If Costa Rica has an adventure capital, it is La Fortuna — the lively little town that sits in the shadow of the near-perfect cone of the Arenal volcano. This is the country’s most popular inland destination, and it earns the title: within a short radius you can hike across old lava fields, soak in volcano-heated hot springs, stand beneath a thundering 70-metre waltefall, walk through the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, raft white water and spot abundant wildlife. The volcano itself, dormant since 2010 after decades of fiery activity, still defines the landscape and heats the famous thermal springs. This guide covers the best things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal, how long to stay, when to go and how to get there.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The centrepiece of the region is Arenal Volcano National Park, which protects the iconic stratovolcano and the rainforest at its base. It is important to set expectations: Arenal has been dormant since 2010, so you will not see glowing lava or eruptions today. What you will see is one of the most beautiful volcanic landscapes in the Americas — a textbook cone (weather permitting; it is often wreathed in cloud) rising above forest and Lake Arenal.
The park’s trails are the draw. The Las Coladas and Las Heliconias trails lead across hardened lava flows from the 1992 eruption, with interpretive signs and superb views. Wildlife is abundant — howler and white-faced monkeys, coatis, snakes, and a rich bird life including toucans. Many visitors combine the national park with the adjacent 1968 trail (on private land), named for the year of Arenal’s catastrophic reawakening, which offers some of the best cone views and a small museum. Go in the morning for the clearest chance of seeing the summit.
The hot springs
Arenal’s volcanic heat feeds one of the world’s great concentrations of natural hot springs, and a soak is an essential La Fortuna experience. Options span every budget and style:
- Luxury thermal resorts like Tabacón, The Springs and Baldí offer elaborate complexes of landscaped pools, waterfalls, swim-up bars and spa treatments — day passes are available even if you are not staying.
- Mid-range spots provide a comfortable soak without the resort price.
- Free natural springs: the Río Chollín (El Choyín), a hot river beneath a bridge near Tabacón, is a beloved free option where locals and travellers soak together.
There is no better way to end a day of hiking and adventure than easing into a steaming, mineral-rich pool with the rainforest around you. See our dedicated hot springs guide.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Río Fortuna) is one of Costa Rica’s most photographed cascades — a powerful 70-metre ribbon of water plunging into a jungle pool. Reaching it involves descending a steep staircase of around 500 steps (and climbing back up, which is the real workout), but the reward is a dramatic, mist-filled grotto where you can swim in the designated area or admire it from the viewing platform. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat, wear good footwear, and bring water for the climb back up.
Hanging bridges and canopy walks
For a gentler way to experience the rainforest, the hanging-bridge parks around Arenal — such as Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges — let you stroll a loop trail that alternates solid ground with suspension bridges strung high in the canopy. Walking at treetop level brings you eye to eye with birds, sloths, monkeys and the epiphytes that cloak the branches, all with the volcano as a backdrop on clear days. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels and families, making this one of the most accessible wildlife experiences in the area. Guided tours add expert eyes for spotting camouflaged creatures.
Adventure: rafting, canyoning and more
La Fortuna is adrenaline central, and the menu of adventures is long:
- White-water rafting on the Balsa, Toro and Sarapiquí rivers, with runs for both beginners and thrill-seekers.
- Canyoning (waterfall rappelling) — descending jungle waterfalls on ropes, one of the area’s signature thrills.
- Ziplining through the rainforest canopy.
- ATV and horseback tours through the countryside and to viewpoints.
- Safari float trips — gentle raft floats for wildlife spotting, great for families.
- Caving at the Venado Caves, a wet, muddy underground adventure.
- Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Arenal.
Most operators include hotel pick-up and can combine activities into half- or full-day packages.
