What are the best hot springs to visit for an overnight if we're staying in San Jose?

Tabacon is awesome! I've been there twice and both times it was amazing! It looks just like a paradise and there are so many things to do!

At night, if the sky is clear you can see volcano Arenal and the red lava flowing down its mountainside. Sometimes there is a small eruption and I imagine that would be very impressive, but it didn't happen the night we were there.

This is so exotic and just unforgettable. You will talk about Tabacon for years to come!!!

I think there is a website with photos...just look at it on Yahoo!

Well, San Jose is situated in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and there are no natural Hot Springs very close. The northern highlands are home to many Volcanoes, the closest to San Jose being Poaz, but unfortunately, there are no hot springs there. Arenal is the home of all Costa Ricas commercial Hot Springs but it is at least 3 1/2 hours with a travel distance of 93miles (150km). Information can be found here:

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/tours/hot-springs...

I think Poaz is a cool spot to check out if you must stay in San Jose. This link will tell you about Poaz National Park and the Volcano.

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/national-park/poa...

Hi. Go for Tabacon or Baldi at Arenal. Tabacon is the more famous hot spring in the are, and wil have to say that the best, but that also means the expensier. Don't remember how much where they charging but may double baldis entrance free. Baldi will be near $25 (only entrance) and near $40 if you want also lunch or diner included on your package. It have I belive 16 hot springs, 2 swim up bars, spa services and restaurant. There is other hot spring that is also nice that is the Eco Termales Hot Springs. This is small (only 4 thermal pools) as is a family project. But is really nice. near $25 the day, and also have options of aroud $40 for menu options included. The only problem is that it may take you up to 4 hours drive to get there, and then another 4 going back. If you have the budget, recommend you to use a local airline that will take you all the way there from the Pavas (san jose) airport. With Natureair, the roundtrip starts near $100, up to $200, dependind on dates and "class".

Hope this thelps. Good Luck!

I have been to the three major hot springs around La Fortuna. Tabacón is the most expensive and perhaps the best. It is blended very well into its natural surroundings. Baldi and Eco Termales, however, also have their own virtues.

To help people like you decide, I made a hot springs comparison chart on my website:

http://www.northerncostarica.com/hot-springs.html

If you want a more definitive answer, I'd say you spring (no pun intended) for Tabacón because it is the more premium experience. It's better to shell out a few extra bucks now than to regret not doing it later.

The only hot springs i know of near San Jose are the Baldi hot springs in the Arenal Volcano National Park. I remember attending a private event there. Seemed to be like a good spot.

tabbacon