The Top Geothermal Pools and Natural Hot Springs Around the World
Craving for some relaxation? Sounds like you need the mineral-rich waters of a naturally warm body of volcanic water. Plunge into steamy geothermal pools on one of these self-indulgent Culture Trips.
Soaking in natural hot springs isn’t just soothing for the soul – the warm, mineral-rich waters bring a range of health benefits – from nourishing the skin to improving circulation and relaxing tense muscles. In places like Iceland and Japan it can even be treated as a catalyst for social interaction, as friends gather to catch up while admiring the scenery from the warming comfort of a pool. This selection of carefully curated trips celebrate these geological wonders by giving you ample time to soak in them – the hardest part is getting out.
EcoTermales Fortuna, Costa Rica
The region surrounding Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano is a hot bed for hot springs, and you’ll get to soak in the glorious thermal waters at EcoTermales Fortuna on our eight-day trip. Let your pores open up and your muscles instantly relax as you take in the luscious green scenery that surround you, and much of the region surrounding Arenal. Once you’re duly relaxed you’ll also be able to enjoy the excellent onsite cocktail bar and tuck into a delicious buffet dinner. If that’s not enough, you can continue the spa theme at your accommodation, Volcano Lodge and Springs.
From US$2023
Next available from 11th May 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Papallacta Hot Springs, Ecuador
Head 70km (43mi) east of Quito towards Ecuador’s Amazon region and you’ll arrive in Papallacta, a tiny village deep in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,300m (10,827ft). Besides an abundance of spectacular hiking opportunities, the settlement is renowned for its geothermal springs at the Termas de Papallacta spa resort, where you can hop between 10 naturally heated pools of varying sizes and temperatures. You’ll spend the final night of Culture Trip’s specially curated eight-day Ecuador trip at this tranquil hideaway.
From US$2089
Next available from 27th Jul 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Traditional ryokan, Japan
Our epic 12-day Rail Trip in Japan wouldn’t be complete without a stay in a ryokan. The quaint architecture and authentic energy of Japan’s traditional inns are utterly delightful, but the best bit is that with a ryokan you’ll often find an onsen, particularly in Hakone, the alpine town we’ll be visiting. Onsen are geothermal hot springs that are incredibly common and popular in Japan, and Ryokan Hakone Ashinoko Toranoyu, where you’ll be staying, has a gorgeous one. Perfect for soothing the muscles after seven days of discovering Osaka, Kyoto and bamboo forests, and enough to reinvigorate you ahead of a cruise on Lake Ashi and three nights in Tokyo.
From US$4045
Next available from 2nd Sep 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Terra Nostra thermal pools, the Azores
The orangey-brown hot springs at Parque Terra Nostra in São Miguel (the largest island in Portugal’s Azores volcanic archipelago) might not appear enticing, but this colour is entirely natural. The water passes through iron-rich rocks en route to the pools, dotted among botanical gardens, giving you a serene spot to relax and tune into nature. You’ll have 24/7 access while staying at the gorgeous Terra Nostra Garden Hotel for the final two nights on Culture Trip’s six-day Azores adventure.
From US$1928
Next available from 28th Apr 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
ENDS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
8
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Joel Rabinowitz.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.