20 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica

If there is only one destination you can visit in Costa Rica, make it La Fortuna! La Fortuna is the name of the town and Arenal is the name of the volcano that shapes the history and the geography of this town.

All the outstanding elements of nature that Costa Rica stands for, you will find representation here (well, sans beaches). Volcano and lava trails, waterfalls and hot springs, animals and birds, hanging bridges and zip-lining, canyoning and rafting, and so much more.

The range of activities in the region is so diverse that La Fortuna can hook all types of travelers, whether you are on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a friends trip or on a solo adventure. Located in the northern plains, the town is well connected with other important destinations in Costa Rica. So, it makes it easy to include La Fortuna and Arenal in most Costa Rica itinerary combinations.

Costa Rica Itinerary Ideas: This is a collection of different Costa Rica itineraries spanning over various lengths of days and covering a variety of different destinations and activities.

Here is our complete travel guide for La Fortuna and Arenal. We will cover the best things to do, share our recommendations on the best places to eat and the best hotels to stay, and other important information that will help you plan your La Fortuna trip.

20 Things to Do in La Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica

From ultimate relaxation to high adrenaline adventures, there are plenty of things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal. Some of the activities are right in town, some are a short drive away, while for others you can make a day trip.

La Fortuna Town Center

Before venturing out for exploring all the fun that lies around La Fortuna, start with exploring the town center. A beautifully landscaped central park sits in front of the main church, Iglesia de La Fortuna de San Carlos. Many shops, restaurants and cafes surround this central square of church and park. And every moment of every day, the bustling activities of the town center are silently observed by the mighty Arenal Volcano, that towers over the town of La Fortuna.

Wherever you go in La Fortuna and Arenal, you are likely to get a direct view of the volcano. However, note that on rainy and cloudy days, the views of the volcano may be completely obstructed by rain, cloud or mist. More about that later, when we discuss the best time to visit La Fortuna.

The main square of La Fortuna - church with Arenal volcano in the background.
The main square of La Fortuna – church with Arenal volcano in the background.

Arenal Volcano National Park

This is the national park that protects the area of its namesake volcano, Arenal. For up close views of the Arenal volcano and intimate encounters with old lava trails, consider a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. There are two sectors of the park, the Volcano Sector and the Peninsula Sector.

In the Volcano Sector, apart from viewpoints and forest trails, you can walk on the old solidified lava from the 1992 eruptions of Arenal volcano. The Peninsula Sector is a newer addition to the national park. The trails here go through the forest and along the shores of Arenal Lake. A watch tower and an observation deck offer views of Arenal Volcano from vantage points.

Read the complete guide to Arenal Volcano National Park for everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Volcano Sector and the Peninsula Sector.

Couple seated on a bench, at the watch tower of Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park.
Us, at the watch tower of Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park.

Arenal 1968

An alternative to Arenal Volcano National Park is Arenal 1968 Mirador y Senderos. It is a private reserve with trails through forests and on old solidified lava rocks from the 1968 eruptions of Arenal Volcano. All along the hike, you can observe the Arenal Volcano standing tall, from different perspectives.

If you need to choose between Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal 1968, we would recommend the latter. While both are great options, the trails of Arenal 1968 have nicer views, especially from the summit point on the trail.

Couple standing next to a rock, with Arenal volcano in the background. This is the trail summit of Arenal 1968.
Us, at the trail summit of Arenal 1968.

Like volcanoes? Read about an epic volcano adventure in Guatemala:


Hot Springs of La Fortuna

The close proximity of Arenal volcano has paved the path for several thermal water fed hot springs in La Fortuna. In fact, relaxing at a thermal pool is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna.

There are several hot springs resorts in town, of varying budgets. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Baldi Hot Springs, Hotel Los Lagos, Springs Resort and Spa are some of the popular options, either for stay or for their day passes to access the thermal pools.

Some, like Eco Termales, offer only thermal pools and dining options, without any accommodation. You can also find free hot springs in La Fortuna, commonly known as Rio Chollin or Mini Tabacon.

