DESTINATION

Arenal

Costa Rica · Alajuela Province

Volcano country. Cloud-forest rainforest meets thermal hot springs, waterfall rappels, and the symmetrical cone of Arenal Volcano looming over the La Fortuna valley. Base for adventure activities; rafting, rappel canyoning, sloth walks, hot-spring evenings.

Quick answer

Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort is in La Fortuna, about 7 km from the town center on the road toward Arenal Volcano. Arenal is the volcano region around La Fortuna in Alajuela Province, known for hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfalls and Lake Arenal.

27° / 23°

29° / 23°

30° / 23°

Overview

Costa Rica's volcano capital, at the foot of the perfectly conical Arenal.

La Fortuna sits in the Northern Lowlands beneath a 1,633-metre stratovolcano. The cone stopped erupting in 2010 but its geothermal plumbing still feeds dozens of hot-spring resorts and a ring of rainforest reserves around the lake.

Hot springs — from luxury Tabacón to free river pools off Route 142
La Fortuna Waterfall — 70m drop, 500 steps down through cloud-forest
Sky Adventures hanging bridges — canopy-level walking through primary rainforest
Lake Arenal — windsurfing, kayaking, and sportfishing for rainbow bass
Wildlife — sloths, toucans, coatis, and poison-dart frogs along most trails

Best time to visit

December through April is the dry season — clearest views of the volcano cone and the most reliable weather for hanging bridges, waterfall hikes, and Lake Arenal kayaking. May through November is the green season: lush rainforest, lower prices, afternoon storms, and waterfalls at full force.

Guides for Arenal

Where to Stay in La Fortuna: The Ultimate Hotel Guide (2026) · Where to stay
Things to Do at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica: What to Book Ahead, and What to Walk Into · Things to do
Getting to Arenal and La Fortuna: Every Way In, From SJO, Liberia or Your Last Stop · Getting there
The Complete Arenal & La Fortuna Travel Guide (2026) · Planning
Best Arenal Luxury Hotels for an Elevated Costa Rica Experience (2026) · Where to stay
Breakfast before an early Arenal tour: what actually works · Things to do
Why smart hikers stop asking which Arenal trail is best · Things to do
Top 5 Arenal Tours: The Ones We Actually Book for Ourselves (2026) · Things to do
Arenal Hot Springs: Which One Is Right for You? (2026 Comparison) · Things to do
Best Breakfast in La Fortuna: 6 Spots We Actually Eat At (2026) · Things to do
Discovering the Rich Culture of the Maleku Indigenous Tribe in Costa Rica · Things to do
A late landing at SJO shouldn't cost you your first day in La Fortuna · Getting there
San Jose to Arenal: How to Get There, Shuttle Prices & Scenic Stops (2026) · Getting there
Where to Eat in La Fortuna: Sodas, Splurges and How the Bill Works · Planning
Arenal Itinerary: The Perfect 3–5 Day Adventure Plan · Planning
Top 21 Reasons to Visit The Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna [2026 Guide] · Planning
Best Zip Lines in Costa Rica: 11 Canopy Tours Compared · Things to do
Top 10 Best Zip Line Tours in Costa Rica (Monteverde, Arenal & Manuel Antonio) · Things to do
La Fortuna to Monteverde: Shuttle, Taxi-Boat-Taxi & Best Route (2026) · Getting there
How to Get to Manuel Antonio from SJO, Arenal & Monteverde (2026) · Getting there
How to Get to Monteverde from SJO, Arenal & Manuel Antonio (2026) · Getting there
Monteverde vs La Fortuna: Which Costa Rica Destination Is Better for You? (2026 Guide) · Planning

Frequently asked questions

Where is Arenal Manoa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?

Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort is about 7 km from the center of La Fortuna, on the road toward Arenal Volcano. You can compare it with other Arenal hotels on the hotels page for this destination.

Where is The Springs in Arenal, Costa Rica?

The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal is about 9 km west of La Fortuna. It is on our Arenal hotels list, where you can check rooms for your dates.

What is Amor Arenal?

Amor Arenal is an adults friendly hotel about 7 km west of downtown La Fortuna. It appears on our Arenal hotels list, where you can check rooms for your dates.

What can you do on Lake Arenal in Costa Rica?

Lake Arenal sits below Arenal Volcano, and the boat trips run with the volcano in view. Options include private deck boat and pontoon cruises, paddleboarding, jet skis, wakeboarding or tubing behind a private boat, and half day rainbow bass fishing.

How do I get to Arenal from San Jose airport?

A private transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to La Fortuna takes about three hours, and your driver meets you at arrivals. A shared shuttle takes about four hours, with one morning and one afternoon departure daily.

Can I get to Arenal from Liberia airport?

Yes. A private transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to La Fortuna takes about three hours. A shared shuttle runs once a day, picking up around 9:30 am, and takes about three and a half hours.