La Fortuna Travelers Recommend

One of Costa Rica’s top hiking destinations, Arenal Volcano National Park offers a range of hiking trails that wind through wildlife-rich rainforest and old lava flows, all anchored by one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Here are your options for trails in and around the park.

Los Heliconias — 0.6 miles (1 kilometer)

The most popular of four marked trails within Arenal Volcano National Park, this short hike starts at the ranger station and leads to a lookout with spectacular views over the volcano, Lake Arenal, and lava flows from former eruptions. At under a mile, it’s an easy and quick option for kids and those with limited time or mobility. 

Las Coladas — 1.24 miles (2 kilometers)

Mostly flat and easy to navigate, this trail wraps around the base of Arenal Volcano and offers views of the southernmost lava fields—rocky remnants of the volcano’s last major eruption in 1992. Always use caution when crossing the lava beds, as the boulders can be slippery and sharp.

Los Tucanes — 1.86 miles (3 kilometers)

Picking up where the Las Coladas Trail ends, this scenic trek winds through secondary rainforest and additional lava beds. Along the way keep an eye out some of the hundreds of bird species found in the park, including the endangered and elusive quetzal.

Los Miradores — .75 miles (1.2 kilometers)

Starting at park headquarters, this leafy route takes you through the rain forest to the shores of Lake Arenal.

Cerro Chato

The lesser-known (and dormant) cone of Cerro Chato has two hiking trails that begin near the famous La Fortuna Waterfall, about two miles (3.2 kilometers) southeast of Arenal Volcano. More difficult, these trails are best suited for experienced hikers, but the view of an emerald green lagoon that fills the collapsed crater is well worth the extra effort.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Anyone can pay about $15 for a day pass to access the trails at this private lodge, which include the strenuous Lava Trail and the Laguna Volcán Chato, leading to the Cerro Chato crater lake.

La Fortuna is well-known for its natural attractions and outdoor activities. With three days in this Costa Rican gem, you’ll have plenty of time to explore its extensive trail systems, ziplining and white-water-rafting options, and hot springs, with time left over for a day trip. Here’s how to get the most out of three days in La Fortuna.

Day 1: Hiking and Exploring

Spend your first day exploring La Fortuna’s signature attraction: Arenal National Park. At the heart of the park sits the Arenal Volcano, visible from most parts of the city. Hike the trail system surrounding the volcano, or head down to the nearby La Fortuna waterfall, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Alternatively, head out to El Castillo, a nearby village and home to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Originally built in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institution research station, this complex a little over 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the crater affords great views of the volcano and offers regular guided treks and bird-watching activities. End your day with a guided evening hike along the hanging bridges of nearby Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a great place to see the rain forest come to life after dark.

Day 2: Exhilaration and Relaxation

Dedicate your second day to a mix of adventure activities and hot-springs relaxation. Start with a morning of ziplining high above the jungle canopy; there are plenty of spots to choose from. In the afternoon, head out on a guided white-water rafting expedition—an abundance of relatively small rapids in the area means that even beginners can join a tour without much preparation. Wrap up your evening with a relaxing soak in a thermal hot spring; if you’re not staying in one of the area’s many hot-spring resorts, it’s worth splurging for a visit to Tabacon Hot Springs, which offers quiet evening soak sessions for a fee.

Day 3: Day Trip to Caño Negro or Monteverde

On day three, expand your explorations deeper into Costa Rica’s Northern Highlands. Make your way out to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge in Alajuela, about a 2-hour drive from La Fortuna. A must-visit for anyone with an interest in wildlife, this area is home to primates, lizards, and colorful birds. Many tours are available from La Fortuna, and most include a boat ride along the Rio Frio led by an expert guide.

Alternatively, if you’re willing to wake up early and spend a fair bit of time on the road, consider a visit to Monteverde, a 3- to 4-hour drive from La Fortuna. Monteverde is best-known for its Cloud Forest Reserve—home to an array of wildlife including quetzal birds, howler monkeys, and pacas—along with a hummingbird reserve and a network of suspended bridges above the rain forest canopy. 

La Fortuna and its surrounding areas make an excellent getaway for travelers passionate about nature and adventure. Here you’ll find ample opportunities to hike, zipline, go white-water rafting, and soak in natural thermal hot springs. Here’s how to make the most of two days in this Costa Rican town.

Day 1: Natural Wonders

**Morning:**Start your day off with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna's most popular natural attraction. Hike one of the park’s large network of trails, with options suitable for all levels of hiking, then take a refreshing dip in the pools at the base of 200-foot-high (61-meter-high) La Fortuna Waterfall, just outside the park.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head to Proyecto Asis, a wildlife-rehabilitation center that cares for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of eventual release back into the wild. Here you might see animals such as spider monkeys, peccaries, and caimans, and even volunteer to lend a helping hand.

**Night:**As night begins to fall, make your way to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, just west of town. This park features 16 hanging bridges that weave through and above the rain forest, affording great views and the opportunity to spot wildlife; guided night visits are particularly interesting for those who want to see nocturnal animals at their most active.

Day 2: A Day of Adventure

**Morning:**Spend your second day in La Fortuna taking advantage of the area’s myriad opportunities for outdoor activity. Multiple zipline options are available, most of which offer exhilarating, multiline adventure packages that give travelers the chance to soar high above the rain forest.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head out for some white-water rafting, led by a local guide. Most area rafting packages are suitable for guests of all experience levels; while the rapids are the main draw for most travelers, you'll likely also get the chance to spot all sorts of wildlife as you make your way along the river. Some tour packages pair rafting with ziplining or canyoning.

**Night:**Wrap up your stay in La Fortuna with a relaxing soak at Tabacon Hot Springs. While many visitors opt to spend the day at this upscale resort, it’s a great place to visit after nightfall, when it’s well-lit but less crowded.

With its beautiful, volcanic surroundings and resulting abundance of natural hot springs, La Fortuna is a great place to get out into nature. Even with just one day in the Costa Rican town, you'll be able to get a good taste of life here. Here's how.

Morning: Arenal

Get up bright and early to visit Arenal Volcano National Park, which surrounds the towering Arenal Volcano. This park is known for its hiking trails and abundant plant and wildlife, with hundreds of bird species, tropical flowers, and plants. Depending on how much time you spend hiking in the park, you may also want to add a trip to the nearby La Fortuna Waterfalls to your morning. Don't forget to pack a swimsuit: The 200-foot-high (61-meter-high) waterfall drops into crystalline waters; pools farthest from the waterfall are generally calm and safe for swimming.

Afternoon: Hot Springs Soak

With all the volcanic activity around La Fortuna, it's no surprise that the area is full of hot springs, and going for a soak is a great way to relax after a morning of hiking. Many hotels have their own thermal pools, but you don't need to be a guest at a hot-springs resort to take advantage of healing waters; many offer half- or full-day passes, and some area tours include hot spring stopovers. The popular Tabacon Hot Springs offer a variety of features, from a thermal water slide to a swim-up bar. For something more family-friendly, Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park offers play areas and a 4-story rafting waterslide.

Evening: Hanging Bridges Night Hike

In the evening, head out to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park to explore the rain forest by night on a guided hike. The park has 16 hanging bridges that span around 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers), traversing the top of the rain forest canopy. While it's a popular daytime spot, especially for photographers and bird-watching enthusiasts, visiting by night gives you the opportunity to view and learn about the park’s nocturnal creatures when they are at their most active.

The majestic gray cone of Costa Rica’s most famous volcano, Arenal, has the frustrating habit of veiling itself in thick clouds about 80% of the time. That’s why clever travelers plan to spend a few days in the region, patiently waiting for the mountain to reveal itself. Happily, Arenal’s rainforested skirts are replete with wonderful attractions.

While these adventures are all in the immediate area, there are dozens of day trips—from horseback rides to boat tours of Caño Negro National Park—that can be booked through your hotel. If you stay a week—or a month—there will still be plenty to keep you busy.

Day 1: Have a Soak and a Smile It’s not just lava that pours from this living mountain. Arenal is famous for its hot springs, rich with healing minerals and often developed into fantastic wonderlands, most with remarkable volcano views. The most famous, and beautiful, is Tabacón, a steaming river that pours through fantastically landscaped environs. Less flush travelers could try wet-and-wild Baldí, with waterslides and a more festive feel; The Springs, built around landscaped cascades; or secluded Eco Termales, a quiet spot with five family-friendly pools. Budget travelers can ask about the free springs, but please beware of thieves, who’ll make off with absolutely anything left unguarded!

No matter which termales you choose, cool off with a drink and some healthy Tico cuisine at one of the fine restaurants in the adorably touristy town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano.

Day 2: Explore the National Park The lava-strewn lunar landscape of Arenal Volcano National Park is largely off limits, what with the enormous active volcano that is its centerpiece. But it’s still well worth visiting on any number of tours. Most people do the short trails that start at the official entrance, on the road to El Castillo, spending two or three hours exploring the old flows and wildlife gradually returning to the region. You could combine the trip with one of the region’s excellent canopy or canyoning (waterfall rappelling) tours. You could continue on to the tiny town of El Castillo for dinner at Arenal Observatory, your best bet for viewing lava flows (geology and weather permitting) after sunset.

Strong hikers could spend all day in the national park, making the hike from either Arenal Observatory or La Fortuna Waterfall up to Cerro Chato, Arenal’s dormant twin, topped with a clear crater lake. Or, traverse the park; we recommend starting at the observatory, so you can finish your trip with a refreshing swim at the base of the beautiful blue waterfall.

Day 3: Take to the Lake At the base of the volcano is Lake Arenal, an artificially dammed expanse of silvery freshwater, stocked with tasty guapote, or rainbow bass. You could book a fishing trip to catch your own, or simply enjoy the fine fish prepared at any number of gorgeous little restaurants that line the lakeshore. More adventurous lakelovers could try kayaking or even windsurfing (November through April only) on the lago, enjoying awesome volcano views doubled in reflection.

If you’ve rented a car, consider taking all day to meander around the lake, stopping to visit Arenal Hanging Bridges and some of the several art galleries, coffee shops, and other eclectic attractions en route. Please, however, don’t pet the pizotes (also called coatis), the long-tailed raccoons that accost cars in the hopes of potato chips and other snacks; as cute and tame as they seem, they do bite. Protip: Finish your visit to Arenal with a final trip to one of the hot springs.