Costa Rica is the perfect place for adventure seekers and nature lovers. There’s so many cool activities to do and beautiful scenery everywhere. Costa Rica has been on my travel list for some time now and I’m so glad I finally got to go. I spent five days and four nights in La Fortuna, which is a small town in Costa Rica. It is considered to be the adventure capital of Costa Rica. This town is located near the Arenal Volcano and is a hub for fun outdoor activities and adrenaline-pumping adventurers. You can enjoy a wide range of thrilling experiences like zip-lining through the rainforest, waterfall rappelling, white-water rafting, horseback riding, hot springs and exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park. In this detailed travel guide, I will be sharing the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica to help you make the most of your first visit to this tropical rainforest.
Top Things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
No visit to La Fortuna is complete without witnessing the incredible Arenal Volcano. It is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica. You can go on a volcano hike in La Fortuna’s Arenal Volcano National Park. The hiking trail winds through lush rainforests and you get to reach an elevated viewpoint that rewards you with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. From the tour guide, you will get to learn all about the volcano, the tropical rainforest and the abundant wildlife surrounding it.
We did this volcano hike with Viator. We went to the Arenal Volcano National Park and crossed the jagged rocks of a dry lava field. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day so we didn’t have a super clear view, but it was really cool being up close to an active volcano!
After the hike, our tour guide took us to a hot spring of our choice. We chose the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Their pools vary in temperature with their hottest spring being 100 degrees. It was so relaxing and cool being in a hot spring at night. They also served us a delicious buffet dinner.
Thermal Hot Springs
One of the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica is visit a thermal hot spring. The geothermal activity in the area has blessed La Fortuna with a multitude of natural hot springs. You can indulge in a therapeutic soak in one of the many hot spring resorts scattered around the Arenal Volcano. The best places to visit for hot springs is the Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and Baldi Hot Springs.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
The Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is one of the most popular hot springs that you can visit. It’s a great experience that combines the healing properties of thermal waters with the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica’s rainforest. The thermal waters at Tabacón are enriched with minerals sourced from the Arenal Volcano. These minerals are believed to have therapeutic properties, offering potential health benefits like improved circulation and skin rejuvenation.
Their hot springs are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waterfalls. They also have multiple pools of different temperatures. Each pool has its own unique charm and character. Some pools are hotter, providing a more intense thermal experience, while others are cooler for a refreshing dip. They even have swim-up bars in some of the pools.
If you are a hotel guest, you will receive complimentary access to their hot springs. However, if you are just visiting for a day trip, you can purchase a one day pass. At an extra cost, you also have the option to purchase a day pass with lunch or dinner. You can even add a touch of luxury by adding a spa treatment with the hot springs. You can enhance your experience with a relaxing massage or a volcanic mud wrap.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs is a popular hot springs resort located near the Arenal Volcano. They have a variety of twenty five different pools that range from warm to hot. The resort is set in a lush tropical environment surrounded by gardens.
In addition to the thermal pools, Baldi has water slides and cascading waterfalls and even swim-up bars. Baldi is family friendly so they even have kid-friendly areas with shallower pools that the entire family can enjoy. It’s also cool that the hot springs are open in the evening and the pools are beautifully illuminated.
Similar to Tabacón, if you are a hotel guest, you have complimentary access to the springs, but they also provide day passes if you just want to visit for the day.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica. The La Fortuna Waterfall is a spectacular natural attraction located in the Arenal region. The waterfall is situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is known for its impressive height at 230 feet from the top to the base, creating a stunning cascade of water.
Visitors can reach the La Fortuna Waterfall by embarking on a scenic hike. The moderate difficulty trail takes you through the rainforest. At the base of the waterfall, there is a large pool where visitors can swim and cool off. There is also a designated viewpoint that provides panoramic views of the waterfall. It is a perfect spot for capturing photos.
There is an entrance fee of $18 to access the waterfall and the funds collected often contribute to the conservation and maintenance of the trail. Even thought it is possible to explore the waterfall independently, guided tours are available.
Rio Celeste
One of the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica is hike to Rio Celeste.
