Choyin Río Thermal

On the outskirts of La Fortuna, just past the entrance to the famous Tabacón, Rio Chollín — better known as El Choyin — is a natural thermal river fed by the geothermal activity of Arenal Volcano. Long kept secret by locals, who came here to unwind with family away from outside eyes, this warm waterway winds through lush jungle, its dramatic riverbed shaped by the same magmatic bedrock that formed the volcano itself.

Unlike the commercial spas nearby, the experience here stays raw and untamed: no facilities, no lifeguards — just rock, steam and open-air warm water. A developed section, Choyin Rio Thermal, now offers parking, changing rooms and a small cafeteria, while the public stretch of the river remains free to access, open 24 hours a day.