EC EscapeCostaRica.com
Find Your Escape →
Menu ☰
09 · THERMAL RIVER SOAK · CODE 113328P63

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa Natural Hot Springs Day Pass with Meal

Unwind in Costa Rica’s premier free-flowing thermal river resort, where magma-heated mineral streams cascade through manicured rainforest gardens at temperatures ranging from 77°F to 105°F, followed by a gourmet meal.

Primary Escape Category: Relaxing Escapes
Destination Visited: Tabacón Thermal River Gardens at the base of Arenal Volcano
Actual Departure Point: Check-in at Tabacón Thermal Resort reception on Route 142 (15 min west of La Fortuna town)
Pickup Arrangements: Direct resort reception check-in; easy 15-minute taxi or rental car drive from any La Fortuna hotel
Verified Duration & Format: 4–8 hrs · Reserved thermal river pass with lunch or dinner
Main Inclusions: Full access to Tabacón's naturally heated volcanic river pools, cascading thermal waterfalls, towel, locker, and culinary lunch or dinner
Additional Charges / Exclusions: Spa massage treatments, premium bar beverages, and hotel taxi transfer
Participation Requirements: Advance reservation required as daily visitor capacity is strictly capped; bring swimwear and sandals
Why It Fits: The gold standard for couples and travelers who want an unhurried, restorative soak in authentic gravity-fed volcanic waters rather than artificial pools.
View on Viator (See Current Price & Availability) → Check Availability on GetYourGuide →
Warm sunset glow over tranquil waters surrounded by tropical foliage
Verified Partner Rating: ★ 4.8 across 310 verified Viator traveler reviews. Final site selection and participation depend on operator safety assessment and weather/sea conditions on the day of your outing.
Affiliate Disclosure: Tour buttons link to verified Viator or GetYourGuide listings, and hotel buttons link to Agoda. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you book on the partner platform. Read full disclosure →

Relevant Alternatives to Compare

Broad curtain waterfall plunging into a shaded jungle swimming pool in Costa Rica 04 · RELAXING NATURE DAY ★ 4.9 (1,000)
Playas del Coco & Papagayo · 6–8 hrs · Private or small-group full-day excursion

Sloth Watching, Coffee, Chocolate & Llanos de Cortés Waterfall Escape

A gentle, sensory day away from your resort combining a curtain-waterfall swim at Llanos de Cortés, an artisanal coffee and cacao roasting experience, and a guided walk through a quiet riverside sloth and frog habitat.

Destination Visited: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall (Bagaces) & Bijagua rainforest sanctuary
Actual Departure Point: Hotel pickup across Playas del Coco, Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, Flamingo & Tamarindo (approx. 7:30 AM)
Included: Guided sloth walk, hands-on coffee & cacao tasting, Llanos de Cortés waterfall admission, local lunch, round-trip transport
Additional / Excluded: Alcoholic beverages and optional guide gratuities
Requirements: Easy-to-moderate walking on flat sanctuary paths plus short stairway down to the waterfall pool; all ages welcome
From $160 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Traveler overlooking the conical peak of Arenal Volcano framed by lush rainforest 08 · ARENAL TRIPLE CROWN ★ 4.9 (1,879)
La Fortuna & Arenal · 7–8 hrs · Small-group naturalist-guided signature day trip

La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano Combo

See La Fortuna’s three defining landscapes in one seamlessly coordinated day: cross rainforest suspension bridges at eye level with toucans and monkeys, descend to swim beneath the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall, and hike solidified lava flows at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Destination Visited: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall canyon & 1968 Arenal Lava Trails
Actual Departure Point: Hotel pickup across La Fortuna town and the Route 142 Arenal volcano corridor (early morning start)
Included: All 3 park admissions (Mistico Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano trail), naturalist guide, traditional lunch, hotel pickup
Additional / Excluded: Optional evening hot springs admission (can be added separately) and guide gratuities
Requirements: Must be comfortable climbing ~500 canyon steps at La Fortuna Waterfall; closed-toe hiking shoes required
From $154 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation