Last Updated on August 18, 2026

La Fortuna was my very first stop in Costa Rica, and it set the bar impossibly high for everything that followed. Nestled beneath the brooding cone of Arenal Volcano, this small town is one of those rare places where you can genuinely do as much or as little as you like, soak in a hot spring and call it a day, or pack your schedule so full of things to do in La Fortuna Arenal that you collapse into bed each night absolutely buzzing with it all.

I stayed at Rancho Margot, a self-sustainable ranch near Lake Arenal that turned out to be one of the most memorable stays of my entire trip. But I’ll get to that. First, here’s everything you need to know to plan your own Arenal adventure.

ARENAL / LA FORTUNA ESSENTIALS

✈️ Getting There / Fly into San José (SJO) from the UK, flights take around 11 to 12 hours, typically with one stop (most commonly via the US or Madrid). From San José, La Fortuna is roughly a 3.5-hour drive northwest. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a stress-free arrival. Search flights on Skyscanner.

🚗 Getting Around / The roads around Arenal and La Fortuna are largely paved and manageable, but a 4×4 is still recommended if you want to access more remote waterfalls and trails. Compare rental cars on DiscoverCars, they consistently had the best rates with full insurance included when I booked mine. Shared shuttles (Interbus, Comfortable Costa Rica) also connect La Fortuna to San José and other destinations like Monteverde.

🎟️ Tours / Book your activities in advance, the best spots sell out fast. The best ones to book:
La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Combo
White Water Rafting on the Balsa River
White-Water Rafting, Canyoning and Tarzan Swing
Arenal Volcano Raft and ATV Tour Adventure‘

🏨 Stay / See the full picks below in Where to Stay:
Budget: Socialtel La Fortuna (formerly Selina)
Mid-range: Rancho Margot
Splurge: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

📱 Connect / Stay connected the moment you land. I use Holafly, use code TRAVELWITHPAU for 5% off.

🛡️ Get Insured / This is not one to skip. La Fortuna is an adventure-activity hub, rafting, canyoneering, zip-lining, and most standard travel policies won’t cover any of it. World Nomads covers 150+ adventure activities, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Sort it before you fly.

Things to Do in Arenal / La Fortuna, Costa Rica

1. Soak in the Hot Springs

Possibly the top attraction in the entire Arenal region, the geothermal hot springs here are genuinely special, and there are options for every budget.

• Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort: the most famous and luxurious, set in lush tropical gardens with multiple pools at varying temperatures. Worth splurging on at least once.
• Arenal Kioro: another upscale resort option, quieter than Tabacón and with some of the best volcano views from the pools themselves.
• Ecotermales Fortuna: a lovely mid-range option with a proper pool circuit, great for a more relaxed experience without the crowds.
• Termalitas del Arenal: budget-friendly at around $10 USD, no frills but genuinely enjoyable.
• Free option: locals gather at natural hot springs along the Río Cholín near the Tabacón Resort. Look for cars parked on the roadside and follow the crowds down to the river. Completely free, completely brilliant. Find the exact location here.

2. Wander Parque de La Fortuna

The simplest, cheapest thing on this whole list: the town square by the church in the centre of La Fortuna. It’s a proper Costa Rican town park, benches, people-watching, volcano views on a clear day, and it’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. A nice way to get your bearings on arrival or unwind on your last evening.

Practical info: Free. Find it on Google Maps.

3. Hike Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline around La Fortuna, when it’s not hiding in cloud, which it frequently is. The national park has three main trails accessible from the visitor centre.

The Sendero Las Coladas (Lava Flow Trail) climbs up to where lava solidified after the 1968 eruption, it looks like a vast field of dark, tumbled rock. Combined with the Sendero La Ceiba trail (which passes a magnificent Ceiba tree that somehow survived the eruption), you get a satisfying loop with genuine history underfoot.

I did the hike independently and got lucky spotting howler monkeys along the way, but if you want to actually spot wildlife rather than just hear it crashing through the trees, hiring a guide makes all the difference, they know exactly where to look. Book a guided Arenal volcano hike.

If you’d rather skip the national park entry queue, the neighbouring Arenal 1968 private reserve is a good alternative, self-guided trails through the actual 1968 lava fields with arguably even better volcano and lake views. Book Arenal 1968 trail admission.

4. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall is 70 metres tall and the most visited waterfall in Costa Rica, and it fully deserves that title. You descend 530 steps to reach the base, where the emerald pool is safe for swimming right by the cascade (the current pushes you back towards the shore rather than under the falls). Entry is $15 USD and includes access to changing facilities, showers, and a lovely orchid trail on the way back up.

Those 530 steps down are all fine, but the 530 steps back up will remind you that your legs exist. Plan accordingly.

5. Swing Into El Salto’s Swimming Hole

Just a short drive or a 30-minute walk south of town, El Salto is a free swimming hole on the Fortuna River with a rope swing hanging over deep, clear water. It’s the local, low-key alternative to the main waterfall, no entry fee, no crowds most of the day, just a bridge, a rope, and a very satisfying jump. There’s a small paid car park by the bridge if you’re driving. Find it on Google Maps.

