El Choyin
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
If you talk with the locals they will tell you to go to Scratch River or the Free hot springs. This is perfect if you are travelling on a shoestring budget as it is FREE! To get there go to the yellow gate next to Tabacon Springs. You can park on the road shoulder and you will definitely see it. Walk down the path behind the gate and in a very short walk you will arrive at a bubbling hot creek. You can go 24 hrs a day but keep your items in your site. Leave your valuables at the hotel and just bring a towel and prepare to relax.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience El Choyin and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
19 within 5 kms
Attractions
45 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,135 reviews
Excellent
748
Very good
275
Average
83
Poor
13
Terrible
16
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
PanicDawg
Lexington, KY65 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Great alternative to the pricey hot spring resort prices! Lots of locals in the river which made it more appealing to us. It was fun watching all the kids slide down under the bridge. It was free other than paying the tico a few bucks to watch our vehicle. Wasn’t sure if this was legit, but I figured putting the rental car at risk if I didn’t pay wasn’t worth the $4-$5 we paid him.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yyesiamtrish2
Victoria, Canada1,572 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We went at night with a group of 14 and a local’s help. I have to say, it’s one of the most magical experiences I’ve had, but not sure we could ever recreate it without a local’s help. That night, the parking was crazy, but this was all arranged for us. We all had our bathing suits and water shoes on (you MUST wear these for comfort) and a big cooler of beer. To reach it, it’s down a steep hill, there is a rope to help guide you down, but this is not a lit path, so a headlamp was super helpful. As you descend down this short hill, you can see all the pools and all lit by candlelight. Amazing. Somehow our local guide had secured a pool area for our group too, and had somehow raced ahead to light a circle of candles around this pool too, and this is what we saw, as we made our way down the hill. Beautiful. It’s still very dark down there, and can be unsafe if you aren’t wearing shoes and have your own light source. It’s all rock as you make your way through the river to your spot. We could see circles of candles down the river as far as you could see, and we would see processions of people still coming down the hill with their candles already lit. Sitting there in the dark in warm water, sipping a beer, surrounded by candles. Pure magic.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken C
3 contributions
Dec 2020
This was an amazing experience for sure. All the prior reviews are accurate.
I need to add... be careful. Like a fool I lost my wedding ring which I think it was pulled off my finger in the strong current. It has never fallen off my finger and was a tight fit necessitating soap and water usually to get it on and off. Leave Your Jewelry At Your Residence or hide it in the car. Those guys on the road are making sure no one breaks in. Don’t be a putz like me! There are spots where it is calm and spots where the current is VERY strong. Possibly due to last night’s rain. I took off a star cuz my experience suffered from the loss. Purely subjective.
I need to add... be careful. Like a fool I lost my wedding ring which I think it was pulled off my finger in the strong current. It has never fallen off my finger and was a tight fit necessitating soap and water usually to get it on and off. Leave Your Jewelry At Your Residence or hide it in the car. Those guys on the road are making sure no one breaks in. Don’t be a putz like me! There are spots where it is calm and spots where the current is VERY strong. Possibly due to last night’s rain. I took off a star cuz my experience suffered from the loss. Purely subjective.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ghinta
Naples, Italy591 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Yes, twenty days of travel, this is really the only activity carried out in Costa Rica at no cost! (Of course, excluding the illegal parking attendant with whom you will have to deal)
We stayed in the low season and early in the morning (just after 9). We found few people and enjoyed the warm volcanic waters! It was a great experience, obviously take into account that we will have to get dirty with mud and that there is a mini splash to do to lower ourselves into the stream. But if you are energetic and of good will, yes it can be done!!
We stayed in the low season and early in the morning (just after 9). We found few people and enjoyed the warm volcanic waters! It was a great experience, obviously take into account that we will have to get dirty with mud and that there is a mini splash to do to lower ourselves into the stream. But if you are energetic and of good will, yes it can be done!!
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerhard67
24 contributions
Jul 2022
Easy access after parking the car on the side of the road (current "parking fee" of the type "official inofficial": 2000 colones ). We walked up a little and found some nice pools and places where we spent a couple of hours. Pleasantly warm and lots of water coming down! Clean.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sb50
Exmouth, UK358 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Don’t be put off by the cars parked at the side of the road or the self appointed “car park attendants.” Park up and pay then 2000 and then walk under the road. Best to wear some form of waterproof shoes or trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. You have to walk along the river bed under the road for a short distance and it is rocky. You then pick your own spot and lie back and relax in the hot water with trees all around. It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours. There are no toilets or changing facilities. One of the best things that we did in Costa Rica and the cheapest.
