La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall The waterfall drops about 70−75 meters and is located at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, about 5.5 km outside of the town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano. It is fed by the Arenal River, which travels through the rain forest in the Arenal Mountain range until it plunges over the cliff, forming this waterfall.
The admission is $18 USD for adults and $10 for children under 8 years old. The hike down to the waterfall is a short but arduous one, along a staircase carved into the hillside. Guests are encouraged to swim in the stream and small rapids below the falls, and there’s a lifeguard on duty.
There are restrooms and showers in the guest facilities atop the cliff, along with a restaurant and gift shop. It should take 10 minutes to go down and about 20 to get back up to the parking lot. Open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
La Fortuna Free Hot Springs |Arenal Volcano.
The thermal heated Tabacon river, which heats the springs at the famous Tabacon Resort, continues to flow past the hotel property, making this pleasantly steamy river accessible and free. Bathers will be treated to warm waters and stunning rainforest surroundings.
This is a great option for those on a budget or who don’t want to be bothered with large crowds and pricey entrance fees.
Arenal Lake
It is currently the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85-square-kilometre (33 sq mi). Its depth varies between 30 and 60 meters (100–200 feet) season.
The town of Arenal was relocated to higher ground when the lake was expanded in 1979. The old towns of Arenal and Tronadora now lie abandoned at the bottom of the lake, with the new town of Arenal existing to the northeast on the lake.
Things to do here : Rent a kayak and discover the small lake islands – Motor boat tours – Water sports
Free Jungle Hiking Trail
Beautiful free hiking trail near Arenal Volcano & Lake
This is a natural and free trail located in La Fortuna, next to Lake Arenal, some tour operators use it for birdwatching.
Once you get to Arenal Lake on the right you see a gravel road, this route also leads to the Arenal National Park.
It is one of the most beautiful scenic tours of the Arenal Volcano where you can see the Arenal Lake, the Volcano and a great variety of birds, monkeys, tropical plants with beautiful colorful flowers and more. At early hours in the morning is the Best time for this hike or around 4 pm
This Natural trail has a distance of 4 km and it can take 45 minutes to get from one point to the other.
Rock Pools & Tarzan Swing La Fortuna.
El Salto (The Rock Pools) is a free local water hole surrounded by a tropical forest. It’s a great place to cool down on a hot day.
The water hole is a small clearing in a river, downstream from La Fortuna Waterfall. There are large rocks encompassing the river and a small waterfall leading down to the water hole.
Spend your morning or afternoon jumping off rocks, swimming in the water hole or hanging around the river bed. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the rope swing!
Arenal Park
The park encompasses the Arenal Volcano, which “was” the most active in the country, which had previously been believed to be dormant until a major eruption in 1968. It neighbors Lake Arenal, which is the site of the country’s largest hydroelectricity project, the Lake Arenal Dam.
The park also contains a second volcano, Chato, whose crater contains a lagoon. It is also called Cerro Chato (literally Mount Chato) as it has been inactive for around 3500 years–coinciding with the creation and growth of Arenal itself. In and around the park are various lodges and hotels, some with their own hot springs, and others focused on the wildlife of the area.
1968 Arenal Lava Trail
Volcano Hiking trail next to the National Park – Stunning views to 1968 lava flow.
Hot Springs Resorts near Arenal Volcano
Restaurants & Bars in La Fortuna Arenal Volcano
There is a great variety of restaurants and bars in the village of La Fortuna, most of them near the Park. There are options for all tastes and all budgets,here some of the best options
- Rufinos – International Cuisine
- Los Nenes Restaurant – Steak House
- La Choza del Laurel – Typical food
- La Fonda 506 – International Cuisine
Souvernirs & Art Galleries
In La Fortuna you can find many souvenir shops but there are places that sell unique and original pieces by true artisans.
Original Grand Gallery – 2 km from the town of La Fortuna on the way to the volcano
Aguas Verdes Gallery – 2 km from the town of La Fortuna on the way to the volcano
Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges (Self Guided Tour)
Arenal Volcano Sloth Watching Trail
How to get from La Fortuna to the national park by bus :Take the bus to the town of Tilaran at 8 am or 12 15 pm at the bus station of La Fortuna, it costs $ 2 per person and takes 25 minutes approximately, the bus drop you off 2 km from the National Park entrance, so It is necessary to walk, the same bus goes back at 1:30 pm & 5 pm approximately. ( Just wait in front of the police station by the national park.
La Fortuna Things to do on your own | Arenal Volcano Things to do on your own.
