Top Experiences in Arenal/La Fortuna

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Make the most of your time in Arenal and La Fortuna with our top activity picks. If you're unafraid of heights and would like to explore the canopy of the rainforest with clear views of Arenal Volcano, consider an experience similar to this guided walk on Arenal's treetop hanging bridges. For a thrilling water experience, you may enjoy something like this whitewater rafting on the Balsa River, where you can paddle through Class II and III rapids, spot tropical birds and monkeys, and even swim along the calmer stretches of the river. If you're interested in trying out canyoning, an excursion like this Lost Canyon adventure may be perfect for you, as you'll rappel down the side of three waterfalls in the rainforest and enjoy a refreshing dip in the largest waterfall's pool.
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
4.8
(39)
5 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this Arenal Volcano National Park adventure lets you experience Costa Rica's cloud forests from above and below. Step aboard an open-air gondola to reach the Mano del Arenal lookout, then descend along a series of seven thrilling zipline cables,...
(photo courtesy of Desafio Costa Rica)
Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure
4.9
(14)
5 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for adventure seekers, this half-day jungle excursion introduces you to the thrill of rappelling down waterfalls and sheer canyon walls. Your guide will provide brief safety instructions and outfit you with a harness, then it's time to rappel down the side of three different waterfalls,...
Raft down the Río Balsa as you spot wildlife on the riverbanks (photo courtesy of Desafio Costa Rica)
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
4.9
(13)
5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling...
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
4.7
(24)
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular...
Take a gentle rafting trip to spot wildlife and colorful birds (photo courtesy of Jacamar Tours)
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
4.6
(36)
4 hours
·
Small group
Float slowly down the wildlife-rich Río Peñas Blancas and experience the tranquility of the rainforest on a family-friendly rafting trip. It's the perfect opportunity to observe the region's diverse wildlife like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and alligators, as well as birdlife like herons,...
(Photo courtesy of Jacamar Naturalist Tours)
Lake Arenal Sunset Cruise with Wine & Cheese
5.0
(5)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Cruise Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, at sunset for unparalleled views of Arenal Volcano's west flank aglow from the setting sun. As you glide across the calm waters, enjoy your verdant surroundings and spot wildlife like herons, kingfishers, and occasionally sloths or...
More waterfall adventures await at the Río Celeste
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Rainforest Hike with Lunch
4.8
(9)
6 hours
·
Small group
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a hike through the lush tropical rainforest along the Río Celeste, one of Costa Rica's most striking rivers. Led by a guide, you'll stop to check out Los Teñideros, the visually striking point where two streams converge to create Celeste's iconic...
Baby sloth
Sloth Discovery Walk
4.6
(29)
3 hours
·
Small group
Experience the charm of sloths in their natural habitat during a guided walk of a family-run ecological project just outside La Fortuna. With options for morning, afternoon, or night walks, you'll follow a short trail with a naturalist guide skilled in spotting two-toed and three-toed sloths...
Keep a keen eye above you for adorable, slow-moving sloths
Sloth & Bird Hike
4.9
(7)
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Join an expert guide for a family-friendly, 1.2-mile hike through Costa Rica's secondary rainforest a few minutes from La Fortuna in search of the country's most beloved creature—the sloth. With the help of your guide's keen eye, you'll spot camouflaged sloths as well as vibrant birdlife,...
A hot spring near Arenal
Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs & Meal
4.8
(8)
7 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy a day of hiking and relaxation on this popular excursion to the Arenal Volcano 1968 Park and the Tabacon Hot Springs. You'll begin with a guided hike around the base of the famed Arenal Volcano, keeping your eyes open for exotic birds and monkeys and taking in magnificent views of the...
The center nurses three-toed sloths back to health
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Volunteer Experience
4.8
(6)
6 hours
·
Small group
Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. (Because the center's goal is to release as...
(Photo courtesy of Jacamar Naturalist Tours)
Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
5.0
(4)
3 hours
·
Small group
Experience the rainforest after dark on this guided excursion of Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve near La Fortuna. As the sun goes down, you'll venture into the jungle, exploring this haven for plants, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal animals. Highlights your guide will point...
(Photo courtesy of Jacamar Tours)
Waterfall & Volcano Hiking Adventure with Lunch
4.6
(13)
8 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this full-day adventure takes you deep into the volcanic landscapes and lush cloud forests around Arenal. Your day starts at La Fortuna Waterfall, where you'll follow your guide down winding stairs and paths and dive into the cascade's pool for a...
(Photo courtesy of Ecoterra Costa Rica)
Maleku Cultural Immersion Day Trip
4.8
(5)
6 hours
·
Small group
Learn about northern Costa Rica's cultural roots on this guided visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve, home to three separate communities—Tonjibe, Margarita, and El Sol. This immersive experience includes a village walk to uncover traditional burial practices, ancient palenque construction, and the...
Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River
4.8
(5)
