Arenal

ATV Tours

Expect to come back a little muddy as you explore the rainforest and meadows surrounding Arenal volcano.  Half day tours take guests riding up muddy embankments and romping through giant mud puddles amidst rolling hills and tropical fields. The ATV trails at Finca La Uva farm cover more than ten miles through forest, fields and land destroyed by the 1968 eruption of Arenal volcano.

Bird and Wildlife Watching

Rivers like the Penas Blancas and the Rio Frio (found  in Cano Negro) offer some of the richest bio-diverse regions to see countless birds from common species like anhingas, tiger herons, amazon king fishers, toucans, lineated woodpeckers and trogons to rare and endangered species like the roseate spoonbill and the jacana. Other creatures commonly seen around Arenal include armadillos, sloths, anole lizards, coatimundis, caimans, American crocodiles, green iguanas, oriole snakes, pit vipers, emerald basilisk lizards, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys.  Other great wildlife watching attractions in Arenal include the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park.

Canopy Tours

Arenal's canopy tours are famous for the expansive scenic vistas where visitors fly through the air on zip lines attached to giant rainforest trees or rooted in the sides of mountains.  Each company offers unique views from different places around Arenal including zip lines over La Fortuna waterfall, underneath Arenal volcano, through the rainforest and beside Lake Arenal. Along the way you can ride zip lines into Arenal river valley (Go Adventure), reach speeds of more than 50 mph (At SkyTrek), or fly 110 feet in the air like a human pendulum on a Tarzan swing (Ecoglide).

Caving

Venado Caves is the only underground park in the country. Amateur spelunkers explore the depths of the five million year old caverns with experienced guides. While hiking through the damp, muddy terrain, visitors will cross paths with four different species of bats: the insectivorous sword-nosed and mustached bats, the nectar-loving Pallas’ long-tongued bat and the little-studied greater naked-baked bat. Guided tours last approximately 2.5 hours, and the caves are located one hour from downtown La Fortuna. Caving tours, which include transportation, guide and gear, typically depart by 7:15 a.m. and return to La Fortuna in time for lunch.

Hanging Bridges

Experience the rainforest through the eyes of the monkeys, more than 300 feet above the rainforest floor on one of 16 different hanging bridges.  More than two miles of trails weave through dense layers of tropical and pre-montane rainforest in the 600-acre preserve. Enjoy the solitude of walking unguided through the reserve, or join a guided tour for a better chance of spotting some of the more elusive wildlife including spider and howler monkeys, eyelash palm pit vipers, keel-billed toucans and sloths. Located 11 miles west of La Fortuna. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hiking

Arenal's trails lead hikers through the diverse landscapes spanning rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, lake shores and more:

• Hike through tropical rainforest up the side of a dormant volcano to an emerald green crater lake at Cerro Chato

• Trek among the volcanic badlands where visitors walk on top of the lava flow leftover from the 1968 eruption in the Arenal Volcano National Park.

• Stroll along the banks of Lake Arenal

• Try the ultimate Stairmaster exercise down 488 steps to the La Fortuna waterfall

Horseback Riding

Ride around the base of Arenal volcano, through the Arenal River, or up through the rainforest to La Fortuna waterfall on half-day and full-day excursions; or better yet as an excuse to visit Monteverde.  Horseback riding tours are available for both beginner and more experienced riders. Tours can be arranged with local tour companies, but be wary of outfits offering dirt-cheap prices; they often use horses that are over-worked and underfed.

Hot Springs

Soak travel-weary muscles in one of Arenal's famous hot springs resorts:

• Tabacon has natural thermal rivers and more than twenty pools to soak in.

• Baldi has the largest selection of thermal pools, plus three waterslides and two wetbars

• EcoTermales has the most intimate setting with 5 pools hidden among the rainforest

• The Springs has the highest mineral concentration and best views of any nearby hot springs

• Paradise hot springs has great views of the volcano and the most affordable prices

Kayaking 

Kayak or canoe along the glassy waters of Lake Arenal and enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding hills. Tours are also available along many of Arenal's rivers like Penas Blancas where you'll see a variety of different wildlife while paddling between fallen trees.

Mountain Biking

Bikers will enjoy riding the hard-packed dirt trails  over volcanic pebbles leftover from Arenal's 1968 eruptions. Trails around the lake and the volcano take riders through the rainforest, along the shore and through the small towns like El Castillo. Lightweight mountain bikes and gear are available for rent in La Fortuna. Local outfits specialize in bike tours for both beginner and experienced riders.

