La Fortuna 1-day itinerary

Start your day at Catarata La Fortuna — a thundering 70m waterfall that plunges into an emerald pool surrounded by tropical rainforest. The descent involves 500 concrete steps down a steep ravine (and the same 500 back up), but the reward is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica. Swim in the cool pool at the base while the mist from the cascade refreshes you. The morning light filters through the canopy creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Drive or take a taxi to the Arenal Volcano National Park for trails with views of the perfectly conical 1,633m volcano. The park's main trail winds through regenerating lava fields from the 1968 eruption — hardened black lava flows now colonised by pioneer plants and tropical forest. On clear days, the volcano's cone is sharply defined against the blue sky. On cloudy days, dramatic wisps of cloud wrap around the summit. Both are photogenic.

End the day at one of La Fortuna's famous volcanic hot springs. Tabacón is the most luxurious — a series of cascading thermal pools set in manicured tropical gardens with swim-up bars. For budget travellers, the free hot springs along the river (locally called "the local's hot springs") offer the same geothermally heated water without the entrance fee. Soak tired muscles while gazing up at Arenal's silhouette against the star-filled sky.