There are places in the world that manage to engage all the senses at once—places where sound, sight, scent, and touch blend into something unforgettable. Tabacón Hot Springs and Spa, nestled at the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano, is one of those rare places. More than a tour, more than a spa, Tabacón is an experience that stays with you long after you leave Costa Rica.
If you are traveling in the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna area, visiting Tabacón is, without a doubt, one of the top ten must-do experiences in the country. I have been there many times, and each visit feels just as magical as the first. It is a place where nature does all the work—you simply show up, slow down, and let the rainforest and thermal waters do the rest.
A Tropical Oasis Born from a Volcano
Tabacón is not a man-made hot spring complex filled with concrete pools and artificial water heating. Quite the opposite. These are natural thermal waters, heated deep within the earth by the geothermal power of Arenal Volcano itself.
From the volcano’s base, hot mineral water bubbles up and flows downhill, forming a series of natural thermal rivers, pools, lagoons, and cascading waterfalls. The water winds through dense primary rainforest, surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and exotic flowers in every direction.
As you soak, you are immersed in nature:
- The sound of water gently gurgling over rocks
- The songs of tropical birds echoing through the forest
- The occasional rustle of leaves as wildlife moves nearby
And in the distance—sometimes visible, sometimes hidden behind clouds—you can see Arenal Volcano, rumbling, steaming, and occasionally spitting glowing rocks down its slopes. Few places in the world allow you to relax in hot springs while watching an active volcano. Tabacón is one of them.
A Network of Natural Pools and Waterfalls
One of the most remarkable features of Tabacón is the sheer variety of its thermal pools. There is no single pool here—there are dozens of naturally formed soaking areas, each with a slightly different temperature, depth, and atmosphere.
Some pools are:
- Warm and gently flowing, perfect for long, meditative soaking
- Hotter and more secluded, tucked away beneath thick foliage
- Located near waterfalls, where hot water pours over your shoulders like a natural massage
You are free to wander the grounds at your own pace, moving from pool to pool, discovering your personal favorite spot. Some visitors prefer the open areas where they can socialize; others seek out quiet corners where the only sounds are water and birdsong.
The gardens surrounding the pools are stunning—hundreds of flowering tropical plants, ferns, palms, and vines carefully preserved and maintained to feel wild yet accessible. Everything blends seamlessly into the rainforest environment.
An Experience That Changes with Time of Day
Tabacón is beautiful at any hour, but the experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit.
During the day, sunlight filters through the jungle canopy, creating shimmering reflections on the water’s surface. The colors of the plants and flowers are vibrant, and you can fully appreciate the landscape surrounding you.
In the late afternoon and early evening, the atmosphere becomes almost mystical. As dusk approaches, the air cools slightly while the water remains warm. Soft lighting illuminates the paths and pools, and steam rises gently into the night air. If the volcano is active, you may even see a crimson glow of lava in the distance after dark—an awe-inspiring sight that few experiences can rival.
It is easy to spend several hours here without ever checking the time.
Make a Day of It: The Tabacón Spa Experience
To truly elevate your visit, I highly recommend treating yourself to the Tabacón Spa. I have enjoyed spa treatments here multiple times, and I can honestly say they are exceptional.
The spa is located within the rainforest itself, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing water. Treatment rooms are private, serene, and designed to enhance relaxation rather than distract from it.
A wide range of treatments is offered, including:
- Swedish massages
- Deep muscle massages
- Volcanic mud treatments
- Body wraps and facials
I personally chose the deep muscle massage, a 45-minute treatment for $75.00, and it was worth every penny. The therapist was highly skilled, attentive, and professional. After the massage, stepping directly into the hot springs—especially under one of the warm waterfalls—was pure bliss. Muscles melted, tension disappeared, and I felt completely renewed.
Important tip: While entrance to the hot springs does not require advance reservations, spa and massage treatments absolutely do. Book these ahead of time, especially during high season.
Dining at Tabacón: A Perfect Complement
After hours of soaking and relaxing, hunger naturally follows. Conveniently, you don’t have to leave paradise to eat well. Dining is available right at Tabacón, just steps away from the hot springs.
You can choose lunch or dinner, with menus offering a fresh and appealing mix of:
- Traditional Costa Rican dishes
- International cuisine
- Fresh salads, seafood, meats, and vegetarian options
The quality of the food matches the quality of the surroundings—fresh, well-prepared, and satisfying without being heavy. Dining here allows you to extend your day of relaxation without rushing back to town.
Staying Overnight: Tabacón Lodge
For those who want the full experience, staying at the Tabacón Lodge is highly recommended. The lodge is located within walking distance of the hot springs, nestled in beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.
Imagine this:
- You step onto your balcony and hear howler monkeys calling from nearby trees
- You relax in your room while listening to Arenal Volcano roaring like a lion, occasionally spitting fire from its summit
- You fall asleep surrounded by rainforest sounds and wake to misty mountain air
The lodge offers:
- Comfortable, well-appointed rooms
- A swimming pool fed by thermal waters
- Another excellent on-site restaurant
- A fabulous gift shop featuring local crafts and souvenirs
The atmosphere is peaceful, romantic, and perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking to unwind.
Packages, Honeymoons, and Practical Tips
The Tabacón Lodge offers honeymoon packages and bundled deals that combine:
- Lodging
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Spa and massage treatments
These packages are often a better value than booking each element separately.
High season is:
- Mid-November through mid-April
- July through mid-August
During these times, hotel reservations are a must and should be made well in advance. While hot springs entrance tickets are generally available without reservations, spa treatments are not—book early.
For current pricing on lodging and packages, it’s best to check the official website by searching:
- Tabacón Hot Springs and Spa
- Tabacón Lodge Costa Rica
Personal Experience and Final Thoughts
On one visit, my husband and I stayed overnight at the lodge. We paid approximately $150 for one night (including taxes), which included:
- A comfortable standard room with a view of Arenal Volcano
- A full gourmet buffet breakfast
- Entrance to the Tabacón Hot Springs
Considering the quality of the experience, it felt like an exceptional value.
Tabacón is not just about soaking in warm water. It is about connecting with Costa Rica’s natural power, slowing your pace, and allowing yourself to be present in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
Whether you visit for a few hours, a full day, or several nights, Tabacón Hot Springs and Spa delivers an experience that truly lives up to its reputation as Costa Rica’s best hot springs experience.
So if your travels bring you to the Arenal area, don’t hesitate. Treat yourself. Pamper yourself. Immerse yourself in rainforest, steam, and volcanic warmth.
Have a wonderful time—and as Costa Ricans say so perfectly:
“Pura Vida.”