La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, and it’s home to some of the best things to do in La Fortuna, from rappelling waterfalls and hiking lava fields to spotting sloths on guided rainforest walks and soaking in geothermal hot springs. Few places balance adrenaline and relaxation quite as well.
We spent a week here in early 2025. Tim’s favorite things to do were hiking the lava fields at Arenal 1968 with panoramic views of the volcano and searching out his favorite hot spring; mine was the canyoning, which was my first time rappelling down waterfalls and quickly became a bucket-list highlight. We also took a guided tour of the Místico Hanging Bridges and came away having spotted spider monkeys, toucans, and pit vipers, far more wildlife than we ever would have found on our own.
In this guide, we cover the best things to do in La Fortuna, from the must-dos to a few hidden gems, along with day trips, where to eat, and where to stay.
La Fortuna: At a Glance
🗓 HOW MANY DAYS | 3–7 days (3 days for the highlights; 5–7 to add day trips)
✈️ NEAREST AIRPORT | Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
🌟 TOP EXPERIENCES | Canyoning, guided sloth walks, hike through lava fields, Místico Hanging Bridges, hot springs
🦥 BEST FOR WILDLIFE | Místico Hanging Bridges (guided), Bogarin Trail (sloths)
🌋 BEST VOLCANO VIEWS | Mirador El Silencio, Arenal Observatory Lodge
🌊 BEST DAY TRIP | Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste
☀️ BEST TIME TO VISIT | December–April (dry season)
Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?
Yes, and it exceeded our expectations in ways we didn’t anticipate. One of the things that surprised us most was how omnipresent Arenal Volcano is. You see it from your car, from the hiking trails, from your table at dinner, from the hot springs. We saw it from all of those places, and it never got old. The volcano is the backdrop to everything in La Fortuna, and that constant presence gives the whole destination a drama that’s hard to describe until you’re there.
The rhythm of a day here is also hard to beat. Mornings filled with something adventurous, such as a canyoning tour or a hike through the lava fields, followed by afternoons unwinding in the hot springs or back at the hotel. We settled into that pattern almost immediately and didn’t want to leave it.
The one thing La Fortuna is not is a beach destination. If your Costa Rica itinerary is beach-heavy, you’ll want to pair it with Manuel Antonio or the Nicoya Peninsula. But for outdoor adventure, wildlife, and volcanic scenery, La Fortuna is one of the best places in the country, and worth every bit of its reputation.
Top 5 Things to Do in La Fortuna
Short on time? These are the five experiences we’d prioritize first:
Canyoning: Our favorite activity in La Fortuna, and one of the most memorable things we’ve done in all of Costa Rica. Rappelling down waterfalls, some as high as 200 feet, is exhilarating even if it’s your first time. We used Maquique Adventure and can’t recommend them highly enough.
Hike the Lava Fields: Walking across the 1968 lava flow at Arenal 1968 or Mirador El Silencio, with Arenal Volcano towering above you, is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
A Guided Tour at Místico Hanging Bridges: The hanging bridges are beautiful on their own, but a guide transforms the experience. On our tour, we spotted spider monkeys, toucans, pit vipers, and more, wildlife we would have walked right past without help.
Hot Springs: La Fortuna has no shortage of hot spring options, from the luxury resort pools at Tabacon to the more affordable Eco Termales. After a day of canyoning or hiking, there’s no better way to end the evening.
Arenal Observatory Lodge: The views of Arenal Volcano are some of our favorites, plus you can enjoy the view over lunch or dinner, and add in some birdwatching as well.
Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano is the backdrop to almost everything you do in La Fortuna. Seeing the old lava flows and getting a view of Arenal Volcano is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna.
To do this, there are three private reserves and the national park. We visited all of them and here’s how they compare:
| Arenal 1968 | Mirador El Silencio | Arenal Observatory Lodge | Arenal Volcano National Park | |
| Best For | Lava field hiking, volcano views | Best volcano views, budget-friendly | Birdwatching, no hiking required | Checking it off the list |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate | Moderate | Easy (optional trails) | Easy |
| Highlight | Walking the lava flow, café with volcano views | Trail #6 to the lava flow viewpoint | Observation deck, bird feeders, The Nest tower | Lava fields, wildlife |
| Drive from La Fortuna | 20 min | 17 min | 35 min | 15 min |
| Price | $$$ (most expensive) | $ (cheapest) | $$ | $ ($15) |
| Our Verdict | Tim’s favorite hike | Julie’s favorite hike | Best volcano view, great for birdwatchers | Skip — private reserves are better |
We cover the private reserves first.
1. Walk through Lava Fields at Arenal Volcano Park 1968
When Arenal Volcano erupted in 1968, it created lava fields around the base of the volcano. This park has a network of trails that run through these lava fields.
Why You Should Visit this Reserve: This was Tim’s favorite hike in La Fortuna. The trail is very interesting, you get to walk across the 1968 lava flow, all while getting great views of Arenal Volcano. There is also a café with panoramic views of the volcano, the perfect spot for a cool, refreshing drink at the end of the hike. However, it was the most expensive reserve we visited.
At Arenal 1968, there are three trails which run through the lava fields:
- Green Trail: This short loop hike takes you to a view of the lava fields.
- Yellow Trail (3 km): This trail starts off as a flat walk through a forest and then climbs up into the lava fields. After walking through the lava fields, the trail loops back to the café and park entrance. This trail is easy to moderate.
- Red Trail (5.6 km): This trail follows the yellow trail to the lava field. It then goes farther into the lava field and to a small lake, where sometimes alligators can be seen.
