Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
Costa Rica's most popular and well-known volcano with an iconic symmetrical cone.
Pickleball
Christmas
Honeymoon
Offer
Luxury
Adults-Only
Adventure
Volcano
Machaca
Family Time
Best
Hiking
Rainbow Bass
Couples
Extreme
Holidays
Romance
Spring Break
Teen-friendly
Children-friendly
Why Visit Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is home to the famous Arenal Volcano, but it’s also the adventure capital of Costa Rica. It has a beautiful rainforest, impressive waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. From exceptional, not-to-be-missed properties to bucket-list experiences, here are our favorite reasons to explore La Fortuna:
- The Volcano Itself: It became famous because it consistently spewed lava, gas, and ash until it went into a resting phase in 2010 but the perfectly symmetrical volcano is still impressive.
- Endless Activities: Arenal offers nearly every adventure activity you can think of. The tour companies there are incredible, with fantastic guides and scenery straight out of “Jurassic Park”.
- Hot Springs: Arenal has a number of natural hot springs throughout the area, perfect for those looking to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.
Where to Stay
From luxurious five-star options with fantastic volcano views to the more cozy three-star boutique options. There are no all-inclusive resorts, but the service is generally excellent!
Things to Do
There is so much to do in the Arenal area! Hot springs, hikes, nature reserves, hanging bridges, waterfalls, etc.
Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna: Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination
The town of La Fortuna is on the eastern side of the iconic Arenal Volcano, famous for its almost perfect conal shape and for being one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. With the lush rainforest surrounding the volcano and the multitude of adventure activities in the area, as well as the pools of natural hot springs, La Fortuna in the Arenal Volcano area is one of the must-see destinations in the country.
Hotels, ranging from eco-sustainable boutiques to luxurious resorts, dot the landscape surrounding the volcano's base from the north. This is the largest town in the volcano area, yet it maintains a quaint, authentic feel, and it’s the perfect place to stay and enjoy everything the volcano has to offer.
Arenal Volcano, a Dormant Giant
The northern lowlands of Costa Rica are dominated by its most famous landmark: the Arenal Volcano. Set between the border with Nicaragua, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, it offers a variety of ecosystems and, as such, a multitude of diverse plants and wildlife. Given the region’s diversity, there is no one distinct weather pattern. Rather, each micro-climate has its best time to visit.
In 1968, Arenal unexpectedly erupted after being dormant for hundreds of years. This massive eruption caused significant damage, leaving five square miles covered in lava, rocks, and ash. After this eruption, the volcano stayed mildly active until July 2010, and visitors to the area could witness small eruptions and lava flow, which were especially spectacular at night.
Arenal has been dormant for over a decade, occasionally releasing smoke and gasses. For safety reasons, visits to the crater are not permitted, but the surrounding area offers stunning views and numerous recreational opportunities.
There are wonderful guided trail hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park that follow around the base of the volcano, where visitors can explore the dried lava fields and amazing flora and fauna in the area. These hikes are great for wildlife viewing, birding, and photo opportunities. Serving as the picturesque, perfectly cone-shaped backdrop for the area, Arenal Volcano is still one of the country’s most visited attractions.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfall is just ten minutes from the main La Fortuna town, and is truly impressive! It is located within a nature reserve, and there’s a hike to get there. It’s short but steep, with hundreds of steps (the equivalent of 40 flights of stairs). The waterfall is visible during the descent, but it’s best seen from the bottom of the gorge, surrounded by the rainforest and tucked into the mountain. Once below, you can swim around the waterfall in a natural pool made by the current, as well as in the neighboring river. It is not possible to swim under the waterfall because of the amount of pressure.
If you visit Arenal, this waterfall is one of its most beautiful sightings. It’s truly worth the effort, and it will provide some stunning photos. For your convenience, there is a butterfly and orchid garden, lockers and showers, and a souvenir shop at the entrance of the waterfall. If you want, you can combine a visit to the waterfall with another adventure, such as horseback riding.
Thermal Waters: Nature's Spa at Arenal Volcano
One of the most popular reasons to visit La Fortuna is the wonderful volcano-heated, mineral hot springs that abound here. The hot springs come from the geothermal activity beneath Arenal, and it’s said their mineral content has healing and rejuvenating properties. There are many hotels that feature their own private hot springs, often pumping the water underground directly to their pools. If you’re staying somewhere without these pools, there are other off-site hot springs that can be visited with a full-day or half-day pass.
