If you only have a few days to spend in Costa Rica, you can’t go wrong with all the gorgeous sites to see in La Fortuna! Located in the northern region of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is surrounded by lush rainforests, rolling hills, and a rich biodiversity of rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. Here are the top 6 sites you must see while visiting La Fortuna.
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Arenal Volcano
The number #1 site to see in La Fortuna can sometimes prove elusive. It’s often covered with fog or clouds! But when the sun is shining, it’s magnificent. It towers above the surrounding landscapes and provides a gorgeous backdrop for the town of La Fortuna. This stratovolcano stands 5,358 feet above sea level and last erupted in 2010. Today, steam still rises from the volcano and heats various springs in the area although the volcano is dormant.
Best Ways to See Arenal Volcano
If the sky is clear, you pretty much can’t miss it from anywhere in the La Fortuna region! But there are a number of ways you can experience the volcano.
Hiking
There are a lot of different hiking trails available, each making their way around the base of the volcano. Hiking to the top of the volcano is illegal.
MIrador El Silencio nature preserve is a great option. It offers six hiking trails with some being easier than others. Employees in the reception area can help you determine which hike is best for you. Choose trail 3 if you want the easiest path. Trail 6, located at the top of the mountain near an upper parking area, offers the highest viewpoint and views of the lava fields from the 1968 eruption.
You can also take the circuit walk in Arenal Volcano National Park. This 3.5 mile easy loop within the National Park consists of three trails: Los Coladas, El Ceibo, and Las Heliconias. Las Coladas has volcano views, El Ceibo takes you through the rainforest, and Las Heliconias connects these two trails.
Another option is Arenal 1968 Private Reserve. This area offers hikes through hardened lava from the eruption of 1968. The Colada 168 Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate trek offering volcano and lava flow views. The Bosque 1968 Trail is a moderately difficult 3 mile long trail through the rain forest. It’s a great option if you want to view wildlife.
You can buy a day pass to enjoy the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s 7 miles of hiking trails. The entire complex includes five trails ranging from easy to difficult, hanging bridges, observation towers, visitor’s center, museum, and onsite restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and spa. There’s even a wheelchair accessible trail. It’s a great option for groups with varying levels of ability – there’s pretty much something for everyone to do.
Other Ways to Experience Arenal Volcano
There a quite a few more exotic ways to experience Arenal Volcano. You can sail over it on a zipline. Or you can approach it on horseback. You can also enjoy the thrill of river rafting or tubing the Rio Balsa.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-visit site when visiting the Arenal area. You will be thrilled with the amount of force the cascading waters hit the crystal clear pool below from a distance of 230 feet.
The waterfall is located just a few minutes from the town of La Fortuna within the boundaries of Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s easy to get to the hiking trail parking lot, but expect some exertion as you go down the steep and uneven path to the waterfall (and even more as you go back up)! Once at the falls, there’s a swimming area in the cool, clear water for a nice dip before you face the trail back.
To make your visit even more special, you can opt to ride a horse to the trailhead. Better yet, spare yourself the hike and see the waterfall from above on a zipline!
Hot Springs
The Arenal regions volcanic activity creates a variety of hot springs for visitors to enjoy. There are 12 different options in the area, each with unique amenities. Some offer lodging in addition to day passes, which makes visiting the springs easier.
The most popular option in the region is Tabacón Hot Springs. All of the water is naturally heated by volcanic activity with temperatures ranging from 72-105 degrees. The complex contains 20 in-river pools, a coldwater pool, and a main pool with a swim-up bar and waterslides. Another more economical option is EcoTermales Hot Springs. It’s six pools are surrounded by the rainforest and the water is rich with magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonates. Pool water temperatures range from 99-106 degrees and there are a few cold water pools as well. Packages can include a meal at the onsite restaurant, and hiking trails in the rainforest are available.
If you are traveling with kids, look no further than Baldi Hot Springs. This complex contains 25 thermal water pools, a play zone for kids with four waterslides, and interactive water features. The pool temperatures range from 93-152 degrees. Don’t expect a calm, relaxing vibe here. The atmosphere is energetic and vibrant. So there’s no need to keep the kids subdued and quiet.
Lake Arenal
Located by the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica covering 33 square miles. It is a man-made lake that was created in 1973 when the construction of Arenal Dam flooded the area. It is 197 feet deep in some parts. This tranquil lake is surrounded by lush rainforests and reflects the towering peaks of the volcano.
You can experience the lake in a number of ways. Sail around the lake on a boat tour. Sports enthusiasts love it for kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. Fishing is a popular sport on the lake, from both boats and the shore. Expect to catch rainbow bass, machaca, and tilapia. It’s also a great place for birdwatching.
And don’t miss the Arenal Circuito scenic drive around the northeastern shore of the lake. Simply drive on Rte 142 from La Fortuna to and then around the lake. Note that the road does not continue all the way around the lake, so you will have to turn around retrace your drive to get back to La Fortuna.
Arenal Rainforest Hanging Bridges
No matter where you go in the Arenal region, you are surrounded by the rainforest. It is truly one of the best sites to see will visiting La Fortuna. The best way to experience the rainforest is by walking trails equipped with hanging bridges.
Hanging bridges are supported by cables or ropes suspended from overhead supports. They allow pedestrians to walk across and experience tremendous viewpoints of natural elements such as rivers, gorges, rainforests, etc. There are a few different options to experience hanging bridges in La Fortuna.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges offer a unique opportunity to take a 2 mile trail that crosses 10 regular bridges and 6 hanging bridges as well as side trails leading to waterfalls and caves. One of the bridges offers a grand view of the volcano, and along the way you will get an indepth look at the rainforest.
If you want to experience a greater thrill than just walking over swinging bridges, Sky Adventures is for you. Here you can ride an aerial tram uphill and then zipline down. In addition, you can enjoy a guided nature walk through a 1.5 mile trail with two hanging bridges. A side hiking trail takes you to a viewpoint overlooking a waterfall.
Peñas Blancas River
The final place on our list of sites to see in La Fortuna is the Peñas Blancas River. This scenic river flows through the rainforests, offering views of dense forests, small waterfalls, canyons, and a diverse array of animal species.
A great way to visit the river is on a guided river rafting tour. You will gently float along the river, assisting with paddling periodically. Your guide will point out the various wildlife you see on the way and give you thorough details about the species you are seeing. You can have a similar experience via a guided kayak tour, except you will have do more of the paddling yourself! If you want a little more excitement, opt for this class II & III white water rafting tour.
What are your favorite sites in La Fortuna or other parts of Costa Rica?
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