We followed the yellow trail and felt this was sufficient. The views of the lava field, Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal are all very nice from the high point of this trail. If you do the yellow trail, it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to do the hike. Leave time for the café at the end of the trail, as the views from here are wonderful as well.
How to Visit Arenal 1968: From La Fortuna, it is a 20-minute drive to get there (Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails on Google Maps). The entrance is very close to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Get updated hours and pricing here.
2. Hike the Trails at Mirador El Silencio
Mirador El Silencio is a large private reserve with a series of hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the volcano and old lava fields.
Why You Should Visit this Reserve: This was my favorite hike in La Fortuna. The trail is bit more challenging, but I also thought it was more interesting than Arenal 1968, with its great views of the volcano and rugged trail, particularly at the highest viewpoint of the volcano. This park is the cheapest private reserve to visit, and cheaper than the national park.
To visit Mirador El Silencio, it is about a 17-minute drive from La Fortuna. At the entrance, park, pay your fee at the entrance booth, and snap a photo of the trail map. There are several hiking trails that start next to the entrance booth, but our recommendation is to skip these, get back into your car and drive up the road to the upper parking lot. From here, hike trail #6 to the scenic viewpoint of the volcano.
Trail #6 is roughly 1.2 km long. It’s hilly in spots but it leads to a portion of the 1968 lava flow. Seeing the lava flow, and the view of Arenal Volcano from this point, is the highlight of the park.
There are other trails lower on the mountain which are good for forest views and spotting wildlife. If you are doing other sloth walks in La Fortuna or visiting the Mistico Hanging Bridges (which you should!) then it might not be worth hiking these trails, unless you have a lot of time in La Fortuna (more than one week).
Get hours and pricing on the official website.
3. Have Lunch with a View at Arenal Observatory Lodge
This is one of La Fortuna’s hidden gems.
Arenal Observatory Lodge is the most remote of the private reserves. It’s a 35-minute drive to get here from La Fortuna, and the last part of the drive will be on a hilly, rough, gravel road. But once here, it’s awesome. The views of the volcano are spectacular and if you are into birdwatching, this place is not to be missed.
Why You Should Visit this Reserve: No hiking required. In fact, you can have lunch at the lodge or a drink on the deck, with a panoramic view of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This is our favorite view of the volcano. Plus, there are bird feeders that attract some very interesting birds, including the Montezuma Oropendola.
To get here, drive to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. It’s recommended to have an SUV or 4×4, since the final part of the drive is on a rough, potholed gravel road. The entrance fee is paid at the gate. Once on the reserve, the roads are paved, there is abundant parking, and lots of amenities.
For the quickest visit, go right to the observation deck. There is a large outdoor deck with views of the volcano, the bird feeders, and Lake Arenal. Right next door is a restaurant. We had lunch here, and the food was good, but the views were better. I loved photographing the birds at the birdfeeders.
Montezuma Oropendola
There are several trails to hike on the property. There is a short trail which leads to an indoor observation tower, which is really just a room on an upper floor of one of the lodges.
For the best view, walk out to The Nest. It’s 146 steps to the top of this wobbly observation tower. Your reward is 360° views of the area.
We also walked trails to the frog pond and were able to spot the Montezuma Oropendula birds multiple times. Seeing their nests was very interesting, but nowhere near as interesting as watching and hearing their call.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge offers a lot more than a deck with a view and a few hiking. This is also a lodge and hotel. Some rooms have a great view of the volcano. There is also a spa onsite and guided hikes of the property.
4. Go Canyoning (Rapel Down Waterfalls)
Canyoning (which is sometimes also called canyoneering), is rappelling down waterfalls.
Of all the things we did in La Fortuna, canyoning was my favorite experience. This was a first for me and Tim and we loved every minute of it. It’s adventurous, it’s refreshing, and it can take you a bit outside of your comfort zone. We even got to see some howler monkeys, a nice bonus.
Tim put in a lot of research to the best places to go canyoning in La Fortuna. I am going to first list who we used, plus a few more recommended companies.
Maquique Adventure
This is the company we used and had a fantastic experience. On our tour, it was me and Tim plus two guides.
Why Pick This One: Maquique Adventure offers a nice mix of touch the wall and non-touch rappelling. There are 3 waterfall rappels, 2 dry rappels, 2 ziplines, and 1 monkey drop into a pool of water. It’s a great choice for newbies. Plus, we had a great personal experience with Maquique. They have a YouTube video so you know exactly what to expect.
Our Experience
The experience starts off with a short hike through the forest to the first rappel. The first rappel is very short, a good place to practice the basics of rappelling and to get a feel of what it is like to do that drop.
The rappels got gradually longer and more challenging, with a few in waterfalls, along with several monkey drops into pools of water. The longest rappel was 200 feet, next to a waterfall. Our guides were tons of fun, taught us a lot, and kept us safe.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website. Small group and private tours are available and include transportation. They also offer whitewater rafting tours.
Things to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, clothes that can get wet, a dry change of clothes, insect repellent, hair tie. We carried our iPhones in a waterproof sleeve with a strap that we wore cross-strap across our bodies. This was mostly in a forest, so sunscreen was not a must-have.
ABC Canyoning
This is a company that we also highly considered using. With a 230-foot waterfall rappel, ABC offers the highest waterfall rappel in La Fortuna. However, it was our first time canyoning, and some reviews stated that the final waterfall rappel was very intense, and they ended the day with cuts and bruises. So, we went with Maquique instead.
