Top Things To Do In La Fortuna & Arenal, Costa Rica
- Astha Garg
- Jan 25
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 27
A perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, nature, and leisure makes La Fortuna one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica! La Fortuna is also the gateway to Arenal Volcano. No matter where you are in La Fortuna, the mighty Arenal Volcano watches over you.
Because of the wide array of activities that one can do here, La Fortuna is sought after by all kinds of travelers. Whether you are a family with kids, a couple on a romantic getaway, a group of friends looking for a fun trip, or a solo traveler in search of solace, there is something for everyone here.
So without further ado, let’s get to the list of top things to do in La Fortuna & Arenal. We have also mentioned a few fun things that you can do “near” La Fortuna. Read on!
Top Things To Do in La Fortuna & Arenal, Costa Rica
Hot Springs
There is no dearth of world-class hot springs in La Fortuna. In fact, there are so many that you will be spoilt for choice! Almost all of them offer stunning views of Arenal Volcano, and many of these are even part of resorts that offer luxurious stays with prime amenities.
There are two ways to visit the hot springs. One is to stay at the resort and get complimentary access to the hot springs. Another option is to stay at another hotel and buy a day pass for the hot springs.
Our personal favorites are Ecotermales and Baldi Hot Springs. Ecotermales offers a more romantic experience and is less crowded than others. Baldi Hot Springs is more suitable for families and has more dining & drinking options.
Arenal National Park
Arenal National Park is best known for its lava trails and rocks as remnants of the destructive eruption in 1968. In addition to that, there are many viewpoints from where you can get close-up views of the Arenal Volcano.
There are two sectors of the park, the Volcano Sector and the Peninsula Sector. Constructed later, the Peninsula Sector has a viewing platform at the end of the lake from where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets. There is a detailed map of the trails at the beginning of the hike.
You can check the park's official website through the link below.
Opening hours:
8 am to 4 pm
Entrance fees:
Adults (Residents) - 1000¢
Kids (Residents) - 500¢
Adults (Foreigners) - 15$
Kids (Foreigners) - 5$
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-visit for anyone looking for nature and beauty. A 70-meter waterfall falling into an emerald pool, La Fortuna Waterfall is ideal for swimming and relaxing in the crystal clear waters. Although it’s advised to not go very close to the waterfall, you can feel the water drops on your face from a safe distance. There are also a few smaller swimming holes nearby.
However, you may want to consider that there are around 500 stairs to the waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and you will not have much difficulty in climbing down the stairs. To come back, you have to climb up the 500 stairs which can be a bit challenging. But it's something that is totally doable. There is a platform from where you can see the waterfall right before the stairs start.
Opening hours:
7 am to 5 pm
Entrance fees:
Adults (Residents) - 10$
Kids (Residents) - 5$
Adults & kids above 8 years (Foreigners) - 20$
Kids below 8 years - Free
Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and offers mesmerizing views of the Arenal Volcano from almost everywhere. The lake is amazing for picnicking, soaking in the views and bathing in the sun. There are many activities to choose from including boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, and fishing at Lake Arenal.
The drive to Lake Arenal is around 25-30 minutes, and you must go by car. There is no public transportation to the lake.
Rental charges per hour:
Boat (can fit up to 15 people) - 35,000¢ per hour
Kayak & SUP - 10,000¢ per hour
Arenal 1968 Trail
This is a private reserve near the Arenal Volcano National Park which also offers two different trails through the rainforest and solidified lava rocks. Not only can you enjoy 360° views of the Arenal Volcano but also see the volcano from different perspectives.
Do not miss the 1968 cafeteria for a coffee amongst nature and serene surroundings!
Opening hours:
7.30 am to 5 pm
Entrance fees:
Adults (Residents) - 26$
Bogarin Trail for sloth and bird watching
Who doesn’t want an opportunity to see a sloth from up close? Well, Bogarin Trail is your best bet to see two-toed and three-toed sloths in La Fortuna. This private reserve, once farmland used for cattle grazing, is now home to a variety of species of birds, iguanas, sloths, frogs, agoutis, coatis, and many more.
They have self-guided and guided tours. You can purchase the tickets from the counter or book directly from the website. The reserve has a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, free lockers, and is wheelchair-accessible.
Opening hours:
7 am to 4 pm
Self-guided tour:
Adults & kids - 20$
Kids below 3 years - Free
Guided tour:
Adults - 45$
Kids (4-12 years) - 30$
Kids below 3 years - Free
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Want to experience the feeling of seeing the trees from above? There is nothing better than walking on hanging bridges for this surreal feeling. Surrounded by lush green vegetation on three sides, you will be able to see the rich flora and fauna of this biodiverse rainforest from a great height.
The Mistico Park has 3 trails, the main trail, the bird observation trail, and the accessible trail. The main trail spans around 3 kms and has 6 hanging bridges. It offers magnificent views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake and also boasts a waterfall.
You can go on a self-guided or guided tour of the hanging bridges or book a birdwatching tour or a night walk with them.
Opening hours:
6 am to 3.50 pm
Entrance fees:
Self-guided walk - 28$+
Guided walk - 42$+
Kids below 4 years - Free
Ziplining
Ziplining is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. At Sky Adventures, you get to glide from one mountain peak to another on 7 flying cables at a speed of 70km/h. The longest cable runs 750 meters and the highest cable stands at 200 meters.
The ziplining package includes an aerial tram that takes you through the rainforest to an iconic viewpoint “Hand of Arenal”, set against the backdrop of Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano.
