Imagine lowering yourself into warm, mineral-rich water as the jungle breathes around you, howler monkeys call from somewhere deep in the canopy overhead, and through a break in the trees, the silhouette of one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes rises against the evening sky. This is Arenal, Costa Rica — and no description quite does it justice until you are actually there.
The Arenal region, centred around the town of La Fortuna in Alajuela province, is Costa Rica’s most visited destination — and for good reason. It packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a single, accessible area: a legendary active volcano, some of the best natural hot springs in Costa Rica, a dramatic waterfall, wildlife-rich rainforest, and an adventure activity scene that draws travelers from every corner of the world.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting Arenal, Costa Rica — with a special focus on the hot springs that have made this region famous worldwide. From tickets and maps to the best natural hot springs in Costa Rica and local insider tips, this is your complete resource for planning an unforgettable trip.
“Arenal is not just a destination. It is an experience that stays in your body long after you leave.”
Arenal is located in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, in the canton of San Carlos in Alajuela Province. The region is anchored by La Fortuna de San Carlos — the small town that serves as the gateway to virtually everything the Arenal area has to offer.
La Fortuna sits approximately 130 kilometres northwest of San Jose, the capital, making it roughly a 3-hour drive via Route 702 through Zarcero, or slightly longer via Ciudad Quesada.
Arenal Volcano National Park, the hot springs corridor, and the La Fortuna Waterfall are all within a 10-kilometre radius of La Fortuna town centre — which is part of what makes this region so rewarding for visitors. You can move between major attractions quickly, leaving more time for the experiences themselves.
Local Tip: When planning your Arenal Costa Rica map route, position your accommodation along the main road between La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park entrance. This stretch — locally known as the hot springs road — places you within easy reach of both the town and the primary attractions.
Understanding Arenal’s weather is essential to planning your visit effectively. The region sits in Costa Rica’s Caribbean-influenced northern lowlands, which means it receives rainfall year-round — but the character of that rainfall changes significantly between seasons.
This is peak season in the Arenal region. Mornings are typically clear and sunny, afternoons occasionally bring brief showers, and evenings cool pleasantly.
Volcano views are most reliable during this period — though cloud cover can still obscure the summit unexpectedly. This is when the hot springs are most popular and accommodation prices are at their highest. Book well in advance.
The rainy season transforms Arenal into a dramatically lush, intensely green landscape. Rain falls more frequently — often in heavy afternoon downpours — but mornings are usually clear and wildlife activity increases significantly as the forest responds to the moisture.
Prices drop, crowds thin, and the La Fortuna Waterfall runs at its most powerful and spectacular. Experienced travelers often prefer green season precisely for these reasons.
Weather Tip: Whatever time of year you visit, pack a quality waterproof layer and embrace the unpredictability. Some of the most memorable Arenal experiences — soaking in hot springs as warm rain falls through the jungle canopy — happen precisely because of the weather, not in spite of it.
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks and, until recently, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. Rising 1,670 metres above the surrounding rainforest, Arenal has shaped everything around it — the landscape, the hot springs, the national park, and the entire regional identity.
Arenal’s most significant eruption in modern history occurred on July 29, 1968 — a catastrophic event that destroyed three villages, killed approximately 87 people, and completely reshaped the volcano’s cone.
From 1968 onward, Arenal entered a period of near-continuous activity, regularly producing lava flows, pyroclastic material, and spectacular nighttime lava displays that made it one of the world’s most-photographed active volcanoes.
In 2010, Arenal entered a resting phase — a period of significantly reduced activity that scientists believe may continue for years or decades. The volcano is considered dormant rather than extinct, and geological monitoring continues.
What this means for visitors today is that the dramatic lava flows of past decades are not currently visible — but the volcanic landscape, the geothermal energy that powers the hot springs, and the sheer physical presence of the volcano remain as extraordinary as ever.
Arenal Volcano National Park offers hiking trails across old lava fields with exceptional views, wildlife observation, and the unique experience of walking through a landscape still shaped by geological forces.
Entry to the national park requires a ticket and is best combined with a guided tour for the richest experience.
The hot springs of Arenal, Costa Rica are among the most celebrated natural attractions in Central America — and they are the primary reason many visitors choose this region over all others.
Heated geothermally by the volcanic activity beneath the ground, the springs emerge at temperatures ranging from approximately 37 to 42 degrees Celsius, rich in minerals that are said to benefit the skin, muscles, and joints.
The hot springs are concentrated along the road between La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park entrance — a stretch that locals and guides refer to as the ‘hot springs road.
Here you will find everything from large resort complexes with multiple pool levels and waterslides to smaller, more intimate and natural settings that feel genuinely wild.
Large Resort Hot Springs
The Arenal region’s largest hot spring resorts — including Tabacon, Baldi, and Springs Resort — offer multiple pools at varying temperatures, restaurants, bars, swim-up service, and facilities ranging from locker rooms to full spa treatments.
These are social, lively environments that combine the natural hot springs experience with resort-level amenities. Day passes (Arenal hot springs day pass) are available at most large resorts and typically include access to all pools for a set period. Prices vary seasonally — book Arenal Costa Rica hot springs tickets in advance during peak season.
