Towering majestically over the northern lowlands, the perfect conical shape of the Arenal Volcano is the defining image of Costa Rica. Anchored by the bustling tourist town of La Fortuna, this region is the undisputed adventure capital of Central America.
Whether you want to zipline through the dense canopy, hike over old lava flows, spot sloths in the wild, or simply soak in natural geothermal hot springs after a long day of exploring, Arenal delivers the quintessential "Pura Vida" experience. If you loved the lush biodiversity of places like the Amazon or Borneo, but crave better infrastructure and a heavy dose of adrenaline, Arenal is your next destination.
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Why Arenal belongs on your travel list
Arenal is incredibly diverse. In a single day, you can walk among the treetops on hanging bridges, swim beneath a towering 70-meter waterfall, and end the evening sipping a cocktail in a hot river heated entirely by volcanic magma.
The case for going now: While Arenal is a well-established tourist hub, a new wave of boutique eco-lodges and sustainable farms are transforming the region from a pure adrenaline destination into a world-class wellness and eco-tourism sanctuary.
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The Perfect Volcano
Though currently resting, its perfect conical silhouette dominating the skyline is mesmerizing.
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Geothermal Springs
Natural rivers naturally heated by the volcano form the most luxurious hot springs in the Americas.
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Incredible Wildlife
Spot two-toed sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and red-eyed tree frogs right outside your window.
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Adventure Capital
World-class canopy ziplining, canyoning down waterfalls, and whitewater rafting.
Arenal's neighbourhoods — where to focus
The Hub
La Fortuna Town
The backpacker and budget hub. Packed with cheap 'sodas' (local eateries), tour operators, and hostels.
Resort Row
Hot Springs Boulevard
Route 142 stretching west from town. Home to the famous luxury thermal resorts like Tabacon and Baldi.
Nature Base
Arenal Volcano National Park
The protected area right at the volcano's base. Quiet eco-lodges and direct access to lava hiking trails.
Scenic Escapes
Lake Arenal Area
Further west. Known for world-class windsurfing, kayaking, and stunning boutique hotels with lake views.
Top things to do in Arenal & La Fortuna
1. Relax in the Geothermal Hot Springs
This is the ultimate Arenal experience. You can buy day passes to luxury resorts like Tabacon or Baldi, or visit the "Free Hot Springs" (El Choyín) — a natural, unlandscaped section of the Tabacon river located right under a road bridge, popular with locals.
2. Walk the Mistico Hanging Bridges
A beautifully maintained 3km trail through dense rainforest canopy featuring 16 bridges (6 of them hanging). It’s the best way to spot wildlife from above. Hire a naturalist guide — they carry high-powered spotting scopes and will find animals you would definitely miss.
3. Hike the 1968 Lava Trails
While you can't climb the volcano itself (it's illegal and highly dangerous), the Arenal 1968 reserve allows you to hike over the dark, jagged lava rocks left behind from the massive eruption that devastated the area decades ago. It offers the best panoramic views of the crater.
4. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall
A spectacular 70-meter waterfall plunging into an emerald pool. You have to hike down 500 steps to reach the bottom (and hike back up!), but the refreshing swim in the cold, clear river at the base is absolutely worth the effort.
What to eat in Costa Rica — the essential list
Gallo Pinto
The national dish. A mix of rice, black beans, onions, and Lizano sauce, usually eaten for breakfast.
Casado
The classic lunch plate: rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat or fish.
Patacones
Thick, smashed and twice-fried green plantains, typically served with refried beans or guacamole.
Ceviche Tico
Fresh local fish marinated in lime juice with finely diced red pepper, onion, and cilantro.
Olla de Carne
A hearty weekend beef and vegetable stew loaded with local root vegetables like yuca and taro.
Chorreador Coffee
World-class Costa Rican coffee brewed the traditional way through a wooden stand and a cloth filter.
Where to eat in La Fortuna — our top 4 picks
Fine Dining
Don Rufino
📍 75 meters east of the Catholic Church, La Fortuna
Located right in the center of La Fortuna, this is the area's most famous upscale restaurant. They perfectly blend traditional Costa Rican ingredients with international haute cuisine.