Rio Celeste is a stunning natural wonder located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica. It is known for its mesmerizing turquoise-blue color. The distinct color of Rio Celeste is attributed to the convergence of two clear rivers: the Buenavista River and Sour Creek which contains certain minerals. When these mineral-rich waters mix, a chemical reaction occurs leading to the formation of a vibrant blue color.
Please keep in mind that the river is in the middle of the rain forest so it is a bit of a hike to get there. It is a moderate 4 mile circuit trail and there are parts of the hike where you are walking up steps to the waterfall.
Throughout the trail to Rio Celeste, you will get to see these cool attractions:
- Tenideros – This is the specific point where the Buenavista River and Sour Creek meet. You can witness the cool moment when the clear waters blend and transform into the striking blue color. You can check it out from the viewpoint, Mirador Los Tenideros
- Blue Lagoon – As the river flows downstream, it forms a beautiful blue lagoon that is surrounded with a lush tropical rainforest.
- Waterfall – Rio Celeste is also home to a captivating waterfall known as Catarata Rio Celeste.
- Borbollones – These are small volcanic mud pots located in the park that is a result of subterranean volcanic activity
- Wildlife – You will get to see a bunch of wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
If it rains the day of or the day before, I definitely recommend you rent rubber rain boots for $2. The trail gets super muddy! Be prepared to get dirty on this hike. It was pouring the day of our hike so my pants and boots were covered in mud. It was kind of disappointing that it rained that day because the water wasn’t as turquoise as it should have been. The water had a grey bluish shade to it. However, it was still magical to see.
Adventure Tours
Zip Lining
For the adrenaline junkies, zip-lining through the rainforest is a must in La Fortuna. Companies like Sky Adventures and Arenal Mundo Aventura offer exhilarating zip-line experiences, allowing you to soar over the treetops and see the beauty of the rainforest from a unique perspective.
Adventurers can also challenge themselves at the Ecoglide Arenal Park which features a thrilling combination of zip lines and suspension bridges. The park offers a range of canopy tours, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping experience while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
White Water Rafting
A fun adventurous activity that you can do is go white water rafting on the Balsa River. This activity caters to both beginners and experienced rafters. You get to rush through the rainforest, navigate thrilling rapids, and experience challenging twists and turns. It’s definitely an adrenaline-pumping experience! Check out the white water rafting tours on Arenal Rafting.
Waterfall Rappeling
One of my favorite things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica is to go waterfall rappelling. Tours usually begin with a guided hike through the lush rainforest to reach the waterfall site. Then, you get to rappel down multiple waterfalls of varying heights and difficulty levels.
We did a tour with Viator. We got to rappel down four cascading waterfalls and monkey drop one waterfall. The first waterfall was over 150 feet. The guides briefly gave instructions and before you even have a chance to get nervous, you are thrown right into it! It was so fun rappelling right next to a waterfall. Sometimes, the guides even pull. you right into the waterfall so you get wet. The next three waterfalls were less than 150 feet and by then you feel like a pro!
For the monkey drop, instead of rappelling, you jump off a cliff, where you zip line for a few seconds and then the guides drop you into a pool of water. The tour guides are controlling the rope the entire time so it doesn’t feel like a free fall. They can even drop you slowly if you are a little nervous.
After the waterfall rappelling, the guides take you to a traditional Costa Rican restaurant where they serve you casados. Yum!
Check out Viator for all their waterfall rappelling tour options!
ATVs
ATVs are a fun exhilarating activity that you can do in La Fortuna. We did this ATV tour with Viator. It was a two hour tour that included hotel pick-up and drop-off. We traveled to a private farm located near the Arenal Volcano and National Park. We were able to get photos of the Arenal Volcano up close and learn about the region.
The guides taught us how to use the ATVs and got to do a few practice runs. Once we were ready, they took us through a rain forest and we went through crazy turns, bumps, and hills. It was a lot of fun. Along the way, we stopped to see the views of the volcano and any animals on the trail. We also got to see volcanic craters that the eruption caused years ago.
The tour stopped at a natural river and we were able to put on a volcano mud mask. The guide was nice enough to fill up empty bottles of water with mud so we can take it back to the hotel. I loved the mud mask. When we got back to the hotel, we exfoliated our whole bodies with it. Our skin felt so soft and smooth!