Why Pick This One: Pick this company if you want to focus solely on water rappelling, and bragging rights for completing the highest waterfall rappel in the area. But it is not for everyone, reviews mention that the strong force of the water at the big waterfall is intense and powerful. And people have walked away with cuts and bruises after rappelling it.
This one still looks like tons of fun, and now that we have a little experience under our belts, it would be the one we’d sign up for next.
Learn more on their website. Tickets can also be purchased on GetYourGuide.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: GetYourGuide offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund for many tours and tickets (it’s a good idea to check the fine print). We booked most of our entry and tour tickets in Costa Rica through GetYourGuide, because we just had to input our credit card information into one website, rather than a long list of websites. Plus, all of your tour tickets are saved in one app, making it easier to keep track of your travel plans.
Desafio Adventure Company
Desafio offers several tours. Canyoning in the Lost Canyon is a tour with several waterfall rappels (the highest being 60 meters/200 feet) and swimming in the El Salto swimming hole. Learn more on their website and GetYourGuide.
The Extreme Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping tour is a mix of waterfall rappelling and waterfall cliff jumping, with the highest jump being 7.6 meters/25 feet. Learn more here and on GetYourGuide.
Pure Trek
Pure Trek is a family friendly adventure company. They use a special technique to slowly lower children, where the guide has total control over the rappelling. Their tour includes 3 waterfall rappels, 1 rock rappel, and 1 monkey drop (a zipline into a pool of water at the base of a waterfall). Get the full details on their website.
5. Go Ziplining
Ziplining, also called Canopy Tours, is another one of La Fortuna’s more adventurous activities.
Ziplining tours are offered throughout Costa Rica, so if you also have plans to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest or Manuel Antonio, you also have the opportunity to do this here. We did not go ziplining in La Fortuna, since we had already done it twice, earlier on our trip. There were things that stood out in those tours (100% Aventura in Monteverde has the longest zip line in Costa Rica, plus you can do it superman-style and El Santuario Canopy Adventure in Manual Antonio has the longest dual zip line in Costa Rica).
So, if you have plans to visit more than La Fortuna on your trip to Costa Rica, consider where else you are going. There are some great ziplining tours in La Fortuna, but your time here could be better spent in the hot springs, canyoning, or day tripping to a place like Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Here are the top ziplining companies in La Fortuna, with links to the official companies, so you can learn more about what they offer:
- Arenal Canopy Adventure: This one is great for families and first timers. It features 8 zip lines and 1 Tarzan swing.
- Sky Adventures: This tour features 7 ziplines, the longest being more than 750 meters, plus a ride in their aerial tramway. For an additional fee, you can also explore their hanging bridges.
- Arenal Ecoglide: On this tour, do 11 ziplines, a Tarzan swing, and walk across one suspension bridge. These zip lines are relatively short and great for younger kids (the youngest age is 3) and those nervous about zip lining.
- Arenal Mundo Aventura: This company offers a wide variety of experiences, from ziplining tours (some with horseback riding) and some include a visit to Makeku Village.
6. Take a Guided Tour of Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Featuring a network of suspended bridges and trails that run through a rainforest canopy, this park is one of the best places in La Fortuna to view wildlife, the jungle, and even get views of Arenal Volcano.
If you don’t have plans to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this is well worth it, as you get a similar experience walking the hanging bridges and spotting wildlife. Even if you have plans to visit Monteverde, Místico is still worth it, especially if you take a guided tour. We saw a lot of birds and wildlife we didn’t get to see in other parts of Costa Rica.
Things to Do at Místico Hanging Bridges:
Walk the hanging bridges. There are 6 hanging bridges in the park, some of them quite long. From some bridges, you get a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano (if the skies are clear…they were not during our visit).
Rainforest wildlife. We saw a lot of exotic birds, spider monkeys, pit vipers, giant banded anole, howler monkeys, toucans, tarantula dens, and heard quite a few poison dart frogs. It is also possible to see sloths and capuchin monkeys.
Spider Monkeys
Walk the Main Trail. The main trail through the park is 3.2 km/2 miles long, hilly in spots, and crosses the 6 hanging bridges. It takes 1.5 hours without a guide, about 2.5 hours with a guide. There is a shorter, more accessible trail for those with mobility issues.
Guided or Self-Guided? What’s the Best Option?
We took a guided tour and I’m very glad we did. Our guide was incredible, not only in finding and pointing out wildlife, but also teaching us about the animals that live in this park, and about Arenal Volcano. Without a guide, we would have seen very little in terms of wildlife.
Taking a guided tour is more expensive and takes longer, but it’s worth it, to spot the wildlife that camouflages themselves in the rainforest canopy.
We took this guided tour and had a fantastic experience.
Entry Tickets: Whether you plan to take a guided or self-guided tour of the park, it is best to book your tickets online in advance. This can be done on the official website. The official website also offers tickets on GetYourGuide, if you prefer to use this platform to manage your tickets and tours in Costa Rica.
If you don’t have plans to rent a car, this guided tour also includes transportation from La Fortuna.
When to Go: The park opens at 6 am. If you want the park to yourself, go early. We heard that it gets very crowded mid-morning. Our tour started at 7 am, and at that hour, there were only a few other visitors at the park. At the end of our tour (9:30 am) the park was very busy.