Apart from that, you can take a tour of the hanging bridges or sign up for a challenging course that includes activities like rappelling, hanging bridges, ziplining, canyoning, Tarzan swing, and much more!
Opening hours:
8 am to 3 pm
Ziplining packages:
Residents - 74$
Kids (5-12 years) - 74$
Foreigners - 106$
Students - 90$
ATV Tour
Ride an ATV in style on the La Fortuna streets with a view of the Arenal Volcano in the backdrop. The tour includes a visit to the Maleku village where the natives talk about their history and show some of their products.
We did this tour with Outback Adventures in April 2022 and it was an amazing experience. It is important to note the following points for the ATV tour.
- You need to have a valid driver’s license for this tour.
- You can choose to ride the ATV alone or have a partner and switch places during the tour.
- The tour duration is around 2 hours and costs around 85$ for two people on one ATV.
Canyoning
If you love water activities and look for them everywhere you go, this is for you! Pure Trek, a canyoning and water rappelling operator, boasts 4 rappels (3 waterfalls and 1 rock wall) in lush green surroundings.
You hike on scenic trails in between the rappels and get an opportunity to spot wildlife like toucans, sloths, and other exotic species. A Costa Rican lunch and pick up and drop off from your hotel is included with your package.
Opening hours:
6 am to 3.50 pm
Canyoning tour : 105$+
El Choyin, Free Hot Springs River
Right across the street from Tabacon Resort, this is a free hot spring, the water of which is supplied by the Tabacon River. The water is warm and is a popular spot amongst the locals.
You will be able to find this place on Waze and Google Maps. Just type El Choyin or Free Hot Springs or click on the link below. If you are coming from the Tabacon Resort side, walk across the bridge and keep to your left. 100 feet ahead, you will find the entrance to your left. This place gets crowded on weekends, therefore, you may have difficulty in finding parking for your car.
El Salto Rope Swing
As the name suggests, El Salto is a rope swing for jumping into a swimming hole. Just 2 minutes drive away from the town, this free spot is quite popular amongst the locals. And, for the right reasons!
If you are not a fan of using ropes to jump into the river, worry not as you can still get into this refreshing river. Just walk along the riverbank and look for a quiet spot to sit in the river while soaking in the beautiful scenery.
It’s not difficult to look for this place. Just look for the name on Waze or Google Maps. Once there, you will easily be able to follow the signs and directions to the swing. Please note that this place gets crowded on weekends, so try not to bring your car as you may not be able to find parking.
Chocolate & Coffee tour
It is no secret that Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee and chocolate in the world. So why not see the process of chocolate and coffee-making first-hand? This is a relaxing tour that takes you through different sections of the farm, educating you with the detailed processes. You even get to taste some of the freshly prepared coffee and chocolate.
These processes are often carried out by Indigenous communities, and most of the businesses are locally and family-owned. A great way of supporting the local economy as well!
Things To-Do Nearby La Fortuna
Rio Celeste
The poster child of Costa Rica’s tourism, Rio Celeste is a natural wonder tucked in the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park. The Rio Celeste Waterfall plummets into a natural pool where two rivers meet, hence creating a distinctive sky blue color. You are simply left awestruck!
Well, Rio Celeste is only a 1 hr 45 mins drive from La Fortuna and should definitely make it to your list of things to do in La Fortuna. Since it is a part of a national park, there are 3 km long trails that you can hike in addition to visiting the waterfall. The hike is moderate and takes around 1-1.5 hours.
Please note that it is not allowed to swim in the blue pool. However, there is a free pool 1 km away from the park where you can take a dip in the blue water. There are also many private properties and restaurants offering access to the blue pools for a fee or if you eat at their restaurant.
Opening hours:
8 am to 4 pm
Entrance fees:
Residents - 800¢
Adults (Foreigners) - 12$
Kids (Foreigners) - 5$
Parking - 2000¢
Venado Caves
Located 40 kms away from La Fortuna (a 45-minute drive), Venda Caves is a hidden gem that takes you back in time. The caves, formed over 15-20 million years ago, present you an opportunity to take a close look at the stalactites and stalagmites formations in a subterranean landscape. Not only that, you have a close encounter with a bat colony and various types of insects.
For those who are always looking for an extra bit of adventure, there is a narrow passage that can be crossed with expert guidance. The tour lasts about 2 hours, is fully guided, and all safety gear is provided. It's advisable to book the tour 1 day in advance.
Opening hours:
7 am to 4 pm
Entrance fees:
Adults - 35$
Kids - 28$
Balsa River rafting
Only a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna, Balsa River rafting is one of the most popular rivers for rafting. Especially liked by first-timers and families for its milder, yet exciting class II & III rapids. And if you are up for a more thrilling adventure, you can sign up for Class II & IV rapids in the Upper Balsa River.
Enjoy a day full of water adventure with occasional sightings of wildlife in the river and surrounding rainforests. The rafting tour includes transportation from your hotel, lunch, snacks, all necessary equipment, and a rafting guide.
Final Words
If it’s your first time visiting Costa Rica, and you are on a tight schedule, I would recommend including La Fortuna in your itinerary as one of the destinations or the solo destination. You will get a mix of everything here. Well, except for the beach! But it will totally be worth it!
Check our 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary here.
We hope that this blog helped you plan your trip to La Fortuna in a better manner and that you have loads of adventure and fun. Cheers!
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