Costa Rica

Arenal Activities

ATV Tours

Hop on a quad and explore Arenal’s backcountry roads on a half or full-day adventure. Helmets, safety goggles and a guide are included.

Bird and Wildlife Watching

The Arenal region is rich in biodiversity and common animals include howler and spider monkeys, coatimundis, agoutis, sloths, and a variety of birds. Several tour operators in La Fortuna offer guided day and night hikes to Arenal Volcano National Park and private reserves, where visitors are almost guaranteed to see a diverse selection of flora and fauna.

Canopy Tours

Canopy adventures are one of the area’s most popular activities, and each tour offers something for everyone. Do you want to soar over the La Fortuna waterfall, drink in scenic vistas, feel the thrill of a Tarzan swing, or just fly as fast and as long as possible? Arenal’s canopy tours offer eight to 12 platforms and cables that stretch more than 2200 feet, propelling guests through the air at over 45 miles per hour. In addition to larger canopy tour operators, several hotels run their own canopy adventures.

Caving

Spelunking is an underground adventure perfect for those who don't mind getting wet and muddy. Explore a series of caverns in the five million year old Venado Caves –– where stalactites and stalagmites are common. Four bat species populate the caves – 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. Learn more about caving in Costa Rica.

Hanging Bridges

Two miles of trail meander through the forest and along a series of fixed and suspension bridges, ranging from 16 to 330 feet long, allowing for exceptional bird and wildlife viewing. The bridges offer panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Guided tours are available, or guests may choose to walk the trails alone. Located 11 miles west of La Fortuna. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hiking

Trails through the Arenal Volcano National Park and several private reserves are ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Hiring a naturalist guide is the best way to spot hidden animals and learn about the local flora, which thrives in the fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soil. Tour operators provide guided hikes to both the Arenal Volcano National Park and to the Chato Volcano crater. 

Horseback Riding

La Fortuna is an agricultural town and several ranches provide half or full-day horseback excursions. Popular trips include visits to the La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano. 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. Many visitors opt to maximize adventure by riding horseback to the cloud forest town of Monteverde, a trip that lasts anywhere from 4-7 hours, depending on the trail used and weather conditions.

Hot Springs

Soak travel-weary muscles in volcanically-heated hot springs at one of the area’s many thermal resorts. The hot springs are lushly landscaped and feature swim-up bars, restaurants and, in some cases, excellent views of Arenal Volcano. Some resorts have their own hot springs, located a short distance from the rooms. The area’s major hot spring resorts – Baldi, The Springs Resort, Ecotermales and Tabacon – offer evening and full-day passes in addition to lunch or dinner with soaking packages. 

Kayaking 

Several tour operators specialize in kayak or canoe trips on Lake Arenal's calm waters. Look for herons, flycatchers and kingfishers along the shores. On clear days there are fantastic views of Arenal Volcano.

Mountain Biking

Lightweight mountain bikes and gear are available for rent in La Fortuna. Local outfits specialize in bike tours for both beginner and experienced riders. Bikers will enjoy the hard-packed dirt trails and beautiful scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

Safari River Float 

For those in search of a gentle float on a peaceful river, the Penas Blancas "Safari Float" tour is an excellent option. Trained naturalist guides do all the paddling work, so tourists are free to spend their time soaking in the sun, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the quiet river.

Sport Fishing

Picturesque Lake Arenal is chock 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.

Swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall

After hiking down to the La Fortuna Waterfall, visitors can cool themselves off in the refreshingly cold water of the waterfall. 

Volunteer & Study Spanish

Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Shelter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. 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. Proyecto Asis also runs a Spanish school and cultural immersion program that 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 ten minutes outside of La Fortuna. Telephone: 2475-9121 / 8379-3005

Waterfall Rappelling 

Zoom down the face of a waterfall on this adrenaline-fueled adventure sport. Guests hike into a rainforest canyon where they rappel a series of waterfalls, some of them over 200 feet high, using climbing gear and techniques. Read more about canyoning in Costa Rica.   

Whitewater Rafting

Paddlers can join whitewater tours on the Rio Balsa (Class II-III), Rio Toro (Class III-IV) or Sarapiqui (Class II- III) for a day on beautiful waters. Tours include a bilingual guide, safety equipment, transportation and lunch. Maximize your time and save money by booking a San Jose-La Fortuna rafting trip, which includes pickup in San Jose, two hours of exciting whitewater rafting on the Balsa or Toro River (your choice), a late lunch and final transport to your La Fortuna hotel. 

Windsurfing 

Forty mile-per-hour winds are not uncommon from December through April on Lake Arenal. Warm waters, mild temperatures and characteristic high winds make this spot a paradise for windsurfers. 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.

Arenal Travel Guide