One more dip in the hot springs before leaving the hot springs capital. This one, as the name suggests, is free and is located right by the fancy 5-Star Tabacón Resort meaning the source of natural springs is perhaps the same. That being said, it’s a no-brainer to make a quick stop to find out what it’s like and if I prefer this local’s favorite hangout spot or two other hot springs we visited earlier, including Rio Negro Hot Springs and Termalitas. The atmosphere was quite nice covered under the dense vegetation; very little noise from the traffic despite being right beneath the major road (Rt. 142) in Arenal. Water temperature, however, was just about 36~38C and was far from what I like in hot springs. The current of the river can be pretty high at places, and you'll be walking on slippery rocky surface. Bring a pair of water shoes or sturdy sandals unless you are accustomed to walk bare feet on gravel and rocks. No facilities or changing stations whatsoever. Come prepared. Locals came prepared with coolers full of booze, ice, food and snacks. I can totally see people hanging out here socializing for a number of hours. Free parking is available alongside Rt. 142; some locals hang out there to ask for suggested donations. All in all, it is an okay alternative to other facilities being the free natural hot springs.

etc

Costa Rica, CR, Pura Vida, Tabacón, Free Natural Hot Springs

La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

time : Dec 14, 2019 4:23 PM

duration : 0h 33m 55s

distance : 0.6 mi

total_ascent : 59 ft

highest_point : 1606 ft

avg_speed : 1.1 mi/h

user_id : NomadHeeday

user_firstname : Heeday

user_lastname : Nakahashi

One more dip in the hot springs before leaving the hot springs capital. This one, as the name suggests, is free and is located right by the fancy 5-Star Tabacón Resort meaning the source of natural springs is perhaps the same. That being said, it’s a no-brainer to make a quick stop to find out what it’s like and if I prefer this local’s favorite hangout spot or two other hot springs we visited earlier, including Rio Negro Hot Springs and Termalitas. The atmosphere was quite nice covered under the dense vegetation; very little noise from the traffic despite being right beneath the major road (Rt. 142) in Arenal. Water temperature, however, was just about 36~38C and was far from what I like in hot springs. The current of the river can be pretty high at places, and you'll be walking on slippery rocky surface. Bring a pair of water shoes or sturdy sandals unless you are accustomed to walk bare feet on gravel and rocks. No facilities or changing stations whatsoever. Come prepared. Locals came prepared with coolers full of booze, ice, food and snacks. I can totally see people hanging out here socializing for a number of hours. Free parking is available alongside Rt. 142; some locals hang out there to ask for suggested donations. All in all, it is an okay alternative to other facilities being the free natural hot springs.