Searching for an all inclusive Costa Rica hot springs resort? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from travelers planning a soak in the country’s volcanic waters, and it deserves an honest answer. El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa, in the canton of San Carlos, Alajuela, is not sold as an all-inclusive property — there is no bundled meal-and-drinks plan built into every room rate. What we do offer is something more specific and, for many guests, more useful: a forest resort built directly around a natural thermo-mineral river, with the spa and restaurant on the same 24 acres, so everything you need for a hot-springs getaway is a short walk from your room. Below we explain exactly what’s included when you book, how that compares to “all-inclusive” hot springs marketing you may have seen elsewhere, and how to get current package information directly from the hotel.
Is there a true all-inclusive hot springs resort in Costa Rica?
The term “all-inclusive” gets used loosely across Costa Rica’s hotel listings, and it doesn’t always mean the same thing. Some properties near the beaches run genuine all-inclusive plans with unlimited food and drink built into a flat rate. In the San Carlos and Aguas Zarcas hot-springs region, most independent resorts — El Tucano included — work differently: rooms are booked on their own, and dining, spa treatments, and any packages are arranged separately. That structure isn’t a downside; it means you only pay for what you actually use, and seasonal packages that bundle meals, spa time, or activities can be arranged directly with the hotel by calling +506 2460-6000, since current offers and pricing change by season.
What’s included when you stay at El Tucano
Here is what every hotel guest gets as part of their stay, independent of any specific package:
- Access to the thermo-mineral pools and river — a natural hot-springs river, warmed by volcanic activity with no boilers involved, crosses the property’s 24 acres of primary rainforest and feeds the open-air hot springs pools. Guests can use them throughout their stay.
- 24 acres of rainforest setting — the pools, walking paths, and public areas sit inside forest rather than a paved hotel courtyard, which is part of what makes the soak feel different from a city spa.
- Selva Spa on site — massages, hydrotherapy, and wellness rituals are available at Selva Spa, recognized at the World Luxury Spa Awards in 2013. Spa treatments are booked separately from the room rate.
- La Foresta restaurant — Costa Rican and international dishes served in the same forest setting, so you don’t need to leave the property for meals. Visit the restaurant page for more on the dining experience.
- A choice of 7 room types, reviewed at 4.2 out of 5 on Google from over 2,257 travelers. Browse the options on the rooms page.
In practice, this means a stay at El Tucano covers the two things most travelers actually want from an “all-inclusive hot springs” search — unlimited soak time in real thermal water, and a restaurant and spa you don’t have to drive to — without locking you into a fixed meal plan you may not need.
How to compare all-inclusive hot springs options in Costa Rica
If a bundled package matters more to you than the flexibility described above, here’s how to shop smart:
- Ask what “all-inclusive” actually covers. Some listings label a resort all-inclusive simply because breakfast is bundled, not because meals, drinks, and pool access are all included. Confirm exactly what’s in the rate before you book.
- Check the source of the hot water. Not every “hot springs” hotel sits on a natural thermal source — some heat pools mechanically. El Tucano’s water is genuinely volcanic, flowing through the rainforest before reaching the pools.
- Ask about seasonal packages directly. At El Tucano, seasonal packages that combine lodging with spa or dining credits are handled by the reservations team rather than published as a fixed year-round rate. Call +506 2460-6000 to ask what’s currently available for your travel dates.
- Confirm the location, not just the region. Several hot-springs properties are marketed under the general “La Fortuna / Arenal” umbrella even when they’re located elsewhere. See the next section for why that matters.
Where El Tucano is actually located
El Tucano Resort & Thermal Spa is in the canton of San Carlos, in the Aguas Zarcas area, minutes from Ciudad Quesada — it has been operating here since 1993. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, which many travelers associate with Costa Rica hot springs, are a separate destination about 40–45 minutes away by car and make for a great day trip, not the hotel’s home base. If you’re weighing the two regions for your trip, our comparison of San Carlos vs. La Fortuna: where to stay breaks down the practical differences, and the hot springs in San Carlos guide covers what makes this side of the volcano worth choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Does El Tucano offer an all-inclusive plan?
No, El Tucano is not sold as an all-inclusive resort. Rooms include access to the thermo-mineral pools and river; dining at La Foresta and treatments at Selva Spa are arranged separately. Seasonal packages can be requested by calling +506 2460-6000.
Are the hot springs included in the room rate?
Yes — access to the pools and river fed by the natural thermo-mineral water is included for hotel guests during their stay.
Is El Tucano in La Fortuna?
No. El Tucano is in San Carlos, near Aguas Zarcas and Ciudad Quesada. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano are about 40–45 minutes away and make a good day trip.
Ready to plan your soak in the rainforest? Book direct with El Tucano for the best available rates, or call +506 2460-6000 to ask about current seasonal packages before you reserve.