6. Walk the Mistico Hanging Bridges

Sixteen suspension bridges strung across the rainforest canopy inside Arenal National Park, on private lakeside grounds. The 3.1 km self-guided trail is accessible and genuinely lovely, great views, beautiful forest, and with a guide you’ll spot all sorts of wildlife you’d otherwise walk straight past. Book a guided Mistico Hanging Bridges tour.

7. Explore the Arenal Observatory Lodge Trails

A quieter alternative to the national park, the Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on 11km of private rainforest trails with two observation towers (the 28-metre Nest Tower is the highlight), its own small waterfall, and a couple of hanging bridges of its own, all with some of the closest volcano views you’ll get anywhere. A day pass covers full trail access even if you’re not staying overnight.

Practical info: Day pass around $20 USD. Book directly through the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

8. Go White Water Rafting on the Río Toro or Río Balsa

White water rafting in Arenal is brilliant fun. The Río Balsa is the most popular choice, Class II to III rapids, suitable for beginners and great if it’s your first time. For something more intense, the Río Toro offers Class IV rapids that’ll really get the adrenaline going.

Most operators pick you up from your hotel, provide all the kit, and include a lunch afterwards. Book white water rafting on the Balsa River.

9. Rappell Down a Waterfall

Rappelling down waterfall faces, scrambling through river canyons, jumping into natural pools, canyoneering around La Fortuna is one of those activities that sounds terrifying until you’re doing it, and then it’s absolutely exhilarating. The canyon walls here are spectacular, draped in ferns and moss. Book the waterfall rappelling and river fun tour with lunch.

10. Zip-Line Over the Rainforest Canopy

There’s no shortage of zip-line operators around Arenal, and the aerial views of the volcano and forest canopy make this one of the best places in Costa Rica to try it. Sky Adventures and several other operators offer full canopy tours with multiple lines of varying lengths. Some combine zip-lining with hanging bridges for a full morning of activities. Book the Arenal Mundo Aventura 7 zip line tour.

11. Go Off-Roading on an ATV Through the Jungle

Riding an ATV through the Arenal jungle is genuinely fun, bouncing along muddy tracks, crossing rivers, with views of the volcano whenever it deigns to appear. It’s especially popular as a combo with rafting, book the ATV and rafting combo, or if you’d rather just do the ATV on its own, book the ATV adventure through the rainforest with volcano views.

12. Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and the views of the volcano reflected in the water on a clear morning are genuinely gorgeous. Kayaking or paddleboarding here is peaceful and lovely, a nice contrast to the more adrenaline-heavy activities on offer. Rancho Margot, where I stayed, offered lake kayaking as a paid add-on. Book a kayak tour with the best volcano views on Lake Arenal, or if you’d rather stand than sit, book a stand-up paddleboarding lesson and tour.

13. Walk the Bogarin Trail (For Sloths)

This two-kilometre trail near downtown La Fortuna is widely regarded as the best place to spot sloths in the area. Former farmland converted into rainforest habitat by owner Giovanni Bogarin, the trail is easy and rich with wildlife: toucans, various frogs, and yes, with luck, sleepy sloths dangling from the canopy. A brilliant and low-key contrast to the bigger activities. Find it on Google Maps, or book a guided Bogarin Trail sloth-watching tour if you’d rather have an expert spotting them for you.

14. Get Up Close With Sloths at Sloth’s Territory

If Bogarin Trail is a nice bonus but you want sloths guaranteed, Sloth’s Territory is a small, family-run eco-project just 5 minutes from town with a guide who genuinely specialises in finding them, telescope included so you actually get a proper look rather than a distant blob in the canopy. Book a Sloth’s Territory tour.

15. Taste Your Way Through a Coffee and Chocolate Farm

Costa Rica grows both coffee and cacao, and a farm tour is a genuinely interesting couple of hours, you’ll see the whole process from bean to cup and pod to bar, with tastings along the way. A good lower-key activity to slot in on a day you want to ease off the adrenaline. Book the North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour.

16. Go Underground at the Venado Caves

About 45 minutes from La Fortuna, the Venado Caves offer a proper underground adventure, stalactites, stalagmites, underground waterfalls, bats, cave fish, and creepy-crawlies. You move through multiple chambers, sometimes squeezing through tight passages. Not one for the claustrophobic, but absolutely brilliant if you’re up for it. Book the Venado Caves spelunking tour.

17. Birdwatch Your Way Through the Jungle

The Arenal region is exceptional for birding, toucans, kingfishers, herons, and dozens of hummingbird species are all present. Rancho Margot’s grounds were particularly rich in bird life. If you’re serious about birding, hiring a local guide will massively increase your sightings. Book the Arenal Volcano sunrise birdwatching expedition.

18. Volunteer for a Dog Walk at Costa Rica Dog Rescue

A genuinely sweet, low-key way to spend a couple of hours, Costa Rica Dog Rescue is a non-profit shelter on the way to La Fortuna Waterfall where you can walk, wash, and play with rescue dogs for a donation. A nice contrast to the adrenaline-heavy activities, and every dollar goes straight back into their care. Contact Costa Rica Dog Rescue to arrange a visit.

