Arenal is Costa Rica’s best-known stratovolcano – a large, symmetrical volcano that’s built upon layers of ash, rock, and lava. At 5,437 feet, it rises above the rest of the countryside. After 400 inactive years, Arenal started to erupt again in 1968, when it exploded and buried over 5 miles in rocks, lava, and ash.
That eruptive cycle took pause in 2010 when the volcano entered into an indefinite resting phrase!
For the last 43 years, Arenal has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano.
Thanks to the geothermal activity beneath Arenal, the area surrounding the volcano is rich with biodiversity and an abundance of hot springs.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs
Located in La Fortuna, 13km from the Arenal hanging bridges, the hot springs are a taste of paradise right in the forest at the base of the volcano.
This is the most expansive hot spring facility in the Arenal Volcano area. There are walking paths winding between pools that are large and small, hot and cold. I spent an entire day here enjoying the different baths, pools, and temperatures.
This place reminded me a bit of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Although the pools are not bright blue, the structure is similar, as the water is heated from a natural geothermal source. Blue Lagoon: Iceland
We also found some volcanic mud areas. Many were closed to the public; however, this one remained open and we got a chance to bathe in the mud pools. The mud is a natural skin cleanser. You have to let it dry and harden on your skin, then it breaks and you feel rejuvenated!
Out of all the places I have visited in Costa Rica, the Arenal volcanic area was the most relaxing. This was the first place I had experienced a natural mud bath.
I highly recommend stopping through this region while on your next Costa Rica adventure. You will not regret it! Cheers
15 comments
This looks like an awesome adventure! I’ve heard Costa Rica is beautiful, and your pictures certainly back that up. I’d be a bit scared to get close to an active volcano, but the mud bath sounds quite fun!
I love the concept of volcano tourism. It is picking up in India big time. In India, there is only one active volcano in the Barren islands and going there requires a lot of permission. However after reading your post, i feel that if government can look at the volcano from a tourism point of view, it would lead to an exhilarating experience.
I would love to go to Costa Rica! The hot springs and bathing in the mud pool sounds really relaxing. Having been to the Blue Lagoon many years ago, I’m sure I would enjoy visiting the hot springs. 😉
There’s a place in camiguin (an island born of fire, they call it) in the philippines that have plenty of pools heated by volcanoes. It’s so relaxing. I’ve never tried mud baths though. and yes, it’s good for your skin
Ok, definitely adding this to my to do list. Images look beautiful. Great post
Interesting. Quite an out of the box idea to visit a volcano.The mud bath is something new to me. Will try it out. Cheers!!
What a nice experience! I love your picture of the Arena Volcano.
I visited here too and it was the most amazing experience! Especially waking up the next morning and pulling open our curtains to see Arenal right there! Spellbinding.
I am backpacking through Costa Rica in December, this is now on my list of things to see 🙂 the hot springs look divine
What an interesting trip! The kind we’d definitely love, especially the Hot Springs! Thanks for posting this!
I have never heard of Volcanic Mud bathe, seems like you really have a very relaxing experience.
Wow! costa rica looks insane 🙂 i loved the thermal pools in new zealand so will have to check this one out aswell 😀
I’ve got a big passion for volcanoes, I’m fascinated so this this is totally my bag – Costa Rica you are firmly on my bucket list! 🙂
I’ve never been to a volcanic region and I am so eager to visit the hot springs. Probably get it on my bucket list and see if i can make it here !
Wow! Love this experience! Costa Rica is on my list and will definitely make it a point to visit all these hotsprings nearby. Thanks 🙂
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