7. Relax in the Hot Springs
Visiting the hot springs is one of La Fortuna’s top experiences. The geothermal activity from nearby Arenal Volcano heats the mineral-rich water, offering a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
There are a LOT of hot springs to choose from. These range from hot springs at luxury resorts with big price tags to more budget-friendly options. We visited five hot springs in La Fortuna, and here is our overview of each of them.
| Tabacon | The Springs Resort | Baldi | Eco Termales | Los Laureles | |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Vibe | Lush, romantic, resort | Upscale, wildlife-rich | Lively, family-friendly | Intimate, adults-focused | Casual, local feel |
| Best For | Couples, honeymoons | Wildlife lovers, families, views of Arenal volcano | First-timers, groups | Couples, quieter experience | Budget travelers |
| Pools | Thermal river + pools | 6+ pools | 25+ pools | ~5 pools | Several pools + cold |
| Crowds | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Can get busy | Low (limited capacity) | Low–Moderate |
| Book Ahead? | Yes | Yes | Recommended | Yes — sells out | No |
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Why Pick This One: This was the most luxurious and naturally designed hot spring we visited. It’s a good pick for couples and adults who want a quieter, more natural experience. But it’s also one of the most expensive, as we paid roughly $100 per person to enter.
The hot springs resorts throughout La Fortuna look like swimming pools with added waterfalls, and sometimes even water slides. Tabacón was designed to look a lot more natural, with flowing rivers, secluded pools of water, and cascading waterfalls. It has a beautiful setting, with walking trails and loungers tucked away in the trees. There is also a spa, a swim up bar, and a restaurant that serves very good food.
Website: Learn more and get updated pricing and hours on the official website. They also offer accommodations and with a room reservation, guests get complementary access into the hot springs.
Baldi Hot Springs
Why Pick this One: With secluded pools, caves to explore, multiple swim up bars, an onsite restaurant and areas for kids to play, you could easily spend all day here. It’s the most family friendly hot spring in La Fortuna, with water slides and a kids’ play zone. It is also the most affordable luxury hot spring (roughly $50 per adult).
This is the largest hot springs resort in La Fortuna, and one of the most popular. There are 25 thermal pools, ranging in size and temperature of the water and there is even a cold-water pool, if you need to cool off.
This park is huge, with lots of places to explore and spread out. There are small, quieter pools to relax in, as well as larger pools surrounded by lounge chairs. If you are looking for a hot spring with a lot of variety, this is good one to visit.
Website: Explore more of Baldi on the official website and take a tour via their photo gallery.
The Springs Resort Hot Springs
Why Pick this One: The view of Arenal Volcano from the swim up bar is a big highlight. There are three areas of hot springs, which makes the expensive day pass worth it, if you plan to spend all day here. However, it is the most expensive on the list, roughly $130 per person for a day pass.
This is our favorite hot spring in La Fortuna, mainly because we loved the view of Arenal Volcano from the swim up bar. We had lunch here, sitting in the warm waters of the pool, dining on salads and tacos and indulging in a few tropical cocktails. The food is nothing special, but the view is unbeatable.
There are three areas of hot springs. The Las Lagunas Pools section is located near the entrance and has several large pools surrounded by lounge chairs, plus the swim up bar.
The Perdido Springs section is a short walk from Las Lagunas, is sheltered by trees, has smaller pools and a slide, and feels a lot more secluded and quieter.
From the hotel, visitors can take a shuttle to the Club Rio section, which has more thermal pools, river tubing, inflatable river kayaking, and even horseback riding.
This is an expensive hot spring to visit, but the day pass is good for two days, and there is a lot to do here, if you also visit the Club Rio section.
Cool Fact: Both The Bachelor and Keeping Up with the Kardashians have been filmed here.
Website: Learn more about the resort on the official website. The Springs is also one of the top luxury resorts in La Fortuna and if you stay here, the hot springs are included.
Ecotermales Hot Springs
Why Pick This One: If you want a luxury experience without paying a small fortune, entrance fees are roughly $50 per adult. This is a small, lovely hot spring with waterfalls and several restaurants.
This is a small hot spring and looks more like a large swimming pool, divided into several sections, and surrounded by lounge chairs and restaurants. One of the perks is you get food and drink service right from your lounge chair.
We thought this hot spring looked nice, but it lacks a big view (like Springs Resort), secluded smaller pools to escape the crowds (like Baldi), and a natural setting (like Tabacón). But its lower cost is a big advantage and still get the luxury experience.
Website: See the list of amenities and learn more on the official website.
Mid-Range and Budget-Friendly Hot Springs
Paradise Hot Springs: A smaller, less crowded option with beautifully landscaped pools and a relaxing atmosphere.
Los Laureles: A family-friendly, affordable option with both hot and cold pools, water slides, and beach volleyball, perfect for a casual visit.
Relax Termalitas: One of the cheapest hot springs to visit, but the quality of facilities is mediocre and it gets very mixed reviews.
Free Hot Spring
Sitting next to Tabacón resort is a river with naturally heated waters. It is free to visit but lacks amenities such as bathrooms, changing rooms, or lockers. Parking is alongside the road and the attendant will ask you for a small tip.
8. Go on a Sloth Walk
Sloths can be spotted in the trees around La Fortuna. There are a few nature parks with trails that weave through the forest, that increase your odds of spotting one of these animals. If you haven’t spotted a sloth yet on your trip, it is best to hire a guide. But you can walk the trails unguided, testing out your sloth spotting skills.
The Bogarin Trail
This was our favorite sloth walk in La Fortuna. 2.5 km of trails run through the forest, creating two loops. We did this unguided, spotting a Keel-billed toucan and a sloth. It is also possible to see lizards, frogs, and Yellow-throated toucans.