La Fortuna Arenal Day Trips

Río Celeste: About 1.5 to 2 hours from La Fortuna in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste is famous for its startling sky-blue colour, caused by a mineral reaction where two clear rivers meet, not a dye or an optical illusion, which somehow makes it even more striking. The full hike takes you past the waterfall, hot springs, and bubbling geysers called Los Borbollones. A genuinely full day out, but worth it. Book the full-day Río Celeste tour from La Fortuna.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour: About two hours from La Fortuna, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most biodiverse wetland areas in Central America. A boat safari along the Río Frío gives you the chance to spot caimans, howler monkeys, roseate spoonbills, Jesus Christ lizards, and if you’re very lucky, river otters. Often combined with a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Highly recommended as a day trip. Book the Caño Negro, Río Frío and traditional lunch tour.

Monteverde via the Jeep-Boat-Jeep Transfer: One of the most iconic experiences in Costa Rica is the jeep-boat-jeep transfer between Arenal and Monteverde. Rather than the long, uncomfortable road route, you take a 4×4 jeep to the edge of Lake Arenal, a boat across the lake, then another jeep up to Monteverde. It takes about 3 hours all in, and the boat crossing with volcano views is genuinely spectacular. Book the jeep-boat-jeep transfer.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna Arenal

La Fortuna has options at every budget, from hostels in the town centre to hot spring resorts and working ranches out towards Lake Arenal. Here’s my breakdown.

Mid-range: Rancho Margot

This is where I stayed, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Rancho Margot is a self-sustainable working ranch near Lake Arenal, cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, a natural swimming pool, daily yoga classes, and some of the best home-cooked food I ate in Costa Rica, all produced on-site, including their own cheese, yoghurt, jam, and bread. Everywhere you walk you end up stopping to admire a bird, a colourful lizard, or a squirrel.

The stay is included with a 2-hour guided ranch tour, two daily yoga classes, and a cow milking class, and there’s two self-guided hikes to try, one to a viewpoint, one through rainforest into cloud forest. The natural swimming pools and a pond you can fish in are free, and there’s a football pitch if you fancy it. Horseback riding, lake kayaking, and a night wildlife hike are all bookable as paid add-ons.

Rooms are simple but have everything you need, ours had two clean double beds with mosquito nets, a bathroom with soap made on-site from recycled cooking oil, and a balcony with a colourful hammock and a table and chairs. You won’t find any plastic or packaging anywhere on the property, it’s part of the whole philosophy. It’s the antithesis of a standard hotel and all the better for it, and my top pick for anyone who wants sustainability and immersion over standard hotel comforts. Check availability.

Splurge: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

The gold standard of Arenal hot spring resorts, guests have access to the thermal pools day and night. Stunning, indulgent, and genuinely special for a splurge night or two.

Budget: Socialtel La Fortuna

Formerly Selina La Fortuna (Selina’s Costa Rica properties were rebranded to Socialtel in 2025), this hostel has a great social atmosphere and well-priced dorms and privates. Perfectly positioned for exploring everything La Fortuna has to offer.

None of these float your boat? Search all La Fortuna hotels.

Getting To & Around La Fortuna Arenal

La Fortuna is approximately 3.5 hours from San José by road, mostly good tarmac, though a 4×4 is useful if you want to explore beyond the main town. Hire a car with DiscoverCars for the most flexibility to explore at your own pace, and pay the extra for full cover if you can, we got a puncture on one of the rougher back roads and because we’d taken the full insurance, it didn’t cost us a thing to sort out. Genuinely worth it. Shared shuttle services (Interbus, Comfortable Costa Rica) run between San José, La Fortuna, and onward to Monteverde and other destinations too, a solid option if you’d prefer not to drive.

If you’re combining Arenal with Monteverde, the jeep-boat-jeep transfer is the way to do it, faster, more scenic, and far more fun than the road alternative. Book the jeep-boat-jeep transfer to Monteverde.

Arenal / La Fortuna FAQ

Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best places in Costa Rica for adventure activities, natural hot springs, and wildlife, all in one compact and well-organised area. The combination of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and geothermal hot springs alone makes it worth the trip.

Is it safe to swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, the waterfall is set up safely for swimming. The current at the base naturally pushes swimmers away from the cascade rather than underneath it. Entry costs $15 USD and includes changing facilities.

What are the hot springs in Arenal like?
There’s a huge range, from luxury spa resorts like Tabacón to a free natural hot spring on the Río Cholín. All are fed by volcanic geothermal activity, so the water is naturally warm. Most pools hover around 38–40°C.

Do I need a 4×4 to get around La Fortuna?
The main roads in and around La Fortuna are paved and fine for a regular car. A 4×4 becomes useful if you want to explore further afield, Rancho Margot, for instance, requires a short stretch of rough track.

Can I see Arenal Volcano from La Fortuna?
When the clouds allow, yes, and the view is stunning. However, the volcano is frequently covered in cloud regardless of the season. Don’t bank on a clear view; treat it as a lovely bonus when it happens.

How far is La Fortuna from San José?
La Fortuna is approximately 120 km from San José, around 3 to 3.5 hours by car or shared shuttle.

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