Rio Negro Hot Springs

Rio Negro Hot Springs sits on the grounds of Hacienda Guachipelín, a hotel near Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica's largest and most active volcano. The springs themselves are naturally heated by the volcano and bubble up along the Rio Negro, feeding ten pools built directly into the riverbank. Two suspension bridges link pools on both sides of the river, and a 350-meter path through dry tropical forest leads from the entrance, where dressing rooms, bathrooms and lockers are available.

The draw here is mineral-rich thermal water paired with volcanic mud. Visitors coat themselves in the hot mud as a natural body treatment, let it dry, then rinse off in the cold river before returning to the warm pools. Sessions run about 1.5 hours, with daily start times roughly every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though the facility's general hours run 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

This is a no-frills, nature-based soak rather than a polished resort spa experience. Walk-ins are welcome, day passes are sold, and the signature Rio Negro Hot Springs & Mud Baths treatment runs $35. It's positioned as affordable and family-friendly, with couples also a common crowd. Clothing-optional policies don't apply here. Staff and signage operate in both English and Spanish, which is useful given the location outside Bagaces in Guanacaste province.