Costa Rica has no shortage of adventure activities and the Arenal and La Fortuna area ranks as one of the top adventure destinations in the country. There are so many fun activities for all ages and travelers that it can be a bit overwhelming at first when you’re trying to decide what to do!
So to help narrow it down, here is our list of the best things to do in La Fortuna. With a lush rainforest, waterfalls, rivers, volcano and lake, you’re guaranteed to have a blast discovering the Arenal Volcano area.
You can also find a map, our hotel recommendations and tour discounts below!
Canyoning
Jump down 200 foot waterfalls and tall cliffs deep into the rain forest on a adventure canyoning in La Fortuna. Canyoning, or waterfall rappelling may seem a bit intimidating, but once you start your journey down surrounded by the sights and smells of a lush rain forest, you’ll leave all your fears behind.
This is an adventure for those who don’t mind getting down and dirty, as you’ll end up leaving a lot more wet than when you started. But it’s all worth it, as you experience the rain forest in a unique and exciting way.
We went with a company called Pure Trek and they provide transportation. The tour costs around $100 including lunch and transportation and is a half day tour.
You can see more pictures and watch a video of Canyoning Arenal adventure.
Venado Caves
Only 45 minutes from La Fortuna are the Venado Caves where you can take a tour to explore and go spelunking. You’ll see various stalactites, stalagmites, bats and other insects on the tour. You’ll climb and walk through various caves, passages and rock walls and learn about the history and importance of the caves. A different type of activity to your typical adventure tours but still very cool!
Rio Celeste Hike
See the magical blue river in Costa Rica on a day trip from La Fortuna. You’ll hike through the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park along side the stunning Rio Celeste. There is a gorgeous waterfall, a hanging bridge and many view points.
At the end of the hike, you can see where the two rivers come together to create the spectacular sky blue color. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica and well worth a day trip from La Fortuna!
SkyTrek Ziplining
There are many zipline (canopy) tours in Arenal but our favorite is Skytrek. You get the most spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano when you’re flying 2000 feet through the air, 600 feet high.
You’ll never feel closer to being a bird than on this zipline tour, as you’re soaring over the rain forest with the lake in front of you and the volcano next to you.
If you’re not quite that ambitious, there are other canopy tours such as Athica, Arenal Canopy Tours and Ecoglide that aren’t as high or fast, perfect for those who have never ziplined before or are a bit nervous.
The canopy tour at Sky Adventures costs $80 for adults and $60 for kids. You can also book the ziplining with tour companies who provide transportation.
If you rented a car, you can drive to the adventure park entrance and pay for the tour there but make reservations. This place gets packed December – April and July.
Rio Frio Safari Float (Pure Nature)
Soak in the splendid nature on this pure safari float down Rio Frio, a slow moving river in the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve. This area is considered one of the best for wildlife as it’s home to animals like toucans, three toed sloths, caimans, kingfishers and more.
You float down the river for about 2 hours on a raft, using paddles to move along. This also allows you to get up close with the wildlife. All you hear is the soft lap of the water as it brushes up against the raft and the sounds of a dozen birds gliding above your head. It is truly a pure nature experience.
Find out more about the Rio Frio safari here.
Another option if you don’t have a full day for the safari float it is to do the Penas Blancas Safari Float since it’s only 20 minutes from La Fortuna. The safari float rides are one of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids since it’s a very easy going, laid back way to see wildlife and nature.
Hot Springs
No trip to Arenal and La Fortuna is complete without a visit to the hot springs. It’s the best way to relax and wind down a busy day. Soak in the hot thermal pools to soothe your muscles while enjoying the fresh night time air.
Many hotels and resorts have their own hot springs with day passes available. Some of the most well known ones are Tabacon, Baldi, the Springs, Titoku, Kalambu, Ecotermales and Paradise. There are also a few hotels also have their own exclusive hot springs like the Kioro.
You can read more about the different Arenal hot springs here.
One of the free things to do in La Fortuna is to visit the public entrance of Tabacon river where all the locals go. This is the free hot spring in La Fortuna and it’s across from Tabacon Resort. There is a small parking lot and you can walk down the river from there.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Explore the rain forests of Arenal in an eco-friendly way with the hanging bridges, which sits on 600 acres of private land by the lake. It is an easy 3.1 kilometer trail with 16 suspended and hanging bridges, so that visitors can get different perspectives of the rain forest.
