Tabacon Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot springs in all of Costa Rica. If you’re planning a trip to La Fortuna and the stunning region around the Arenal Volcano, you might be wondering if the luxurious Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is worth the hype—and the price tag. With so many options for hot springs in the area, it can be hard to decide if Tabacon stands out.
I’ve personally visited Tabacon Hot Springs twice—once as a regular tourist and again as a content creator, and each time I left absolutely impressed! It’s become the place I look forward to the most when visiting La Fortuna. The hot springs here are the perfect mix of luxury, natural beauty, and relaxation that’s hard to find anywhere else.
But let’s break it down to see if Tabacon is really worth adding to your itinerary.
Please note: While I was invited to Tabacon Hot Springs as a content creator on my second trip, all thoughts are my own.
About Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is a five-star eco-luxury resort nestled in the lush rainforest near Arenal Volcano. What sets Tabacon Hot Springs apart is its use of natural thermal waters that come directly from the Arenal Volcano, providing guests with an authentic hot spring experience.
The complex is beautifully designed, with over 900 acres of tropical gardens, and the hot springs themselves are naturally heated by the geothermal energy of the volcano. The water flows into a series of cascading pools, each at varying temperatures, giving you plenty of spots to soak and relax.
In addition to its stunning hot springs, Tabacon also offers world-class amenities, including a luxurious spa where guests can indulge in volcanic mud wraps, massages, and other wellness treatments. The resort prides itself on sustainability, using eco-friendly practices in its operations, from water conservation to supporting local communities. Costa Rica is a country that has deep roots in sustainability and environmental responsibility, and this is on full display with Tabacon—somehow they manage to strike the balance between ultimate luxury and conservation.
Fun fact: the water at Tabacon is 100% natural and is not artificially heated or pumped, making it a truly unique and eco-friendly experience.
Hot Springs in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is known for its abundance of hot springs, each offering different price points, size, and quality. While there are plenty of options to choose from, I can confidently say that Tabacon Hot Springs is 100% worth it and the most stunning one I’ve seen in Costa Rica. The combination of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and soothing waters makes it stand out from the rest.
Some other popular choices for hot springs in La Fortuna include:
- Baldi Hot Springs: Known for its lively atmosphere and multiple pools, it’s great for families.
- The Springs Resort: Another ultra luxurious hot spring complex—but I think Tabacon is just a bit nicer! (And cheaper.)
- EcoTermales Hot Springs: A quieter, more intimate setting with fewer crowds.
- Los Lagos Hot Springs: Budget-friendly, offering a mix of pools and water slides.
While these alternatives are nice, they don’t quite compare to the luxury and natural beauty that Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa provides.
How to Visit Tabacon Hot Springs
There are two ways to experience Tabacon Hot Springs: by staying at the resort or purchasing a Tabacon day pass.
Tabacon Day Pass: Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re not looking to splurge on a five-star hotel, the day pass is an excellent option. It gives you full access to the hot springs and offers packages with or without meals. You can even leave and return later in the day, as long as you arrange it with the front desk!
The price of a Tabacon day pass varies depending on the package, but it’s well worth it for the experience. Rates start at $89/day for adults and can increase depending on any add-ons like lunch or dinner.
Staying at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: Peak Luxury
If price isn’t an issue, I highly recommend staying at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa itself. The resort is truly world-class 5-star luxury and far and away one of the nicest resorts in Costa Rica.
Staying at the hotel means you can enjoy additional perks, like early morning and late evening access to the hot springs, reserved exclusively for resident guests. If you’re visiting during the low season (June-October), staying at the resort can be even more appealing, as hotel rates drop drastically—meaning it might only cost a little bit more than a day pass to also secure some of the best accommodation in town!
Book your stay at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa here.
How to Get to Tabacon Hot Springs
If you’re staying at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, the hot springs are just a short stroll from your hotel room. For those using the Tabacon day pass, I recommend renting a car and driving from your lodging in La Fortuna to the hot springs complex. The resort is located a short drive from the town, and you’ll find it easily thanks to the big sign marking the entrance.
There’s a designated parking lot for day pass visitors, manned by an attendant who will check your reservation. Alternatively, you can park along the road—both options are free.
🦥 Heading to La Fortuna? You won’t want to miss my La Fortuna Costa Rica guide! It’s jam-packed with must-see experiences and sights in Costa Rica’s lushest region.
Arriving at Tabacon Hot Springs
The Tabacon Hot Springs complex is vast, spread across several acres of tropical forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a very tasty welcome drink and a hot towel before being walked through the check-in process.
You’ll receive a locker key, a wristband, and a towel card, allowing you to exchange towels as many times as you need throughout the day. The locker rooms are clean and well-equipped with showers and toiletries like body lotion.
Although the complex does offer Wi-Fi, it’s very slow and virtually unusable. I recommend putting your phone away and fully immersing yourself in the offline relaxation of the hot springs instead!
The Beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon is divided into two main areas: the main pool area and the natural river springs. The main pools are warm and have a swim-up bar, perfect for relaxing with a drink in hand. There are also cold pools for those who want to cool off.
The volcanic energy heats the natural springs, and each pool has a different temperature. The river springs feature strong waterfalls and more secluded pools, offering both relaxation and a bit of adventure.
The layout of Tabacon Hot Springs is a huge part of its appeal. It’s filled with lush tropical vegetation, winding paths, and secluded corners, making it feel intimate and private even when other visitors are around! Both times I’ve been to Tabacon, I’ve been impressed by how it always feels like I have the entire hot springs to myself (certainly not the case during high season!) There’s also a koi pond and plenty of lounge chairs throughout the grounds if you get tired of soaking.
For hotel guests, there’s an adults-only area called Shangri-La Gardens, which offers an even more peaceful retreat away from the main hot springs.
Is It Worth Visiting Tabacon Hot Springs?
So, is Tabacon Hot Springs worth it? Absolutely. Whether you opt for the full luxury experience by staying at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa or simply enjoy the hot springs with a Tabacon day pass, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The combination of the natural beauty, the therapeutic hot springs, and the luxurious atmosphere makes Tabacon stand out from other hot springs in the La Fortuna area. It’s a true Costa Rican paradise and a must-visit for anyone exploring the region! I’m already looking forward to my third visit and hope to be back again soon.
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