Read this post for our experience of spending a romantic evening at Eco Termales Hot Springs.

A thermal water pool at Eco Termales Hot Springs in La Fortuna.
A thermal water pool at Eco Termales Hot Springs.

Bogarin Trail

Have you ever seen a sloth in the wild? If not, add a guided tour at Bogarin Trail in your Costa Rica vacation plan.

Bogarin Trail is a perfect example of how nature takes its own course when left to grow on its own. Once a farmland, this private reserve is now full of dense vegetation, which the three-toed sloths of La Fortuna find it safe to call home. Go on a guided hike at Bogarin so that you can rely of the expert eyes to help you spot some sloths.

Not just sloths, Bogarin trail is also great for sighting birds of several species, both land and aquatic.

Check out our Bogarin Trail complete guide for more details about hours, fees and tour options.

A rain-drenched three-toes sloth, hanging on to a tree branch at Bogarin Trail in La Fortuna.
A rain-drenched three-toes sloth at Bogarin Trail.

Night Tour

Some creatures are easier to spot in the darkness of the night. Like Costa Rica’s iconic red-eyed tree frog. We have seen this beauty several times in various parts of Costa Rica. But our first ever sighting of the red-eyed tree frog was in La Fortuna, and it was only the first of many others that we saw here.

Go on a guided night walk in La Fortuna, and you will discover species of amphibians, arthropods, reptiles, mammals and birds that you would not otherwise have spotted during your day hikes.

Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species of wildlife. Check out this article to get an overview of the animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles found in Costa Rica, and where you can expect to see them.

Red-eyed tree-frog on the trails of Arenal Observatory Lodge.
Red-eyed tree-frog on the trails of Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Birdwatching Tour

The rainforests in La Fortuna are home to more than 500 species of birds. If you have keen eyes for birding, you are likely to spot several species on your hikes in the national park and in the various reserves. You may even observe dozens of species from the comfort of your hotel balcony.

But if you are not experienced in spotting birds by yourself but enjoy the activity or if you want to significantly increase your chances of bird sightings, sign up for a guided birdwatching tour in La Fortuna.

Rufous-tailed hummingbird in La Fortuna.
Rufous-tailed hummingbird, spotted near La Fortuna waterfall.

Children’s Eternal Rainforest: Pocosol Station

Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. It derives its name because this huge piece of land was purchased and protected due to the fundraising efforts of children from around the world.

The reserve has fours sectors that allow public access for hiking on the trails to learn about the flora and fauna. One of those is the Pocosol Station, which you can visit from La Fortuna. From town, it takes about an hour to reach the station. 4X4 vehicle is recommended for this drive.

The trails at Pocosol Station will take you through primary and secondary rainforests, complemented with nice valley views. Birdwatchers pay attention, because you are likely to spot several species of birds during your hike.

If you are fond of nature and birding, a day trip to Pocosol can be a nice addition to your list of activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.

Bajo del Tigre Reserve is another sector of Children’s Eternal Rainforest. But you can visit that sector from Monteverde. To plan your visit to Bajo del Tigre Reserve, read this post.

La Fortuna Waterfall

A flight of 500 stairs will take you to a charming white waterfall that drops 70 meters into an emerald pool. That is Catarata La Fortuna for you. Feel the water drops from the waterfall splash on your face, enjoy the views from the observation deck, swim in the nearby river shallows – there are several ways to enjoy La Fortuna waterfall.

With ample parking space, an onsite restaurant, facilities of showers and lockers in the bathroom and free WiFi, you can easily plan to spend an entire day at La Fortuna waterfall. It is also easy to reach from town, as it is a less than 10 minutes drive or taxi ride away from town.

To know more about La Fortuna waterfall and plan your visit, check out our attraction guide.

Watch our YouTube video below about La Fortuna waterfall.

Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

Want to add adventure to your waterfall expeditions in La Fortuna and Arenal? Try canyoning and waterfall rappelling. Holding on to only ropes, take the leap of faith as you go down one waterfall after another.