One of the best parts of this park are the birdfeeders next to the entrance. These birdfeeders attract lots of different birds, including hummingbirds, tanagers, and honeycreepers.
Bogarin Trail is located in La Fortuna, has free parking, and there is no need to book tickets in advance. Learn more on the official website, which also has information about how to take a guided walk, if you want to increase your chances of seeing sloths and other wildlife.
La Fortuna Hikes and Trails
This park is a short drive from La Fortuna and feels a little more wild and remote than the Bogarin Trail. There are no birdfeeders here, but the walking paths are beautiful and run past a few small ponds, which makes it more likely to see frogs and lizards. We saw a basilisk (aka Jesus Christ lizard) run across the surface of the pond, which was a wild sight to see!
This park puts flags in the ground where sloths have been spotted recently. Either the sloths moved, or we are just terrible at spotting sloths, but we never saw any here, even with the “helpful” flags.
Even so, I really liked this park, with its lush foliage, ponds, and more remote feel to it.
Learn more on the official website. They also make their guided tour available for purchase on GetYourGuide, if you prefer to book your tours and tickets on that platform.
Sloth’s Territory
We drove out to this one (it’s the farthest from La Fortuna but you get gorgeous views of Arenal Volcano on the drive) but learned that they only offer guided tours of their park, so we could not fit this into our schedule. If you are up for a guided tour, this sounds like a great one. It’s common to see two-toed and three-toed sloths, toucans, tanagers, flycatchers and sometimes howler monkeys. Here is the link to their website so you can learn more.
9. Make the Trek Down to La Fortuna Waterfall
This is La Fortuna’s most famous waterfall. It’s located right in La Fortuna, so it’s easy to get here. But to actually see the waterfall, be prepared to put in those steps.
To get to the base of the waterfall, you’ll walk down roughly 530 steps. Once in front of the waterfall, there are a few viewpoints, plus several swimming areas.
The waterfall opens at 8 am. We got here right at opening time and were one of the first ones at the waterfall. It did not take long for the parking lot and walking path to fill with people. By 8:30 am, the tours were rolling in.
So, for the best experience, get here early.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website or through GetYourGuide. There is a max number of 3,000 people (I can’t imagine what it would look like with 3,000 people on the trail and the base of the waterfall). There is a restaurant, bathrooms, showers, and gift shop at the entrance. Get hours and pricing on the official website before you go.
10. River Trips: Whitewater Rafting & Float Tours
La Fortuna is one of the best places to go white water rafting in Costa Rica. There are several sets of rapids in the nearby Balsa River, perfect for beginners or those with more experience.
Arenal Rafting Company offers this tour, which takes rafters on class 2 and 3 rapids (great for beginners) and this tour, which takes rafters on class 3 and 4 rapids (better for those with more experience).
If white water rafting is not your jam, there are also more relaxing safari float trips. These take place on the Peñas Blancas River and they are a great way to spot wildlife on a tranquil float downriver.
This tour includes your transportation from La Fortuna and includes 2 hours on the river. Another option is to take a twilight float trip, which is similar to taking a night tour, only on a river.
11. Take a Chocolate and Coffee Tour
Chocolate and coffee tours are offered throughout Costa Rica, and La Fortuna is no different.
Don Juan is one of the biggest producers of chocolate and coffee. They offer tours which get rave reviews and are located just north of La Fortuna.
North Fields is a small plantation near the La Fortuna waterfall that offers chocolate and coffee tours on their property.
Rainforest Chocolate is a very small plantation, also near La Fortuna waterfall. Their tour focuses on a hands-on approach so you get to participate in the production process. Plus, their gift shop is stocked with a variety of chocolate from Costa Rican manufacturers. This was our favorite in La Fortuna.
12. See a Red-Eyed Tree Frog on a Night Tour
The rainforest after dark is a completely different world. Once the sun goes down, the creatures that hide during the day emerge, including red-eyed tree frogs, opossums, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, and a chorus of insects and frogs that makes the forest feel alive in a way daylight never quite captures.
A guided night tour is one of the best ways to experience La Fortuna beyond the obvious adventure activities, and it pairs perfectly as an evening add-on after a day of hiking or canyoning.
The red-eyed tree frog is the star attraction and genuinely worth seeking out. Seeing one clinging to a leaf, those vivid scarlet eyes catching the light, is one of those small wildlife moments that stays with you.
What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, long pants, insect repellent, and a headlamp or flashlight. Most guides will have lights but having your own helps.
Tours run approximately 2 hours and should be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Three solid options in La Fortuna:
- Night Tour La Fortuna — A dedicated night tour operator with a strong reputation for small groups and knowledgeable guides.
- Mirador El Silencio Night Tour — A great option if you’re already planning to visit Mirador El Silencio during the day, as the reserve looks completely different after dark.
- Místico Hanging Bridges Twilight Walk — Walk the same hanging bridges at dusk and into the evening, when the wildlife activity peaks. A natural pairing if you’ve already done the daytime guided tour.
La Fortuna Night Tours
13. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna. It’s easy to get to and easy to visit, plus the hiking trails are easy to do. But all of that “easiness” doesn’t necessarily add up to being a great experience.
If you like the idea of hiking trails on Arenal Volcano, we think it is a better overall experience to visit a private reserve. But I think it is important to cover what there is to do at the national park, because for some, a visit here is still worthwhile.
Things to Do at Arenal Volcano National Park
There are two sections to the national park: the Volcano section, where you get views of the volcano and the old lava flows, and the Peninsula section, which is located next to Lake Arenal.
