Top Central Valley Attractions & Museums

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.

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.

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.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

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.

Ease anxiety and last-minute planning by purchasing an advance ticket for entry into one of La Fortuna’s most beautiful nature reserves, the Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is home to the famous Rio Celeste. Explore the park via a hiking path at your own pace and see the turquoise river and 30-meter waterfall, Tenorio Volcano, and wildlife such as sloths, toucans, and monkeys.

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.

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.

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.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Poás volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. When the mist and clouds part you’ll see the sulfuric, bubbling, green rain fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by smoke and steam rising from fumaroles. Water from the lake is constantly seeping through cracks in the hot rock, evaporating and building pockets of steam. When the pressure in these pockets exceeds the weight of the water above, the steam breaks through in geysers that rocket up to 820 feet (250 meters) high. Don’t worry about getting a shower though, the crater is 1,050 feet (320 meters) deep. At almost a mile (1.6 km) across it’s also the largest active crater in the world. New safety features have been added to protect visitors in case of particularly heavy activity.

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.

Enjoy a ride across the slopes of Arenal Volcano, following a route that moves from lower pastures to elevated viewpoints. This guided horseback experience includes a professional bilingual guide, helmet and safety gear, and air-conditioned vehicle transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off at selected La Fortuna hotels. The gradual ascent provides wide views of the volcano when weather permits, making it a practical way to experience the landscape beyond roadside lookouts.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Tortuguero National Park on this all-day guided tour. Boasting plenty of plant and wildlife, the park is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism attractions. Head out of San Jose and spend the day immersed in nature. While you’re at the park, be on the lookout for turtles. Four different species nest in Tortuguero, and they lay their eggs from March to October.

Benefit from an advance reservation for Tabacon Hot Springs to ensure your access to one of Costa Rica´s most popular hot springs resorts. A network of thermal springs run through the lush gardens and feed a number of pools and waterfalls with naturally heated mineral waters. The resort is located between Arenal Volcano and the National Park, which makes it a scenic and relaxing destination, and a buffet meal is included.

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.

Climbing the tallest volcano in Costa Rica need not be daunting; keep it easy with this guided tour to Irazu Volcano from San Jose. Join this guided tour to the summit of the volcano, an easy hike after the scenic drive, and take your time at the top admiring the views. This tour includes round-trip transportation from San Jose as well as all entrance fees.

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.

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.