Safari River Float 

The Penas Blancas River is a natural wildlife corridor that provides a quiet, eco-friendly means of getting up close to sloths, coatimundis, caimans, American crocodiles, green iguanas, oriole snakes, emerald basilisk lizards, howler, white-faced and spider monkeys.  Floating tours are available in canoes and rafts.

Sport Fishing

Lake Arenal's waters are full of rainbow bass (locally known as guapote), one of the best-fighting freshwater fish in Costa Rica. Visitors can arrange either half or full-day fishing trips on the lake with experienced captains. Anglers have caught rainbow bass weighing upwards of 11 pounds, as well as machaca, mojarra and tilapia. Some hotels and restaurants will happily prepare your fresh catch for dinner.

Volunteer & Study Spanish

Volunteer helping feed monkeys, while learning Spanish at Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Shelter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife and Spanish immersion program. The shelter's eight acres of primary and secondary rainforest are home to rescued parrots, monkeys, kinkajous, raccoons and other native species. Volunteers are welcome to help feed animals, build and clean cages and plant trees. The Spanish school and cultural immersion program  raises money for the center. Short and long-term volunteers are welcome. Day visitors should make reservations in advance to see the project facilities. Located 10 minutes outside of La Fortuna. Telephone: 2475-9121 / 8379-3005.

Waterfall Rappelling 

Feel what it's like to go over the edge of a waterfall in this adrenaline-fueled sport.  Waterfall-rappelling combines belaying with hiking and swimming to explore Arenal's canyons and gorges hidden amidst the rainforest. At Lost Canyon, one of Arenal's waterfall rappelling destinations, visitors rappel down a series of four waterfalls, more than 200 feet height.   

Whitewater Rafting

Paddlers looking to experience whitewater rafting for the first time, or returning for a new experience will find a variety of rivers around Arenal to try their hand.

• Balsa River (Class II-III) takes guests through the forest and pastures. The first half of the tour is a relentless series of rapids while the second half of the trip allows guests a little more time to take in the scenery.

• Toro River (Class III-IV), often a favorite among rafting guides, features the most challenging rapids of any river in the area, but is only open in the wet season (May-Nov.)

• Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV), whose entrance is different than those in Sarapiqui, offers fast-paced action with intense and large rapids that require complex maneuvering. While they're not for the faint of heart, beginners will have no problem tackling these rapids.

Windsurfing 

Warm waters, mild temperatures and characteristic high winds make Lake Arenal  a popular destination for windsurfers.  The winds sometimes reach speeds of 40 mph Dec. through April on the west end of the lake. Lessons are available and windsurfing gear can be rented at several local hotels and shops around the lake. Most rental shops are located between the towns of Nuevo Arenal and Tilaran.

Watersports 

Lake Arenal's calm, glass inlets provide the perfect space for jumping wake to wake behind a boat wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake skating and wake surfing – and you can do it all in the same day. There's only two companies on the lake offering tours,  one on the east and one on the west end of the lake. The company on the west end, Fly Zone, offers pick-up for singles and small groups.

Arenal has a breadth of natural attractions drawing in visitors from all over the world. Explore natural wonders like the cerulean waters of the Celeste River or climb across cooled lava flows in Arenal National Park. Discover monkeys, sloths and all manner of wildlife along the Cano Negro River or in the depths of the rainforest at Arenal's hanging bridges. Unwind in Arenal's world famous hot springs or cool off in the stream beside the 230-foot La Fortuna waterfall.

Arenal covers an expanse stretching from La Fortuna, around the volcano and across the Lake Arenal. Since many attractions are a 15-minute drive from town, most travelers rent a car, either in San Jose or La Fortuna, to get around. Travelers without a car are better off staying in La Fortuna where there's better access to restaurants, shopping, hotels and buses.  Tour operators offer transportation to and from your hotel regardless of where you are.

Arenal on Foot:

Located 11 miles east of Arenal Volcano, the town of La Fortuna is approximately seven blocks long and three blocks wide. Restaurants, shops and internet cafes line the main street. There's a church and a central park in the center of town with shaded benches and views of the volcano.

Bicycle and Scooter Rental:

Bicycles are a great way to take in the scenic beauty of the area, but perilous to ride on the main roads outside of La Fortuna due to a lack of sidewalks or bike lanes. . You can rent a bicycle from one of La Fortuna’s hotels, or head to a bike store located in La Fortuna. Well-maintained street or mountain bikes can be rented for about $20/day or $130/week.

Car Rental:

Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Arenal. There are a few car rental companies in town, with prices comparable to those in San Jose or Liberia. Many car rental services will now drop off a car at your hotel, if you suddenly get the urge to have one mid-vacation. 