Along the way it’s common to spot wildlife like bats, snakes and birds. Though the hanging bridges are one of the more popular activities in Arenal, you’ll still get a true sense of the forest when you’re that high up!
The Mistico Hanging Bridges are near the bridge/dam and you can go by yourself if you have a car or book it with a tour company. I recommend booking it with a company so you will have a guide who can point out wildlife. It’s worth it!
Read more about the Arenal Hanging Bridges.
La Fortuna Waterfall
If you’re itching to visit waterfalls in Arenal, the best and biggest one is La Fortuna. This is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna as this waterfall is stunning. Dropping 75 fee, the emerald La Fortuna waterfall and encompassing rain forest rewards visitors as they complete the 400+ step hike down to the fall.
And yes that means 400+ steps back up but it’s absolutely worth it!
The entrance fee is $15 and it is only a few kilometers from La Fortuna town. You can take a taxi which will cost about $20 one way or go as part of a tour.
Read more about visiting La Fortuna waterfall here.
White Water Rafting
There are a couple of rivers for white water rafting in Arenal but our favorite is the Rio Pacuare. Raft your way through one of the best rivers in the world for white water rafting one Class 3 and 4 rapids. Paddle under waterfalls, swim in the calm pools and see toucans on this exciting rafting adventure.
If that sounds a bit too exciting for you, there are other rivers with Class 2 and 3 rapids such as the Balsa River rafting. It’s still a fun day trip from Arenal and La Fortuna that is fun for the whole family.
One of the awesome things about the Rio Pacuare rafting is that you can make the rafting trip your transportation method to and from San Jose or Puerto Viejo. Many companies, like Rios Tropicales pick up at La Fortuna and can drop you off in San Jose or Puerto Viejo (2 passengers minimum) so instead of sitting in a bus or shuttle, you get to river raft your way over!
Want to book the Rio Pacuare white water rafting? We have an exclusive discount for you!
Click here to get your Rio Pacuare white water rafting discount
Horseback Riding
Venture into the country side of Arenal by way of horseback, one of the best to discover the intricate corners of the land. You’ll ride through rivers, under trees and up to stunning viewpoints of the valley and surrounding hills, places you can’t reach by car and foot.
On a clear day, you can horseback ride with Arenal Volcano as your backdrop. Not a bad view while sauntering though the open country! This is a half day activity but you can also combine it with something else like ziplining or ATV.
See more photos and read what it’s like to go horseback riding in Arenal.
Lake Arenal
The biggest lake in Costa Rica is actually man made and initially created to produce hydro electric power. However, it’s is also a place for recreation. Take a sunset boat ride, go fishing, jet ski, water ski, stand up paddle board, sail, windsurf or boat across to Monteverde.
If you don’t have time to do activities on the lake, you can drive around it for some beautiful views. There are also several hotels around Lake Arenal for those who want a nature experience.
Club Rio Outdoor Center
The Springs Resort and Spa has their own on-site adventure park open to outside guests and it’s a wonderful place for families. They offer hot spring day passes and a multi adventure package.
The multi adventure package includes transportation, lunch, hot springs (2 day pass) and 2 of the following activities: horseback riding, tubing, kayaking, rock wall and guided nature walk. Enjoy the hot springs, go on an adventure and visit one of the most beautiful properties in La Fortuna!
We have a partnership with Club Rio to give discounts to our readers. Read our review and get $10 off the Club Rio Costa Rica multi adventure package here!
Arenal Volcano Hike
Go on your own or take a guided hike to see Arenal Volcano. You can hike in the national park to see the original lava rocks and lava trails from the big eruption. The trails aren’t too long but it gives you a nice opportunity to see the lasting effects of the volcano eruption.
There is also a nice viewpoint where you can see both the volcano and lake. Since the trails aren’t too difficult, this is a great hike for families. The national park is $15 for adults and you can hike it on your own or go with a guide.
Read our Arenal Volcano National Park guide.
You can also hike in the private reserves near the national park such as Arenal 1968 for equally as impressive views.