Ecotermales Hot Springs
Ecotermales Fortuna is one of the most highly regarded hot spring experiences in the Arenal region — and a consistent favourite among travelers who want a more intimate and authentic experience. With strict visitor limits that ensure the pools never feel crowded, natural landscaping that integrates the pools seamlessly into the surrounding jungle, and a philosophy centred on preserving the natural environment, Ecotermales offers something the larger resorts cannot: genuine tranquility.
Entry requires advance reservation, and the experience includes access to five pools at varying temperatures set within lush gardens. This is widely considered one of the best natural hot springs in Costa Rica.
Natural Hot Springs Costa Rica — The Wild Option
For travelers seeking the most natural hot springs Costa Rica experience, the Arenal region also offers access to natural thermal pools located directly on or near river beds where geothermal water mixes with cooler river currents.
These require local knowledge to reach safely — a guide is essential — but the experience of soaking in a wild, unstructured natural hot spring surrounded by primary rainforest, with no facilities, no timetables, and no other visitors, is one that most travelers describe as the highlight of their entire Costa Rica trip.
Ecoterra Tip: Our local guides know exactly where the best natural hot springs in Costa Rica are located near La Fortuna — including spots that do not appear on any public map. We include natural hot spring visits in several of our Arenal day tours and multi-day packages.
No visit to the Arenal region is complete without experiencing the La Fortuna Waterfall — one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica and a destination in its own right. Located approximately 5.5 kilometres south of La Fortuna town, the waterfall plunges 75 metres into a turquoise pool at the base of a dramatic volcanic canyon, surrounded by dense primary rainforest.
The descent to the waterfall involves approximately 500 steps — steep in sections, and requiring good footwear and a moderate level of fitness. The effort is rewarded by one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the country
The pool at the base is cool and swimmable, the mist from the falls is refreshing in any season, and the forest around the waterfall is alive with birds, butterflies, and the constant sound of rushing water.
Entry to the La Fortuna Waterfall requires a ticket, available at the entrance gate. Combination tickets that include waterfall access alongside hot springs visits or guided tours are available through operators including Ecoterra Costa Rica and represent excellent value.
The waterfall is at its most dramatic during and after the rainy season when water volume is highest.
The Arenal region offers one of the most diverse activity menus of any destination in Costa Rica. Here are the top experiences to consider alongside your hot springs visit:
Accommodation in the Arenal region ranges from budget-friendly hostels in La Fortuna town to world-class eco-lodges and luxury resorts with private hot spring pools and direct volcano views. Here is how to think about your options:
La Fortuna town centre offers the greatest concentration of restaurants, shops, tour operators, and services. Staying here gives you flexibility and access to everything — though you will need transport to reach the hot springs and national park. Ideal for independent travelers and those on a tighter budget.
The stretch of road between La Fortuna and the national park entrance is where most of the major Arenal Costa Rica resorts and eco-lodges are located. Many properties here offer their own private hot spring pools — a genuine luxury that allows you to soak under the stars without leaving your accommodation.
This is the most popular option for couples, honeymooners, and travelers prioritising the hot springs experience.
The Arenal region has a strong tradition of sustainable tourism, and several of its finest properties are certified eco-lodges that combine exceptional comfort with genuine environmental commitment.
These properties typically offer natural hot springs, direct wildlife sightings from terraces and rooms, and guided experiences led by local naturalists. Ecoterra Costa Rica works with several of the region’s best sustainable properties and can recommend accommodation matched to your priorities and budget.
Ecoterra Costa Rica is based 1.5km west of La Fortuna Waterfall — in the heart of the Arenal region, not in a city office hundreds of kilometres away. Our team lives here, hikes these trails, knows these hot springs, and has personal relationships with the guides, drivers, and local operators who make every experience exceptional.
Whether you are planning a single day in Arenal or building a multi-day Costa Rica itinerary around La Fortuna, we design experiences that go beyond the guidebook — combining the region’s iconic attractions with the local knowledge that only comes from genuinely living in a place.
PLAN YOUR ARENAL ADVENTURE WITH ECOTERRA
Hot Springs. Waterfalls. Volcanoes. Wildlife. We Handle Everything.
From Arenal hot springs day passes and La Fortuna waterfall tours to custom multi-day Arenal itineraries, Ecoterra Costa Rica designs and manages every detail of your experience. Contact us today — our team is available 7 days a week and responds within hours.
CONTACT ECOTERRA COSTA RICA
Monday – Sunday: 7am to 9pm
1.5km west from La Fortuna Waterfall street, La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Toll Free CR: 8008008333
Main Office: +506 4000 1462
WhatsApp: +506 8591 3482
With a passion for tropical wildlife and sustainable tourism, Emily brings the magic of Costa Rica directly to her readers. She spends her time exploring the hidden waterfalls, cloud forests, and diverse ecosystems surrounding La Fortuna. Emily’s mission is to share insider travel tips that help guests connect authentically with local culture and nature.
Children’s Eternal Rainforest Costa Rica: Wildlife, Trails & Visitor Guide
Sloth Watching Tour in La Fortuna: Where and How to See Sloths in Costa Rica
Juan Castro Blanco National Park: Complete Guide to Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest Reserve
Wildlife Watching in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Best Tours, Species and Seasons
Monteverde Hanging Bridges Guide: Best Parks, Prices, and What to Expect