I highly recommend this tour! It was a great tour and the guides were awesome.
Arenal Hanging Bridges
The Arenal Hanging Bridges at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a tourist attraction located near the Arenal Volcano. It is a system of suspended bridges and walking trails that wind through the rainforest. The hanging bridges span across treetops and offer breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding landscapes. These bridges vary in length and height.
In addition to the hanging bridges, they also have walking trails on the forest floor. These trails take visitors through different ecosystems and provide opportunities for close-up encounters with wildlife like birds, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and numerous tropical plants. Even though you can take a self-guided tour, they also have professional guides available that can lead you and share information about the area.
Venado Caves
Visiting the Venado Caves is an adventurous and unique experience where you get to explore the underground world and see the natural wonders shaped by geological processes. They are located in the Arenal Volcano area and they are approximately forty five minutes from La Fortuna. Access to the caves are mostly through guided tours.
These caves were formed millions of years ago by tectonic activity and the flow of underground rivers. The limestone rock formations inside the caves are shaped by the erosive action of water over time.
The caves are known for their narrow passages, underground rivers and various chambers. You will get to encounter cool rock formations and some areas of the cave may require crawling or wading through water. The cave is home to a variety of wildlife like bats, spiders, and crickets. The caves can be damp and slippery so visitors are usually advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica with beautiful mountain views. You can do various fun water activities like go on a boat tour, kayak, windsurf, or paddle board.
If you want to just relax, you can unwind on the shores, have a picnic, or go on a leisurely walk. The area also has a variety of hiking and nature trails that you can explore.
You can also visit the Arenal Dam, which forms Lake Arenal. The dam itself is an impressive structure and guided tours are available to provide insights into its construction and its role in generating hydroelectric power.
Horseback Riding
If you are looking for a fun way to explore the rain forest around Arenal Volcano, go on a horseback riding tour! There are multiple tour options where you can go horseback riding through Mistico Hanging Bridges Park or you can go on a horseback ride to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall.
Check out Viator horseback riding tours!
Chocolate Tour
A chocolate tour is a fun and interesting experience where you can learn about how chocolate is made. The tour usually starts with a visit to a cacao plantation. You will get to see cacao trees and learn about the harvesting process. After that, you can process cacao beans and make your very own chocolate.
During the tour, there are also tasting sessions where you get to try different types of chocolate. You may even learn how to make traditional Costa Rican hot chocolate!
Check out Viator Chocolate tours!
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
The Arenal Natura Ecological Park is a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary located near the Arenal Volcano. It is a great place to visit that combines education and adventure.
You can wander through the park’s trails to encounter and learn about Costa Rican wildlife like sloths, toucans and reptiles. The park also features a botanical garden, butterfly conservatory and a serpentarium, which provides visitors with an up-close look at Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center
If you want a wildlife encounter, visit the Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center. This rehabilitation center focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals. Their goal is to eventually release them back into their natural habitats.
Proyecto Asis places a strong emphasis on education. The center conducts educational programs and tours to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, responsible tourism, and the impact of human activities on loal ecosystems.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located int he northern part of Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua. It is about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from La Fortuna. The refuge is a vast wetland ecosystem consisting of rivers, lagoons, marshes, and flooded grasslands.
You can go on a boat tour through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge for a chance to witness diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The wetlands attract a diverse array of bird species like herons, ibises, cormorants, anhingas, and kingfishers. In addition to birds, you can also see caimans, turtles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is not only a lodge that provides accommodations, but also features an observation tower, a museum, bird sanctuary, and nature reserve.
The hotel’s recent installation is “The Nest” Observation Tower. It is a 28 meter high tower that is perfect for observing wildlife and enjoying an incredible panoramic view of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, Cerro Chato Volcano and the Tilarán Mountain Range.
