There are few naturally-occurring phenomena more rejuvenating than a steaming hot spring. These geothermal features, found in select corners of the world, have all the therapeutic benefits of hot tubs, and then some. The water found in natural hot springs is filled with beneficial minerals not found in your typical hot tub, and are located in the middle of beautiful outdoor locations, which can have mental benefits in addition to physical ones.
Today, we’re rounding up a few of our domestic and international trips that feature hot springs in their itineraries:
Alaska: Anchorage to Fairbanks
On this trip, we journey from Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, to the Golden Heart city of Fairbanks along the historic and scenic Parks Highway. This trip has many things to offer: like hiking through ancient boreal forests and over alpine tundra, white-water rafting, and exploring unique Alaskan treasures such as Denali National Park and its abundant wildlife. Along the way, we’ll also find time to unwind in a relaxing hot spring at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
This eco-friendly paradise is located in the heart of a 40-square-mile geothermal area. The naturally-produced 165-degree Fahrenheit water offers a unique and restorative soaking experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Choose from a variety of indoor or outdoor hot tubs, or take a refreshing dip in the hot spring lake. These waters contain trace minerals believed to be therapeutic, such as Sodium, Fluoride Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Lithium, and Chloride.
If you need to cool off, stop by the Aurora Ice Museum, where you can enjoy a drink served in an ice glass at the ice bar! Learn about the town's Gold Rush roots and cozy up in one of the on-site dry cabins with a hot cup of tea after a long day of relaxation.
Iceland’s Wild Wonders
It’s no surprise that Iceland made it to this list! The “Land of Fire and Ice” is famous for its geothermal activity; as one of the most geologically active areas on earth, this small country has big sights to see.
Iceland is a delight to visit year-round, with the exciting capital of Reykjavik, friendly locals, awe-inspiring scenery, including glaciers, Icelandic ponies, geysers, volcanoes… and of course, hot springs.
We will spend time in both the charming capital of Reykjavik as well as many days in the countryside, so we get the best of both worlds with this trip! On this trip, we’ll visit two famous hot springs: Blue Lagoon, and Sky Lagoon. We’ll enjoy Sky Lagoon on our last day, where this oceanside hot spring offers amazing views of the ocean and gives you a moment to relax and unwind after an exciting trip.
Costa Rica: From Sea To Mountains
Costa Rica is a haven for biodiversity and rich ecological treasures. The small country is also a pioneer in ecotourism and government led conservation efforts. With 25% of the land designated as National Parks, Costa Rica has managed to protect the largest proportion of its land than any other country in the world. Because of this, Costa Rica has managed to protect the largest proportion of its land than any other country in the world: with 25% of the land protected and set aside to be enjoyed for years to come.
Among these protected lands, there are several unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna: including rainforests, beaches, jungles, snow-capped mountains, and dozens of varieties of flowers and birds.
On this trip, we’ll tour as much of this protected land as we can, from Tortuguero National Park with jungle canals and the pristine Atlantic Coast, the lush cloud forest of Monteverde, and, of course, the Arenal area: which is famous for its volcano and hot springs. On day five of our trip, our hotel will be located right in front of the Arenal volcano with an unparalleled view of the mountain: and natural hot springs located on the hotel property.
Blue Ridge Rambling
You don’t always have to travel to far-flung places like Iceland or Costa Rica to discover hot springs: you can find them nestled right here in the US, in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
On Blue Ridge Rambling, we’ll begin our journey in Montreat, North Carolina. It’s located about 18 miles outside of Asheville, and is near world-class hiking. We’ll stretch our legs with a short hike to a waterfall, then return to the lodge for dinner and a night spent rocking in the chairs on the front porch.
From there, we’ll drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, make our way to the top of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi, whitewater raft on the French Broad River or choose between ziplining in the beautiful forest canopy of the Appalachian Mountains, or spending the afternoon in aptly-named Hot Springs, North Carolina.
In addition to being one of the main trail towns of the Appalachian Trail, you can also find natural hot springs here: and wile away the afternoon soaking in the local mineral water hot springs! Not many people know that you can find hot springs tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for a unique, off-the-beaten-path stop along our tour.
Our AGC-Exclusive Trips to Japan
On both of our trips to Japan, you’ll have the opportunity to visit both private and communal hot springs as you traverse the Japanese countryside.
Japan’s Culture and Countryside: on this trip, we’ll begin in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, and end in the ultra-modern urban center of Tokyo: hiking along the Nakasendo Way, the traditional footpath that used to link these two cities during Japan’s feudal period.
On day 6 of our journey, we’ll hike along the Nakasendo Way through small valleys and vast forests of both Japanese cedar and bamboo, enjoying the most off-the-beaten-path parts of Japan. At the end of this day’s hike, we’ll travel to Kiso-Fukushima, where we’ll stay at a lovely village inn set in a remote valley above the town, where we’ll enjoy the ryokan’s lovely indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths.
Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail: on this trip, you’ll experience both the beauty and culture of the Japanese countryside, alongside some of the history as you walk among a network of pilgrimage trails through the Kansai region of Japan. These Kodo (“old ways”) are the only pilgrimage paths besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site.
In addition to walking these ancient paths, you’ll enjoy a mix of lodging in Western-style hotels in the cities, and traditional Japanese inns in the countryside. It’s in these smaller village inns (ryokans) where we’ll encounter hot springs: Yunomine Hot Spring, one of the oldest in Japan, and two others as we travel to Yunominesou and Nachi Taisha towards the end of the trip.
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