In Arenal, Pure Trek offers an excellent canyoning and waterfall rappelling tour covering 4 waterfall rappels, 1 wall rappel and other jumps and drops. For sure, this is an adventure activity, and one that will get you wet!

Canyoning with Pure Trek is a half day tour that includes transportation, bilingual guides, all necessary equipment, lunch and snacks. They also have some combo tours, that include other activities in La Fortuna and Arenal, along with the canyoning. You can book your Pure Trek adventure here.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

One of the unique ways to experience the rainforests of Costa Rica is the hanging bridges tour. You will be surrounded by the dense and lush vegetation, not only from all sides, but from also below your feet. At the hanging bridges parks, you get to walk on a series of suspension bridges that lies several feet above the ground.

For your trip to La Fortuna and Arenal, spend a morning at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. Apart from the hanging bridges, here you will also get to see a hummingbird garden, a waterfall and views of Arenal volcano on a clear weather day.

To plan your visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, read this post for more detailed information.

How about walking on hanging bridges over the cloud forests of Costa Rica? Check out our activity guide about the hanging bridges in Monteverde.

Woman wearing blue top and grey pants, standing on of one of the hanging bridges at Mistico Arenal Park in Arenal.
Pubali, on of one of the hanging bridges at Mistico Arenal Park.

Sky Adventures

If you enjoy the hanging bridges of Arenal, take your adventures up another notch. Sign up for a zip-lining tour.

Sky Adventures Arenal is the best place for a canopy tour in Arenal. Offering terrific views, there are 7 zip lines one after another, some of which boast to be among the longest and the fastest lines in the country.

Apart from zip-lining, you can choose other activities at Sky Adventures, like hanging bridges, canyoning and aerial tram rides, among others. There is also a famous viewpoint with a big hand, called “Hand of Arenal”, that provides great photo ops with the Arenal Lake in the background.

There is another site of Sky Adventures in Monteverde, another great place for zip-lining. You can read about the experience of zip-lining over the cloud forests of Monteverde in this post.

Arenal Lake

Located at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Lake is the largest landlocked waterbody in Costa Rica. Just the sight of the lake is beautiful, but you can also enjoy it by other means. You can go on a boat tour that will give you a ride around the lake, with views of the volcano. If you are looking for something more active, you can choose from kayaking or stand up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal.

Couple of people kayaking on the calm Lake Arenal, and a flock of birds flying next to them.
Kayakers at Lake Arenal.

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Rio Celeste is one of the most magical waterfalls in Costa Rica. A striking sky blue color characterizes the natural pool where the waterfall plunges. The waterfall is part of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. So, in addition to visiting this waterfall, you can also explore the other trail where you will come across various secondary volcanic activities.

It takes almost 1.5 hours for driving from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste waterfall. You will also need a few hours to explore the trails at the national park and absorb the beauty of the place. So, Rio Celeste makes for a great full day trip from La Fortuna.

Check out this complete guide to visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall and Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Looking for inspiration to chase more beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica? Check this out!

Rio Celeste waterfall.
Rio Celeste waterfall.

River Rafting

The proximity of Arenal to various rivers creates various rafting opportunities. One of the most common is rafting on the Balsa River with Class II and Class III rapids. As you navigate in the river, you also get to see wildlife in the surrounding rainforests and in the water. So, keep an eye out for these sightings.

You can consult the rafting tour company if you are seeking more thrill out of your rafting adventure and want to raft in higher grade rapids. There are rafting tours on Sarapiqui river too, with Class IV rapids.

The rafting tour prices usually include transportation from your hotel in La Fortuna, all necessary equipment, guide, tropical fruits and lunch at a restaurant in town.

Peñas Blancas River Safari Float

A calmer alternative to river rafting is a river safari float. Less than half an hour’s drive away from La Fortuna, you can embark on this journey on the Peñas Blancas river. You sit on a float (raft) and gently float down the river. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, while looking out for wildlife, up in the trees, on the banks or in the water.