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna M
Kedzierzyn Kozle, Poland23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We spent two hours in the warm rivering splasing, chatting and making friends with some other travellers. The wayer was clean and pleasantly warm. The bank was a little muddy since it was raining but it wasn't a problem for us. We came back there the next evening to take part in sort of a party with candles and regional drinks. What fun!
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacinda B
45 contributions
Nov 2022
We loved relaxing at this free hot spring! The water was a perfect temperature and we were able to find a private spot to enjoy each other's company.
The only negative was the parking experience, which cost us 5,000 colones. Having read the other reviews, it seems like they vary the price and we probably overpaid. Other than that, it was an unforgettable experience!
The only negative was the parking experience, which cost us 5,000 colones. Having read the other reviews, it seems like they vary the price and we probably overpaid. Other than that, it was an unforgettable experience!
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_Wheres_Baldo
Copenhagen, Denmark108 contributions
Feb 2022
The Rio Chollin is legit! We've driven there twice and just soaked in the warm water as it pours over us. We parked on the side of the road and gave a few thousand colones to park. It's not a bad deal, especially considering the steep day pass prices for Tabacon. We've always gone to the bottom of the trail and walked right and the water was comfortable I've since read that the water is warmer if you turn left and walk up the stream a bit.
If you drive, do not leave anything visible in your car or it won't likely be there when you get back. We pack a backpack and carry everything with us. Wear water shoes (or shoes you don't mind getting wet) and you can find a place to stash your bag close to where you soak and you can keep an eye on it.
If you drive, do not leave anything visible in your car or it won't likely be there when you get back. We pack a backpack and carry everything with us. Wear water shoes (or shoes you don't mind getting wet) and you can find a place to stash your bag close to where you soak and you can keep an eye on it.
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,876 contributions
Jan 2023
Chollin is located just after Tabacon (if you come from La Fortuna). We went very early (8 am we were there) and made the right decision by doing that. Not only don't you have to pay the (small) parking fee, but ,mostly we were totally alone! Later a few people came in, but not closely to the same numbers as in the evening. The river is very chill and a perfect temperature. There are beautiful trees around! This was a great stop for 1-1.5 hours.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, pouvez-vous m'indiquer où trouver précisément cette source ? J'en avais trouvé une il y a un certain nombre d'années mais je n'ai plus souvenir de l'endroit. A côté de quel village ou endroit se trouve Rio Chollin ?
Merci
Written 8 September 2021
Me gustaría comentar lo encantador que es pasar un día en el Rio Chollin, se ríe , se disfruta, se comenta y si les toca que llueva es divertidisimo xq sumerges todo el cuerpo y permaneces caliente bajo un aguacero y pudiendo conversar con quienes tienes a tu alrededor y las pertenencias las pones en un lugar donde las puedas estar viendo y pasas un día maravilloso, digo el dia xq si te quieres quedarte hasta la noche es sorprendente, cada quien prende su vela en el lugar donde se encuentre y el anochecer se vuelve espectacular con ese montón de velas. "Si vives el hoy, mañana no te arrepentirás", pero si sos de los que le encuentras a cualquier piedra del camino obstáculo,no sos de los que vivimos para vivir........ recomendación 100%
Written 2 July 2018
Where exactly was this? What city, area?
Written 13 May 2018
Hi. It is in La Fortuna adjacent to Tabacon Hot Springs.
Written 16 May 2018
Diana G
Cape Coral, Florida
Is there anything else to do like atv and Zipline. I'm in CR about everything is far away from where I'm am staying. Bummed out
Written 16 March 2018
There is a lot to do in this area. There are the Hanging Bridges, Coffee and chocolate tours, hiking in Arenal National Park,any thermal spas, horseback riding, boating on Lake Arenal, the Cloud Forest. So much!
Written 16 March 2018
Hola, gracias x tu comentario! Podrias indicarme como llegar a esas termas?
Written 15 January 2018
What is the walk down to the hot springs like? My mother has a bad knee and I'm trying to find a hot spring she can get to.
Written 7 March 2017
It's steep and slippery, there is a small wall you have to climb over as well.
Written 8 March 2017
A Tripadvisor member
United States
10 contributions
It's right across the road from Tabacon Resort. You can park at Tabacon (costs $2) and walk down to the river.
Written 5 January 2017
Are there other free hot springs in the arenal, Guanacaste or Monteverde area?
Thank you!
Written 27 October 2016
I don't think so. Most of them are in the ground of private hotels.
But why would you want others? These are really nice and free.
Written 24 January 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 18
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing