The region of Arenal and La Fortuna is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica. From 1968 until 2010, the famed Arenal Volcano was one of the most active in the country, erupting daily and offering incredible sights of red lava pouring over the sides of its crater. You won’t need to worry about this now though, since the volcano was officially declared dormant in December 2010.
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Despite the lack of volcanic activity, tourists still flock to visit Arenal Volcano. Its scenic hiking trails and natural hot springs are straight out of a dream vacation, and there are a lot of other activities to do in the area, too.
If you want to see what this region of Costa Rica has to offer, this travel guide is just what you need!
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About Arenal and La Fortuna
The region of Arenal is best known for its volcano of the same name, standing tall at 1,633 meters (5,358 ft). Years ago, the Arenal Volcano was completely dormant until an unexpected eruption in 1968 that destroyed the small town of Tabacón. The eruptions continued daily for years, turning the La Fortuna area into a tourist hotspot.
Arenal was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010. Although it has been dormant ever since scientists believe that it’s only sleeping and its volcanic activity might return someday. That being said, the area is completely safe to visit and welcomes thousands of travellers every year.
Arenal Volcano National Park is the second most popular park in Costa Rica. People consider it one of the best volcanoes to see in Costa Rica because of how tall and symmetrical it appears against the mountain range.
How to Get to Arenal
Arenal is about 80 km northwest of San Jose Airport, in the province of Alajuela. It’s nestled in the mountain range of Costa Rica’s Northern Zone, standing tall amid low-lying forests and bubbling thermal pools.
Rent a Car
The best way to get to Arenal is by driving to La Fortuna. If you’re coming from other popular tourist destinations in northern Costa Rica, driving to Arenal can take anywhere from 3-5 hours.
Book the Best Car Rental in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica can be one of the most challenging parts of your visit! Unfortunately, car rentals in Costa Rica often come with significant hidden insurance fees, result in many frustrations at pick-up. The experience has ruined many trips and ballooned trip budgets for friends, family and followers. After years of not having a good solution, we finally found an honest car rental company that we proudly recommend to our readers.
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Book early as rental car availability all across Costa Rica is currently lower than demand!
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By Local Transport
If you are not renting a car or prefer a greener alternative, you can get to Arenal by taking local buses. They are hassle-free, comfortable, and well-connected.
There are a number of direct buses from San José leaving at 6:15 am, 8:40 am and 11:30 am most days, as well as a number of later buses connecting through Ciudad Quesada. The Bus Schedule is a great resource for checking up-to-date bus schedules for destinations nationwide. However, tickets can only be purchased in person at the bus station a few days ahead or on the day of.
By Shuttle Bus
A number of shuttle buses also operate along the San José-Arenal route, Liberia-Arenal route, and Tamarindo-Arenal route with one-way ticket costs starting at $54/person. Interbus, Gray Line and a few others offer private and shared shuttles that offer a more comfortable ride than a public bus.
By Air
If you want to save time on transportation, consider flying. If booked ahead of time, a one-way domestic flight with local airline Sansa can be as cheap as $50-60 USD/person. Sansa Airlines has direct flights to La Fortuna on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The flight from the San Jose airport is very scenic and takes only 30 minutes.
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Best Time to Visit Arenal Volcano
Arenal is a great destination to visit any time of the year, but similar to the rest of the country, there are two distinct seasons in Arenal: dry season and green season.
Dry Season (Dec-Apr) is generally the best time to visit Costa Rica, if you want to avoid the rain. However, that’s also the busiest time of the year, so expect higher prices and lots of other tourists. But, don’t be afraid to plan a trip to Arenal during the Green Season (May-Nov).
We have visited Arenal a couple of times, in both the dry and rainy seasons, and have enjoyed our stay both times. In the rainy season, it almost always rained in the afternoon, leaving mornings sunny and clear, perfect for a swim in the pool or hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park. The clouds parted more than once a day, giving us a chance to admire the cone-shaped volcano in all of its beauty.
16 Best Things to Do in Arenal
While the volcano itself is definitely the main attraction, there are lots of other things to do in Arenal. We’ve compiled the top things to do in this travel guide, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation:
1. Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano National Park offers anyone visiting a chance to admire the Arenal volcano from up close. Even though it’s not possible to hike to the top of the volcano, you can follow one of the paths and walk over the lava rocks to a mirador (viewpoint) that, on a clear day, offers a great view of the Arenal region.
