- Arenal Volcano
- 1,670 m
- From San José
- ~3 h
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- ~70 m
- End of eruptive phase
- 2010
Things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna
- Hike the lava flows: Arenal Volcano National Park and the private Arenal 1968 reserve have trails across old lava with views of the cone. Climbing the volcano itself is forbidden.
- La Fortuna Waterfall: a 70 m fall into a jungle pool. Go at opening time to swim before the crowds.
- Hanging bridges: Mistico Park and Sky Adventures have long suspension bridges through the canopy. A guide will find sloths, toucans and vipers you would never spot alone.
- Hot springs: heated by the volcano, from the luxurious Tabacón to resort-style Baldi and the free river at El Chollín.
- Adventure: zip-lining, canyoning, rafting on the Balsa river and horse riding.
- Night walks: guided night tours reveal red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas and sleeping birds.
A guided walk on the hanging bridges is the best way to see wildlife around Arenal. Guides carry spotting scopes.
Book a hanging bridges tour ↗Arenal hot springs compared
| Hot springs | Style | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tabacón | Natural thermal river in gardens | A splurge evening; day pass with dinner |
| Baldi | Large resort, many pools, slides | Families and groups |
| EcoTermales | Small, reservation only | Quiet, relaxed visit |
| Paradise Hot Springs | Mid-size, good value | Couples, value |
| El Chollín river | Free public hot river | Budget, local experience |
Hot spring day passes often include dinner and can be combined with a volcano hike.
Book hot springs passes ↗Where to stay
La Fortuna town is walkable, with the most restaurants and tour pickups. Lodges on the road towards the volcano and Tabacón have volcano views and some have their own hot springs. El Castillo and the Observatory Lodge area on the south side of the lake are quieter, with dramatic views.
Book a room with a volcano view: on clear mornings the cone is spectacular.
Hotels in La Fortuna ↗Getting to Arenal
La Fortuna is about 3 hours from San José and SJO, and 3 hours from Liberia (LIR). Shuttles run daily from both, and from Monteverde. Between Arenal and Monteverde, the "jeep-boat-jeep" transfer crosses Lake Arenal by boat and takes about 3 hours instead of 4 by road.
Plan your trip to Arenal
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Zip-lining & adventure
Zip-lines, canyoning, rafting and ATV tours around the volcano.
Adventure tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenal Volcano still active?
Arenal is considered active but has been in a resting phase since 2010, after more than 40 years of constant activity. You will not see lava, but you may see small steam plumes.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
Two to three days is ideal: one for the waterfall and hanging bridges, one for a volcano hike and hot springs, and one for an adventure tour.
Can you hike to the top of Arenal Volcano?
No. Climbing the volcano is prohibited and dangerous. Trails in the national park and private reserves go across the lava flows at its base.
How do I get from Arenal to Monteverde?
By car the drive around Lake Arenal takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The jeep-boat-jeep shuttle crosses the lake and takes about 3 hours.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.