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Nicaragua is a country known for its volcanoes. The heat inside the volcanos is the reason behind the heated water beneath the Earth’s surface. This makes Nicaragua home to some of the most extraordinary aguas termales.
The hot springs are sought out by locals and tourists alike, for their restorative and relaxing properties. In this article, we will take a look at the top hot springs in Nicaragua and what they offer.
Hot Springs in Nicaragua
There are many things you can do in Central America, like surfing or golfing, but when you are tired, you can head on to the hot springs and relax.
Most of the hot springs are on the Pacific side of the country, between Costa Rica and Honduras. Keep reading this article to see which Nicaraguan hot springs or termales are worth visiting!
Best Hot Springs in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has a lot of beautiful landscapes, from lakes and mountains to thermal pools and volcanoes. The hot springs in Nicaragua are a sight for sore eyes.
There are not many hot springs in Nicaragua, but the ones that exist are huge tourist attractions. For instance, the small town of Las Salinas is home to two highly popular steaming hot spring pools that have created an industry and culture in the area.
The prices in Nicaragua are very affordable. The economic standard of the country allows tourists on a budget to experience a lot of the country on a modest budget.
The best hot springs in Nicaragua are:
- Aguas Claras
- Mud Pools of San Jacinto
- Termales de Tipitapa
- Aguas Termales Don Alfonso
Aguas Claras
Located in the town of Teustepe, the Aguas Claras is a resort with a hotel, a restaurant, and a hot spring. The hotel offers air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, room service, fresh towels, a minibar, a balcony, and more. There are non-smoking rooms and family rooms.
Outside the resort, there is a direct path to the beach, which is great for people who enjoy surfing. The three hot springs on-site contain sulfur-rich water which people use to alleviate back pain, arthritis, soreness, or muscle aches.
As people believe the Aguas Claras hot springs have healing properties the resort attracts locals and tourists from afar, the location can get busy at peak hours.
Additional Info
- Location: Aguas Claras
- Operating Hours:
- After 05:00 PM if you check in at the hotel
- For visitors, the hot springs are available after 06:00 PM
- Nearby Attractions: Iglesia de La Merced; Volcán Masaya
| Location | Aguas Claras |
| Working hours | – After 05:00 PM if you check in the hotel
– For visitors, the hot springs are available after 06:00 PM |
| Phone number | +505 2244 2916 |
| Nearby attractions | Iglesia de La Merced; Volcán Masaya |
Mud Pools of San Jacinto
The boiling mud pools of San Jacinto are a product of volcanic activity, and the extreme heat made the mud boil frantically.
Once the hot springs were recognized by local people, they became a tourist attraction. Tourists come here and use these mud pools for rheumatic issues, back pain, or any type of discomfort.
In addition to the healing properties, the location offer up some scenic views thanks to the gigantic lava-filled crater nearby.
The mud pools are in a secluded spot, and can be found by following a path marked with rocks and the off information board.
Additional Info
- Location: San Jacinto
- Operating Hours: 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM
- Nearby Attractions: Nicagarua’s geothermal electric plants; Cerro Negro (the youngest volcano in Central America)
Termales de Tipitapa
Banos de Aguas Termales en Tipitapa, or “hot springs with thermal waters in Tipitapa,” is off the beaten path and not often associated with tourism in the region. The spot is also overseen by a nearby restaurant and offers visitors drinks while they soak.
After enjoying the hot springs, visitors can rinse off in the complimentary showers and try the food from the restaurant. The restaurant in Termales de Tipitapa is highly praised for its cocktails.
There is also a nice little secluded area where folks can cool down after bathing in the mineral water and eat in peace.
Additional Info
- Location: Termales de Tipitapa
- Operating Hours: 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Nearby Attractions: The park Los Termales; Capilla Lomas De Esquipulas
Aguas Termales Don Alfonso
Aguas Termales Don Alfonso are arguably the most popular hot springs in Nicaragua. Even though many tourists are unfamiliar with these thermal waters, the Don Alfonso Termales are frequently visited by locals.
These hot springs are close to the border of Honduras and are in far Northern Nicaragua. The spot is nice and quiet, and the hot springs are basically part of the Nicaraguan jungle.
The hot waters flow from the magma chamber beneath the Earth’s surface and boil the ground.
Aguas Termales Don Alfonso is a partly natural and partly built resort that allows guests to explore some of the finest boiling pits at the park. The Jicaro River runs directly through the property and adds cooling water, which is perfect for combating the high heat.
Additional activities in the area include hiking trails, parks, pools, and picnic areas. These aguas termales are Nicaragua’s hottest hot springs, with a consistent water temperature of 212°F at the source.
With that in mind, visitors should proceed with caution when visiting and be aware of which pools are accessible and which are dangerous.
Additional Info
- Location: Aguas Termales Don Alfonso
- Operating Hours: 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
- Nearby Attractions: The city of Jalapa; the hotels Ocotal; Campestre el Pantano
Final Thoughts
Here is a fun fact, most tourists that visit Nicaragua have said that the number one reason why they choose this country is that it is not overrun by tourists. Nicaragua is a place full of tradition, from wild places and food to resorts that keep the culture alive. The nation has something special that is still not merged with the modern world.
Nicaragua is the perfect place to visit if you want to slow down and enjoy life outside of the fast lane.