Arenal Volcano National Park Entrance Fees & Park Hours
Park entry is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children. As part of the country’s conservation efforts, 100% of park admission fees go directly to Costa Rica’s National Parks Fund. Arenal Volcano National Park is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Enjoy the Hiking Trails
There are 3 trails in Arenal Volcano National Park that offer unique glimpses into the pathways of lava flows from Arenal’s past: Heliconias Trail, Las Coladas Trail and El Ceibo Trail. The trails form a 4 km (2.5 mi) loop that can usually be done in 2-3 hours.
- Las Coladas Trail (Sendero Las Coladas): A flat 1.7 km (1 mi) stretch that leads to a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano on one side, and Lake Arenal on the other.
- El Ceibo Trail: 2.3 km (1.5 mi ) flat trail named after the giant, 400-year-old Ceiba tree.
- Heliconias Trail: A quieter 610 m (0.37 mi) trail that offers a higher chance of spotting wildlife.
2. Go White Water Rafting
Arenal Volcano is conveniently located in close proximity to a couple of Grade 2-4 rivers in Costa Rica, including Rio Balsa and Rio Sarapiqui.
Rio Balsa is Class 2-3 and is located 40 min away from La Fortuna town. It’s perfect for beginners or those short on time, as it offers gentler rapids and is located a bit closer to La Fortuna town. Rafting on Rio Balsa was one of the highlights of our time in Arenal. It was an exhilarating 2-3 hour ride that offered just enough fun and adrenaline! The first part of the river adventure was rather full-on, while the second half was more laid back, giving us a chance to sit back and admire the beautiful natural setting around us. Rafting packages with Desafio Adventure Company start at $80 USD /person.
Rio Sarapiqui is Class 3-4 and is located 1 hour and 10 mins from La Fortuna town. The guides will tell you that they prefer rafting on Rio Sarapiqui because it allows for some wildlife viewing between the rapids. We haven’t had a chance to try Rio Sarapiqui ourselves yet but heard that this is a really fun, adrenaline-filled adventure, especially if you visit at the end of the green season in November, when the rivers are high.
There are a number of tour providers in town offering rafting on Rio Balsa and Rio Sarapiqui. We did our rafting tour with Desafio Adventure Company, a well-known activities provider offering tours around the beautiful country with half-day rafting tours on Rio Balsa, rafting trips on Rio Sarapiqui, and other adventure tours in La Fortuna.
Another well-rated tour operator is Arenal Rafting Company, with half-day tours starting at $65 USD/person.
3. Soak in Arenal Hot Springs
Thanks to the geothermal activity surrounding the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is one of the best spots to soak in some natural hot springs. There are a handful of hot springs resorts in La Fortuna, with a range of prices and amenities to suit all types of travellers.
- Eco-Termales is a quaint resort highly recommended for the budget-conscious traveler, with access to hot springs starting at $47 USD.
- Baldi Hot Springs is a popular mid-tier option with day passes also starting at $47 USD. This spot is known to attract a younger crowd and has a livelier atmosphere.
- Tabacon is the most upscale hot spring resort in La Fortuna, offering dozens of hot spring pools in their beautiful Garden of Eden. Day pass starts at $89 USD.
Free Hot Springs Options in Arenal
If you’re looking for FREE Hot Springs in La Fortuna, head to Rio Chollin, coined as “Mini-Tabacon.”
From the Tabacon, Rio Chollin is located just upstream, following a gravel path to the river. This is where the locals hang out! Just remember that these hot springs aren’t monitored like a resort or spa, so be careful, especially when passing slippery rocks.
Aside from these hot springs in La Fortuna, a number of hotels in the Arenal area have smaller private hot springs on-site. More info about these are in the “Best Hotels” section below.
Travel Tip: If you are planning to spend a few days here, we usually recommend spending one full day at Tabacon, Baldi or Eco-Thermales as well as opt to stay at a hotel that offers private hot springs on-site. While it is nice to spend an entire day soaking in the pools, it’s also nice to have the option to jump in for 30 minutes at the end of every day during your stay. It’s a particularly great reprieve after a day of hiking or whitewater rafting!
4. Try Out Water Adventures at Lake Arenal
The lake sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano and offers a number of activities to the curious visitor. It’s the largest lake in Costa Rica and one of the best for fishing and water sports. The lake is a beautiful sight in its own right, especially on a clear day when the Arenal Volcano reflects in the glassy waters of the lake below.
Swimming in the lake is free and absolutely safe! The water is nice and clean, perfect for a cool dip after a long day of hiking.