You can book this safari float tour with Jacamar Naturalist Tours.

River floating reminds us a wonderful activity we did in Drake Bay. It was about floating on the river, but not on any raft. It was about simply letting ourselves go as our bodies floated down the river. Here you can read about our Rio Claro floating experience.

Pure Nature Safari Float

Pure Nature Safari Float is a similar activity like that of the Peñas Blancas River Safari Float. You get to observe wildlife while enjoying the peaceful ride. But in this one, your raft floats down the Frio river, which is the main water source for Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge.

Jacamar Naturalist Tours company also offers this Pure Nature tour.

Caño Negro Boat Safari

You can also explore the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge by going on a boat tour.

In 1991, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge was declared a RAMSAR site of world importance for the preservation of ecosystems and aquifers. UNESCO declared the refuge a Biosphere Reserve in 2007.

This protected are is home for many endangered species. So keep your camera ready to capture some rare sightings, while quietly cruising down the river.

You can book this boat safari tour with Jacamar Naturalist Tours.

Venado Caves

Venado Caves constitue one of a kind tourist attraction in Costa Rica. Undiscovered until the 1940s, this series of caves offer a peek into the unique stalactite and stalagmite formations underground.

If you are visiting Venado Caves, prepare to get wet and dirty, crawl through cramped spaces and get up close with the inhabitants of the caves, like bats and insects. Sounds scary? But that is exactly what adds to the thrill of visiting Venado Caves.

The caves are located 41 km (25 miles) from La Fortuna town center, and the drive takes about 45 minutes. The site is open all days of the week, between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Coffee and Chocolate Tour

If you want to take a break from all the hiking and the adventurous activities in La Fortuna and Arenal, a nice relaxing option is Coffee and Chocolate Tour. Costa Rica is word renowned for its top grade coffee and chocolate. So, by signing up for this tour, you will get to know all the “behind the scene” processes that result in such fine quality produces.

The tour usually lasts for about 2 hours. Over this period, you will walk through different areas of the farm and the processing centers to observe and learn, the entire process of bean to cup of coffee and bean to bar of chocolate.

Don Juan Tours Arenal and North Field Cafe are couple of family owned businesses that offer Coffee and Chocolate Tours in La Fortuna.

Check out this article for ideas about various activities in Costa Rica and plan your trip.

Best Time to Visit La Fortuna and Arenal

Costa Rica has only two seasons, dry and rainy, and La Fortuna happens to be in one of the rainiest parts of the country. That means, more rainy days!

But even if it rains in La Fortuna, you can still do many of the activities. The major impact of rain though is that you are likely to miss out on the majestic views of the Arenal volcano that rises from the ground and pierces into the sky.

December to April constitutes the dry season, while rainy season lasts from May to November. However, it is difficult to predict the weather in La Fortuna. We have been to La Fortuna several times over the past years and have experienced varying weather conditions, irrespective of the season. For example, we have had rain washed days in February and bright sunny days with clear skies in August.

Plan your La Fortuna trip during the dry season to reduce your chances of getting rainy days. But our suggestion is to be flexible with your itinerary so that you can swap out activities between days based on weather conditions.

Backside view of a couple holding hands and staring at the Arenal volcano.
After a few trips to La Fortuna, this was the first time we got to see the Arenal volcano peak without cloud cover.

Hotels in La Fortuna and Arenal

La Fortuna is one of the most popular tourist towns in Costa Rica. So, you will find accommodations of all types and budgets, ranging from hostels to luxury. Some resorts have their own thermal water pools which guests have unlimited access to.

For different factors that can help you choose where to stay and our hotel recommendations by budget, read our La Fortuna and Arenal hotels guide.

High-end

  • The Springs Resort & Spa: This is a high-end luxury hotel with more than two dozen hot spring pools, a spa and 5 onsite restaurants. The property has excellent views of the Arenal Volcano and the valley. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
  • Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: This is a romantic high-end hotel offering luxury spa treatments and several thermal water pools. Rooms have modern decor and amenities, and there are onsite restaurants and bars. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
  • Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa: Another high-end hotel with 25 thermal pools, stylish suites, onsite restaurants and bars. The waterslides and options of activities make this hotel a great choice for families and groups. Click here to check prices and book your stay.