Bogarin Trail (La Fortuna Sloth Trail)
If you really want to see sloths in La Fortuna, then you have to walk the Bogarin Trail. It’s right in La Fortuna and an easy walk for all ages to see sloths and birds. We saw 6 sloths, toucans, hummingbirds and frogs!
The trail used to be all farmland many years ago. The man who currently runs the trail is a local Costa Rican who worked with the owner to restore the land and he has been working on it since 2000!
When he first started restoring the forest, he said there was one sloth. Now there are over 25 and is one of the best places in La Fortuna to see sloths.
Map of Things to Do in La Fortuna and Arenal
Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal
- Hotel Las Colinas – Cute hotel in the middle of town across from the park. They have a terrace where you get a great view of Arenal volcano. Basic, comfortable rooms. Rooms start at $60
- Arenal History Inn – Nice mid-range hotel a little outside downtown La Fortuna. Bungalows with a volcano view and pool. Rooms start at $65.
- Arenal Backpackers Resort – They have a large outdoor pool, hammocks and a garden. Choose between standard rooms, dorms or tents. Very close to La Fortuna. Tents start at $40, a bed starts at $30. Selina is another great hostel.
- Arenal Observatory Lodge – The only hotel actually in the national park with the closet view of the volcano. This lodge has a huge property with their own trails. Rooms start at $120
- Arenal Kioro: This high end hotel has a spa, their own private hot springs, a Jacuzzi in every room and a stunning view of the volcano with floor to ceiling windows. Rooms start at $250
- Airbnb: We’ve stayed at an Airbnb in Arenal before. It’s a huge house perfect for families, only 5 minutes from Fortuna town. Read our review here.
Arenal Tour Discount
We have a partnership with Jacamar Naturalist Tours to give 10% – 15% off tours in Arenal. Check it out!
Click here to get 10% off your tour in Arenal
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Sammi says
Hi Amy! I’m glad the blog has been helpful. You can read our guide to La Fortuna for more information for nightlife and things like that: La Fortuna
La Fortuna is the biggest and main city near Arenal Volcano and is the main tourism hub. Arenal volcano is I think about 20 kilometers from La Fortuna.
I highly recommend canyoning it’s super fun! We have discounts for tours in La Fortuna including canyoning in case you’re interested! You can check this page: Arenal and La Fortuna tours discount
Amy says
Your website is saving my life! We land in San Jose on a Thursday. I was thinking about driving to Arenal that day. I want to wake up Friday and do one of the tours, (probably canoying). Is there any night life in Arenal? I want to go to dinner, but just wondering if there are any bars around? Arenal is close to La Fortuna right?
Kim says
What are your thoughts on driving from Jaco to rio Celeste and staying 1 night and then moving on to Arenal vs just going straight to Arenal and doing a day trip to Tenorio and rio Celeste?? Also is the drive from jack to rio celeste safe for travel in the evening?
Sammi says
You could do that but it would be easier to do Jaco – Fortuna and then day trip to Tenorio. One night in Tenorio/Bijagua isn’t really enough in my opinion, especially if you plan to hike the park since you’ll need at least 4 hours or so for the hike on average and the drive from Jaco to Bijagua is like 5 hours. You can ask your hotel to hold your luggage for you but I recommend driving from Bijagua to Arenal in daylight depending on which route you take. If you take the route with all paved roads, it could take you around 2.5 hours, if you take the other route from around the park, the road is unpaved for some sections and is not as easy/secure as the other route.
Rio Celeste is inside Tenorio Volcano National Park and the closest town to the park is Bijagua (read our guide here:Bijagua Costa Rica) about a 30 minute drive away so you will need to stay in Bijagua. The road from Jaco to Bijagua is all on paved roads but it’s quite long.
Sammi says
Hi Thomas, you can fly into either as they are both about a 3.5 hour drive to Arenal and La Fortuna. LIR would be easier to fly into as its not as busy as San Jose and the driving is a lot easier in Liberia than San Jose as well. If San Jose is more expensive, then you can definitely fly into there as well. There are a few options to get there, you can rent a care, book a private/shared shuttle or even fly. We do like recommending renting a car as that gives you a lot more freedom and flexibility to travel in Costa Rica, especially for long drives it’s way more comfortable. But if you don’t want to drive, shuttles are great and all tours in Arenal/La Fortuna include transportation.
