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 a hot springs hotel about 7 km from La Fortuna center on the road toward Arenal Volcano, and it is on our Arenal hotels list with rooms you can check for your dates. Several other well known resorts, including The Springs and Nayara Gardens, also sit outside town on the volcano side.

28° / 24°

30° / 24°

31° / 23°

30° / 23°

29° / 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

Is Arenal Manoa a hot springs resort?

Yes. Its full name is Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort, and it is about 7 km from La Fortuna center toward the volcano. Check the hotel list on this page for current rooms and rates.

Where is Arenal Observatory Lodge?

Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails is about 22 km west of La Fortuna, much farther out than the resorts clustered closer to town. Factor that drive into any tours that start in La Fortuna.

Where is The Springs Resort in Arenal?

The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal is about 9 km west of La Fortuna. It is listed on this page with the other Arenal hotels.

Which hotels in Arenal are adults only?

On our list, Nayara Springs and The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort are adults only, and Amor Arenal is adults friendly. Check each hotel's details on this page before booking with kids in the group.

Should I stay in La Fortuna town or out toward the volcano?

Both work. Hotels such as Hotel Secreto La Fortuna and Hotel Boutique Casa Del Rio are in town, while Arenal Manoa, Nayara Gardens and The Springs sit several kilometers out on the volcano side. Tell us how your group likes to spend its days and evenings and we can help you pick.