The lake is also a destination for some adventure activities in La Fortuna like SUP, kayaking, or kite surfing (though this is only available during the windy season, from January to March).
5. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
Located just 6 km (3.7 miles) outside of downtown La Fortuna, La Fortuna Waterfall is a popular attraction in La Fortuna town. La Fortuna waterfall hike runs through a lush tropical forest and is an easy hike with a beautiful waterfall and a fun swimming hole at the end. There is a set of 400 steps leading to the waterfall’s base, but the trail is not very steep. Bring a bathing suit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the base of the falls, or join others for a picnic on the rocks.
The entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, all proceeds are reinvested into local conservation efforts. Hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Lockers are available at $2 USD with a $10 USD refundable deposit.
If you want to hike with a guide, Volcano Travel Costa Rica offers a 3-hour guided waterfall hike. An expert guide will help you spot Costa Rica’s unique birds and wildlife and point out the different flora and fauna in the area, like orchids, ferns, and guayabo de monte. Make sure to pack waterproof shoes, as the hike happens rain or shine.
READ NEXT: Planning a Trip to Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
6. Visit Cerro Chato Volcano
Cerro Chato Volcano is not as well known as Arenal, but it does offer a unique opportunity to hike up to and inside the crater. We didn’t end up doing it ourselves, but the hike is said to be steep and sometimes muddy and is thus only recommended to those in good physical condition. The entrance fee is $10 USD per person.
7. Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
Exploring the rainforest from high up in the trees is one of the best ways to appreciate Costa Rica’s natural beauty. A visit to Mistico Hanging Bridges allows you to do just that. The park dates back to the early 20th Century and sits on 600 acres of protected land that forms a network of trails through the forest.
There are a couple of tour options available at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, including guided and self-guided tours that allow you to explore the Arenal hanging bridges.
8. Go Zip Lining
Soar across the La Fortuna zip line on an Arenal Volcano Canopy Zipline Tour. From high above the trees, the view of Arenal volcano and its surrounding rainforest is spectacular. You’ll cross 9 different zip lines on a thrilling sky trek on one of Costa Rica’s longest zip lines.
If the zip line isn’t your thing, then a sky tram is a more accessible option, and Sky Adventures has various options. A sky tram tour can offer a similar experience and equally amazing views for anyone disabled, very young, or elderly.
9. Go on a Sloth Tour
La Fortuna is home to some of Costa Rica’s most beloved animals–sloths! A 2-hour Sloth Tour in the Wild is an amazing way to see two and three-toed sloths in their natural habitat. This particular sloth tour is led by a local guide who will take you to the best spots to view sloths.
10. Go on a Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Chocolate is one of the many delicious exports of Costa Rica, and a Rainforest Chocolate Tour is the perfect way to learn more about the process. Experience the history, culture, and traditions of Costa Rica’s chocolate with a hands-on tour and tasting. Plus, chocolate on the tour is unlimited, so if you have a sweet tooth (ahem, who isn’t?), definitely add this to your list of things to do in Arenal.
11. Go Canyoning
If you want to visit La Fortuna and get your adrenaline fix, you have to join an extreme canyoning tour. This Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning Tour explores Gravity Falls, and will have you waterfall rappelling and jumping from cliffs into deep canyon pools–definitely not for the faint of heart!
12. Go on a Rainforest Horseback Ride
One of the top things to do in La Fortuna is to see Arenal Volcano up close, but if you’re not up for a hike, a horseback ride is a fun alternative. This Rainforest Horseback Ride to the Arenal Volcano takes you up to the volcano, passing rivers, birds, and even monkeys on the way to the top.
13. Take a Day Trip to Tenorio Volcano National Park
If you’re spending a lot of time in the region, we recommend taking the 2-hour trip to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Tenorio is a true Costa Rican rainforest, best known for the magical, aqua-coloured Rio Celeste Waterfall.
This Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour from La Fortuna offers the full experience, including a guide to help you spot diverse flora and fauna, take you to the lookout points, and navigate the path to the Rio Celeste waterfall.
14. Take a Cave Tour at Venado Caves
Venado is a village about 45 minutes from La Fortuna, and it is where you can find the Venado Caves. The cave system includes rock formations that are over 6 million years old, including stalagmites, stalactites, and waterfalls. The caves are ancient and fascinating, and a tour of them is a must if you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Water still runs through them, so you’re going to get muddy.
Ecoterra Costa Rica offers a 4-hour private tour, where an expert guide will lead you through the caves, lit by lanterns and headlamps.
