Free Hot Springs La Fortuna (El Choyin)

Arenal Volcano heats the relaxing water of El Choyin hot springs in La Fortuna, a perfect place to soak the muscles and destress. Best of all, it’s free to visit.

There are plenty of outdoor excursions in the La Fortuna area to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible nature – in particular Arenal Volcano National Park.

However, after a few days jam packed with adventures, your body will likely need a rest, and El Choyin hot springs is the perfect place to let your muscles recover.

Arenal Volcano heats the thermal river to a lovely temperature – not too hot, not too cold – and you can spend a while in the water without needing to get out.

I loved these free hot springs in La Fortuna and recommend anyone visiting the area to take advantage of them and the zen atmosphere.

In this guide to the free El Choyin hot springs (not the private resort with the same name), I’ll share how to get to the river, the best time to go, what to bring and what to avoid.

Where is El Choyin hot spring?

The free hot springs are 12 km outside of La Fortuna and sit right on the boundary of Arenal Volcano National Park. The river flows just a stone’s throw away from the Ruta Nacional Secundaria 142 and there are several private thermal spring resorts nearby.

A map showing the location of El Choyin hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. — Getting to El Choyin is easy via Ruta 142.

How to get to El Choyin hot spring

Whether you walk, bus, drive or taxi to El Choyin, you need to leave La Fortuna heading northwest on Ruta 142, which brings you the whole way.

Walking to El Choyin would take you around 2 h 30 min. I don’t recommend this as it’s a long and potentially dangerous as the entire way is along a main road.

If you don’t have a vehicle, then hop on the bus or take a taxi. From La Fortuna terminal you can take a bus towards Tilaran and ask the driver to drop you at El Choyin. These leave 3 times per day and take around 30 min. You can see the schedule here. The bus shouldn’t cost much more than $1 US.

People walk barefoot through a shallow river. — There are usually at least a few people at El Choyin.

A quick heads up: I found bus schedules to be incredibly unreliable in Costa Rica. So, to confirm the schedule I’ve linked to, be sure to head down to the terminal and ask someone about bus times before you plan on going to El Choyin. Also ask at what time buses coming from Tilaran towards La Fortuna pass by El Choyin.

A taxi will get you to El Choyin much faster but also much more expensively. Expect to pay at least $15 US one way and for the journey to last roughly 20 min.

Tours to the free hot springs in La Fortuna

Your final option for getting to El Choyin is to pay for a tour. Make sure to clarify if the tour you’re interested in is to the free hot springs or 1 of the paid resorts nearby.

Seems as the entrance to El Choyin is free, if booking a tour, then you’re only really paying for transport. If this costs more than a taxi, then I wouldn’t bother.

A man sits in a shallow rive while a dog sits on his lap. — Dogs are allowed in El Choyin too.

I stayed at Argdivan Hostel in La Fortuna (which I recommend) and every evening they took a small group to El Choyin for $10 US per person. Seems as a taxi costs more, this was a good deal. Ask your accommodation about tours to the free hot springs to find out options.

The only thing about joining a tour is that you’ll share the springs with everyone else in the group. So, if you want a more peaceful atmosphere, it’s better to make your own way here.

How much does the hot spring cost

Although entry to El Choyin is free parking here is not. About 100 m past the entrance (if you’re coming from La Fortuna) there is space alongside the road for a few vehicles.

Unofficial attendants wearing waistcoats help you to park and keep an eye on vehicles. These guys will charge you around 2,000 CRC ($4 US).

I’ve read about attendants charging upwards of 2,500 CRC ($5 US). I think this is steep and if they charge you this amount, they’re likely taking advantage. Don’t be shy to barter with these guys if you feel like you’re being ripped off.

Entrance to El Choyin hot springs

Just downhill the road from the parking area there is a metal sign on the left-hand side with the words ‘Don’t be a victim’.

Just past this sign, again on the left-hand side of the road, is a dirt trail running into the forest. Take the trail for a minute or so, passing through a broken metal fence, and you’ll come to the hot springs.

When to visit El Choyin hot springs

The best time of day to chill out in La Fortuna’s free hot springs is early in the morning or during the evening, which is when temperatures are cooler and crowds smaller.

I say to head to El Choyin in the evening around sunset. As the sun disappears the colder air will help you maintain a nice body temperature while you relax in the warm water.

I got to El Choyin around 14:00 on a hot March day. While I enjoyed the springs, it was the hottest point of the day and during the dry season. I couldn’t stay in the water too long without needing to stand up and cool off.

Regardless of the time you arrive, being a free experience, expect there to be at least a few other people here.

What to bring to El Choyin

You just need a small bag with a few items to make the most of the hot springs.

Towel
Flip flops
Swimming gear: FYI there’s nowhere to change in privacy at El Choyin
Coins: to pay for parking if you drive here
Water: I’d bring at least 1 L and sip on it throughout
Headlamp/torch: if you’re here after dark
Snacks: you might get hungry if you stay a while

What not to do at El Choyin hot springs

Unfortunately, there are a couple of environmental concerns you should be aware of so you don’t contribute to them.

The first is lighting candles while here at night. I understand why people bring candles: they create a really nice atmosphere and help people walk through the river after sundown.

However, candles are traditionally made from paraffin which is derived from oil and is non-biodegradable. And when they melt, they leave ugly wax stains on the rocks at El Choyin.

A pair of legs of a person who is led down in. shallow river. — El Choyin is the perfect place to destress.

I’d say no to candles, even if they’re made from a biodegradable material, as leftover wax could be toxic to any animals that eat it. Besides, pretty much all modern smartphones are waterproof, so you can use your phone torch instead.

In the same vein, I wouldn’t bring single-use plastic to El Choyin. There were bits of litter lying about when I visited and it’s an eyesore for us and a danger for animals. I recommend bringing snacks that aren’t wrapped in plastic. Fruit is a nice alternative.

Other La Fortuna hot spring options

There are a bunch of private hot springs which you can pay for if you fancy a more secluded, luxury thermal bath. Prices differ, but start at around $40 US for a day pass and $80 US if you want a meal included. Some of the more popular private thermal baths include:

Enjoy a blissful atmosphere at El Choyin hot springs in La Fortuna

The free hot springs are a great way to unwind after a day of hiking in the national park. And whether you head here alone or with friends, you’ll love the relaxing water and its rejuvenating effects.

I’ve got more guides to La Fortuna on A World Over and plenty more articles for Costa Rica in general. Check some of them out below or head to the Costa Rica blog page for all my content on this great country.

A Guide to El Choyin Hot Springs in La Fortuna