GEVI Hot Springs at San Gerardo de Rivas

A hidden gem in the south

Tired after the long walk? The legs no longer respond and the muscles move as if they had a life of their own? It is time then to heal in the highly therapeutic GEVI Hot Springs, in San Gerardo de Rivas. The family Padilla Villarevia owns the place, Don Gerardo and Doña Vitalia are in charge of these thermal pools that they started in 1987 they will be in charge of receiving you and providing you with what you need after you have left the Chirripó National Park.

You will wonder, hot springs? but if there are no volcanoes in the area, well that’s what the researchers from the UCR and other scientists, trying to decipher where these magical waters come from, however everything has remained a mystery because there is no answer to this curious event, since there is no volcanoes near. For twenty years, studies have been carried out on the origin of these waters, ultimately determining that they are not of volcanic origin, something that makes these hot springs even more special, which are unique in the entire area.

Detailed explanation of the reason for the Hot Springs.

According to experts, this phenomenon is due to some fractures in the Earth’s crust that allow liquids and gases to leak. These fluids are thermo-minerals, which exceed the ambient temperature and therefore keep the water warm. Despite this explanation, the fact that hot springs exist far from a volcano is unusual. The water remains crystal clear throughout the year and thousands of tourists come to see this hot spring.

Where do the hot springs flow from?

The hot water is born in eight springs, 6 big and 2 smaller, at a temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius, classifying as mesothermal waters (35-45 °C), from there they are distributed to their pools.

Once you enter their pools, after intense physical activity, you will see how your body begins to heal little by little and you could even fall asleep under the waters due to its healing effect.

Gevi Hot Springs It has ample parking, bathrooms, changing rooms, a small soda where you can have lunch and trails where you can enjoy the virgin forest and tropical vegetation of Saint Gerardo.

In total, there are three thermal pools, one shallow, special for the whole family, you can always see parents with their children in it. This pool is fed by the first spring.

A second, deeper pool, where you will have more privacy and can rest away from the noise of the children. It is deep enough to swim. This pool is fed by the second spring.

A third pool is under construction, and it will be the deepest of all.

The hot springs also have a small waterfall at the entrance to the hot springs, connected by one of its paths.

Additional services

Towels and swimsuits are rented
Soda service is provided at the pools on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 3p.m.
If you need the service of this Soda on any special occasion, call 2742-5016 with Dennia.
There is a smoking area
camping area
Walking path to the coffee plantation
Alcohol is not allowed

There is also a viewpoint and a coffee tour and avocado that you must hire in advance.

In addition to the above, hosting service is offered.

In the Gevi hot springs, there is 3 rooms for 5 people:
1 suite “honeymoon” with private bathroom and hot water
2 single rooms, but one with bunk beds – collective bathroom
5,000 – 7,000 colones each room or 12,000 colones for the suite “honeymoon”

Location of the Hot Springs

1 km northeast of MINAE in it town of Herraduracrossing the bridge over Río Blanco, in San Gerardo de Rivas.
If you go by car, it is recommended that you leave it in the “Parqueo las Rosas y Soda” on your right. Since you will not climb the tremendous slope at the entrance to the hot springs. After getting off, you must walk through some 100 meters further up and you will find a bridge on the right with the entrance through Las Hot Springs. Near the place you will find a small store where you can buy your entrance tickets as well as food and drinks for your stay.