Costa Rica has no shortage of adventure activities from bungee jumping, ziplining and rafting, and the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna town ranks as one of the top destinations in the country for embarking on exciting escapades. If you’re only in this area for a couple days, it can be a bit overwhelming at first when you see the list of things to do in La Fortuna, there are just so many!
So to help narrow it down, here is our list of the best things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal. With a huge lake, plenty of nature trails, waterfalls, rivers, the Arenal Volcano National Park and a vast countryside to explore, you’re guaranteed to have a blast discovering the northern lowlands of Costa Rica.
Whether you’re here for adventure or to relax, you can have it all! Here are our favorite activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.
Canyoning
Jump down 200 foot waterfalls and tall cliffs deep into the rain forest on a canyoning adventure outside 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 our canyoning adventure here.
Cerro Chato
Cerro Chato is the smaller dormant volcano with a crater and lake lying on the southeast side of Arenal Volcano. The two peaks have a lake in between which is what people hike to see.
Be warned, this hike isn’t a leisurely stroll through the forest. Without a clear trail going up a steep hill, you need to give yourself at the very least 4-5 hours for this hike and bring plenty of snacks and water. But the reward is great, on a clear day you’ll see the dazzling green water of the lake where you can take a dip to cool off.
We went on this hike a couple years ago in the middle of a giant thunder storm so we unfortunately didn’t see anything at the top. Despite the bad weather, it was a fun way to introduce my family and friends to the unpredictable weather of Costa Rica.
Hopefully when you go, the weather will be nice so you can see the crater and surrounding landscapes.
Since we were staying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, we started the Cerro Chato hike from there since they have their own entrance. If you’re not staying at the lodge, you can pay an entrance fee ($8 per person last time we went) or you can book the hike with a tour company that takes care of transportation and the entrance fee. The tour with a guide costs around $100 and is all day.
Check out what this hike was like in the middle of a thunderstorm!
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 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.
Rio Frio Safari
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 watching as it’s home to an abundance of animals including toucans, three toed sloths, caimans, kingfishers and more.
You float down the river for about 2 hours on a raft, using only paddles to move along so you can get up close and personal with the creatures of the river. 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.
I went with Jacamar Naturalist Tours who provided transportation, guide, lunch and water. It is a half day activity.
Find out more about the Rio Frio safari here.
Hot Springs
No trip to Arenal and La Fortuna is complete without a visit to the hot springs. This area, famous for their hot springs due to the Tabacon river offers 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 which you can buy a day pass or enjoy if you’re staying there. Some of the most well known ones are Tabacon, Baldi, the Springs, Titoku, Kalambu, Ecotermales, Paradise and Nayara. Some resorts and hotels also have their own hot springs exclusively for their guests like the Kioro.
Most of the hot springs allow you to purchase a one day pass or a one day pass with lunch/dinner. Tabacon is the most expensive, it’s around $90 for a day pass with dinner.
One of the free things to do in La Fortuna is to visit the public entrance of Tabacon river where all the locals go. It is off the side of the road near Tabacon and there is a small parking lot (you will also see lots of cars parked along the road on weekends). It’s completely free and you can swim in the same Tabacon river.
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.
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 feet into an emerald pool, the La Fortuna waterfall and encompassing rain forest rewards visitors as they complete the 400+ step hike to the base of 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 with a tour company.
Read more about visiting La Fortuna waterfall here.
White Water Rafting
Ride through class 2 and 3 rapids at the Balsa River on this exciting day of white water rafting. As Costa Rica is blessed with long rivers of various rapids, white water rafting is one of the more thrilling things to do in La Fortuna.
Twist and turn while paddling through the rapids on this rafting adventure and you may even pass underneath some waterfalls! Class 2 and 3 rapids are perfect for those who have never rafted before or anyone wants something a bit mild. It’s still a wild adventure, as you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery.
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!
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 but now, 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 get to Monteverde.
If you don’t have time to do activities on the lake, you can drive around it for some beautiful views.
You can also take a boat taxi across Arenal Lake to go to Monteverde. It’s way more fun than driving or taking the bus!
National Park Hike
Go on your own or take a guided hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park. There are several trails such as Los Tucanes or Colada 1968 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 wildlife and the lasting effects of the volcano eruption.
Plus you get a nice view of the volcano and lake on a clear day!
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.
There are a ton more things to do in La Fortuna, Arenal and the surrounding area but these are our top picks. No wonder it’s one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica!
If you’re looking for a day trip and don’t mind to splurge a little bit, Rio Celeste is an incredible tour. Visit the magical blue river in Costa Rica!
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 and it’s a nice place to relax. Rooms are basic but comfortable. They have a garden with blue jean frogs too! If you are the type of traveler who likes to be close to all the services and town, this is one of the best. Rooms start at $60
- Arenal Backpackers Resort – This is truly a hostel resort. They have a large outdoor pool, hammocks and a garden. The fun thing about this hostel is the tents which is a fun alternative to the standard hostel room. Very close to La Fortuna and the best hostel in our opinion for the area. Tents start at $40, a bed starts at $30
- Arenal Observatory Lodge – The only hotel actually in the national park, this lodge has a huge property with tons of trails, rivers and waterfalls to explore. You get a close view of the volcano from everywhere you go! The rustic rooms are comfortable and quiet and you can center your whole time in Arenal at this lodge since they have horseback riding on the property, their own private Cerro Chato trail and hanging bridges. Our favorite place to take friends so they can get a pure Costa Rica nature experience. Rooms start at $120
- Arenal Kioro: Looking for luxury and to be pampered? The Arenal Kioro is one of the best luxury hotels with a spa, their own private hot springs, a Jacuzzi in every room and a stunning view of the volcano with floor to ceiling windows. They also have an awesome breakfast buffet and every room gets a free mini facial! 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.
Looking for luxury accommodation in Arenal? Check out our list of luxury hotels in Arenal.
Tips for Visiting La Fortuna and Arenal
- If you’re staying around Arenal, note that you’re not close to town or amenities like supermarkets. You’ll need to taxi or arrange transportation with your hotel to get to town if you don’t rent a car.
- The weather is pretty hot so even though it’s the rain forest, bring shorts. If you’re coming in rainy season, make sure you come prepared because it rains a lot there! Read our rainy season packing list here.
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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 🙂
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
Costa Rica looks amazing! I love how much nature there is. Zip lining, the safari and the waterfall looks beautiful! 🙂
It definitely is, the nature is the best thing about here 🙂
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?
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!
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…
Haha the hot springs are the true highlight or the area! Hope you get to visit one day!
Oh wow I need to get to Costa Rica soon! Looks fabulous!
It’s pretty awesome!
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!
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!