Arenal

Arenal & La Fortuna

Soaking in natural hot springs and lava viewing are just some of the attractions around Arenal Volcano. Located in the fertile Northern Region, Arenal and La Fortuna are a 3.5 hour scenic drive northwest of San José. From windsurfing and fishing on Lake Arenal to canopy tours in the cloud forest, this unique area offers adventure sports for visitors of all interests.

The bustling town of La Fortuna with its explosive view of Arenal Volcano, is a hotbed for ecotourism. Wildlife encounters are common on hikes through the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park, where local guides enlighten visitors about the native flora and fauna. Numerous tour operators specialize in adventure sports, such as canyoing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and exploring the limestone caves of the Venado caverns. Volcano-heated hot springs offer travelers the opportunity to soak weary muscles while enjoying an awe-inspiring view of the volcano. Read more about Arenal and La Fortuna

Highlights of Arenal & La Fortuna

Places to See

Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano National Park
Lake Arenal
Natural Hot Springs

With an average of 22 eruptions every day, Arenal Volcano attracts thousands of visitors each year. Other popular... Read More

Things to Do

Canyoning
Mountain Biking

Safari River Floats

Soaking in Hot Springs
Whitewater Rafting
Canopy Tours and Aerial Trams
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Horseback Trips
Freshwater Fishing

La Fortuna is an excellent base to explore the Arenal region. Several tour companies in town cater to eco-adventures and offer everything from volcano hikes to adrenaline-fueled canyoning excursions where visitors rappel down a series of tropical waterfalls in a rainforest canyon... Read More

Places to Stay

Travelers in search of comfortable accommodation will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of hostels, hotels and resorts in La Fortuna. Backpackers will appreciate the smaller, family-run hostels which are located near the center of town. The majority of even the cheapest hotels offer tours, laundry service and internet access to their guests. Mid-range options are becoming more popular and several new hotels .... Read More

Travel Blogs

La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano (June 2007)

The costarica.com team spent two weeks exploring the Arenal area. Read our experiences with tours, adventure sports and hotels in our informative Blogs.