Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica


One of Costa Rica's most notable natural features is the Arenal Volcano. This impressive volcano resides within the 29,960-acre Arenal Volcano National Park. Although the volcano entered into a resting phase in 2010 – meaning that its eruptions have paused – it is still a stunning sight. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal frames the skyline with near perfect symmetry. The immediate area hosts a wealth of activities – including whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, hiking and canopy tours – as well as the friendly town of La Fortuna.


Made up mostly of primary rainforest, The Arenal Volcano National Park encompasses four different life zones and harbors a tremendous amount of flora and fauna. In fact, nearly 75% of the total 850 species of birds that have been identified in Costa Rica can be found here. Other creatures include sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, coati, deer and snakes, including the infamous fer-de-lance, parrot snake and boa constrictor. The plants are just as varied and include guayabo de monte, laurel, cirri, palms, orchids, heliconias, ferns and bromeliads. Arenal’s smaller – and much older – sibling, the Chato Volcano (Volcán Chato), adjoins Arenal. This volcano, which resides at a height of 3,740 ft (1,140 m), has been inactive for some 3,500 years and has a crater that’s filled with aqua-blue water. The park has several walking trails and is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is $6. 

The quiet town of La Fortuna is 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Arenal Volcano. It’s 16 miles (26 km) from Ciudad Quesada and 75 miles (120 km) from San José. If you’re driving from San José, it’ll take around 3 hours to get here. The town itself is small, central and warm. Its location provides visitors with easy access to the Arenal area and its amenities make staying here pleasant. There are hotels both within and outside of the town, many of which stipple the countryside at the base of the volcano. La Fortuna hosts good places to eat and buy groceries, and has an assortment of banks, shops and bars.

The activities within this area are endless. Horseback rides can be made through the nearby hills and whitewater rafting can be done on the Peñas Blancas, Toro and Balsa rivers. Each river is different in both intensity and scenery – participants can choose between leisurely safari floats or exciting class IV rapids. A variety of other water sports can be enjoyed on Lake Arenal, including canoeing, fishing and kite surfing. Inland diversions include hiking and waterfall repelling, as well as canopy and hanging bridge tours. The La Fortuna Waterfall, a breathtaking 230 ft (70 m) cascade that drops into a misty pool, is just 3 miles (5 km) south of La Fortuna and makes for an easy day trip. A short hike (or horseback ride) drops visitors into the base of the pool, where they can swim, take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The volcano’s geothermal activity heats dozens of underground water flumes. Local landowners, tapping into this natural source, have created a number of beautiful hot springs. These springs are varied and indulgent (some have waterslides, wet bars and cold pools) and offer visitors a perfect way to end a day in Arenal.

Botanists, whether professional or amateur, should head to the Arenal Botanical Gardens, which are located a few miles outside of town. Here you’ll find some 2,500 species of tropical plants. Many are rare, including several types of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and roses. Butterflies and birds flit through the gardens, pausing to perch in a tree or rest on a flower.

Although somewhat close to the Arenal, the Venado Caves feel like an entirely different planet. Located just 1.9 miles (3 km) outside the town of Venado and a 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, the caves are a spelunking and adventure-seeker’s dream. The 1.5-miles of caves feature stalagmites, stalactites and subterranean streams. As you explore the caves, you may see bats hanging from the ceiling, sightless fish swimming in the streams, and colorless frogs clinging to the rocks.

Nature buffs will enjoy a day trip to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, which is set near the border with Nicaragua. Exploring this vast network of wetlands and the huge Caño Negro Lake provides ample opportunities to spot bids and other tropical creatures.

Yes, there is something for everyone here. The quaint town, beautiful surroundings and ample activities make Arenal one of the cornerstone destinations of Costa Rica. 


