry change for the bus home.
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to save time. Full list in what to bring on an Arenal tour.
Which tour gives you the most time in the water?
The Mega Combo lists about three hours at Paradise, and the private day about three hours at Los Lagos; the flagship lists about two.
Guests on the flagship report spending up to three and a half hours, depending on the group's pace. If soaking is your priority, the calmer flagship is still a good pick.
Ready for the soak? Check dates and book with free cancellation.
Check dates for the Arenal Volcano ExperienceFrequently asked questions
How hot are the Arenal hot springs?
Paradise Hot Springs puts its water at roughly 35 to 41 °C (95 to 104 °F), with different temperatures in different pools.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Bring one for the Go Tours days; the Baldi day includes towels and lockers.
Can children use the hot springs?
Yes; the Go Tours days accept children from age 5 with an adult, and the operator asks to know their ages in advance.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Arenal Volcano Experience: Full Day from San José
- Hotel pickup in San José (default 6:30 AM) and air-conditioned transport
- Bilingual guide, plus coffee or tea with local snacks
- Lunch near Arenal and a Costa Rican dinner on the way back
Arenal Mega Combo: Ziplines & Hot Springs
- Hotel pickup in San José and air-conditioned transport
- About 2 hours of ziplining at Go Adventure Arenal Park
- Paradise Hot Springs (about 3 hours)
Baldi Hot Springs & Arenal Day Trip
Baldi's big pool complex, with towels and lockers