We offer discounts for car rentals, shuttles and tours in Arenal you can check out here: Costa Rica car rental discount, Costa Rica shuttles and Arenal and La Fortuna tour discounts
Thomas says
I’m looking to visit in the early part of April 2018. Would it be easier/quicker to fly into Liberia or San Jose? Should I rent a car or look to hire a car. My friend and I want to go river rafting, zip lining, and canyoning in the day time and relax at night. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Thomas
Lisa says
Hi – we’re only there for two days in October before heading to the west coast. What are some must do activities that we can fit in two days?
Sammi says
Hi Lisa, definitely a hike and hot springs! Then if you want some adventure, canyoning is one of our favorite things to do there. We offer a 10% discount on many tours in Arenal and La Fortuna which you can read more about here: https://mytanfeet.com/special-deals/la-fortuna-arenal-tours-discount/
Janice says
Hi Sammi and Yeison! Would like to pick your brain…. we are planning to drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna, is it ok to do this trip in one day if we start in the morning? Also, any places on the way worth stopping at and exploring? Love your blog, thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Janice! Yes you can definitely do it in one day, we have driven that route a couple of times but do leave early in the morning to enjoy the views and avoid the rain as much as possible if you’re traveling in rainy season. There are some nice viewpoints along Nuevo Arenal and the Lake, Cafe Macademia is a nice place for a coffee and nice view if you go by way of Tilaran. If you guys are up for a little difficult but short hike, there are some nice waterfalls that are on the way to Monteverde by way of Tilaran called Viento Fresco. It does require a 4×4 to go all the way up to the top waterfalls or you can leave your car in the first one and walk up.
yeison says
Hello Rachel, every company has a different age, weight and height limit. I have seen 7 years old kids doing all the tours you mentioned and for the smallest and youngest kids, they go with the guide so I think that you will be ok. All the companies are very responsible and they will never put any member of your family on risk. Most of the companies will write what the age limit is on their website too.
All these companies open 7 days a week and you can either reserve in advance or even the same day. We have a partnership with Jacamar, one of the oldest and biggest companies in the Arenal area and if you would like, we can help you putting tours and activities together. You can email us hello@mytanfeet.com 🙂
Rachel Abel says
Hi! I LOVE the blog!! We will be traveling with kids ages 7,11, & 13. Are there any age/height/weight restrictions for zip lines, bridges, canyoning, and horseback riding? Are these attractions open 7 days a week? Do we need to reserve in advance? Also, are there any tours with guides that package this? We are traveling in July.
Thanks
Rachel
Sammi says
Stroller friendly is very hard because most of the places aren’t like the national park, La Fortuna waterfall or the hanging bridges. A chocolate tour would be really fun for kids to learn about how they make chocolate, there is a company called Rainforest that does them. The Baldi hot springs has a great kids area. The hanging bridges walk isn’t super long so that could be something if your little one would like to see some wildlife, but I’d say it’s at least a few kilometers. You don’t have to walk the whole thing though.
The Arenal/Fortuna area is very big and everything is spread out so renting a car would be a lot more flexible if you want to explore but if you just want to do a couple of tours and aren’t interested in visiting Fortuna town or exploring much, you can take tours. Luckily driving around Arenal/Fortuna is pretty easy, roads are good, parking is ample and it’s a safe town so if you would like to be more comfortable, then I’d say rent a car. We have a car rental discount that also offers free baby and booster seats you can check out here: Costa Rica car rental discount
Sana says
Hi,
We are planning a trip with two kids. Age 3 years and 8 months. Which activities would you recommend are do-able with kids or are stroller friendly?
Is it worth renting a car or is it better to take tours. I understand each option has pros and cons but what would you recommend to first time travelers to the area.
Thanks.
Jayson says
I definitely suggest using the link to rent a car from Adobe. In La Fortuna you will want one and they are relatively cheap. The activities in La Fortuna are pretty rugged and in most places a stroller will be useless or a real hassle. I’d suggest a baby backpack if you really want to bring the little ones on an adventure vacation.
