DESTINATION

Arenal

Costa Rica · Alajuela Province

Volcano country. Cloud-forest rainforest meets thermal hot springs, waterfall rappels, and the symmetrical cone of Arenal Volcano looming over the La Fortuna valley. Base for adventure activities; rafting, rappel canyoning, sloth walks, hot-spring evenings.

29° / 23°

31° / 24°

30° / 24°

Overview

Costa Rica's volcano capital, at the foot of the perfectly conical Arenal.

La Fortuna sits in the Northern Lowlands beneath a 1,633-metre stratovolcano. The cone stopped erupting in 2010 but its geothermal plumbing still feeds dozens of hot-spring resorts and a ring of rainforest reserves around the lake.

Hot springs — from luxury Tabacón to free river pools off Route 142
La Fortuna Waterfall — 70m drop, 500 steps down through cloud-forest
Sky Adventures hanging bridges — canopy-level walking through primary rainforest
Lake Arenal — windsurfing, kayaking, and sportfishing for rainbow bass
Wildlife — sloths, toucans, coatis, and poison-dart frogs along most trails

Best time to visit

December through April is the dry season — clearest views of the volcano cone and the most reliable weather for hanging bridges, waterfall hikes, and Lake Arenal kayaking. May through November is the green season: lush rainforest, lower prices, afternoon storms, and waterfalls at full force.