Taxi:

Taxis are plentiful in town and are an easy (but not cheap) way to get around. All taxis are equipped with meters. For long distance hauls, it is better to negotiate a price with the driver beforehand, as the meter can really add up. Contafor Ocho Rojos operates the red taxi Telephone: 2479-8522 or 2479-9607. Sample taxi fares from the center of town to nearby destinations:

Arenal Lake: $25
Arenal Volcano National Park: $25
Tabacon Hot Springs: $16
Nuevo Arenal: $45
Ciudad Quesada: $56
San Ramon: $120 San Jose: $170

Public Bus:

Though there is excellent public bus service for getting to and from La Fortuna, local bus service is infrequent and inconvenient for sightseeing.  However, buses leave twice a day (8 a.m. and 2p.m.) from the La Fortuna bus station (one block south of the central park) heading on the highway around Lake Arenal for $5. These buses can drop you off at many of the area's hot springs and Arenal Volcano National Park.

For those on a budget, pick a hotel in downtown La Fortuna, where lodging is within walking distance of many restaurants and other facilities.

Air:

Nature Air has daily flights to Arenal from San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, the Osa Peninsula, and other popular destinations. From San Jose, the flight lasts approximately 30 minutes and departs from Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas (20 minutes from the international airport). The Nature Air office in La Fortuna is located on Central avenue.

Bus:

Transportes San Jose Venecia operates the route San Jose – La Fortuna. Telephones: 2255-0567, 2255-4318 or 2255-4300.

From San Jose: $5.05; 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; four hours. Departs from the intersection of Calle 12 and Avenida 7.

To San Jose: departs at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.; four hours. Buses leave from the bus station in La Fortuna.

Car:

From San Jose take Route 1 north and follow the signs for San Ramon. Continue for 19 miles and turn right into San Ramon. Continue straight and drive through the town. Turn left following the signs to Arenal Volcano and continue to Los Angeles del Sur. At the green church there is a Y; Veer left, following volcano signs. A bit farther there is a restaurant on your left called El Mirador; this is a great spot for a light snack. Next door is a souvenir shop that sells the usual and has clean bathrooms that are free for travelers. Continue on this curvy, mountainous road.

You will cross several bridges over Rio La Balsa and Rio Catarata. Continue through the town of Las Tunas. After this town, you'll see an old tollbooth—veer left at the Y and follow volcano signs to La Tigra. Pass through La Tigra and go over the La Tigra Bridge that spans the Penas Blancas River. Only one car is allowed to cross at a time. Continue through the town of Chachagua and arrive in La Fortuna.  The trip takes approximately three to four hours from San Jose depending on traffic and road conditions.

Shuttle Transfer:

Private shuttle buses are also available to La Fortuna. Air-conditioned vans will pick you up in the country’s most popular towns including San Jose, Conchal/Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. The journey costs approximately $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required.

Additionally, private transfers are available as an add-on to day trips on the Balsa and Toro Rivers. Your bags will be transported to La Fortuna for retrieval after whitewater rafting and a late lunch. Pickup can be arranged from several tourist hotspots throughout Costa Rica.

Trips to / from Monteverde and Arenal:

Visitors can travel to Arenal via a combination of transportation including  jeep-boat-jeep, taxi-boat-taxi or by a horse-boat-horse journey from the cloud forest town of Monteverde. All of these trips transport your luggage separately and offer a scenic journey between the two towns. Horseback riding trails can be slippery, especially during the wet season,(May-Nov.). Trips to Monteverde from La Fortuna are popular as well. The transfer can be booked at several hotels and tour operators in La Fortuna.

Whether staying in La Fortuna or out in the countryside, all of Arenal's hotels, lodges and resorts look toward the massive Arenal Volcano. Hotels outside La Fortuna tend to have better views, a wider range of prices and a greater variety of room styles while hotels in town exchange the serenity of the countryside for ease of access to La Fortuna's restaurants, bars and tour operators.

Outside La Fortuna

Cruise along the highway that wraps around the volcano and you'll find roughly 25 hotels ranging from quaint lodges to expansive luxury resorts; each with great volcano views.

• For about $60, you'll find simple, clean accommodations that include breakfast. These lodges, hotels and motel often have a pool, but little else.

• For about $120, you'll find bungalows with larger windows, patios and betters views of the volcano. These hotels have their own restaurants, multiple pools, often have spas and occasionally have their own hot springs.

• For $200+, you'll find luxury bungalows with an extensive list of amenities and great views from the rooms. These are the luxury hotels that have multiple pools, restaurants and often have their own hot springs.