5d Short And Sweet Itinerary

  • Arenal 3 days
    Rainforest, Volcano, Waterfall
  • Monteverde 2 days
    Cloud Forest, Waterfall

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

Customize and Pricing

5d Short And Sweet Itinerary

  • Arenal 3 days
    Rainforest, Volcano, Waterfall
  • Monteverde 2 days
    Cloud Forest, Waterfall

Recommended Airport: LIR INTL

Customize and Pricing

5d Short And Sweet Itinerary

Recommended Airport: LIR INTL

Customize and Pricing

8d Adventure Itinerary

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

Customize and Pricing

Traveler Comments and Ratings for Arenal

"We very much enjoyed the Arenal area and all of the great tours and fun it had to offer.  The hiking was fabulous and would have loved to see and do more but had 2 and a half days of non stop rain." Visited in Feb 2011

"Overall, we enjoyed our time in the Arenal area. We had a nice mixture of adventure activities (e.g., ziplining at SkyTrek, hiking, etc), relaxing at the hot springs, and seeing the town area. The only disappointing part about Arenal is that the volcano was hidden almost all of our 3 days in the area. " Visited in Dec 2010

"We loved Arenal and all the adventurous activities in the area. It's truly a playground for adventurous people who love the outdoors. We have recommended visiting La Fortuna to everyone we've spoken to about our trip to Costa Rica and would love to return. " Visited in Nov 2010


"difficult weather, but didn't spoil our honeymoon " Visited in Dec 2010

"There's something for every type of traveller in the Arenal area; so much to see and do; many attactions beyond the volcano!" Visited in Nov 2010

"I loved the lushness of this area. Tour guide at volcano knowledgeable and very fun!" Visited in Dec 2010

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Costa Rica and plan to come back some day. Was hoping the volcano would be a bit more active, but Mother Nature decides that. We found the people very helpful and friendly. I think the area is best for the more adventurous traveller who isn't afraid to try to drive the roads themselves, but anyone interested in nature will love it." Visited in Dec 2010

"I don't know whether we were there during peak season, but I was happy that it wasn't too crowded. The weather wasn't good the first few days, but it finally cleared up. We were glad to be there during a season with cooler temperatures." Visited in Jan 2011

"Loved the whole area. We had an amazing time there. We would recommend Arenal and La Fortuna to everyone, couples, families or anyone else. It's absolutely beautiful and full of things to do, if people like the outdoors." Visited in Nov 2010

"great area - lots to do (volcano, fishing, hiking, hanging bridges, zip lines, restaurants, etc) we loved it. a little colder than we expected and the road conditions in some areas area really quite bad. had to drive anywhere we went in the area (everything is very spread out) but well worth the trip." Visited in Dec 2010

"Beautiful area. We really enjoyed the waterfall along with the volcano. The volcano had entered a dormant period and wasn't doing much during the visit. " Visited in Nov 2010

"This place is for everybody. Families should never miss this. The hot springs are the best. You want to relax then go here." Visited in Nov 2010

"Arenal was just beautiful, suitable for all ages. It offers enough variety to cater to any taste, and the locals are friendly and truly concerned you enjoy your stay there. I loved walking around town and running into my bellboy with his girlfriend and we would just chat like old friends. Another night as we were having dinner we ran into a few of our rafting guides and we enjoyed a round of drinks with them. Who could ask for a better vacation than this? I know there are a lot of natural spas in the area, but to me it all starts and ends with Tabacon. At first I thought it was a little steep but once I experienced the wonders of this majestic place I understood what the hype was all about. Just keep your wristband on and you can come back the next day like we did!" Visited in Nov 2010

"We *loved* eating out in the town!" Visited in Nov 2010

"Arneal was beatiful, we wished we would have stayed a bit longer prior to traveling to the beach. Los Lagos was great." Visited in Dec 2010

"Memorable expierence. Even though it was cloudy and we did not get to see the lava at night but the Arenal Lodge was Wow." Visited in Nov 2010

"Arenal was the most beautiful place. We were lucky to see the mountain before the clouds covered it and it is a beautiful site. It was raining a lot at Arenal, which I believe is common weather. This was not communicated to us. However, everyone visiting Costa Rica should not leave without visiting Arenal. All types of people will love Arenal. The restaurants and La Fortuna as a town was also great. This was our best destination." Visited in Dec 2010

"I think families would love this area. So much too see and do. Nice area for couples, also." Visited in Dec 2010

"we loved volcano, waterfall repelling and rafting" Visited in Dec 2010

"We loved the area. Anyone who is interested in natural beauty, good food and good coffee would find it attractive." Visited in Dec 2010

"Great experience. i would recommend for couples and families." Visited in Dec 2010

"The nature near the volcano was great. Lots of diversity!" Visited in Dec 2010

"Costa Rica is a wonderful, beautiful country and the people are so friendly. We certainly will visit again." Visited in Jun 2011

"Arenal is an amazing place. " Visited in Feb 2011

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