La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Nature, Wildlife, and Adrenaline

After Monteverde, we continued on with our Costa Rica trip to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is home to Arenal Volcano, the most active volcano in Central America. It is the backdrop that can be seen from almost every vantage point in the area. Between Lake Arenal, the lush rainforest, and Arenal Volcano, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in La Fortuna. To balance out the activities, there is an abundance of geothermal springs heated by the volcano to recover and relax in. There is a reason this region, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is one of Costa Rica’s most talked-about destinations!

Logistics:

• La Fortuna is located in the Northern Highlands of Costa Rica. It’s about 2.5 hours from San Jose’s international airport (SJO) and 2.5 hours from Liberia’s international airport (LIR). Because traffic can increase the drive time to either airport, always plan accordingly.

• Arenal has, for the most part, all paved roads. The only unpaved roads are to the national park and some hotels, however it’s nothing bad. You do not need 4-wheel drive for Arenal like you would for Monteverde.

• Arenal is easy to get to and has an abundance of lodging options. It’s a great area for families, luxury travelers, and honeymooners.

• The most high-end hotels in the La Fortuna area are the Springs Resort, Tabacon, Nayara and Kioro. Rates range  anywhere from $300-1200 USD a night.

• We chose The Springs Resort over Nayara Gardens boutique hotel because of the abundant activities for tweens and the room layout options. If I was on an adults-only trip with unlimited resources, I would push to stay at the exclusive Nayara Springs. It books out a year in advance.
  
  

Clothing:

• During the dry season, shorts and short-sleeved shirts will suffice. Rain jackets are essential no matter what time of year you visit. Not only is rain in the La Fortuna region inevitable, but it plays a significant part in keeping the area lush, beautiful, and replete with wildlife. You will need to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent to explore the Arenal Volcano.

• Hiking sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) are the best for Arenal since they work for a wide range of activities. You can use them for ziplining, hiking, rafting, hanging bridge tours, etc.

• If you plan to enjoy the hot springs (and you should!) don’t wear a white bathing suit. The mineral deposits from the natural springs can stain lighter-colored clothing.

La Fortuna Adventures:

Arenal Volcano National Park 

The Springs Wildlife Sanctuary Tour:

• Club Rio operates a one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy. It’s a preserve for Costa Rican wildlife containing animals confiscated from poachers or donated by other private reserves, rescue centers or individuals.
• While we missed the famous cat feeding tour, we definitely enjoyed the guided monkey experience (hide your shiny valuables!). The toucans, sloths, crocodiles, mountain lion, and ocelot are an added bonus!

Waterfall Rappelling:

• Explore the rainforests of La Fortuna with Pure Trek. While they are known for their multiday vacation itineraries, we signed up for their famous canyoning/waterfall rappelling adventure.
• Descend via ropes down waterfalls, cliffs, and open air within a beautiful rainforest slot canyon. This is the #1 booked activity near Arenal!
• Prices are listed on their website

Whitewater Rafting:

• Wave Rafting in La Fortuna is the go-to company for whitewater rafting in the area. They work with Pure Trek to combine whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling excursions for a full day of adventure.

Private Rafting Guide for Groups:

• Luis Castro is one of the top guides I have worked with. Bilingual and great with all ages! You can contact him at +506-8344-2146 or find him on Instagram at: luiscastro5029.

Club Rio Outdoor Center:

• Located directly below the Springs Resort on a forested, mile-long stretch of Arenal River frontage.
• It offers eight different adventure activities, and the Rancho Club Rio Restaurant & Bar is located on-site for lunch. Lockers and changing rooms are available on-site.
• My favorite Club Rio activities: Sunrise inflatable river kayaking, natural hot springs, and rock climbing and rappelling.
• Advance reservations required.

La Fortuna Waterfall:

• This is a must-see. You can pay for waterfall access and lunch in the park in advance. No guide needed.
• It is a steep walk back up from the waterfall!  
• You can swim in the large pool (Fortuna River) to the left of the waterfall if the current isn’t too strong. Be sure to bring a bathing suit. There is an option to swim near the rocks that form a border around the waterfall. A lifeguard is on duty.

Please note all rain forest activities in La Fortuna will not be cancelled for rain. Lightning cancellations only. There are many more activities within a 1-2 hour driving distance from La Fortuna. We passed on the Celeste River Hike, Venado Caves, and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for logistical reasons.

Geothermal Springs:

Get access to geothermal springs through your hotel or get a day pass at Tabacon Springs. Soaking in the natural hot springs is a must if you are in the area!

• These are naturally heated by Arenal Volcano’s thermal energy.
• It’s strongly recommended to book your day pass in advance if you visiting Tabacon Springs.
  • This is the best way to recover and relax after a full day of activities!

Why I Plan to Frequent This Country

La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are three of my favorite regions in Costa Rica. We all could use a little bit of Costa Rica in our lives right now. Anyone who has traveled to this Central American paradise is familiar with “pura vida,” the Costa Rican motto. “Pura Vida,” or pure way of life, is more than just a motto or turn of phrase. Pura Vida is a mindset, an attitude, and an approach to life from which we could all benefit.

In conclusion, Pura Vida is simultaneously embracing adventure and a slower pace of life, taking the time to notice and appreciate your surroundings, and a refusal to let minor annoyances get you down. It’s woven into the fabric of a culture that produces friendly people who care deeply about their country and are eager to share it with others. The fresh, homegrown food and multitude of activities surrounded by scenic backdrops of mountains and beaches are just icing on the cake. Costa Rica truly offers the perfect blend of wellness and adventure.

Next Costa Rica Vacation:

Is there another Costa Rican adventure already in the works? I have it whittled down to three options…

• Option A – Head north to check out the Santa Teresa and Nosara Beach surf towns (both in the Nicoya Peninsula)
• Option B – Head south to the lush southern mountain range in the canton of Pérez Zeledón and check out Hacienda Alta Gracia.
• Option C – Head to the The Four Seasons to check out Zapatol Beach Club.

It’s been almost 17 years since I have spent time on the beautiful beaches of Nosara and Santa Teresa. I’m dying to go back. However, I have never been to Pérez Zeledón, home to Cerro Chirripo, one of the highest peaks in Central America. Moreover, it’s home to the aforementioned Hacienda Alta Gracia, which according to my research, looks like an amazing place to stay. I first visited this wonderful country as a child and have been a frequent traveler there ever since. Now that I am leaving La Fortuna, why does it seem like my “Costa Rica bucket list” only grows longer with each visit!