Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
★★★ The Perfect Volcano
The Volcán Arenal is Costa Rica's most iconic volcano — a nearly perfect cone of 1,670 meters towering over Lake Arenal and the country's postcard image. Until 2010, Arenal was one of the most active volcanoes in the world: at night, you could see glowing lava flowing down its slopes. Today it rests, but the geothermal energy continues to simmer — fueling the famous hot springs around La Fortuna.
Hot Springs
The volcanic activity heats natural springs to 37–45°C — perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking. There are options for every budget:
- Tabacón Grand Spa: The most luxurious option — natural pools in a tropical garden setting, waterfall, restaurant. 99 USD (day pass). Especially atmospheric in the evening.
- Baldi Hot Springs: 25 pools of varying temperatures, water slides, swim-up bar. 45 USD. Family-friendly, but can be crowded.
- Ecotermales: Smaller, quieter, only 100 visitors at a time. 45 USD including dinner. The best balance of quality and tranquility.
- Río Cholín (free!): The local secret — a warm river where locals bathe for free. 3 km east of La Fortuna, not signposted by the roadside. Ask locals for "el río caliente gratis".
★★★ La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata La Fortuna)
A 70-meter-high waterfall plunging into a crystal-clear, turquoise pool — surrounded by lush rainforest. The descent over 500 concrete steps is strenuous (the ascent even more so!), but once at the bottom, a dip in the cool mountain water is rewarding. One of the most photogenic spots in Costa Rica.
5.5 km southwest of La Fortuna. 18 USD. Daily 7:30–16:00 (last entry 15:00). Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
★★ Arenal Hanging Bridges
A network of 15 bridges (6 of them suspension bridges) through the primary rainforest at the foot of Arenal. The longest bridge spans 98 meters over a gorge. From above, you can see toucans, macaws, and with luck, sloths. 26 USD self-guided, 52 USD with guide (recommended for wildlife observations).
💡 Tipp
The free "Río Cholín" is the best tip for budget travelers: Warm volcanic water surrounded by forest, without entrance fees and without crowds. Ask in your hostel for directions — every local knows the place. Best visited in the evening by candlelight (bring your own candles!).
Hikes around Arenal
★★ Arenal Volcano National Park
The national park offers several well-marked hiking trails through hardened lava fields from 1968 and 1992. You literally walk over the remnants of the last eruptions, while the perfect volcanic cone looms above you. The vegetation is slowly reclaiming the lava field — a fascinating process.
- Sendero Coladas (2 km, easy): Over the 1992 lava field, with views of Lake Arenal. The most popular trail.
- Sendero El Ceibo (3 km, easy): Through primary rainforest to a giant ceiba tree. Good chances of seeing toucans, monkeys, and sloths.
- Sendero Los Heliconias (1 km, easy): Short trail through tropical vegetation with many heliconias and bird-watching opportunities.
Arenal Volcano NP: 15 USD entrance fee. Daily 8:00–16:00 (last entry). 17 km west of La Fortuna.
★★ Cerro Chato
The "little brother" of Arenal — an extinct volcano right next to the active one. The hike to the crater (approx. 3h round trip) is steep and challenging (especially extremely slippery after rain), but at the top awaits a reward: an emerald green crater lake where you can swim. The view of Arenal from above is breathtaking.
Access via Arenal Observatory Lodge or Green Lagoon. 10 USD entrance fee. Good hiking shoes and poles required!
★★ Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges (recommended alternative)
In addition to the mentioned Arenal Hanging Bridges, there is the Mistico Park with 16 bridges, 6 of which are suspension bridges up to 98 meters in span. The self-guided tour is well signposted, but a bird guide (55 USD instead of 26 USD self-guided) is worth its weight in gold: The guides regularly find snakes, sloths, and the elusive motmot bird with its distinctive tail feathers.
Eating & Staying in La Fortuna
Food
Soda Viquez · La Fortuna Center — The best soda in town, run by a friendly family. The Casado with Carne en Salsa is legendary, and the tortillas are freshly made. 3,000–5,000 CRC.
Don Rufino · Main Street — La Fortuna's best restaurant: upscale Tico cuisine with a twist. The "Lomito al Volcán" (filet in volcano sauce) and the "Ceviche de Palmito" (palm heart ceviche) are specialties. 10,000–18,000 CRC. Reservation in the evening!
Lava Lounge · Main Street — International cuisine with the best cocktails in town. The wood-fire pizza and burgers are solid, but people come mainly for the atmosphere and the "Arenal Margarita". 6,000–12,000 CRC.
Chifa La Familia Feliz · La Fortuna Center — Chinese-Peruvian fusion (Chifa) at bargain prices: Huge portions of fried rice for 3,500 CRC. More popular with locals than tourists — a good sign.
Café Rainforest · Main Street — Specialty coffee directly from local farms, plus handmade chocolate and cakes. Pour-over from 2,000 CRC. The perfect afternoon stop.
Accommodation
Arenal Hostel Resort — Backpacker paradise with pool, hot tub, and volcano view. Dorms from 14 USD, private rooms from 40 USD. Shuttle to the waterfall and hot springs bookable.
Hotel Lomas del Volcán — Charming bungalows with views of Arenal. Pool, restaurant, tropical gardens. Double rooms from 90 USD including breakfast.
Nayara Springs — The luxury experience at Arenal: Villas with private hot-spring pool, butler service, and an award-winning restaurant. From 600 USD/night. Regularly among the top 10 hotels in Central America.
Arenal Observatory Lodge — The only lodge within the national park, originally built as a volcano observation station by the Smithsonian Institution. Unbeatable proximity to the volcano, excellent hiking trails directly from the lodge. Double rooms from 95 USD.
💡 Tipp
La Fortuna's main street is a tourist trap with overpriced tour operators. Do NOT book tours at the street stands, but through your accommodation or directly with the providers (Desafío, Arenal Evergreen, Wave Expeditions) — often 20–30% cheaper.