Activities at the Foot of the Volcano
La Fortuna is known as Costa Rica’s adventure capital! That’s because the Arenal Volcano is a great place to explore the beauty of Costa Rica’s forests on foot, bike, horse, and ATV. For those who enjoy water sports, there are plenty of activities to choose from. For a more leisurely pace, a river float or aerial tram can be arranged. And you can even go fishing in Lake Arenal!
These are some of the most famous activities in La Fortuna:
Zip Lining Canopy Tours
Swoosh along the trees to catch the best views of nature up close along with a dose of adventure!
Whitewater Rafting
Hop on a raft and test yourself against rapids level II, III, and IV. Perfect for active lovers of the outdoors.
Watersports in Arenal Lake
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are two popular activities at the Lake that will allow you to enjoy the vistas while having fun.
Horseback Riding
Rider and horse head out to explore the many landscapes of La Fortuna in a gently paced tour.
Hanging Bridges
A favorite among visitors and locals, this is the best way to immerse yourself in the nature of Arenal while doing some hiking.
Waterfall Rappelling
There are a few canyons around Arenal which are, arguably, some of the best in the country. Repelling is a “must do” tour in La Fortuna for those that are not afraid of heights or water.
Coffee Tours
Culture, history, and food mingle in this tour for those who want to get a taste of Costa Rica’s most famous product.
Safari Floats
For the children and those wanting a more relaxing experience, this easy trip down the river will give you great views and lifetime memories.
Exploring National Parks
There are also plenty of places to explore like hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park, Cerro Chato, or visiting Rio Celeste. These hikes are great for wildlife viewing, birding, and photo opportunities. Along your path, you are likely to encounter fantastic tropical flora and fauna.
Experiencing Local Life in La Fortuna
For those staying in Arenal, visiting La Fortuna is a great experience. Many hotels are located within five to 20 minutes from the town, which is a perk. La Fortuna is a very classic, picturesque town. There’s a park at the center of town, a church at the top of the park, and shops and restaurants surrounding them. To top it off, the volcano is the backdrop behind the church!
La Fortuna is an excellent place to buy souvenirs and stock up on sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and many more things. It also provides other services such as clinics, pharmacies, and banks. Walking down the streets, you’ll find proud chocolate and coffee vendors. These local vendors often come from a long line of coffee producers or cocoa harvesters, and they love to tell visitors their family stories. Make sure to try the local artisan ice cream as well and to check out some of the great restaurants in town!
Practical Tips for an Arenal Trip
Pack lightly but prudently! There may be quick showers, so have enough change of clothes, and your adventures outside will require good hiking shoes. Bring sunscreen and wear it generously, and make sure to have any necessary prescription medicines. Insect repellent will also be necessary to keep you (and your family) comfortable. Even though Arenal has an even temperature year-round, packing will depend on when you travel, so check out our guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Finding the Perfect Place for You
The Arenal Volcano is a very popular destination with a wide variety of hotel options. The hotels, lodges, and resorts in the area are as diverse as the landscapes of the region, ranging from simple and rustic to some of the most luxurious in the country.
Hotels in La Fortuna are great for those who want to stay close to nature while still enjoying modern comforts. Top-notch spas, on-site hot springs pools, volcano views, eco-sustainable practices, family-friendly ambiance, adults-only privacy… It’s all available. Any stay in Arenal, Costa Rica is sure to be full of as much adventure or relaxation as you desire.
Exploring Beyond the Volcano: Nearby Attractions
Beyond the Arenal Volcano, there are other places you can explore in La Fortuna. A very popular one is Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. It’s located about two hours from La Fortuna, great for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Caño Negro is considered one of the world’s most important wetlands due to its large marshes and vast biodiversity, including over 300 kinds of birds.
Another great place to visit is Tenorio National Park & Rio Celeste. This park boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in Costa Rica. and is home to Rio Celeste and its waterfall. The turquoise waters of Rio Celeste are worldwide famous, and the national park provides great hiking, volcanoes, mineral mud pools, and great scenery.
