Hi everyone!
It’s been a whirlwind of adventure since my first post, and Adam and I are now calling the farmland surrounding La Fortuna home—for a little while, anyway. This small town is known for being in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders. I have vivid memories of standing in awe at the sight of lava pouring down the sides when I visited as a 13-year-old. But when I returned a decade later with Adam, we found out that the lava flow had stopped in 2010. Although I was disappointed not to relive that childhood moment, the volcano remains spectacular. The plume of steam rising from the summit is still a powerful reminder of the liquid hot magma below us. 😉
What makes Arenal so special to me now isn’t the lava, though. It’s the unique blend of landscapes: the lakes and lagoons scattered around the volcano’s base, the dense, vibrant rainforest, and—my personal favorite—the thermal pools. The magic happens when water runs through the volcano and gets heated, creating natural hot springs that are like nature’s gift to your muscles after a long day of exploring. Most of these hot springs have been snatched up by high-end resorts, offering luxurious pools and spa experiences. While they look tempting, Adam and I usually steer clear of those places. We’re always on the hunt for something a little more… off the beaten path.
Enter El Choyin—our favorite discovery in the area. This free hot river hidden away in the rainforest feels like a well-kept local secret- but it’s no secret anymore. Imagine a warm, flowing stream with water around 100°F, surrounded by dense greenery and the sounds of the jungle. It’s the perfect way to unwind on one of those long, rainy Costa Rican days or a cool evening.
We’ve fallen into the habit of packing up our lights and a few drinks and heading out to El Choyin just after sunset. On our most recent visit, we arrived around 5:45 p.m., just as the last bit of light faded from the sky. We were thrilled to have the place all to ourselves! The hot water felt like heaven as the cool night air settled in, creating this blissful balance. Another favorite moment was an early morning dip, coffee in hand, as a gentle rain fell around us. There’s something otherworldly about soaking in a hot river while the rainforest wakes up in the mist.
Of course, you’ll want to be mindful of your belongings when you’re out there, especially after dark. But don’t worry—it’s not human thieves you’ll need to watch out for! One night, we had a curious little raccoon rummage through my backpack, hoping for snacks. It even swam across the river right next to us like it was on a mission! We didn’t have food for it, but it did manage to toss my clothes into the mud in its search. So, lesson learned: keep your bags close if you’re visiting after sunset!
El Choyin is definitely a spot worth seeking out if you’re visiting La Fortuna, especially if you’re like us and love finding a natural swimming hole with a unique twist. If you ever make it there, bring a towel, a headlamp for the evenings, and maybe leave the snacks at home—unless you want to make friends with a few local raccoons!
Check out Peligro Life’s El Choyin Free Hot Spring River YouTube video to see what this place is all about!
Until next time, Daphne, Adam, & Kira
PELIGRO LIFE 