In the Volcano section, there are a series of hiking trails that wind their way through the forests to the lava flows.
Trail 4 (Las Coladas): This trail is 2 km/1.4 miles long, mostly flat, and takes about an hour to hike. The trail itself is uninteresting but the views of the lava field and the volcano at the very end of the trail are nice.
Trail 5 (El Ceibo): This is a trail that connects to Trail 4 in two places. It is flat and on this trail you can see several Ceiba trees.
Trail 6: This is a vehicle trail that leads to a viewpoint of the volcano. If you have a 4×4, you can drive this short trail to the parking area in front of the viewpoint.
Note: There are no trails that lead to the peak of Arenal Volcano. The only trails visitors can hike are those at the base of the volcano (both in the national park and at the private reserves).
At the Peninsula section, there is a trail that leads to an observation tower, with views of Lake Arenal.
Is Arenal Volcano National Park Worth It?
We liked the hikes and the views from the private reserves much more than those at Arenal Volcano National Park. The hikes in the national park are not all that exciting, and some of the views aren’t much different from what you get from other places around La Fortuna. But for those who like hiking, a visit here is worth it, for the views of the volcano and to see the Ceiba trees.
How to Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
To get here, drive to Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center and at the entrance gate, pay the fee. There is a parking lot next to the entrance gate but we recommend driving farther down the road to the larger parking lot. This is where the hiking trails begin. A visit here lasts about 2 hours. Get updated pricing and hours on the SINAC website.
14. Maleku Indigenous Cultural Exhibition
For those who want to learn more about the Maleku indigenous people, a 1-to-2-hour presentation of traditional dance and culture is offered at the Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve. This reserve is also home to mammals, reptiles, and exotic birds, with self-guided walking trails and guided tours. Learn more on the official website.
15. Visit a Butterfly Garden
There are several butterfly gardens in La Fortuna. We visited La Fortuna Butterfly Garden, which is located in town, so it is easy to get to. Tim liked the idea that a smoothie was included in the price. Compared to other butterfly gardens we visited in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, there wasn’t anything special about this one. However, the butterflies loved landing on Tim…maybe it was the smoothie…
Other options are Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve (a private reserve with a butterfly garden, located in La Fortuna) and the Butterfly Conservatory (located in El Castillo, a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna).
16. El Salto Rope Swing
This is free, fun, and located right in town. On Rio Fortuna, next to a one-lane bridge on Route 702, is a swimming spot with rope swing. This is a popular spot for locals to go swimming. When we were here, there was a parking attendant, so bring some cash to pay the attendant (parking is next to the one lane bridge).
Day Trips from La Fortuna
Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste
This is the most popular day trip from La Fortuna. Seeing the vibrant, milky-blue river and its gorgeous waterfall is the main attraction in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Getting Here: The national park is located in the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range. From La Fortuna, it is a 1 hour 30-minute drive. It is paved the entire way, but there were a few sections of road that were heavily potholed. There are large parking lots next to the park. Bring cash to pay the attendant (we paid $6). If you don’t have transportation, this tour includes transportation, a guide, and lunch at a local restaurant.
Tickets & Hours: Purchase your ticket in advance on the SINAC website. The number of visitors per hour and per day is limited and these can sell out in advance. The park is open from 8 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 2 pm.
Rio Celeste Waterfall & the Hiking Trail
There is one trail that runs through the park. This takes you to a viewpoint of the Rio Celeste Waterfall and then continues along the river. The full hike is 5 km/3.1 miles, easy to moderate in difficulty, and takes 1 to 2 hours.
From the park entrance to the viewpoint of the waterfall, it is a wide, flat trail that runs through the forest. It’s possible to see snakes and other wildlife on this part of the walk and it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get to the waterfall, depending on how fast you walk.
Once you get to Rio Celeste Waterfall, there are 250 steps to descend to get to the lower viewpoint. You don’t have to go all of the way down, however. We think the best views of the waterfall are from about ¾ of the way down the staircase.
Climb the steps to return to the hiking trail. The trail continues past the waterfall, running alongside the river. This trail is much more rugged, with roots and rocks to dodge, and several staircases thrown in here and there. There are a few views of the milky-blue water along the way. The trail ends at the confluence of two rivers.
Proyecto Asis
Proyecto Asis is a wildlife sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife. They are a 35-minute drive from La Fortuna and offer guided tours of their facility. The money raised from the tours help support their efforts.
We did not visit this sanctuary, but we did something very similar in Manuel Antonio, visiting the Kids Saving the Rainforest, and loved the experience.
Learn more about their mission and their tours on the official website.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in northern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua. It is one of the country’s most important wetlands, known for its incredible biodiversity, especially birds, reptiles, and aquatic species.
The best way to explore the refuge is by boat, with the opportunity to see caiman, herons, storks, spoonbills, howler and spider monkeys, and sloths. This refuge is a must-visit for birdwatchers.
If you have your own transportation, this boat tour takes you through the refuge and is the best way to spot wildlife. This full day tour includes transportation from La Fortuna plus a boat tour of the refuge.
How Much Time Do You Need in La Fortuna?
A minimum of three days in La Fortuna gives you time to hike a trail or two around Arenal Volcano, do a sloth walk, visit Místico Hanging Bridges, do something adventurous such as canyoning or ziplining, and visiting a hot spring or two. Any additional time you can add on gives you time to day trip to the Rio Celeste waterfall or Caño Negro, add in activities such as white water rafting or more hiking, and more time for those wonderful hot springs.
