Things to do in  La Fortuna

Soaring suspension bridges with open-grate flooring lead you through the rainforest at Mistico Park. The dramatic cone of the Arenal Volcano rises in the background, and the bridges take you between ecosystems and past a waterfall as you immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s enveloping warmth. Keep your eyes open for toucans, pumas, and colorful amphibians and reptiles—the forest is full of life.

In the lush tropical forest of Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall cascades 200 feet (61 meters) down the sheer cliff face of Cerro Chato, Arenal Volcano’s dormant neighbor. One of Costa Rica’s most impressive and easily accessible waterfalls, La Fortuna is a popular spot to hike, swim, and picnic. The waterfall’s perpetual mists and dense rainforest backdrop are postcard-perfect and a draw for photographers.

Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rainforest.

Clear water, grottos, and saunas make up the Baldi Hot Springs complex, whose 25 different pools are heated by the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle. Progressing down the side of the mountain, the thermal pools at the top are the hottest, and they cool down as you go. Waterfalls, slides, and hidden spots mean there’s something new around every corner.

Running right through the heart of Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Celeste River—“Sky Blue” River—is named for its bright blue waters. Local legend claims that God dipped his paintbrush into the river after painting the sky, creating the striking blue hue. In fact, it’s created by sunlight reflecting off the volcanic minerals and silica particles in the water, but either way, it’s an impressive sight.

A shimmering expanse of blue water stretching west of the active Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s biggest lake and one of its most picturesque. Beyond its striking beauty, the human-made reservoir serves an important function as a hydroelectric dam, providing sustainable power for Costa Rican residents.

Costa Rica is famous for its amazing biodiversity, and Sarapiqui is a place where you can experience the thrill of the rain forest firsthand. Whether that’s ziplining through the trees at high speed, rafting along the river, or wildlife-spotting, the area is packed with natural wonders.

Costa Rica has no shortage of thermal springs, but few enjoy a backdrop as dramatic as the Tabacón Hot Springs, surrounded by dense rainforest with the famous peak of Arenal Volcano on the horizon. The luxury complex is home to several natural hot springs, where you can bathe in steamy, mineral-rich pools and waterfalls alongside a river, then head to the spa for a massage or check into the 5-star resort.

Costa Rica is famous for its above-ground attractions, including rainforests and volcanoes, but the Cavernas del Venado prove that the small Central American country’s beauty isn’t just surface-level. The subterranean caverns—whose name means Deer Caves—contain waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites, an underground river, and some weird and wonderful wildlife. They can be explored on guided tours.

Proyecto Asis is a wildlife rescue center focused on the protection and rehabilitation of native animals. Visitors can tour the facilities, take Spanish classes, or volunteer to help care for the animals, whose natural habitats are often threatened by expanding development in the region.

Offering scenic views of Volcan Arenal and Lake Arenal, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are a series of tall suspension bridges that form meandering trails through the rain forest, providing access to remote areas filled with natural beauty. The bridges immerse you deep into the heart of the forest, close to the extraordinary biodiversity of the jungle.

Nestled in the rainforest of northern Costa Rica, the Butterfly Conservatory lets visitors discover diverse butterflies and flowers via a network of trails and gardens. Dedicated to the preservation of butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, the conservatory has a learning center and educational exhibits.

Far from the tourist center of La Fortuna, the village of El Castillo offers a more secluded place to view Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa, one of the few hotels on this side of the mountain, offers impressive views of the volcano, plus well-maintained hiking, horseback riding, and mountain-biking trails.

The hot springs of Termales Los Laureles offer visitors a relaxing experience surrounded by tropical forest. The complex, which comprises thermal baths and cold pools accessible by water slide, is a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive hot springs of Monteverde. Plus, you can see Arenal Volcano from the baths.

A relaxing visit to the local hot springs in the uplands of La Fortuna is a must, and Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park offers the chance not only to sit and soak, but also to have some wet and wild fun. Visitors can relax in thermally heated pools near the base of the Arenal Volcano, while enjoying the thrills you’d expect at a modern waterpark.