Top La Fortuna Nature Parks

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.

There is a trail of 3.2km; along the way, you will find 16 bridges, of which 6 are suspension bridges. When going on the self-guided tour, you will have the opportunity to see different flora and fauna. Pay special attention to the different layers of the rainforest, from the treetops to the understory and the forest floor. This way, you will be able to appreciate many of the species housed by this spectacular biological corridor.

Plan ahead and book your passes for this popular local attraction in La Fortuna. With the 2-day pass, you’ll be able to arrive at The Springs Resort & Spa anytime from open to close over the course of two days. The property features pools ranging in temperature from 83˚F to 103˚F. The pass also includes access to five on-site restaurants and bars; cost of meals not included in tour price.

Heading deep into Arenal's rainforest typically means renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour lets you skip the self-drive stress and takes you to directly to the area's highlights. Walk across the rainforest over a hanging bridge, wander along trails through lava fields for excellent views of Arenal Volcano, and, finally, rejuvenate in a natural hot spring.

Explore at your own pace the 1968 Arenal Park, a unique setting on the lava pourings of the historic Arenal Volcano eruption. Self-guided walk, without guide or schedule, ideal for those who value freedom and contact with nature. Explore regenerating secondary forests and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Walk on volcanic soil and watch life resurgent among ash and rocks. Visit pitahaya, pineapple and sugarcane plantations, and spot birds, alligators, monkeys and coati. One of the trails reaches Lake Los Patos, home to alligators, and other lagoons are home to the Rainbow Guapote. Three marked routes: short (1.7 km), medium (3 km) and long (5.6 km), for all ages and physical levels. A perfect experience for families, couples and lovers of ecotourism, to explore without haste and connect with volcanic nature.

Experience two nature adventures in one tour on this half-day tour in La Fortuna. First, hike through the rainforest to a gushing waterfall for a refreshing swim in the pool at the bottom. Then, soar through the lush jungle canopy on a zipline, with views of Arenal Volcano. End your adventure with a Costa Rican lunch at local restaurant in La Fortuna.

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.

Though renowned for its wildlife, spotting the Arenal and La Fortuna area's favorite animal residents can be notoriously tricky. Tour a number of locations where wildlife sightings are all but guaranteed on this Arenal wildlife tour—expect to see sloths, toucans, dart frogs, and more with the help of your guide. Tour includes use of spotting scope and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Unwind at Baldi Hot Springs with a day pass that gives access to 25 thermal pools set within lush, forested grounds. Spend the day soaking, strolling, or adding a spa treatment for extra relaxation. Water slides and a family-friendly pool make it a great option for all ages. Select lunch, dinner, or both when booking for added convenience.

Float down the Peñas Blancas River in a rowboat on this 3.5-hour journey from La Fortuna. Listen to your naturalist guide's commentary while keeping a lookout for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird life. Finish up with a stop at a local farm to sample their homemade snacks and coffee. Round-trip transport from selected hotels included.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Get up close to the scaly, slimy, and winged creatures of Costa Rica at the Natura Eco Park, home to a world-class collection of reptiles and amphibians. With a day pass, gain admission to every exhibit in the park, from the crocodile lagoon and turtle ponds to the butterfly garden and snake enclosures. Explore at your own pace with this flexible and affordable option.

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.

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.

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).

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

Gain admission to some of the top attractions in La Fortuna with this excursion package. Spend the day exploring Costa Rica’s active crater on this 3-in-1 combo adventure. Hike through the jungle that surrounds the Arenal Volcano, traveling along nature trails and across hanging bridges, and trek down to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in a natural pool. Then, wander the lava fields that were formed by the 1986 eruption and be on the lookout for wildlife in Arenal Volcano National Park.

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.