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort: One of the first hot springs resorts of La Fortuna and Arenal, this hotel offers rooms with scenic views, gourmet restaurant, swim-up bar, natural hot spring and a luxury spa. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
  • Arenal Observatory Lodge: This nature lodge is located in the Arenal Conservation Area and offers great views of the Arenal Volcano. Apart from nicely appointed rooms, onsite restaurant and bar with great views, they have nice nature trails and excellent birding opportunities. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
  • Hotel Lomas del Volcan: The hotel offers neatly done spacious cottages, some with their own private hot tubs. You get great views of the volcano from the property, and the onsite restaurant offers delicious fare including an elaborate complimentary breakfast. Click here to check prices and book your stay.

Budget

  • Hotel Secreto La Fortuna: A good value for money accommodation option in La Fortuna town, for all the amenities that you may need, from air-conditioned rooms with volcano or pool views, private bathrooms, WiFi, parking and included breakfast. Click here to check prices and book your stay.
A romantic hot tub setup at Lomas del Volcan hotel in La Fortuna.
A romantic hot tub setup during our stay at Lomas del Volcan hotel in La Fortuna.

Restaurants in La Fortuna and Arenal

If you like to have choices for eating out, you will not be disappointed with La Fortuna and Arenal. There are several restaurants clustered around the town center, and also down the roads and lanes. From lounge bars to cute cafes, from budget Peruvian to fancy Costa Rican, you will find all sorts of dining options spread across town.

We are soon going to share a detailed restaurants guide for La Fortuna and Arenal, but here are some of our favorites:

  • Tierra Mia: Fusion Costa Rican cuisine
  • Chipotle’s Tex Mex: Great tacos!
  • Chifa La Familia Feliz: Peruvian and Chinese fusion
  • Pollo Fortuñeno: Good steaks and burgers, chilled craft beer
  • Chocolate Fusion: Delicious chocolates and coffee

La Fortuna and Arenal Restaurants Guide: Coming soon!

Delicious tacos at Chipotle's Tex Mex restaurant in La Fortuna.
Delicious tacos at Chipotle’s Tex Mex restaurant in La Fortuna.

Check out our restaurant guides for other popular destinations in Costa Rica:


How to Reach La Fortuna

La Fortuna is part of the Alajuela province. It is a scenic drive from either of San Jose airport or Liberia airport, but it does entail driving on some curvy mountain roads. The driving distances, estimated driving times and recommended driving routes from both the airports are as follows:

AirportDistanceTime (Approx.)Route
Liberia Airport114 km / 71 miles~ 2:30 hoursRoute 1 – Route 702
San Jose Airport143 km / 89 miles2:30-3:00 hoursOption 1: Route 1 – Route 6 – Route 4 – Route 142
Option 2: Route 1 – Route 142

If you need to avail public transport, you can board a bus to La Fortuna from either of San Jose or Liberia.

You can find La Fortuna on Google Maps here.

For getting around within La Fortuna and around, your rental car is the best option. Otherwise, you can also opt for taxis from the main town center. If you are doing organized tours, check with the tour provider if they include hotel pick and drop service in their tour price.

Final Thoughts

La Fortuna is very touristy with tailor-made activities and attractions to entice all kinds of travelers. But with so much to do in such beautiful surroundings, there are good enough reasons why tourists throng this popular destination.

Over the years, we have been to La Fortuna and Arenal several times. Yet we keep returning, to pursue new activities or to rediscover attractions in a new way. What remains a constant across all our trips is getting mesmerized by the glorious views of the Arenal volcano.

Share with us in the comments below. Are you planning to visit La Fortuna anytime soon? What activities are you most looking forward to? If you have already been to Arenal and La Fortuna, how was your experience?

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Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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