You'll find the number one, hands down, best views of the volcano at the Springs Resort – named one of seven resorts with the most spectacular views in the world according to CNN – but at $465 a night for a standard room, you'll be pulling out your American Express black card to pay for it.

Inside La Fortuna

La Fortuna tends to have the most affordable hotel rates of anywhere in Arenal. There's still a pretty wide variety of hostels and hotels and all of them are close to La Fortuna's sodas, restaurants and bars. Staying in town is the best options for travelers without their own transportation as it's close to the bus station and the easiest place to book tours.

• For $14 to $20, you'll find hostels with dorms that usually sleep around 6 people and include A/C, hot water and cable TV. Most hostels have their own pools and sometimes include a living area.

• For $20+, you'll find hostels with private rooms that have basic amenities and usually include a private bathroom. Most hostels have their own pools and sometimes include a living area.

• For about $60, you'll find standard, clean and convenient hotel rooms with basic amenities.

Hotel Jireh, just a block west of the church, has a great location in the center of downtown La Fortuna. At $65, it's got affordable prices, two pools, an in-house tour company and it's across the street from La Fortuna's most popular bar – the Lava Lounge.

The first decision you'll have to make when dining in Arenal is whether to stay in or eat out. Staying in means braving the prices of your hotel's restaurant and that'll be a pretty penny more than almost anywhere in town. Alternatively, you could drive into La Fortuna or try one of the restaurants scattered along the highway around Arenal volcano.  La Fortuna, the major hub for restaurants and night life, has many different restaurants to choose from and most fall under one of three categories; fusion, sodas and international.

Fusion restaurants are basically a smorgasbord of international dishes that include pasta, steak and seafood plus Costa Rican favorites like casado.  In-town favorites among travelers include Lava Lounge, Don Rufino's and Punto Fusion, but most hotels in Arenal could probably fall under the label as well. These restaurants tend to have similar menus and are mostly differentiated by ambiance and price – roughly between $10 and $30 per entree.

Sodas are the best finds for travelers who'd rather spend their money on adventure than fine dining. These little dollops of culture have identical menus of Costa Rican staples like casado (spiced meat, rice beans and veggie sides), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) and homemade sandwiches. Each restaurant has its own style and flavor. Prices range from $4-$6 for a plate.

The third category includes the rest of those hard-to-pin-down international restaurants that each fills a different niche. These are the pizza places, the two Japanese restaurants, the steakhouses, the Peruvian restaurant and the Burger King, all of which you'll find within La Fortuna's town limits.

Despite La Fortuna being the tourist hub of Arenal, there isn't a whole lot happening in town after 9 p.m. The Lava Lounge tends to be the most popular bar in town, though you'll find a few bars scattered around the central park. Apparently bar Kazan (located beside the Cascada restaurant) has loud music, tie-dye and tiki huts, but you'll have to check that out for yourself.

La Fortuna is Arenal's go to location for hotels, shopping, restaurants and tours. Just 11 miles east of the Arenal volcano, La Fortuna has supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, shops, Internet cafes, a post office and a gas station all within walking distance of downtown.

Public Phones

La Fortuna has pay phones in the central park, but you'll need to purchase a pre-paid phone card from the local grocery store or pharmacy to use them.

Cell Phones

Cell phone service has improved in recent years, and most hotels and tourist hotspots receive at least minimum signal strength. However, there is no service available within Arenal Volcano National Park.

Internet

Internet cafes are on every block in La Fortuna, offering high-speed connections and Wi-Fi for cell phones and laptops. In general, the cost hovers around $1 per hour. Many hotels and hostels offer Internet access in their lobbies and some have free in-room Wi-Fi. 

Gas Stations

There is a full-service gas station in the center of La Fortuna, located on the main street, where drivers can fuel up, get their oil checked, and perform other basic vehicle maintenance.

Post Office

Located on the north side of the Catholic church, the La Fortuna post office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Banks

La Fortuna has four banks. Each has an  ATM that will accept most international debit and credit cards. 

Fortuna Clinic  

Located on Calle 3, the public clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and all night on Friday and Saturday. On Mondays, the clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some doctors speak English. Minor injuries only. Telephone: 2479-9501 or 2479-9142.

All major injuries or accidents requiring surgery have to be transferred 50 minutes by car/ambulance to the public hospital in Ciudad Quesada.

Pharmacies

In Costa Rica, pharmacists are trained and licensed to attend minor maladies and to prescribe most medicines. For minor ills – migraines, cuts, flus – the pharmacy will be the least expensive and, usually, the most efficient option.