🌋 La Fortuna – Costa Rica Travel Guide📍 Location

• In northern Costa Rica, Alajuela Province

• About 3–4 hours by car from San José or Liberia

• Famous for the iconic Arenal Volcano

• Stunning views of the volcano (active but dormant since 2010)

• Trails through rainforest and old lava fields

• Popular hikes: Las Coladas Trail, Mirador Trail

• Great for wildlife spotting, photography, and nature walks

• Spectacular 70-meter waterfall deep in the jungle

• About 500 steps down (and back up!) to the base

• Swimming allowed (cold but refreshing)

• Entrance fee: around $18 USD

• Thanks to volcanic activity, the area has many natural hot springs

• Popular spots include:

  • Tabacón (luxury resort with large pools)

  • Baldi (family-friendly with many pools and slides)

  • EcoTermales (quieter, more intimate)

  • Free springs: Río Chollín near Tabacón

• Ziplining (canopy tours over the rainforest)

• Canyoning (rappelling down waterfalls)

• Whitewater rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí rivers

• Horseback riding to waterfalls or with volcano views

• Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal

• Spot sloths, toucans, coatis, poison dart frogs

• Guided jungle tours available, day and night

• Visit Ecocentro Danaus, a small ecological reserve for animal encounters

• Wide range from budget hostels to luxury resorts with volcano views

• Romantic lodges with private hot springs for couples

• Family-friendly hotels with pools and tour services

• Plenty of restaurants in downtown La Fortuna

• Try the traditional Casado dish (rice, beans, meat or fish, salad)

• Also international cuisine and cozy cafés available

• Dry season: December – April → best weather

• Rainy season: May – November → lush green but sometimes wet

• Weather can be changeable – bring a raincoat and sunglasses! 😉

• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers

• Swimsuit and towel

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen, water bottle, camera