We had heard that Eco-Termales was the most private, chill hot springs in the La Fortuna area. We were told that it was a little smaller than the hot springs at Tabacon and quieter than Baldi.
This was what we were looking for.

The session went from 5 pm to 9 pm, and, we didn't arrive until 7:00 pm because we simply couldn't find the place (turned out we were looking in the wrong direction!). It is highly recommended you find out exactly where this place is -- because there are no marked signs along the road like the other places.

As the other reviewers stated, there are a number of hot springs (all stone bottoms) and offer a variety of temperatures. There is one hot spring that is VERY, VERY hot! It was awesome.

This place is very romantic, if you go at night. There are other people there, so it's not 100% private, but everyone seems to be in harmony, just lounging around and relaxing.

Another cool thing about this place is that the drinks range from 2 to 4 bucks, and, it's on the honor system. A place like this could destroy your credit card on the alcoholic drinks, but I was very surprised at check out how reasonable the prices are. It's pretty chill, and if you're w/ your significant other, and you want to check out pretty chill hot springs, this is a good option.

I thought the price was alittle on the steep side (29 bucks per person for a 4 hour stay), but I'll let you be the judge. Since we arrived late, we didn't stay for dinner.

I thought the customer service/friendliness was OK. They didn't seem overly friendly as advertised at our pool. The bartender did make a great Pina Colada, however!

If you want to check out another really great hot springs in La Fortuna, check out The Springs Hotel and Resort up the road a ways (to the west of Ecotermales). We thought those springs were incredible. Day pass runs from $25 pp to $40 pp. Incredible scenery and brand spanking new. Even though the drinks are much more expensive at The Springs, it's incredible. I think it's going to be the next "premier" hot springs in the area, even trumping Tabacon.

We arrived in La Fortuna Friday night and tried to book Eco Termales for Saturday night. They were booked solid. So, we opted for Sunday night, 5 to 9 p.m. slot. We paid the entrance fee at our hotel. We also asked for dinner, but were told that we wouldl pay for food at the springs.

Next day, on of our tour guides told us that dinner times also had to be booked in advance. They are scheduled in 30 minutes increments. Once back at the hotel, we asked the front desk to call Eco Termales and book 7:30 dinner. No problems there.

The springs are located across the street for the loud and obnoxious Baldi Hot Springs. Just follow the loud music, lights, and tour busses. Large wooden gates of Eco Termales are unmarked. You need to press the buzzer, give your name, and the reservation time. We were staying at a nearby hotel and opted to walk to Eco Termales. I would strongly advise not to do it after dark. The road is narrow, very dark, and has no shoulders. Thankfully, we both carry flashlights.

Check in was instantaneous. We were given a locker key and a towel each. No fees or deposits. We also confirmed our dinner reservations. Burned by high prices at Baldi, we asked about the prices of refreshments and accepted payments. Amazingly, they have an honor system! Drink what ever you want. Just tell them what you have before leaving and pay. Most drinks are in 2 to 4 dollar range. I can attest that piña colada and fresh coconuts were wonderfully refreshing. You can get them at one of two bars by the pool. No lines.

There are five hot pools. It is a continuous flow of water. The upper poll is the hottest. Most are too shallow to swim. Only 100 people are allowed in at any one time; there is plenty of room to stretch and relax. We soaked for about an hour and a half.

After taking a shower and changing, we went for dinner. This part of the evening was an unfortunate disappointment. Salad was the best part of the meal; I do like the hart of palm. For the main course I ordered steak. It was too tough to chew. My wife had chicken which was overcooked and was served with unpleasant yellow sauce. Rice and beans were leuk warm. For desert, we were served rice pudding that was fair at best.

After dinner, we walked upfront and paid for our drinks and dinner. They accept USD, colones, and most credit cards. We also asked for a cab. Instead, one of the employees took us to our hotel in an air-conditioned van. Charge: 1000 colones.

Overall, Eco Termales is a wonderful spot to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking or horseback riding. Your muscles will thank you. Do enjoy the drinks by the pool, but better skip dinner.

What a wonderful, relaxing place! My husband and I went on a Thursday during the 1 to 5 time slot. There were only 3 other people there. The grounds are beautiful - gorgeous fauna! There are 5 pools here, ranging from very warm to downright hot!! My favorite was at the top of the waterfall where the cool misters were hitting the water. It was sunny when we first got there, and it started raining around 3:30. Actually felt good. In speaking with other people, seems we made the right choice in choosing Eco Termales.

We went to Eco Termales for an evening of hot springs time and dinner. The hot springs were precisely what I expected and wanted-- hot water and cheap drinks. Beer is two bucks and cocktails four dollars a pop (and good!). The pools aren't much to look at, but they're plenty spacious, varying temperatures, clean, and pleasant.

I got the dinner for us mainly for my husband, who likes to eat meat and heavy meals. Honestly, I thought that the dinner would be a waste for me given that it was beans, rice, tortilla, and meat-- mostly stuff that I either don't eat or just don't care for. But, I was pleasantly surprised. First, the food was surprisingly light-- very little oil and healthy. Second, they served a salad with dinner that was fantastic.

Most people seemed to do the hot springs for 2-3 hours, then dinner, and then leave. We were starving that day, so we went in the hot springs 5-6:30, had dinner at 6:30, and returned to the springs 7:15-8:30 or so. I think this is the way to go. It's nice to break up your time in such hot water, we had the restaurant to ourselves while we ate, and the hot springs really emptied out in the later evening since everyone else was sitting down to eat.