Ultimate Guide: 14 Best Activities in La Fortuna & Arenal, Costa Rica (2025)
La Fortuna and the Arenal region represent the ultimate Costa Rican adventure destination, where towering volcanoes meet pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and world-class outdoor activities. This comprehensive guide reveals the top 14 experiences that have earned rave reviews from thousands of international travelers, helping you plan the perfect Costa Rican adventure.
Why La Fortuna is Costa Rica’s Adventure Capital
Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna offers an unparalleled concentration of natural wonders and thrilling activities within a compact area. All the outstanding elements of nature that Costa Rica stands for, you will find representation here – volcano and lava trails, waterfalls and hot springs, animals and birds, hanging bridges and zip-lining, canyoning and rafting, and so much more.
The 14 Best Activities in La Fortuna & Arenal
1. Arenal Volcano Hikes – Witness an Active Giant
Why it’s unmissable: The Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, offering spectacular hiking opportunities through diverse ecosystems and lava fields.
What travelers love:
- Multiple trail options for different fitness levels
- Incredible wildlife spotting opportunities
- Panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding landscape
- Educational experience about volcanic activity and geology
Best trails:
- Arenal Observatory Lodge Trail: 2-3 hours, moderate difficulty, best volcano views
- Arenal National Park Trail: 1.5-2 hours, easy to moderate, great for families
- Arenal Volcano Ecological Park: 3-4 hours, challenging, leads and a crater lake
Traveler tip: Early morning hikes offer the best chances of clear volcano views before afternoon clouds roll in.
2. Canopy Tours & Zipline Adventures – Soar Above the Rainforest
Why it’s unmissable: Experience the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view while getting your adrenaline pumping on some of the world’s best zipline courses.
Top-rated operators according to travelers:
- Sky Adventures: Premium experience with longest cables and best safety standards
- Arenal Ecoglide: Excellent value with ecological focus
- Arenal Mundo Aventura: Authentic and exciting experience with excellent value for money
What to expect:
- Cables ranging from 100 to 2,400 feet long
- Speeds up to 40 mph
- Breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
- Professional safety equipment and expert guides
Why it’s special: Our favorite is Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges but Sky Adventures is a wonderful experience too. They can be walked on your own, however, if you want to get to know the forest with its plants and animal inhabitants choose a tour with a local guide.
What makes it unique:
- 16 bridges spanning 1.5 miles of rainforest
- Self-guided or guided tours available
- Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities
- Perfect for photographers and nature lovers
- Suitable for all fitness levels
Wildlife you might spot:
- Sloths hanging in cecropia trees
- Howler and white-faced monkeys
- Over 400 bird species
- Colorful poison dart frogs
4. Arenal Hot Springs – Natural Volcanic Therapy
Why it’s essential: After a day of adventure, nothing beats soaking in naturally heated mineral pools with volcano views.
Best hot springs according to travelers:
- Tabacon Thermal Resort: Luxury experience with multiple pools and spa services
- Baldi Hot Springs: Family-friendly with various pool temperatures and water slides
- Eco Termales: Intimate setting with smaller crowds
- Paradise Hot Springs: Budget-friendly option with beautiful natural setting
Benefits travelers rave about:
- Muscle relaxation after hiking
- Stunning volcano views
- Mineral-rich waters with therapeutic properties
- Romantic atmosphere for couples
Why it’s legendary: As the legend goes, after God finished painting the sky, he washed his brushes in this river, resulting in its famous electric-blue waters.
What makes it extraordinary:
- The famous waterfall with its stunning, clear blue water—it looked like something straight out of a postcard
- 4-mile hiking trail through pristine rainforest
- Multiple viewpoints of the celestial blue river
- It is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste so this is an entire day trip with a delicious lunch included
Hiking details:
- Moderate difficulty level
- 3-4 hours total hiking time
- Waterfall viewing platform
- Natural hot springs along the trail
6. White Water Rafting – Adrenaline Rush on Wild Rivers
Why it’s thrilling: Costa Rica’s rivers offer some of the world’s best white water rafting, with options for all skill levels.
Best rivers for rafting:
- Balsa River: Class II-III rapids, perfect for beginners and families
- Sarapiquí River: Class III-IV rapids, ideal for experienced rafters
- Pacuare River: Class III-IV rapids, considered one of the world’s best rafting rivers
What travelers love:
- Professional bilingual guides
- Safety equipment included
- Stunning scenery along the rivers
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Delicious riverside lunch included
7. Canyoning & Rappelling Adventures – Descent into Paradise
Why it’s unforgettable: Jump down 200 foot waterfalls and tall cliffs deep into the rain forest on a tour of canyoning in La Fortuna. Canyoning, or waterfall rappelling may seem a bit intimidating, but once you start your journey down surrounded by the sights and smells of a lush rain forest
What to expect:
- Rappelling down waterfalls up to 200 feet high
- Swimming in crystal-clear natural pools
- Professional instruction and safety equipment
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
- Combination of hiking, climbing, and swimming
Best operators:
8. ATV Adventures – Off-Road Volcano Exploration
Why it’s exciting: Explore remote areas of the Arenal region that are inaccessible by regular vehicles.
