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.
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.
Experiences
Arenal ATV Adventure
From $105.00
Sloth Watching Trail
From $60.00
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
From $75.00
Arenal Rafting - Rio Sarapiqui Class III (Afternoon Tour)
From $70.00
Arenal Rafting - Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting Class IV (Extreme)
From $85.00
Arenal Rafting - Rio La Balsa White Water Rafting Class III & IV
From $85.00
La Roca Canyoning
From $99.00
Paddleboard or Kayaking
From $85.00
Jet Ski Arenal Lake
From $120.00
Rio Celeste Tubing
From $50.00
Arenal Rafting Tour – Balsa River Class 2 & 3
From $65.00
Jungle Night Walk | Arenal
From $55.00
Chocolate Tour Arenal
From $30.00
Hot Springs at Arenal Volcano
From $49.00
Arenal 4 in 1 Combo Tour | Bridges, Waterfall & Hot Springs
From $155.00
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike
From $60.00
Maleku Village Traditional Tour
From $65.00
Bird Watching Tour
From $55.00
Canopy Zipline Arenal
From $93.00
Mistico Hanging Bridges | Guided Tour
From $50.00
Río Celeste Hike
From $50.00
La Leona Waterfall Tour: Guided Adventure Hike
From $35.00
Arenal Sky Tram
From $51.00
Bungee Jumping Arenal Adventure
From $90.00
Gallery
Where to stay
Nayara Tented Camp
10/10 · 228 reviews
Villas Jawara
10/10 · 27 reviews
Noah's Forest by Tifakara
9.8/10 · 240 reviews
BAUMA
9.8/10 · 235 reviews
Amor Arenal Adults Friendly
9.8/10 · 124 reviews
Nayara Gardens
9.7/10 · 385 reviews
Hotel El Silencio del Campo
9.6/10 · 1135 reviews
Tifakara by the Waterfall
9.6/10 · 745 reviews
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
9.6/10 · 239 reviews
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
9.6/10 · 189 reviews