Travel guide · Northern lowlands · Arenal
La Fortuna
A small town at the foot of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and hot springs. Give it at least two or three nights: there’s a lot to see.
Gonzalo’s picks
What to do in La Fortuna
A few favorites to get you started. Tell Gonzalo what you love and he’ll suggest more, plus the hotels and restaurants he trusts.
Relax
Baldi Hot Springs
Dozens of thermal pools warmed by the volcano. Go in the late afternoon, when the air cools down, and stay into the evening.
Hike
Arenal Volcano National Park
Easy trails over old lava flows with the volcano right in front of you. Go early, when the summit is more often clear of clouds.
Half day
La Fortuna Waterfall
A tall waterfall in the middle of the forest. Hundreds of steps take you down to the river, where you can swim. Bring good shoes.
Nature
Hanging bridges
Walk above the rainforest canopy on suspension bridges, with good chances of spotting birds, monkeys, and sloths.
Scenic
Lake Arenal
Costa Rica’s largest lake, with the volcano as a backdrop. Perfect for a sunset boat ride or a kayak paddle.
Getting there
Airport → La Fortuna
A private transfer from SJO airport takes ~3 hrs, door to door.
On the wayA stop at a butterfly garden
Plan your transfer
Plan your days in La Fortuna with Gonzalo
Gonzalo drives you there and shares his favorite picks along the way: trusted hotels, tours and activities, and the spots only locals know about.
Photo credits. Activity photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their licenses.
- Thermal pools and tropical gardens at Baldi Hot Springs, La Fortuna. · Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose from Montreal, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Clear view of the conical Arenal Volcano above the rainforest near La Fortuna. · Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
- La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Rio Fortuna) plunging into its jungle pool. · Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Suspension bridge through the rainforest canopy at Arenal Hanging Bridges. · Peter Sheik · CC BY 2.0
- Arenal Volcano reflected in the calm waters of Lake Arenal. · Andresqsz · CC BY-SA 4.0