Popular ATV routes:
- Volcano viewpoints and lava fields
- Hidden waterfalls and swimming holes
- Traditional Costa Rican villages
- Coffee and sugarcane plantations
What’s included:
- ATV rental and safety equipment
- Professional guide
- Refreshments at scenic stops
- Transportation to/from hotels
9. Sloth Tours – Meet Costa Rica’s Slowest Celebrities
Why it’s magical: La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths in their natural habitat.
Best sloth watching experiences:
- Sloth’s Territory: Dedicated sloth sanctuary and rescue center
- Sendero Mariolas: Trail with frequent sloth sightings
- Sloth Park: Ecological park with guaranteed sloth encounters
What makes it special:
- Educational experience about sloth conservation
- Close-up photography opportunities
- Supporting wildlife rescue efforts
- Perfect for families with children
10. Rainforest Night Walk – Nocturnal Wildlife Safari
Why it’s essential: The rainforest comes alive at night, revealing creatures you’ll never see during the day.
What you’ll discover:
- Red-eyed tree frogs in their full colorful glory
- Sleeping birds and their unique nighttime behaviors
- Nocturnal mammals like kinkajous and armadillos
- Fascinating insects including stick insects and tarantulas
Best night walk locations:
11. Horseback Riding Tours – Explore Like a Local
Why it’s authentic: Experience the Costa Rican countryside the way locals have for generations.
Popular routes:
- La Fortuna Waterfall ride: Combine horseback riding with waterfall visit
- Volcano viewpoint tours: Scenic rides with spectacular volcano vistas
- Coffee plantation tours: Learn about Costa Rica’s famous coffee culture
What travelers appreciate:
- Well-trained, gentle horses suitable for all skill levels
- Knowledgeable local guides sharing cultural insights
- Beautiful countryside scenery
- Authentic Costa Rican ranch experience
12. Lake Arenal Activities – Water Sports Paradise
Why it’s perfect: All around La Fortuna you will see different tours here where you can have a go at various sports. You can go paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing or even windsurfing. It is also completely safe; you won’t find any crocodiles here.
Best water activities:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Peaceful exploration with volcano views
- Boat tours: Wildlife watching and fishing opportunities
- Windsurfing: Lake Arenal is considered one of the world’s best windsurfing destinations
- Swimming: Safe, crocodile-free waters perfect for cooling off
13. La Fortuna Waterfall – Nature’s Power Display
Why it’s iconic: This 246-foot waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most photographed natural attractions.
The experience:
- 15-minute hike down to the waterfall base
- Swimming in the refreshing natural pool
- Spectacular photo opportunities
- Moderate physical challenge climbing back up
Visitor tips:
- Visit early morning for fewer crowds
- Bring water shoes for rocky areas
- Allow 2-3 hours for the complete experience
- Consider hiring a local guide for cultural insights
14. Coffee and Chocolate Tours – Taste Costa Rica’s Heritage
Why it’s educational: Learn about Costa Rica’s most famous exports while supporting local communities.
Best experiences:
What you’ll learn:
- Traditional farming and processing methods
- History of coffee and chocolate in Costa Rica
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Cultural significance of these crops
Planning Your La Fortuna Adventure
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (December-April): Best weather for outdoor activities
- Green season (May-November): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, afternoon rains
How Many Days to Stay
- Minimum: 3-4 days to experience the highlights
- Recommended: 5-7 days for a comprehensive experience
- Extended stay: 1-2 weeks to explore everything at a relaxed pace
Essential Packing List
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof camera or phone case
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Swimwear for hot springs and waterfalls
Budget Considerations
- Budget travelers: $50-80 per day (hostels, local tours, public transport)
- Mid-range travelers: $100-150 per day (mid-range hotels, popular tours, private transport)
- Luxury travelers: $200+ per day (luxury resorts, private tours, premium experiences)
Making the Most of Your La Fortuna Adventure
Pro Tips from Experienced Travelers:
- Book tours in advance during high season (December-April)
- Start early for better weather and fewer crowds
- Bring cash – many tour operators prefer cash payments
- Stay flexible – weather can affect some activities
- Support local businesses – choose locally-owned tour operators when possible
Safety Considerations:
- Always use reputable tour operators with proper insurance
- Follow guide instructions, especially for adventure activities
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks for long tours
- Check weather conditions before heading out
- Inform your hotel about your daily plans
Conclusion: Your La Fortuna Adventure Awaits
La Fortuna and the Arenal region offer an unmatched combination of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and authentic Costa Rican culture. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities like canyoning and ziplines, peaceful experiences like hot springs and wildlife watching, or cultural immersion through coffee tours and local cuisine, La Fortuna delivers unforgettable memories.
The key to a successful La Fortuna adventure is balancing active pursuits with relaxation, allowing time for both planned activities and spontaneous discoveries. With this comprehensive guide and the experiences of thousands of satisfied travelers, you’re ready to create your own Costa Rican adventure story.
Ready to explore paradise? Start planning your La Fortuna adventure today and discover why this magical destination consistently ranks among the world’s best adventure travel destinations!
