Soak in the Thermal Waters of Rio Chollin

San Carlos, Costa Rica

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Description

Added by Crystal Sibson

Rio Chollin is a free natural hot spring river near Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.

Due to a geothermically heated underground river, the area surrounding Arenal Volcano has an abundance of hot springs. The majority of these hot springs are in expensive resorts that have tapped into the underground river to create a variety of mineral rich soaking pools. One of the areas best kept secrets is the free hot spring river, Rio Chollin. This is the same river that flows through one of the areas most extravagant hot spring resorts, Tabacon.

To access Rio Chollin park along the road near the bridge in front of the Tabacon Hot Spring Resort. There is often a local directing vehicles where to park and charging a small fee of around $2 for parking. Next to the bridge there is a path that leads down to the creek. As soon as you reach the creek you will see many locals and tourists soaking on both sides of the bridge. The area is family friendly and many families relax in the shallower water near the bridge. If you hike up the river away from the bridge the crowd thins allowing for a more secluded soak. The river is lined with thick vegetation on both sides so most of your walking will be through the water. The river bottom is full of sharp lava rock so be sure to wear shoes to avoid cutting the bottoms of your feet.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Family Friendly
Forest
Hot Springs
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Holes

Soak in the Thermal Waters of Rio Chollin Reviews

The hot spring river was beautiful and refreshing. The water was very warm but not too hot to be uncomfortable. There were a lot of families next to the bridge so I walked upstream a bit to have more solitude. The jungle was incredible dense next to the river.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Hike to La Fortuna Falls

Take a Sloth Tour Near Arenal Volcano

Swim at El Salto

Canyoneering Lost Canyon

El Arbol Hueco (Ficus Tree)