Deep Earth

Overview

The Tucano Casita is one of three charming cottages and three tree houses located at Bio Thermales Hot Springs, a natural resort seamlessly integrated into a 35-acre rainforest preserve in north-central Costa Rica. The property features 12 natural hot springs pools and 2 cool springs pools. Guests have complimentary access to the hot and cool springs pools and rainforest trails daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The Space

The Tucano (Toucan) Casita is a masonry block cottage showcasing artistically handcrafted woodwork and furniture, including hand-carved exterior and interior doors. The kitchen is compact but well-equipped for cooking needs. The bathroom is tiled, with some tiles hand-carved featuring local animals, and includes a flash on-demand water heater for the shower.

Please contact us before booking if this will be your first or last destination in Costa Rica and you plan to drive directly from the airport. This allows us to assess if the journey is safe and feasible. Roads from San José International Airport (SJO) pass through cloud forests that can be foggy during the day, resulting in poor visibility on narrow, winding mountain roads. Night driving after 5:30 pm is strongly discouraged unless you have significant experience driving on Costa Rican roads.

We recommend booking stays during weekdays for greater privacy and tranquility, as weekends—especially Sundays—tend to have more day visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If your reservation includes a Sunday, consider planning a day trip to nearby attractions since the usual peaceful atmosphere cannot be guaranteed during peak visiting hours.

Our hot springs are ancient deep-earth sources that emerge through the rainforest floor, delivering mineral-rich waters that have been underground for at least 10,000 years. The waters contain bicarbonates, calcium, and magnesium, are low in sulfur, and slightly acidic—qualities shared by many of the world’s finest hot springs.

Tucano Casita Features

(Refer to the floor plan for complete details)

• Air conditioning (typically not necessary)
• Complimentary access to all onsite hot springs and recreational activities
• Queen-sized bed with orthopedic mattress and hypoallergenic bedding
• Twin-sized bed/settee with thick foam mattress and hypoallergenic bedding
• Handcrafted rustic furniture made from naturally harvested trees on the property
• Kitchen equipped with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, electric skillet, and basic kitchenware
• Tiled bathroom with real hot-water heater
• Porch furnished with a handmade rocking chair, swing, and hammock
• Maid service every three days included
• Laundry service available at an additional charge per load
• Short walk to the rainforest and hot springs pools
• No telephone or television
• Hosts Kathy and Bernie live onsite
• Languages spoken: English, Spanish, German, and limited French

Wi-Fi Information

The main office is connected via fiber optic cable with approximately 98% reliability. Wi-Fi signal is extended to the casitas and tree houses using repeaters, which may be less reliable, especially during bad weather. We can assist guests in sending or receiving emails through the fiber optic connection.

Cleaning Fee

A one-time cleaning fee of $10 applies; thereafter, housecleaning every three days is complimentary.

Bio Thermales Hot Springs Amenities

• All-natural mineral water pools sourced directly from the Earth
• Rainforest pools with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 102°F (31°C to 40°C)
• Grotto pools located in the meadow, starting at 104°F (42°C) and flowing into two larger, progressively cooler pools; these are wheelchair accessible and suitable for small children. The smallest pool includes a small water slide for young kids.
• Two cool thermal pools in the meadow at 90°F (31°C), fed by thermal creek mineral water
• Two fresh spring water swimming pools with continuous natural flow from a forest spring; both have water slides
• Three bathhouses with changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers—two in the meadow (one wheelchair accessible) and one in the rainforest
• “Ranchos” — roofed picnic tables with concrete floors and grills

Additional Activities on the Rainforest Reserve

• Birdwatching featuring toucans, oropendolas, parrots, hummingbirds, and the rare green macaw
• Rainforest exploration from the casita porch or hot springs pools, with options for easy walks or more challenging hikes
• Fossil collection on-site and opportunities for gentle fossil hunting
• Wildlife sightings including two-toed sloths, iguanas, capuchin and mantled howler monkeys, tree frogs, birds, butterflies, and occasionally a jaguarundi

Nearby Attractions

The resort is a 45-minute drive from Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, where guests can enjoy ziplining, hanging bridges, white-water rafting, slow river floats, and kayaking through wildlife sanctuaries. It is also 1.5 hours from La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata del Toro, and Poás Volcano National Park. We are happy to assist with arranging activities through reputable tour guides and companies.

Public Access and Visitor Information

Bio Thermales Hot Springs welcomes day visitors to use the hot springs. Most day visitors are Costa Rican locals, offering a chance to meet new friends. The resort is generally uncrowded except on major holidays and Sundays.

Food and Meals

The casita includes a kitchen for self-catering. Numerous restaurants and a well-stocked supermarket are within a 15-minute drive. Traditional Costa Rican meals can be delivered from a local caterer at reasonable prices. Costa Rican cuisine is flavorful but not spicy. We can also arrange taxis or drivers if needed.

Driving from San José International Airport (SJO)

We strongly recommend renting at least a small four-wheel-drive vehicle. All roads to and from the resort are paved. To drive safely from SJO before sunset (5:30 pm), allow at least three hours of daylight. The route passes through mountainous cloud forests, which are beautiful during the day but prone to fog and rain at night, reducing visibility. Arriving before sunset makes locating the countryside property easier.

If your flight arrives in the morning or early afternoon, driving directly from the airport is feasible. Otherwise, consider staying near the airport the first night or let us help you arrange a private professional driver.

For departures, if your flight is in the afternoon or evening, you can drive directly to the airport on the same day. Early morning flights require spending the previous night near the airport.

Guest Access

Guests have free access to the hot springs, swimming pools, and rainforest trails from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. We advise against entering the rainforest after dark. However, the meadow hot and cool springs, including water slides, are accessible day or night as the area is lit and wildlife typically avoids the mowed grass.

Laundry Services

A full laundry facility is available. Laundry is done for $5 per load, including washing, drying, and folding.

Additional Notes

• Day visitors and groups may use the hot springs and cool springs pools from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Weekends, especially Sundays, tend to be busier with day visitors.
• For longer stays including Sundays, we suggest planning day trips to nearby attractions.
• Day visitors must leave by 6:00 pm. Only casita and tree house guests have unlimited pool access after 6:00 pm, except for no nighttime use of the forest pools.
• We recommend purchasing groceries for your first evening and breakfast, as the casita is 4 km from the main paved road, and driving after dark is discouraged unless you have significant local driving experience.
• Most guests prefer settling in upon arrival rather than driving out for dinner.
• The property does not have a liquor license; guests should bring their own alcoholic beverages.
• Tap water is safe to drink. We sell soft drinks, fruit juices, snacks, and ice cream.
• The large pool with two cold water slides is closed for cleaning every Monday and Friday from 2:00 pm onward.
• If you require a mosquito net, please inform us in advance.
• Hair dryers are available upon request at reception.