The Venado Caverns are another good option if you want a special treat of adventure. With a good guide, you can walk through underground streams, crawl through narrow passages, discover hidden passages, and admire millennia-old rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Best Time to Travel to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
La Fortuna has nearly the same temperature all year round, which makes it a good choice to visit any time. January through April have the least rain and tend to be hotter than other times of the year. September and October are the rainiest times of the year, but you usually still have clear mornings, and these are the least crowded times of the year.
| Metric | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Average High Temp (°F) | 80 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 84 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Average Low Temp (°F) | 62 | 62 | 64 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 66 | 66 | 64 |
| Precipitation | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | Medium |
Tours around Arenal Volcano are on rain or shine, but remember the rain can add to the adventure! It is the rainforest, after all. We recommend having the tours in the morning, for the best weather and most excellent chance to spot wildlife when it’s most active. Hot springs are also a great way to fill a rainy afternoon because the cool rain makes them even more enjoyable.
Something to take into account is that pricing is less expensive during the rainy season, from May through mid-December, with May and November being the best value months to travel. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck and are flexible with dates, it is the season to come.
How to Get to Arenal Volcano
Arenal is located around equal time from San José and Guanacaste, which means it’s a great place to stop on your way to the beach. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the San José airport and 3 hours from the Liberia airport. It is also accessible through a domestic flight that takes around 30 minutes.
We always recommend a private transfer to make your trip as hassle-free as possible, but if you want you can rent a car or take a public or semi-private bus. The trip to La Fortuna is picturesque and gives you a taste of the real Costa Rica with mountains, farmlands, and small towns.
Top Restaurants in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has a variety of restaurants to cater to all tastes. Families, foodies, couples, adventurers, and vegetarians and vegans all will have options to choose from if they venture into the town. These are some of our favorites:
Don Rufino: Latin, Central American, & Seafood
Don Rufino is one of the best restaurants near Arenal and a great fine dining experience. It is pretty meat and seafood-heavy but has some other good alternatives.
Soda La Parada: Traditional Costa Rican Flavors
A “soda” is a small local restaurant in Costa Rica, equivalent to a mom-and-pop diner in the USA. You will find a variety of local food at a reasonable price. The most typical meal is a “casado,” which is considered the perfect marriage of food: rice, beans, a type of meat/fish (or egg or cheese, for vegetarians), one to two types of salads or vegetables, and plantains. These “sodas” are mostly open for breakfast and lunch.
The Lava Lounge Bar & Grill: Latin American
The Lava Lounge has a fun atmosphere with good (and crazy) cocktails and drinks. It also serves food and is consistent in its offerings and its quality of food and service. We recommend trying a “Guaro Sour,” which is made with a local liquor called Cacique. Fun fact: Cacique is owned by the Costa Rican Government.
Bongos: Mexican, Fast Food
Bongos is a newer restaurant in La Fortuna with great food. It has local food that is above the typical Casado. The fajitas are some of the best we had. The owner takes the time to make your experience personal.
SpecTACOlar: Taco Bar
SpecTACOlar is an excellent value with tasty food. It frequently has live music on the weekends too! So if you’re looking for a place in town, within walking distance of many shops, this is the place to go.
El Chante Verde Restaurant-Café-Bar: Vegan & Vegetarian Choices
With a menu built to satisfy every taste, El Chante Verde offers great choices for those who want vegetarian and vegan food during their stay. An intimate ambiance, friendly service, and organic ingredients make this a favorite among many.
Yellow Bark: Plant-Based Options
Yellow Bark’s laid-back atmosphere is a great backdrop to a well-rounded meal with some good vegetarian and vegan options. A favorite is their veggie burger, with chunky fries on the side. It’s close to the center of town, so it’s a good spot to stop by before heading to town.
Heliconias Restaurant: International, South American
Heliconias Restaurant, which is located in Hotel Arenal Kioro, has an incredible view of the volcano. The cuisine is good but a bit pricey. The view is worth it, though! Heliconias is about 15 minutes away from town, so it does require a taxi ride.
Ready for your Arenal Volcano Adventure?
La Fortuna has so much to offer, with beautiful views, stunning flora and fauna, great dining options, and adventures galore. Relaxation and wellness are also part of the package, and every traveler will find something perfect to do in this area. To visit this iconic destination in Costa Rica, contact us and we’ll help you plan!
About the Author
Jessica Luecke
Travel Consultant at Costa Rican Vacations