Baldi Hot Springs
Costa Rica's largest hot springs resort with 25 geothermal pools, lush jungle, volcano views, and spa services.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical ambiance
Baldi Hot Springs
Best Time
Magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Costa Rica's largest hot springs resort with 25 geothermal pools, lush jungle, volcano views, and spa services.
"The highlight of my trip, I should've stayed here the whole time!"
Bring Cash for Drinks
Swim-up bars and some services may only accept cash, so be prepared!
Book Day Pass with Meals
Consider a day pass with lunch or dinner, but be aware meals can be repetitive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 25 Geothermal Pools
Throughout the resort
Explore a vast array of pools, each with unique temperatures, some featuring waterfalls and swim-up bars.
Volcano Views
Various vantage points
Enjoy stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano as you relax in the warm waters.
Water Slides
Designated areas
Experience thrilling slides for a fun-filled adventure amidst the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King (Sometimes)
Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Drinks
Swim-up bars and some services may only accept cash, so be prepared!
Book Day Pass with Meals
Consider a day pass with lunch or dinner, but be aware meals can be repetitive.
Explore All Pools
Don't stick to one! Each of the 25 pools offers a different temperature and experience.
Stay Hydrated
While water might not be in rooms, remember to drink plenty of water, especially in the hot springs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Drinks
Swim-up bars and some services may only accept cash, so be prepared!
Book Day Pass with Meals
Consider a day pass with lunch or dinner, but be aware meals can be repetitive.
Explore All Pools
Don't stick to one! Each of the 25 pools offers a different temperature and experience.
Stay Hydrated
While water might not be in rooms, remember to drink plenty of water, especially in the hot springs.
Check Slide Safety
Some slides might have shallow landing pools; be cautious.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baldi Hot Springs is widely praised for its extensive collection of 25 geothermal pools, offering a unique temperature for everyone and stunning volcano views. Many visitors consider it a highlight of their Costa Rica trip and recommend the spa services. However, some guests have encountered issues with cash-only policies for certain services and found the food to be repetitive.
"I came for my birthday and purchased a day pass with dinner and a massage. This was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip. I should’ve stayed at the resort the whole time and that’s the only thing I would’ve done different. The massage was absolutely wonderful. I’m obsessed with the hot springs. The staff is nice. The only thing is, their card machines were down when I got there so I had to get enough cash for my massage. But the staff directed me into town where I could go to the ATM and get cash after the bank was closed and came back. They have lockers, a gift shop, lounge chairs by the springs, maps throughout the area and swim up bars in some of the springs. I loved this place and didn’t want to leave. And if I go back to Costa Rica, I would definitely come here. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is the dinner there. But everything else was terrific. 100/10 would recommend."
Elle
"First, I would like to say that Baldi is one of my wife’s favorite stops in Costa Rica. We typically stop at least once a year to this beautiful resort. It is still beautiful, but buyer beware of the following: for our most recent trip the booking was reserved with a credit card but when we arrived at the facility, we were told that we had to pay in cash. Most travelers do not have that much cash to pay for one night…let alone more than one night.
No cash, No deal!
No welcome drink was provided on this trip as was more typical for prior visits. Furthermore, if you wanted to have a mini bar service in the room a cash payment of $150 was required (in cash) to reserve the mini bar service. No water was provided in the room this trip, even upon request. We had to go outside to purchase water this visit.
I typically do not write reviews. But I think, knowing about this new cash requirement in advance would have been helpful"
Carl McDougall
"We had a great day exploring the different pools, there were plenty to hop between, each offering something unique and variety of pool temperatures, which made it easy to find something comfortable. The hidden sauna was a nice surprise, and the water slides were extreme and fun.
One slide near the kids area could use a deeper landing pool. I hit the bottom both times I tried it and hit my elbow on the second ride.
Parking was plentiful, even on a Saturday, and I liked that the changing rooms were separate from the restrooms.
My only complaint was about the drinks. They were overpriced and not so good, with barely any alcohol. Plus, they only accepted cash, which is pretty inconvenient when you're in swimwear. Not many people carry cash while in a pool area, credit card payment should definitely be an option."
Neel Tri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baldi Hot Springs is located in La Fortuna, about a 3-hour drive from San Jose, Costa Rica. You can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or arrange for private transportation. Many tours also include transportation from San Jose.
Yes, Baldi Hot Springs is situated in La Fortuna, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, offering scenic views.
