Hot Springs in Costa Rica Are the New Spa Vacation

[Shannon Farley]

For those looking to relax and detoxify their bodies, hot springs in Costa Rica are the “new, hot destination.”

Hot springs have been treasured for centuries by people all over the world for their therapeutic benefits. Luxuriant warm water rich in minerals like sulfur, silica, calcium, iron and magnesium are rejuvenating, detoxifying and relaxing. Not to mention great for stress reduction. Reported health benefits of hot springs include relief from arthritis, fibromyalgia, skin conditions, and high blood pressure.

 

Now hot springs in Costa Rica are even more accessible than ever with nonstop flights to Liberia, Costa Rica, in the northern Guanacaste region, from the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Less than an hour from the Liberia International Airport, the sprawling ranch of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin at the foot of the magnificent Rincon de la Vieja Volcano features beautiful and relaxing volcanic hot springs at Rio Negro (“Black River”). The hot springs are heated naturally by this largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. In and around the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you can see steam vents, bubbling volcanic mud pits, thermal springs and waterfalls.

 

Surrounded by thick forest, the pristine Rio Negro flows through 10 man-made pools that Hacienda Guachipelin has created to capture the steaming mineral-rich water. You access pools (of varying temperatures) on both sides of the river by two hanging bridges. Heated volcanic clay is available to smooth all over like a “spa body masque.”

There are changing rooms, bathrooms and lockers at the hot springs entrance. From there, you walk an easy trail less than a quarter-mile (350 meters) through the forest to the hot springs pools. Watch for monkeys, Blue Morpho butterflies and other wildlife along the way.

The Costa Rica eco-hotel offers tours to the hot springs with a fun horseback ride, or you can drive 15 minutes in your own vehicle from the hotel. The very popular One Day Adventure Pass and One Day Nature Pass at Hacienda Guachipelin also both include a visit to the Rio Negro Hot Springs.

 

Open: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Entrance is complimentary for hotel guests, or costs $20 for adult visitors; $15 for children (4-11 years).

For a more private spa experience, visit the hotel’s Simbiosis Spa & Hot Springs. On the banks of the Colorado River at the Hacienda Guachipelin Ranch, Simbiosis Spa features volcanic mud baths, volcanic clay water hot springs pools in the forest, a sauna, massages and body treatments, and a reception area with dressing rooms. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Entrance is $15 for adults and $10 for children (4-11 years, and does not include massages or body treatments.