We spent six full days La Fortuna. In the mornings, we would go hiking, canyoning, or take a guided wildlife walk, and in the afternoons, we would either visit a hot spring or relax in our hotel.
To maximize how much you can do in a short period of time, there are full day tours of La Fortuna that group several different activities together (for example, visit Místico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano).
Full Day Tours of La Fortuna
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna
We visited in early March, toward the tail end of dry season, and found La Fortuna hot but noticeably more comfortable than Manuel Antonio, a little cooler with less oppressive humidity. Mornings were pleasant enough to hike and be active without feeling drained, which suited our routine of adventure in the morning and hot springs in the afternoon perfectly.
The one thing no one can predict in La Fortuna is cloud cover around the volcano. Arenal is famously fickle with cloud cover. Some mornings we had clear views that clouded over by afternoon, and other days it was the reverse. Locals told us there’s simply no way to know what the clouds will do, and that matched exactly what we experienced. The lesson: take your volcano views when you get them, because they’re never guaranteed. That said, early morning tends to offer the best odds of a clear sighting.
Crowds were manageable throughout our visit. A few places felt lively mid-morning, Místico Hanging Bridges being one of them, but we never felt swamped. Going early and moving on before the tour buses arrived made a noticeable difference.
By Season:
- Dry Season (December–April): Best overall conditions for outdoor activities. Warm temperatures, lower chance of rain, and the most reliable window for volcano views, though cloud cover can still surprise you any time of year. Busiest crowds and highest prices, particularly over Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter week.
- Shoulder Season (May & November): Fewer crowds and lower prices, with generally good mornings and some afternoon rain. A strong option if your schedule is flexible.
- Green Season (June–October): Lush, dramatic landscapes with significantly fewer tourists. Rain is common, particularly in the afternoons, and cloud cover on the volcano is more persistent. September and October are the wettest months. Wildlife remains active year-round.
Where to Eat
We did not try many restaurants in La Fortuna. We typically had dinner at our hotel and a few of our lunches were at the hot springs. Jungle Bowls serves smoothies and superfood bowls. We had awesome tacos at Chipotle’s Tex Mex. For creative cocktails, try Voodoo Bar & Cocktails. And if you want to dine in a place with a very cool, unique vibe, put Soda & Restaurante Rodriguez on your list.
Tacos at Chipotle’s Tex Mex
Drinks at Voodoo Bar & Cocktails
Where to Stay
Nayara Resorts
Voted the #1 resort in Central America for four consecutive years by Travel + Leisure, this is the top luxury resort, not only in La Fortuna, but all of Costa Rica.
We stayed here and it is amazing.
There are three parts to the resort:
- Nayara Gardens: Stay in a private villa, with an outdoor shower and terrace. Great for all types of travelers, including families.
- Nayara Springs: This luxury, adult-only section features private villas with a hot spring and outdoor shower. The villas are gorgeous and come with the largest bathroom we have ever seen. We spent 6 amazing nights here.
- Nayara Tented Camp: This is luxury glamping in the rainforest. Stay in a safari-style tented lodge overlooking the jungle. Some have stunning views of Arenal Volcano. We spent one night here and again, amazing. The view of the volcano was the highlight, but we also got to see quite a few exotic birds in the trees around our tent.
Which One is Best? Nayara Gardens is the cheapest option. Nayara Springs is perfect for honeymooners and couples who want their own, private hot spring and an amazing villa. Nayara Tented Camp is best for views of the volcano and birdwatching. Both Tim and I preferred the Tented Camp, but it is the most expensive option.
Nayara Springs
The view from our room at Nayara Tented Camp
Onsite are several restaurants, and all of them are fantastic. Asia – Luna is our favorite (sushi and Asian dishes) but the view of Arenal Volcano from Ayla is incredible. There is also a spa and private hot springs. We saw toucans, sloths, racoons, and many birds on the property.
Staying here is a splurge but absolutely worth it. This is one of our favorite hotel stays of all time, and with the large, beautifully decorated villas, impeccable service, gorgeous property, animal sightings, spa, and restaurants, it’s hard to leave the resort to go out exploring. If you stay in the Springs section, you get your own private hot spring, which is also amazing.
More Hotels in La Fortuna
If you want a 5-star resort experience, other options include Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, the Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, Amor Arenal, and Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa.
Highly rated mid-range hotels include Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience (on property is one of La Fortuna’s popular hot springs), Arenal Observatory Lodge, and Fortuna Retreat.
If you are traveling on a budget, we recommend Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge or Pura Vibra Hostel.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Fortuna
What is La Fortuna best known for?
La Fortuna is best known for Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, and the geothermal hot springs it powers. The town is one of Costa Rica’s top adventure destinations, drawing visitors for ziplining, canyoning, whitewater rafting, and guided wildlife walks through the rainforest. It’s also a gateway to the Místico Hanging Bridges, the La Fortuna Waterfall, and day trips to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste.
What is the difference between La Fortuna and Arenal?
La Fortuna is the name of the town; Arenal refers to the volcano and the national park that surrounds it. Arenal Volcano National Park sits about 15–20 minutes west of La Fortuna by car. Most visitors base themselves in La Fortuna and make day trips out to the volcano, private reserves, and surrounding attractions. The two names are often used interchangeably, but technically they refer to different places.
What is the best hot spring in La Fortuna?
