One of the major attractions of the Arenal Volcano is the thermally heated hotsprings that are thermally heated by the volcano. The river that passes under the volcano is heated by the lava heat and heats the river to 40 degrees Celsius and then cools as it heads down stream.

The most famous hot springs in the area is the Tabacon Hotsprings (that can booked through La Mansion Arenal Hotel). They are located at the foot of the volcano and there is also a world impressive spa there as well, it is rated the #1 in Central America.

Another popular Hotsprings is the Baldi Hotsprings that are located near the town of La Fortuna. These are by far the more touristy hotsprings as they are always full and it does have a rather Disney feel to it. However a great experience.

The best ones by far are the Ecotermales Hotsprings which are located in a private reserve just across the road from the Baldi Hotsprings. You can only go with a reservation and the property is owned by a Tico Family who limit the number of entrants into the springs. Typically you will never find more than 30 people in them.

It is said throughout Costa Rica that the pools have healing powers and many people have talked about being cured by the power of the hotsprings. A great tour to do in the area is the Arenal Volcano Hike with Hotsprings at night. This way you get to explore the volcano and afterwards relax in the hotsprings while watching the lava glow as it flows down the volcano.