Still a work-in-progress at last visit, this fantastic facility at The Springs Resort & Spa (tel. 506/2401-3313, www.thespringscostarica.com, 8 a.m.–midnight daily, $40 24-hour pass), five kilometers west of La Fortuna, combines 19 thermal river pools and cascades (15 more are in the works) fed by natural thermal mineral water pumped up from 120 meters belowground. This facility uses state-of-the-art filtration and other technology to maintain water purity.

There is a fantastic big-cat exhibit, with ocelots, margays, pumas, and jaguarundis in large, landscaped cages. Some, such as Pito the ocelot, enjoy being petted; the jaguarundis spend half their time hissing at anyone who gets too close to the cage. A Jaguar Island, an open puma exhibit, a walk-through sloth exhibit, a Monkey Island, and a snake center are in the works.

Nearing completion in 2011, the landscaped riverside Club Rio Outdoor Center will feature a climbing and rappelling wall, tubing, a ropes course, and a rapids course for kayaks, for both adults and kids. Mountain-bike and horse trails through 20 hectares of jungle are planned.