15. Go on a Mistico Night Walk
Mistico Night Walk is our favorite La Fortuna night tour to go see the many nocturnal creatures. With a naturalist guide, you’ll take a short hike through lush vegetation and hanging bridges, searching for eyes glowing in the bushes. Your guide will help point out a variety of animals, including frogs, snakes, lizards, owls, and tons of nocturnal insects.
16. Do a Guided Twilight Safari
Guided Twilight Safari on Peñas Blancas River is another fantastic night tour. You’ll set sail on a raft through the peaceful river surrounded by the sounds of nature. The boat’s lowlights are the perfect way to see the nocturnal animals without disturbing them. This is a much more relaxing way to experience the river than rafting!
Best Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Unlike other destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal area is quite spread out, with hotels, restaurants, and activities spanning well beyond the town of La Fortuna. When searching for the best Arenal hotels, you can stay in town or outside of town.
Hotels in Downtown La Fortuna tend to be cheaper and more backpacker/budget-focused. There are a few apartment rentals, hostels, and guest houses, and many restaurants and activities are within walking distance from the town centre. If you are travelling without a car or are on a budget, this is the way to go!
Hotels outside of La Fortuna town are more expensive and tend to be more luxurious. They offer resort-style accommodation with restaurants, pools, and other amenities like private hot springs! In our opinion, one of the biggest perks of staying outside of town is that many of these hotels offer unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano. Personally, we prefer this and would recommend the same to others visiting the Arenal Volcano area.
Here are our Top 3 picks for sustainability-minded hotels in La Fortuna:
Budget: Selina La Fortuna is an excellent pick for budget-conscious travellers, starting at just $20 USD per night. There are dorm-style rooms, private rooms, and suites to choose from, and you’ll be right at the heart of town.
Mid-Range: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is an excellent place to spend the day at the hot springs, but it is also a great place to lay your head for the night. They have a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from which start at $310/night, as well as some great sustainability practices in place.
Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa is a five-star property that has been voted as one of the resorts with the most spectacular views worldwide. There is a vast range of rooms and suites at the resort, and the property is home to the Club Rio Outdoor Center, offering river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, hot springs, and an Animal Sanctuary.
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Best La Fortuna Restaurants
Most restaurants in the area are located in the town of La Fortuna. So, unless you are eating at your hotel, be prepared to venture into town. The good news is, there are lots of options in La Fortuna, so you can choose between a variety of dining experiences.
Lava Lounge Bar & Grill – great atmosphere, good drinks, delicious local and international cuisine. Try their ceviche and mango cheesecake.
Pollo Fortuneno – budget-friendly grill with the best-grilled chicken and rib dishes. Great spot for typical Costa Rican food.
Kappa Sushi Fortuna – if you are tired of rice and beans, this is a great alternative. Delicious sushi at a very affordable price.
Organico Fortuna – a cozy little spot offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in a bright, cheery setting.
Yellow Bark – nice variety of homemade local comfort foods like sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, and burgers. Vegan options on the menu.
Restaurante SelvaRustica – a great spot for open-air dining with classic Costa Rican dishes. It’s a bit out of Downtown La Fortuna, but totally worth the trek.
Don Rufino – looking for fine dining in Arenal, Costa Rica? This is your spot. Enjoy contemporary dishes with Costa Rican flair made from locally grown ingredients.
Restaurante Las Tablas – a family-owned steakhouse that serves more than just steak. They also offer delicious seafood, vegetarian options, and Costa Rican dishes.
Kenko La Fortuna – head here for a good time! Dig into their varied menu (with everything from burgers, to pizza, to steak), grab a cocktail or two at happy hour, or even take a dip in the pool!
How many days do you need in Arenal?
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Arenal, plan to spend at least 5 days in the area.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do and ways to relax near Arenal and La Fortuna. Travelers can get the best of both worlds with adventure and serenity in Arenal Volcano’s beautiful natural setting.
Hi! Thank you for all of the helpful information! My husband and I are planning our very first trip to Costa Rica. We are flying into and out of Liberia Airport. Our plan is to visit Tamarindo and a national park/volcano – either Arenal or Rincon de la Vieja. Do you recommend one of these over the other?! Thanks,
Rincon makes for a very nice day trip from Tamarindo. There is hiking and hot springs and ziplining. Arenal is more of a 2-3 day trip. There is a lot to see/do and it’s much farther away from Tamarindo, so we usually do not recommend it as a day trip. So the answer depends on how much time you have and if you are just looking for a day trip form Tamarindo or if you are willing to split your time between Tamarindo and Arenal.