Hot Springs and Thermal Resorts: Onsen, Thermae and Volcanic Pools
How to bathe in a Japanese onsen, an Alpine thermal bath or a volcanic pool in Costa Rica, how long to soak and who should take care.
10.60° N · 85.70° W · Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Families and active couples who want beaches, wildlife and volcano hot springs in one trip.
Local time
Costa Rica fits rainforest, volcanoes, cloud forest and two coastlines into a country you can cross by car in a long day. The northern Pacific province of Guanacaste, served by Liberia airport, is its driest corner: golden beaches backed by tropical dry forest, steady sunshine in the dry season and sunsets over the Pacific. Howler monkeys are often the first sound of the morning, and wildlife comes to the terrace as readily as to the national parks.
The country suits families and active couples who like their resort stay mixed with adventure: zip lines, river rafting, surf lessons and hot springs at the foot of a volcano. Wellness has a natural home on the Nicoya Peninsula, where yoga retreats line the surf beaches of Nosara and Santa Teresa. National parks and reserves cover a large share of the land, and nature sets the rhythm of most days.
When to go
The year in Costa Rica
December to April is the dry season in Guanacaste: sunny, hot and breezy, with little rain. From May to August the green season brings clear mornings and afternoon showers, and July often has a drier spell. September and October are the wettest months on the Pacific side, when some roads become difficult and some lodges close. November is a good transition, as the rain eases and the landscape is at its greenest.
Typical long term values, indicative. Weather in any single year can differ.
Where to stay
Resort styles here
Around the Gulf of Papagayo, near Liberia, large resorts with golf courses and family facilities sit on sheltered bays. Further south on the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara, Santa Teresa and the beaches near Tamarindo have smaller hotels, surf schools and wellness retreats a short walk from the sand. Inland, lodges near the Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes offer hot springs and rainforest walks, while the Osa Peninsula in the far south has remote eco lodges in the jungle.
Getting there
Liberia has seasonal nonstop flights from a few European cities, around 12 hours, and connections through the United States; San José is the gateway for the centre and south. From Liberia, the Papagayo resorts are about 30 minutes by car, and the Nicoya beaches further south an hour and a half or more.
Guides that mention Costa Rica
Read before you go