8 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Navigating a 14-mile stretch of over 40 Class III and IV rapids, you'll paddle hard under the guidance of an experienced leader, likely experiencing thrilling water plunges. Amidst the excitement, enjoy the...
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
4.8
(5)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Located in the tropical rainforest, the towering La Fortuna Waterfall is an attraction you want to check out. Get up close with the cascade on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas en route. Your guide will point out rock formations...
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Arenal
5.0
(3)
5.5 hours
·
Small group
After a boat takes you to the center of Lake Arenal, you'll enjoy a 2.5-hour SUP session, complete with stunning views of Arenal Volcano, mountain vistas, and an island teeming with waterbirds.
(photo courtesy of Ecoterra Costa Rica)
Morning Bird-Watching Hike with Breakfast
4.8
(4)
4 hours
·
Small group
Get an "early bird" start for this guided excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a remarkable variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. You'll follow a naturalist guide through the park's...
Learn just how diverse Costa Rican cuisine can be
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
4.5
(10)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Get a hands-on introduction to Costa Rican cuisine with this evening excursion that's perfect for foodies. It starts with a stroll through vegetable gardens to learn about the ingredients and crops used in the local fare. Then, it's time to meet your friendly chef, mix up a tropical cocktail, and...
Hiking trail in Arenal National Park
Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike
4.4
(23)
3.5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on a guided adventure through Arenal Volcano 1968 Park, where you'll find Arenal Volcano. As you navigate the path around the volcano's base, you may be lucky enough to spot exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures that your expert guide's keen eyes will try and find. You'll continue...
(Photo courtesy of North Fields)
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Experience
4.6
(5)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Visit a family-owned farm in La Fortuna to learn about the traditional methods for producing coffee, chocolate, and sugar. You'll be led through every step, from the nursery to the final tasting of each Costa Rican export. As the farm also houses animals and other local crops, you'll have a...
Observe Costa Rica's emblematic sloths, like this baby, on an easy walk along a rainforest trail (photo courtesy of EcoTerra Costa Rica)
Private Sloth Discovery Walk
5.0
(2)
3 hours
·
Private
Experience the charm of sloths in their natural habitat during a privately guided walk of a family-run ecological project just outside La Fortuna. With options for morning, afternoon, or night walks, you'll follow a short trail with a naturalist guide skilled in spotting two-toed and three-toed...
Backroad Mountain Biking Around Lake Arenal
4.7
(3)
4 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an exciting mountain biking adventure in Costa Rica, where you'll traverse farmlands and forests against the gorgeous backdrop of Arenal Volcano. Your journey begins at the quaint town of Fosforos on Lake Arenal, where a friendly guide will equip you with the necessary gear and safety...
Boating in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
4.5
(4)
8 hours
·
Small group
Spot rare birds, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and more on a boat tour around the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Located in the far north of the country, nearly a two-hour drive from La Fortuna, this ecologically diverse refuge is home to abundant wildlife. After a drive through the Costa Rican...
waterfall in Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Cloud Forest Hike in Juan Castro Blanco National Park
5.0
(1)
9 hours
·
Small group
Explore Juan Castro Blanco National Park, one of the lesser-known and least visited of Costa Rica's national parks, and its resident wildlife with a naturalist guide. Nicknamed "the National Park of Water," this biodiverse tract of rainforest and cloud forest is northern Costa Rica's primary...
Relax in volcanic hot springs
Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk & Tabacon Hot Springs with Meal
5.0
(1)
8 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy a mix of active adventures and relaxation on this popular day trip to the Arenal Hanging Bridges and Tabacon Hot Springs. You'll start with a leisurely hike through the rainforest along a series of suspension bridges, learning about the jungle's unique ecosystem and spotting rare birds in...
(Photo Courtesy of Ecoterra Costa Rica)
Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Nature Walk
4.2
(15)
3 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for nature lovers and curious kids, this gentle nature walk introduces you to the plants and animals of a private ecological park just outside La Fortuna. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide along...
Two red-eyed tree frogs
Nocturnal Frog Excursion & Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
4.5
(2)
4 hours
·
Small group
This evening tour offers a combination of nature and Costa Rican cuisine. Armed with flashlights, you'll follow your guide along a short trail, looking for nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, bats, and more. One highlight along the walk is a visit to a frog sanctuary, where your guide...
Sky Adventures Hanging Bridges
4.5
(2)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Explore the forest from an elevated perspective on this excursion to Sky Walk, one of the first hanging bridges in Costa Rica. Follow a naturalist guide along a series of nature trails and five suspension bridges (some as high as 230 feet or 70 meters), stopping to appreciate various flora and...
(Photo courtesy of Jacamar Naturalist Tours)
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
4.3
(3)
3 hours
·
Private
Set out on a privately guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to...

