La Fortuna 3-day itinerary

Begin at Catarata La Fortuna — descend 500 steps through tropical forest to reach the base of a thundering 70m waterfall that crashes into a turquoise pool. The morning light penetrates the canopy and illuminates the mist rising from the falls. Swim in the cool water, photograph the cascade from the viewing platform, and take your time — this is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural sites. The climb back up is the real workout.

Head to Arenal Volcano National Park (15 minutes from town) and hike the lava flow trails. The 1968 eruption buried the western flank in lava that has since hardened into dramatic black formations now being reclaimed by the forest. The main trail (3.4km loop, 2 hours) passes through primary rainforest with toucans, howler monkeys, coatimundis, and poison dart frogs. Views of the cone appear through gaps in the canopy — on clear days the perfect symmetry is breathtaking.

Reward yourself at Tabacón Hot Springs — a world-class thermal resort where naturally heated volcanic water cascades through a series of pools at temperatures ranging from 27°C to 42°C, surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls, and swim-up bars. The hot water eases every muscle while Arenal's dark silhouette looms overhead. For a budget alternative, the free river hot springs offer the same geothermal experience without the price tag.

Cross the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges — a network of 16 bridges (6 of them suspension bridges up to 98m long) strung through the canopy of primary rainforest on Arenal's slopes. Walking at treetop level reveals a completely different world: epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads cling to ancient trees while toucans, hummingbirds, and sloths inhabit the canopy. The longest bridge sways gently 60m above the forest floor with the volcano visible through the mist.

Get your adrenaline fix on one of La Fortuna's zip-line canopy tours. Multiple operators run circuits of 8–12 cables strung between platforms high in the forest canopy, with the longest runs spanning over 750m. The sensation of flying above the treetops with Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake as your backdrop is unforgettable. Some tours include a Tarzan swing and rappelling descent.

Explore the small town of La Fortuna itself — the central park, church (with the iconic volcano-behind-the-church photo opportunity), and surrounding streets of restaurants and shops. Eat at a soda (local restaurant) for casado — the traditional Costa Rican meal of rice, beans, salad, plantain, and your choice of meat. The town has a friendly, walkable feel despite its tourism industry.

Join a morning rafting expedition on one of Costa Rica's legendary rivers. The Balsa River (Class II-III) offers an accessible half-day adventure suitable for beginners, while the Pacuare River (Class III-IV, full day) is considered one of the top 10 rafting rivers in the world — carving through a jungle gorge with waterfalls pouring from the cliffs and toucans flying overhead. Both trips include transport, equipment, and a guide.

Drive west to Lake Arenal — a massive reservoir surrounded by rolling green hills with the volcano dominating the eastern horizon. The western end of the lake is one of the best windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding spots in Costa Rica. Rent a paddleboard ($20 per hour) and glide across the calm water with the volcanic cone reflected in the surface. The surrounding forest is home to monkeys, toucans, and vibrant green macaws.

Spend your last evening at the hot springs — either the premium Tabacón experience or the free river springs. The volcanic water works magic on muscles tired from three days of adventure. Have a final dinner in town, reflecting on waterfalls, volcanoes, canopy walks, and rapids. La Fortuna packs more adventure into a small area than almost anywhere in Central America.