Wildlife and nature around Arenal
Beyond the national park, the Arenal region is rich in wildlife and natural attractions. The Arenal Observatory Lodge grounds and the Bogarín Trail in town are reliable for sloths, birds and frogs. Lake Arenal, the country’s largest lake (created by a hydroelectric dam), offers fishing, windsurfing and scenic boat trips, with the volcano mirrored in its waters. Bird-watchers will find toucans, motmots, oropendolas and countless others. Ecological reserves, butterfly gardens and a frog pond round out the gentler nature options, making Arenal as suitable for families and relaxed travellers as it is for adrenaline junkies.
Where to eat and the town
La Fortuna town is compact, walkable and welcoming, centred on a pretty church-fronted park with the volcano looming behind. Restaurants range from traditional sodas serving hearty casados and olla de carne to international cuisine and craft-beer spots. Local specialities lean on fresh produce, river fish and tropical fruit. The town is also the practical base for the whole region, with tour operators, shops, pharmacies and ATMs. It makes an easy, friendly contrast to the wild landscape just outside.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days is the right amount of time for La Fortuna and Arenal. With three days you can comfortably fit the national park, the waterfall, the hanging bridges, one big adventure (rafting or canyoning) and an evening or two in the hot springs, without rushing. La Fortuna is a cornerstone of almost every Costa Rica itinerary, typically paired with Monteverde’s cloud forest and a Pacific beach. See our 7-day itinerary and 10-day itinerary for how it fits in.
Getting to La Fortuna and Arenal
La Fortuna is roughly a three-hour drive northwest of San José through scenic countryside. The classic way to combine it with Monteverde is the jeep-boat-jeep transfer across Lake Arenal (about three hours), which is far quicker than the long road around. For travellers coming from or heading to the Pacific coast or the Osa, flying the long legs of the trip saves hours of winding mountain driving — connect via San José and onward by charter. See getting around Costa Rica and flying vs driving to plan your routing, and request a flight when you are ready.
When to visit
La Fortuna is a year-round destination, but the season shapes your odds of seeing the volcano’s summit. The dry season (December–April) brings clearer skies and the best chance of an unobstructed cone, along with peak crowds and prices. The green season (May–November) is lush and quieter, with lower prices and frequent afternoon rain — though the volcano is often cloud-wrapped in any season, which is part of its moody charm. The hot springs and rainforest are wonderful in any weather. See the best time to visit.
Where to stay in La Fortuna
La Fortuna offers an exceptional range of places to stay, from budget hostels and guesthouses in town to mid-range hotels and some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts. The premium properties — many built around their own private thermal hot springs with the volcano as a backdrop — cluster along the road between town and the volcano; Tabacón, Nayara and The Springs are world-renowned. In-town options put you within walking distance of restaurants, tour operators and the central park, ideal for budget-conscious and independent travellers. Boutique eco-lodges in the surrounding hills offer rainforest immersion and views. For couples, a hot-spring resort is the romantic choice; for families and groups, properties with pools and multiple room types work well. Book early in the dry season.
Why La Fortuna anchors a Costa Rica trip
Few destinations deliver as much variety in as small an area as La Fortuna, which is why it appears on virtually every Costa Rica itinerary. In one base you get a volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, rainforest wildlife and a full slate of adventure — appealing equally to families, couples, groups and solo travellers. It pairs naturally with Monteverde’s cloud forest (via the jeep-boat-jeep transfer) and a Pacific beach, forming the classic volcano-forest-beach loop. Because the road legs between these regions are long and winding, flying the longer connections keeps the trip relaxed and maximises your time at each destination. See our 7-day and 10-day itineraries, and request a flight for the long legs.
Plan your La Fortuna trip
The ideal La Fortuna visit blends adventure and relaxation: hike the national park or the 1968 trail in the morning for the clearest volcano views, tackle a waterfall or canyoning adventure midday, and unwind in the hot springs at night. Give yourself two to three days, book hot-spring resorts and big-ticket tours ahead in the dry season, and pair La Fortuna with Monteverde and a Pacific beach for the classic loop. To avoid spending whole days on winding roads between regions, fly the long legs — request a flight and arrive ready to explore.