If you are not a guest at Arenal Observatory Lodge, they offer visitors the opportunity to upgrade to the Entrance or Day Pass to explore their 865 acre nature preserve. These passes give you access to the hotel’s spectacular views of the Volcano and Lake Arenal, hiking trails, “The Nest” Observatory Tower, “Observatory” museum and visitor center, a visit to the Danta waterfall and hanging bridges, and birdwatching opportunities. The entrance pass is $15 per person and the day pass is $35 per person, which includes lunch (main dish, dessert, natural juice and coffee) at their restaurant “El Jilguero.” Check out their day passes here!
Weather in Costa Rica
The weather in Costa Rica is very unpredictable. Costa Rica has a dry and rainy season and the weather also depends on the elevation. La Fortuna tends to be humid throughout the year, with humidity levels often higher during the rainy season. Since La Fortuna is close to the Arenal Volcano, this can also influence the weather as well.
The dry season is from December to April. This time of year has sunny days and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures often range from the mid-70s to mid-90s, which makes it a popular time for tourists.
The rainy season is from May to November. The rainy season brings increased precipitation, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Even though it doesn’t rain continuously, heavy downpours are common. Daytime temperatures during this season typically range from mid-70s to mid-80s.
I went to Costa Rica in mid-February. During our trip, the sky was mostly cloudy, but we did have a little sunshine now and then. The rain was a little weird and inconsistent. It would literally rain for 5 minutes and then stop and then you would see a little sun and then it would rain 15 minutes later. But we didn’t mind since the rain gave us the full experience of being in the middle of the rain forest!
Food in Costa Rica
Costa Rican cuisine is super flavorful! It has a diverse mix of influences and combines traditional ingredients with Spanish, African, and indigenous flavors. Here are some popular dishes you will find in Costa Rica:
- Gallo Pinto – This is a dish made with rice and black beans that are often mixed with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It is commonly served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Casado – This is a meal that typically includes rice and beans, a choice of meat like chicken, fish, or beef, salad, and fried plantains
- Patacones – These are fried green plantains that are flattened and fried until crispy. They are often served as a side dish or as a snack, accompanied by various dips or toppings.
- Tamales – These are made with masa (corn dough) and filled with a mixture of meats and vegetables. They are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
- Ceviche – This is a dish of raw fish or seafood cured in citrus juices and seasoned with cilantro, onions, and peppers
- Olla de Carne – This is a hearty soup that consists of beef and vegetables in a savory broth.
- Arroz con Leche – This is a traditional Costa Rican dessert. It is a rice pudding made with rice, milk, sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and served cold.
- Tres Leches Cake – This is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three milks (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream)
- Coffee – Costa Rica is known for its high quality coffee beans so you must enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee on your trip!
- Chayote – This is a vegetable that is often used in salads, soups, and stews. It has a mild flavor and a crisp texture
I was also introduced to the most delicious sauce ever: Salsa Lizano. It has a sweet and tangy flavor. You can literally put it on anything and you can find it in any restaurant in Costa Rica. I bought some at the airport and I’m excited that they also sell it on Amazon!
Hotels in La Fortuna
We stayed at two hotels during our stay. We decided to splurge for one night so we were lucky that we got two rooms at the Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort. The hotel room was amazing. It was the biggest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in. It even had a jacuzzi in the bathroom! The views of the rainforest were also pretty amazing. By booking a room, you also get free access to their hot springs.
The second hotel we stayed at was the Lost Iguana Resort. This hotel is surrounded by the rain forest and it has incredible views of the Arenal Volcano. The food here is really good. They served more traditional Costa Rican food and they had plenty of that Salsa Lizano haha!
Pura Vida!
Aside from all the adventures I had in Costa Rica, one of the things I will always remember is their famous phrase, “Pura Vida.” Pura Vida translates to “pure life,” but it is way more than that. It is part of their culture and way of life. They use this phrase to say hello, goodbye, and to let everyone know that their day is going great. It symbolizes the idea of enjoying life and being happy. It’s a reminder that people should be grateful for everything they have in life and that you shouldn’t dwell on the negative. This phrase is all about having a positive attitude and making the most of life! I love their motto. It’s so inspiring and I love everything it stands for. I will always carry this with me.
Hope you enjoyed my post on the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica!
Need more adventure trip ideas – check out my Iceland Travel Guide.
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