Tabacón Hot Spings, La Fortuna

Diary:

Today we went to the fabulous Tabacón hot springs from noon until 8:30pm. They were simply fantastic. There were numerous waterfalls and pools cascading with crystal clear thermal mineral waters heated up to scalding temperatures (40°C) by the nearby underground volcanic activity. The pools were landscaped in a gorgeous tropical garden setting. These hot springs were quite unlike any we had ever visited, even compared to the natural thermal springs (onsen) of Japan. All that we wished for was clear weather so we could watch the lava trickle down the slopes of nearby Volcán Arenal from the comfort of the wet bar in one of the heated pools. But we were not so lucky - the volcano remained shrouded all day. All up, a very relaxing day.

Photos: (click on images to see full size)