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After driving round and round for the best cheap hot springs in La Fortuna, our tour guide for our wildlife safari float told us about Relax Termalitas Hot Springs.
With a view of Arenal Volcano, a waterslide, multiple thermal pools (each with varying temperatures and styles), fun neon lights, and even pool bars, it’s an unmissable hot spring to visit on a budget.
I can definitely say that Relax Termalitas is worthy of your time and money—and they have cheap day passes! 💦
While there are natural (free) hot springs around Arenal, most of them are found tucked inside some top-tier resorts with hot springs in La Fortuna.
Relax Termalitas is also a hotel, but luckily you can get very affordable nightly rates and even day passes to soak in the springs if you are not an overnight guest.
The best part about this particular hot spring is that it’s not yet discovered by the masses and is an overlooked gem!
Read more below to get a glimpse of how awesome Relax Termalitas Hot Springs is, especially if you are looking for more local and budget-friendly (and family-friendly) hot springs in La Fortuna. 🇨🇷
Relax Termalitas — Best Cheap Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Where Is Relax Termalitas Located in La Fortuna?
You will probably drive right by Relax Termalitas Hot Springs Resort without even knowing it!
Here is the address and its opening hours:
- 📍 F8HG+4G7, 142, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica (directions)
- ⏰ From 9AM to 10PM
- 📞 +506 8643 0246
- 👉 Check the nightly rate to stay at the resort
If you are coming from Arenal, you will pass by it on your way to downtown La Fortuna.
Nearby these springs are a handful more, notably:
- Baldi Hot Springs Resort ($$$)
- Hotel Palmera Hot Springs ($)
- Termalitas Arenal (not to be confused with Relax Termalitas!)
- Loma Real Hotel & Hot Springs ($$)
- Ecotermales Fortuna
Cost of Relax Termalitas Day Pass
Can you just use the pools at Relax Termalitas without being a guest? Yes! Day passes are offered.
The price of the day pass for Relax Termalitas is 4000 colones (cash only) for both adults and children.
That works out to about $7 USD per person which is MUCH cheaper than some of the more popular hot spring resorts in La Fortuna (like Baldi).
Tip: In Costa Rica, most businesses accept colones or US dollars, so whichever you have will do! ✨
If you have a family member who wants to join your party but does not wish to use the pools or facilities themself, then they can pay 3000 colones for entry.
If you are a guest at the Relax Termalitas hotel, then access to the pools, gardens, bars, etc., is included with your stay.
Here is what a guest at the hotel had to say about her overnight experience at the resort. 👇
“We live in Costa Rica and frequently travel to La Fortuna. We were so impressed by this brand new hot spring facility and lodging option! The hot springs were immaculate.
Sue, guest at RElax Termalitas Hot Springs Resort (review via booking.com)
The diversity of pools offer something for everyone (deep, shallow, jacuzzi, slides, shade, sun, variety of temperatures). Lovely gardens. Friendly and very helpful staff. The rooms (newly converted containers) were perfect. Soft beds and linens, super clean, a porch with a view of the volcano. Breakfast was delivered to us in the morning and was a delicious Tico breakfast.
More than anything it was VERY affordable (and you can bring your own food and beverages, even cook on grills or purchase from the small restaurant out front for very affordable prices. With a spot like this, there is no reason to pay a lot of money for other locations (it is all the same volcanic water!!!).”
The Hot Springs Pools at Relax Termalitas
There are about seven total hot springs pools at Relax Termalitas—all heated at different temperatures.
But that’s not all!
There is also a pool for cold water plunges, kid-friendly pools and waterslides, adult-only pool bars, barbecue grills, covered huts with picnic seating, shower/bathroom facilities, and even a restaurant and ice cream shop.
What’s even cooler about Relax Termalitas is that you won’t find boring thermal pools in undecorated concrete.
The hot springs pools all have unique shapes; some have bars in the middle, others are connected by stairs and tiered like a waterfall, etc.
All are surrounded by tropical flora and cozy lights that together create a fun atmosphere (especially at night).
Our favorite thermal pool happens to be the one with the big waterslide.
This is also the hottest thermal pool at Relax Termalitas, with temperatures up to 104 F as you near the waterfall (where the water comes out the hottest).
Not to miss is the waterslide! It is much longer and faster than it appears and is very fun!
If you have the chance to visit Relax Termalitas during the day, you will be rewarded with wonderful views of Arenal Volcano.
But if you want a fun and lively ambiance that feels like a mix between a waterpark and a resort spa, then visit at night!
On that note, buy your drinks and snacks and go early to snag one of the cool pool huts before the crowds arrive.
Overall, Relax Termalitas did an awesome job at mimicking natural thermal springs despite being enclosed in a budget-friendly resort.
For now, they’re definitely one of the better cheaper hot springs in La Fortuna to visit.
Should You Stay at Relax Termalitas Hot Springs Resort?
For budget-friendly travelers, families, and backpackers, Relax Termalitas offers awesome value that I think often gets overlooked by some of the more Insta-popular (read: expensive) hot spring resorts in the Arenal area.
I cannot speak for the experience of staying overnight at the resort, but I do know that, so far, they’ve had great reviews.
Obviously, the stay is not as luxurious as some other hot spring resorts in La Fortuna. But that’s also what makes it attractive!
For example, a Double Room at Relax Termalitas will cost around $82 USD per night (based on current Booking.com rates).
If you have a larger group, a Triple or Quadruple room for 3-4 guests costs between $100-$125, which is decent when split up per person.
➡️ Book your stay at Relax Termalitas Hot Springs Resort and get all-day free access to the thermal pools!
That’s the kicker, too—Relax Termalitas IS totally Insta-worthy, but it’s also the local’s go-to hot spring on a budget.
You will definitely be among more national and local guests and tourists at Relax Termalitas.
In sum, if you’re looking for an affordable hot spring experience in Costa Rica, then you can’t go wrong with Relax Termalitas in La Fortuna. 🌿 💦
If you have any questions about these volcanic-heated thermal springs in La Fortuna, please drop me a comment below!
Make your time in La Fortuna even better with these two experiences:
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Is there food on site if we are planning on a day pass? Do we need to pay ahead or just show up?
There is a little snack bar with food + drinks. And you can just show up and pay on arrival!
Are these really naturally heated hot springs? Not just pools? What a great price! Do you book ahead? What are their hours?
Yes naturally heated, just curated and landscaped at a small resort 🙂 no need to book ahead, you can just show up and purchase a day pass (free parking too). Open hours on Google show 9am-9pm daily!