Experiences in Arenal/La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Wildlife of Arenal
Top Wildlife Experiences in Arenal/La Fortuna

Packed with dense rainforests, national parks, nature preserves, rivers, and rehabilitation centers, Arenal/La Fortuna is an excellent choice for wildlife experiences in Costa Rica. Take advantage of the forests with wildlife hikes and birding excursions—some by day and some by night—plus visit butterfly gardens and wildlife refuges and learn more about local conservation efforts. Enjoy animals on the water, too, with boat and kayaking experiences.

San José from above
Top Cultural Experiences in Costa Rica

From vibrant cities to humble artisanal villages, protected jungles to stretches of farmland, and sweet chocolate to rich rum, Costa Rica is a country full of cultural experiences. You can enjoy cooking classes to discover traditional recipes; learn how farmers grow and process important exports like coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane; visit hamlets known for artisan crafts; or tour museums and beloved neighborhoods in the heart of San José.

The beauty of Arenal
Best Things to Do in Arenal/La Fortuna

Explore La Fortuna, a small town in Costa Rica's Arenal area, set at the base of the country's most popular volcano. Its surrounding region offers some of the best hiking, zip-lining, canyoneering, and wildlife spotting in the country. You can hike atop lava fields and through rainforests, discover electric-blue waterfalls, and spot critters like sloths and monkeys. Get your adrenaline pumping with white-water rafting or walking the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Then, dive into the area's culture with a visit to an organic coffee farm or soak in a hot spring.

Hiking in the Rainforest
Top Active Experiences in Costa Rica

Sporty travelers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts will find endless active experiences in Costa Rica, a country filled with rainforests, beaches, coral reefs, volcanoes, national parks, waterfalls, rivers, and more—all waiting to be discovered. In Costa Rica, you can rappel into canyons, raft through whitewater rapids, mountain bike near active volcanoes, hike through national parks, surf at world-renowned beaches, snorkel above reefs, zipline through the rainforest, and more!

Hiking in Costa Rica
Top Family Experiences in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers adventures suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Kids and adults alike love spotting wildlife, ziplining through cloud forests, learning how to surf, touring organic farms, and much more. The unique experiences you can enjoy in Costa Rica—a country leading the world in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation—will leave a lasting impression on the entire family for years to come.

Arenal/La Fortuna
Top Active Experiences in Arenal/La Fortuna

Thanks to its array of recreational opportunities, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who prefer active vacations all make their way to Costa Rica's Arenal/La Fortuna region. Enjoy lively excursions with unique twists, such as trekking to aquamarine lagoons, rappelling down waterfalls, hiking along hanging bridges suspended in the air, or standup paddleboarding, biking, and horseback riding at the base of a volcano.

Learn more about Arenal/La Fortuna : Best of Arenal/La Fortuna · Top Hotels in Arenal/La Fortuna
Top experiences in popular travel destinations in Costa Rica: Tortuguero · Drake Bay · Rincón de la Vieja · Nosara · Monteverde · Corcovado National Park · Gulf of Papagayo · San José · Manuel Antonio · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca · Sámara · Tamarindo · Osa Peninsula
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