Top La Fortuna Natural Attractions

More than 100,000 visitors flock to La Fortuna Waterfall each year, but this admission ticket to the natural attraction lets you head straight inside Arenal Volcano National Park to see it. After admiring the falls from a distance, hike down a steep path to stand at the base of the mesmerizing 230-foot (70-meter) cascade, where you can feel the power of the Fortuna River and feel its mist spraying into the surrounding jungle.

Avoid the crowds of La Fortuna on this tour of Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve located just outside of the city. Follow a guide along jungle trails to where sloths, birds, and butterflies live, and pick up local expertise on Costa Rican wildlife along the way. This tour even includes a spotting scope for heightened visibility.

The therapeutic uses of natural hot springs can be internal or external, ranging from water treatments (hydrotherapy), to medicinal clay (geotherapy). Applied as a mask directly on the skin, clay releases excess body heat and absorbs toxins and other secretions. Because heated water can hold more dissolved solids, warm and especially hot springs often have a very high mineral content, ranging from simple calcium to lithium and even radium. Known both from folklore and from their proven medical value, hot springs are often popular tourist destinations. The Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort hot springs are an extraordinary gift from nature and result from the interaction of groundwater with magma from the active Arenal Volcano. The volcano’s internal energy and minerals, the same that emerge from the entrails of the planet, provide a natural treatment for your skin as well as your whole body.

Unwind in natural hot springs near La Fortuna, fed by volcanic mineral waters known for their relaxing properties. With limited guest numbers, the experience offers a quieter alternative to larger resort-style hot springs, allowing visitors to enjoy the rainforest setting at a slower pace. The combination of thermal pools, natural surroundings, and on-sight food and drinks creates an easy way to relax and recharge after hiking, sightseeing, or adventure activities.

Relax in natural thermal waters at Hot Springs Pura Vida near La Fortuna. Set within a rainforest environment, this experience allows you to unwind while connecting with nature. With an emphasis on sustainability, the site integrates eco-friendly practices alongside access to renowned Costa Rican hot springs, providing a balanced option for relaxation in a lush setting.

Immerse yourself in nature during this tour that takes you to explore a sloth observation trail, a prime spot to see sloths in their natural environment. Thanks to years of reforestation and protection efforts, this property is now a thriving sanctuary where you can gain insights into the lives of sloths. Plus, you can cap off your adventure with a tasting of artisanal sugarcane juice and an exploration of a medicinal plant garden.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Discover one of La Fortuna’s most sought-after nightlife experiences at Papa’s Place, a renowned private reserve ideal for amphibian, reptile and tropical wildlife viewing. This tour is designed for travelers who want to explore the rainforest at night with expert naturalist guides, significantly increasing the possibilities of observation and photography. During the tour of easy and well-maintained trails, you can look for species such as red-eyed frogs, glass frogs, snakes, insects and other creatures active after sunset. Although the main focus is amphibians and reptiles, it is occasionally possible to observe mammals, sloths and other wildlife, always depending on the natural activity of the forest. The experience is realized by offering a calmer, more flexible and personalized environment with groups Small max 8 per group. Organized by its best ally, Vivo Expeditions Papas place Night Tour Fortune

With this prebooked day pass, breeze through the entrance lines at the Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve and sanctuary near La Fortuna. Meet some of the animals living inside the reserve including sloths, birds, butterflies, lizards, and iguanas. After saying hello to the animals, visit the indigenous art gallery and souvenir shop—all helping to support natural conservation efforts.

Don’t run the risk of not being let into the hot springs at EcoTermales Fortuna in La Fortuna and book your skip-the-line tickets in advance to ensure you get in. Soak in any of the four pools, one of which even has a waterfall, at this family-owned hot spring with water temperatures varying from 99°F to 105°F (37°C to 41°C).

Unlike standard group tours, this experience is designed for private groups, offering a more intimate and personalized encounter with nature. You’ll be accompanied by a professional naturalist guide who tailors the tour to your interests, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the forest and its creatures. Diverse Wildlife Encounters : Spot sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, owls, alligators, basilisks, turtles, and other fascinating species in their natural nighttime environment. Private and Quiet Setting : With no large crowds, enjoy a calm, focused atmosphere ideal for observation and photography. Conservation in Action : Your visit supports a local initiative dedicated to ecological restoration, environmental education, and sustainable tourism. If you're looking for a night tour that goes beyond sightseeing—one that connects you with nature and conservation in a meaningful way—this is the experience for you.

Hike a scenic trail to a river spot, where you can swim, relax, or sunbathe for as long as you want. Join a tour guide for the 25-minute hike through primary forest that surrounds the Celeste River, effort that earns you access to a clean and pristine location that won’t be overcrowded.

Explore the tropical forest surrounding Arenal Volcano on a self-guided visit with three trails ranging from easy to challenging. Choose a route that matches your preferred level of activity while taking in panoramic views and volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions. With opportunities to learn about the local environment and take breaks along the way, this is a flexible option for experiencing Arenal at your own pace.

While traveling to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, many people explore the gorgeous and unique landscape using ATVs; however, many tours take you to public areas that are overcrowded. This Arenal Volcano ATV Experience from La Fortuna takes you on an ATV ride through a private trail of the jungle that allows you to experience nature, culture, and adventure all during just a few hours.

Due to its excellent location, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is recognized for offering the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife observation opportunities in Costa Rica. Eleven kilometers of trails, two observation towers and two suspension bridges offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the nature of the Arenal Volcano National Park. If you are not a guest of the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, we offer you the opportunity to opt for the DAY PASS to explore our impressive 350-hectare (865-acre) nature reserve.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

Hiking on Arenal Volcano is the best way to appreciate the volcano’s power and beauty alike. This guided tour takes you down a network of paths ranging from easy to difficult—talk to your guide to choose the path that’s right for you. No matter what you pick, your guide shares stories and information about the volcano throughout the hike and points out features like wildlife and dried lava flows that you might miss on your own.

Experience the thrill of riding an ATV along tracks in the Costa Rican rainforest during this exhilarating half-day activity from La Fortuna. Head to a private farm situated next to Arenal Volcano National Park, and receive instruction from your guide on operating the ATV. Then follow your guide on a fun mud-splattered ride over rugged terrain, stopping at a small village to observe local life, and the option to enjoy a spa-like volcanic mud mask straight from the river.

Come face to face with some of Costa Rica's most-loved wildlife on a visit to the Monkey Park in La Fortuna. While your guide tells you all about Costa Rica's flora and fauna, take a gentle hike along a trail while looking out for white-faced and howlers monkeys, as well as other wildlife, including toucans and frogs. Coffee and snacks are provided at the end of the trail.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.

Enjoy a ride across the slopes of Arenal Volcano, following a route that moves from lower pastures to elevated viewpoints. This guided horseback experience offers access to varied terrain, including forests, creeks, and open land, without public trail congestion. The gradual ascent provides wide views of the volcano when weather permits, making it a practical way to experience the landscape beyond roadside lookouts.

Arenal Volcano National Park’s massive size and unique natural setting can make it an easy place to get lost in, if you don’t already know the area. This Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking Tour from La Fortuna allows you to explore one of the park’s beautiful trails with a guide who can navigate the steep slopes and volcanic landscape well. Plus, take in views of Lake Arenal, while your guide talks about the volcano’s history and forest formation processes.