Fancy & Photogenic
Amor Loco
📍 Nayara Springs Resort, Route 142, Arenal
Tucked inside the exclusive Nayara Springs resort. Expect a stunningly moody, velvet-draped interior that feels entirely out of place (in the best way) in the middle of the jungle.
Good & Cheap
Soda Viquez
📍 75 meters south of the Police Station, La Fortuna
A "Soda" is a traditional Costa Rican diner. Viquez is a local legend offering massive, incredibly cheap plates of Casado (rice, beans, plantains, and meat) in a friendly, no-frills setting.
The Unexpected
Mercadito de Arenal
📍 Route 142, center of La Fortuna
An open-air food court with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. You can choose from various stalls offering everything from gourmet tacos to vegan bowls, centered around a great cocktail bar.
Costa Rica's Coffee Culture — top 3 cafés
The Institution
Red Frog Coffee Roaster
📍 Main Street, La Fortuna
The best specialty coffee in town. They roast their own beans sourced directly from local Costa Rican farms. A perfect place to escape the midday heat and grab a bag of beans to take home.
The Traditional
Arabigos Coffee House
📍 Next to the central park, La Fortuna
A beautifully decorated space that takes coffee very seriously. It’s an excellent spot to order a "chorreador" experience and watch your coffee being slowly brewed the traditional Costa Rican way.
The Local Hangout
Organico Fortuna
📍 Calle 466, across from the MegaSuper, La Fortuna
A haven for digital nomads and health-conscious travelers. Alongside excellent coffee, they serve fantastic smoothie bowls, vegan treats, and host live music in a relaxed, boho atmosphere.
Best time to visit Arenal
Best (Dry Season)
Good (Green Season - lush but rainy)
Peak Rain (Expect heavy downpours)
Arenal budget guide
€ Backpacker
€30–50
Hostel in La Fortuna, eating at local 'Sodas', free river hot springs
€€ Mid-range
€70–120
Private eco-cabin, 1 paid tour per day, hot spring resort evening pass
€€€ Comfort
€250–400+
Luxury resorts (Tabacon/Nayara), private naturalist guides, fine dining
Getting to and around Arenal (and how to avoid scams)
By air: You can fly into either San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). Arenal is located roughly in the middle, about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from either airport.
From the airport: Shared shuttles (like Interbus or EasyRide) are extremely reliable and cost about €50-60. Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you aggressively at the airport exit—always book shuttles in advance or use the official airport taxi stand.
Getting around La Fortuna: If you stay in town, you can walk to restaurants, but you will need transport to reach the volcano, hot springs, and hanging bridges. Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica and while it operates in San Jose, it is very scarce and unreliable in Arenal.
Taxi & Transport Safety Tips:
- Only use official taxis: Look for red cars with a yellow triangle on the side doors.
- Always ask for the meter: Tell the driver "Por favor, ponga la maría" (Please turn on the meter). If they refuse and try to negotiate a high flat rate, politely get out and find another cab.
- Renting a car (The Insurance Scam): Having your own 4x4 is the best way to see Arenal. However, be aware of the "mandatory liability insurance" catch. Online booking sites often show cars for $5/day, but at the rental counter, you are legally required to buy Costa Rican liability insurance (which can add $20-$30/day). Factor this into your budget beforehand!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still see lava at Arenal Volcano?
No, the Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010. While you won't see glowing, flowing lava anymore, the volcano's geothermal activity still intensely heats the region's famous hot springs, and its imposing presence is spectacular.
Do I need to rent a car to visit La Fortuna?
It is highly recommended but not strictly necessary. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore national parks and hot springs at your own pace. However, shuttles from San Jose are abundant, and local tour operators usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
When is the best time of day to see the volcano?
Early morning (between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM) is your best chance to see the peak clearly. By mid-morning, weather patterns typically cause clouds to roll in from the Caribbean side, often covering the top of the volcano for the rest of the day.
Reviewed by Thomas, Central American Escapes Expert
This guide was curated by the Vacanexus editorial team and cross-referenced with local experts. Our AI tools help us structure the best itineraries, but human travelers verify every recommendation for authenticity and quality.