It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. For a luxury experience, Tabacon is the most famous — a thermal river runs through lush tropical gardens with over 20 pools. The Springs Resort is our favorite hot spring. Enjoying the jaw-dropping view of Arenal Volcano while sipping a tropical drink was one of our most memorable experiences in La Fortuna. For a more intimate, quieter experience at a mid-range price, Eco Termales is our pick. Baldi is the best option for families, with 25 pools and waterslides. Los Laureles is the best budget-friendly option in La Fortuna.
Can you see Arenal Volcano clearly from La Fortuna?
Sometimes, but cloud cover is unpredictable year-round, even in dry season. We visited in early March and experienced exactly what locals told us to expect: some mornings were crystal clear and clouded over by afternoon, while other days were the reverse. Locals will tell you there’s no way to predict what the clouds will do from one moment to the next, and that matched our experience exactly. The lesson is to take your volcano views when you get them. Early mornings tend to offer the best odds of a clear sighting.
Do you need a rental car in La Fortuna?
Yes, a rental car is strongly recommended. Most of La Fortuna’s best attractions require a drive of 15–35 minutes from town. While many tour operators offer hotel pickup and drop-off, having a car gives you flexibility to visit the reserves at your own pace, go early to beat crowds, and explore without being tied to a tour schedule. An SUV or 4×4 is advisable, particularly for the road to Arenal Observatory Lodge.
What wildlife can you see in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna has some of the best wildlife viewing in Costa Rica. Common sightings include two- and three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, toucans, motmots, and the Montezuma Oropendola. On a guided tour of Místico Hanging Bridges, we spotted spider monkeys, toucans, and pit vipers. Night tours reveal red-eyed tree frogs, opossums, armadillos, and snakes. River float tours are excellent for spotting crocodiles, sloths, and river birds.
Is La Fortuna good for families?
Yes, La Fortuna is one of the best family destinations in Costa Rica. The La Fortuna Waterfall, Místico Hanging Bridges, hot springs, chocolate and coffee tours, sloth walks, and night tours are all family-friendly. For ziplining, Arenal Ecoglide accepts children as young as age 3. The hot springs at Baldi are particularly well suited to families, with waterslides and a dedicated kids’ area. Some activities like canyoning have minimum age requirements, so check before booking. The town itself is safe, walkable, and easy to navigate with kids.
Explore More of Costa Rica
Planning a longer trip? Our Costa Rica itinerary covers a 10-day route that includes La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, and our Costa Rica Travel Guide is the best place to start if you’re still in the early planning stages.
First-time visitors should also check out our 18 tips for Costa Rica before they go.
For the other stops on your itinerary, we have guides to the best things to do in Monteverde and the best things to do in Manuel Antonio.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in La Fortuna or how to plan your trip, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Costa Rica
Pinterest Facebook Flipboard Costa Rica Travel Guide Few countries pack this much variety into such a small footprint: volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforest wildlife, Pacific beaches, and natural hot springs, all within a few hours of each other. We spent two weeks in Costa Rica at the end of February, experiencing sunny skies, almost no rain, […]
Costa Rica Packing List: What We Used & What to Skip
So, your itinerary is finalized, your flights are booked, your hotel reservations are made, and you’ve picked out which tours you plan to do. Now comes the question, what do I pack for a trip to Costa Rica?! Many trips to Costa Rica include some beach time, a few adventure activities such as ziplining and […]
Manuel Antonio National Park: Complete Guide for First Time Visitors
Manuel Antonio National Park was the first stop on our two-week Costa Rica road trip and it set the bar high. In a single morning, we spotted sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and a rainbow of birds, all with the help of a guide whose scope turned a tangle of branches into a […]
How to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls & Get the Hidden Cave View
We were standing inside a cave, looking out through a curtain of mist at the upper tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls, when I realized we’d made the right call on the entrance. From where we stood, the full height of the falls was laid out in front of us, something you simply cannot see from […]
10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde & Arenal
We flew to Costa Rica in late February 2025 and spent two weeks driving a loop from San Jose to Manuel Antonio, through the cloud forests of Monteverde, and up to La Fortuna at the base of Arenal Volcano. This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is almost exactly how we did it, and we came home […]
First Trip to Costa Rica: 18 Things to Know Before You Go
Planning your first trip to Costa Rica? We spent two weeks there in early 2025, driving mountain roads to Monteverde, hiking through Manuel Antonio, and soaking in the hot springs at La Fortuna, and came home with a much better understanding of what first-timers actually need to know before they go. This guide covers the […]
Best Things to Do in Aruba on Your First Visit
So, you are planning a trip to Aruba? Just so you know, there is more to Aruba than sipping tropical drinks in the shade of a palm tree (although that alone would make for a great vacay). Go snorkeling, learn to kitesurf, explore Aruba’s gorgeous beaches, and take an UTV tour of the island. Whether […]
10 Winter Vacation Ideas Perfect for the Holiday Season
It’s nice to spend the holiday season at home, visiting with family and enjoying the low-key end to the year. But what if you want to get away? With two weekends and two days off of work for Christmas and New Year’s, it’s possible to swing a 10-day getaway without taking too many vacation days. […]
7 Awesome Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
Sitting seventy miles west of Key West is the last group of islands in the Florida Keys. This is the location of Dry Tortugas National Park, an underrated gem in the national park system. In this guide we cover everything you need to know on how to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, including the best […]
7 – 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks
Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the best road trips in the USA. White sandy beaches, palm trees, beautiful aquamarine water, warm sunny skies…sounds nice, right? Add in tropical drinks, alfresco dining, a few slices of key lime pie, a national park or two (or even three), and some of the most […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. October 2025 Update: We […]
Comments 2