El Chollín (Tabacón River)
Also known as: El Chollín · El Choyín · Río Chollín · río Tabacón · free hot springs
A hot-spring stretch of the Tabacón River where no entry fee is charged. It is under review because legal access is disputed.
El Chollín (also written El Choyín) is a stretch of the Tabacón River, opposite the entrance of a hot-spring hotel on Route 142, where the water runs warm from the volcano's heat. For years it has been La Fortuna's "free hot spring". National media and the ICT's domestic-tourism site describe it as having no entry fee.
We keep it out of the catalogue because of access, not price. You reach the river by a path down from the bridge; according to one guide, the path goes through a gap in a wire fence, with hotel land on both sides. In June 2025 a group of residents reported attempts to fence it off, divert the water and charge improper fees, and the neighbouring hotel replied that "there has always been free access" to the river. Both sides said the case would go to court, and we found no ruling. On top of that, Costa Rica's Water Law says nobody may enter private property to use the water without the owner's permission.
Watch the name: since late 2024 there is also Choyín Río Termal, a private hot-spring business on the same river that charges admission. It is not the free stretch.
Precautions
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Do not put your head under natural hot-spring water, and watch children. The Ministry of Health recommends this because of the very rare risk of amoebic meningitis.
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There are no lifeguards or staff. The rocks are slippery and the current can be strong.
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If the water turns brown or rises, get out immediately.
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Do not go at night. There is no lighting.
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Thefts have been reported. Do not bring valuables.
What we don't know yet
- Who owns the land the path crosses from the bridge, and whether there is a permit or right of way.
- Current (2026) status of access along the path after the 2025 dispute.
- Outcome of the court case announced in June 2025.
- Response from MINAE, the San Carlos Municipality or the Ombudsman to the residents' request.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources. The date is when we checked them.
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La Teja
National media
No entry fee; no showers or facilities; Health Ministry advice about keeping your head out of the water.
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Vamos a Turistear (ICT)
Official
The ICT domestic-tourism site presents it as a free hot river; it warns to check for yellow lines when parking.
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EnComuSeHace (UCR) — opinión estudiantil
Local media
A UCR student article describes it as a legal grey area with no official regulation.
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TVN Noticias (Canal 14, San Carlos)
Local media
The neighbouring hotel's position on free access; the case would go to court (June 2025).
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El Norte Hoy
Local media
Residents' complaints about fencing attempts, water diversion and fees (June 2025).
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Sally Sees
Travel guide
The path goes through a gap in a fence, with hotel land on both sides.
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SINAC – Ley de Aguas N.º 276
Official
Article 12 of the Water Law on entering private property to use water.
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Teletica (MasQN)
National media
Choyín Río Termal, the private business with the same name (December 2024).
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The Costa Rica Travel Blog
Travel guide
No lifeguards or staff; do not go at night; Choyín Río Termal charges a day pass.
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San Carlos Digital
Local media
Warnings about parking, belongings and car-watchers.
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El Norte Hoy
Local media
No security or lighting; thefts; risk of fines for parking on the road (2019).
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CRHoy
National media
Earlier conflict over yellow lines and fines in front of Tabacón (2017).
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Pura Vida Traveling
Travel guide
Warning about floods in the rainy season.
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The Tico Times
National media
Historical description of the spot and its current (2015).
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Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica
Official
Official advice not to put your head under natural hot-spring water.
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Visit Costa Rica (ICT) — ficha Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Official
Tabacón is 11 km from La Fortuna's church.