Taxis are readily available in La Fortuna for getting around. If you're staying at the resort, you might not need much transportation within the immediate area.
While possible, it would involve multiple transfers and is generally less convenient than shuttles or private transport for tourists.
Yes, many tour operators offer day trips to Baldi Hot Springs, often including transportation, meals, and sometimes even a guide.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day passes vary, with prices around $44 for tourists and $27 for Costa Rican nationals. Some passes include lunch or dinner.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, as rooms and even day passes can sell out.
The hot springs are typically open until 10 PM, allowing for a relaxing evening experience.
Yes, day passes often include lunch or dinner, though some reviewers suggest the food can be repetitive if you have both.
Yes, discounted day passes are available for children, typically for ages 6-10.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Baldi Hot Springs boasts an impressive 25 geothermal pools, making it one of the largest hot spring resorts.
Absolutely! The pools range in temperature, with some being hotter closer to the volcano and others offering cooler options.
Amenities include swim-up bars, water slides, lockers, lounge chairs, and a gift shop. Some pools have waterfalls.
Yes, Baldi Hot Springs offers spa services, including massages, which many visitors highly recommend.
The hot springs are naturally heated by volcanic activity from the Arenal Volcano, and are believed to contain minerals with healing properties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food quality is generally considered good, but some guests find the buffet meals repetitive if you opt for both lunch and dinner.
Drinks can be overpriced and may not contain much alcohol. Be aware that some bars may only accept cash.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, especially if you are not staying overnight.
If you are staying overnight at the resort, breakfast is typically included. Day passes may or may not include meals.
Baldi offers buffet-style dining, and some reviews mention a good buffet. There are also swim-up bars for drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots with the Arenal Volcano in the background, the lush jungle surroundings, and the various unique pools.
Yes, with many open areas and diverse pool designs, there are plenty of opportunities for great photos. Consider a waterproof phone case.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted for privacy and safety reasons. It's best to check with the resort directly before flying.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic opportunities.
The cascading waterfalls within the pools and the panoramic views of the volcano are highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the different pools, parents can find areas with varying temperatures to suit everyone's comfort. It's a good idea to pack swim diapers if needed and to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water slides, as some landing pools might be shallower than expected.
The sheer variety of pools ensures that there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.💰 Budget Travelers
Look for passes that include lunch or dinner to save on additional food costs. It's also worth comparing prices from different tour operators, as some may offer better deals on day passes with transportation included. Be prepared for potentially higher prices on drinks at the swim-up bars and remember that some may only accept cash, so carrying some local currency is essential.
💖 Couples & Relaxation Seekers
Consider booking a couples massage at the spa for an extra touch of indulgence; many guests rave about the quality of the massages. Visiting in the evening can be particularly magical, with the pools lit up and a more tranquil atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 25 Pools: A Temperature Tour
Some pools feature unique elements like swim-up bars, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing drink without leaving the water.
Others have gentle waterfalls that provide a soothing massage effect. Exploring all 25 pools is part of the adventure, as each one offers a slightly different ambiance and thermal sensation. It's a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening, moving from one pool to another to experience the full spectrum of Baldi's offerings. While the sheer number of pools is impressive, it's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned that certain slides might have shallow landing pools, so caution is advised.
Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay: Making the Choice
These passes often include access to all the pools, and some packages bundle in lunch or dinner, offering a convenient way to enjoy the highlights of Baldi. However, many visitors, upon experiencing the magic of Baldi, express a wish that they had stayed longer.
When considering an overnight stay, be aware of the resort's policies, particularly regarding payment. Some reviews have highlighted a recent shift towards requiring cash payments for certain services or even for the entire stay, which can be inconvenient for international travelers.
The Arenal Volcano's Influence
This unique geological setting provides not only the warm waters but also breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic volcano, especially during clear days. These volcanic waters are believed by many to possess therapeutic properties, rich in minerals that can help alleviate rheumatic and joint ailments.
The natural heating process means that temperatures can vary significantly across the resort's 25 pools, with those closer to the volcano's influence being the hottest. This natural phenomenon creates a dynamic and ever-changing thermal landscape for guests to explore. Experiencing the hot springs with the imposing silhouette of Arenal Volcano in the background adds a dramatic and unforgettable element to the visit. It's a constant reminder of the powerful natural forces at play, enhancing the sense of relaxation and connection to the earth.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit