To find "the Fountain of Youth" has long been the desire of those who seek to cheat the aging process.

Luckily there exist worldrenowned methods and formulas which slow the process of aging and help the body, as well as the spirit to maintain its "vital energy". Among these techniques are the curative and rejuvenating powers of thermal springs.

Costa Rica: an unexplored goldmine

Studies carried out by European technicians show that Costa Rica has an abundance of thermal springs. Such studies indicate that our territory has more than 250 natural thermal springs, almost all of them unused. These same studies show that most of these springs are found around San Carlos, San Marcos de Tarrazú and in the province of Cartago, where there are many well known thermal baths.

With the beginning of the Health Tourism Program and with the assistance given by Europeans in this field, areas rich in these springs, such as San Carlos in the northern region of the country, have become a popular destinations for "treasure hunters" seeking the fountain of youth.

Near Arenal Volcano is found one of the most popular baths which lends itself to the practice of "health tourism", known as "Tabacón", the bath is almost at the foot of the volcano. There, health aiding, sulfurous waters, spring out of the ground into luxurious natural pools.

Further to the northeast, on the road to Pital, 15 minutes from Ciudad Quesada, the "Tucano" (toucan) tourist complex caters to health tourism with its pools and its tank of turbulent waters.

In Cartago, in the Orosi area, it's possible to enjoy thermal springs while in complete contact with nature. Another place that is well known and commonly visited by local tourists is Salitral in Santa Ana. There water comes down from the mountains and attracts many to the "healing stream".