Hot Springs - Natural Health Spas in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to a myriad of hot springs, each one a natural miracle of relaxation and each with its own health benefits.

Two of the best known hot springs are:

Tabacon Hot Spring

Tabacón has pools with Hot Springs water with different temperarures, surround by cascades and tropical gardens. Each thermo mineral water pool varies in temperature and depth, and some vary in mineral concentration.

Quepos Hot Spring

Quepos Hot Springs offers an opportunity to relax and renew in the mineral-laden water with seemingly magical powers. Bathe among the several pools with cascades of steaming water.
The gardens surrounding the thermal pools are among the most spectacular grounds in Costa Rica. The tree and plant lined paths provide privacy to the many pools, and you can be sure to find one where the temperature is just right. Beautiful tropical plants brimming with lush colors and aromatic fragrances surround the soothing pools. As you go from pool to pool, enjoy the beauty of these plants that can only be found in these sub-tropical regions.

Sources of heat

The water issuing from a hot spring is heated by geothermal hea, straight from the Earth's interior. In general, the temperature of rocks within the earth increases with depth. If water percolates deeply enough into the crust, it will be heated as it comes into contact with hot rocks. The water from hot springs in non- volcanic areas is heated in this manner.

In active volcanic zones water may be heated by coming into contact with magma (molten rock). The high temperature gradient near magma may cause water to be heated enough that it boils or becomes superheated.

The health benefits of hot springs are well documented: it can help you to relax your muscles and joints, and the hot bath is also beneficial in expanding your veins, stimulating blood circulation and speeding you your metabolism