Sammi says
Hi Niki, you can read about the best times to go to Costa Rica here: Best time to visit Costa Rica . I would say that June/November are better options since it’s our shoulders months so not quite as many people and not as expensive. July is super crowded and expensive due to the mid winter break schools have in Costa Rica as well as the summer crowds from North America.
Niki says
Planning a 7 day trip with my 17 yr old daughter and I for later this yr. It will be our first trip flying and out of the US. Huge deal for us. Whats the best time of yr to go? My options are limited to June, July and November Thansgiving week due to school for us both.
Sammi says
It depends on what you want. If you want to be in town and be near all the amenities and services like banks, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. then I suggest staying in La Fortuna as that is the town (read about it here La Fortuna). If you don’t really care to be in town and want more of a getaway, then stay in Arenal.
Most of the hotels around Arenal are a ways away from town and have a fairly intimate property as they are pretty spaced out. If you have a car, then you can easily drive to town if you need stuff but if you don’t, you’ll have to take a taxi or have the hotel arrange a shuttle for you every time you want to go. As for tours, if you go with a tour company then they always pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
But if you’re not interested in doing tours, you’ll have to taxi it everywhere which can get expensive, or you need to rent a car. If you need ideas for hotels in Arenal, we have a post with recommendations: Luxury hotels in La Fortuna and Arenal
Shawna says
I highly recommend Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna if you say in the town. They are amazing, I am staying with them a second time next month, if you are new to the area and are not sure about things (or just would like someone to make the planning way easier) they do it all. The first time I just emailed them the activities I was interested in and what days I would be there and they did the rest. Saving me a bunch of money in the process. Also I didn’t have a car, so they fixed all my transport for me. And the whole staff is warm, and professional!
Sammi says
That’s great to hear you had a good experience! All hotels in La Fortuna are very good about helping their guests book tours and arranging activities/transportation for them. They make it easy to just relax and enjoy 🙂
Bekki says
Hello, just wondering if you could recommend staying in Arenal vs. La Fortuna. We have two nights in the area and are interested in activities such as canyoning, hiking, enjoying the hot springs, and relaxing! I would so appreciate any opinions you could share on this matter. Thank you so much.
Samantha says
Which of these activities cost money? I am thoroughly confused by the hanging bridges because they offer tours but I don’t know if you could just go there without having to be in a tour.
Sammi says
All of them cost money. You can pay the entrance rate at the hanging bridges and walk it yourself, you don’t need to go on a tour but most people do because they go with a guide who can point out flora and fauna to them, but it’s up to you.
Lily La says
Costa Rica looks amazing! I love how much nature there is. Zip lining, the safari and the waterfall looks beautiful! 🙂
Sammi says
It definitely is, the nature is the best thing about here 🙂
Linda Bibb says
What a great destination! Any place that has ziplining, horseback riding and waterfalls all packaged together sounds great to me. I’d imagine that one could stay there for a week and never get bored … but how long would you suggest a visitor stay if his time in Costa Rica is limited?
Sammi says
A week is good but you’d have to narrow your travels down to probably only two destinations to really get to experience it which is fine. It’s just hard to narrow down which destinations!
Samantha says
You had me at hot springs, lol. I love water and would love to see the beautiful waterfalls and sit in those amazing hot springs. Walking across that crazy bridge sounds like a fun adventure too. Costa Rica is on our list and will add these to that to do list. Thanks for a great post. You have me itching to go…
Sammi says
Haha the hot springs are the true highlight or the area! Hope you get to visit one day!
Becky Padmore says
Oh wow I need to get to Costa Rica soon! Looks fabulous!
Sammi says
It’s pretty awesome!
Danielle says
I miss La Fortuna SO MUCH! Cerro Chato was hands down the hardest hike ever but we lucked out with amazing weather and we were able to see the lagoon at the top. We did canyoning, Cerro Chato, La Fortuna waterfall, hanging bridges, zip lining and eco termales hot springs! Next time I really want to do horseback riding and class 4 rapids!
Sammi says
La Fortuna is such a great travel destination! I’m jealous you got to see the lagoon, we’ll have to go back and do it during dry season so we can actualy see something haha! Horseback riding is really fun!