The little Costa Rican hamlet of La Fortuna attracts tourists from all over the world. Visitors go from all over the world to see Costa Rica's most well-known active volcano and the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. Learn all there is to know about visiting Arenal with our help.

Explore Arenal

Located in the central lowlands to the north of the capital San José lies the little town of La Fortuna, with a population of 15,000. Nevertheless, it attracts about 1.5 million tourists annually. The result is that this tiny town is always jam-packed with tourists who have come to see the most well-known of the several volcanoes in this region.

Now, tell me again why Arenal Volcano is the best. It's one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica, although it's been quite some time since this 5,673-foot-tall beast last erupted. In 1968, there was a large eruption.

Still, it was the last time it happened. 87 people lost their lives when three enormous craters opened up on the volcano's western flank, releasing poisonous fumes and lava that wiped out the communities of Tabacón.

The Preparation of a Trip

Knowing the area and the various attractions that can be found outside La Fortuna are essential when arranging your trip to Arenal. Not everyone who visits Costa Rica knows that La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano are within the 29,692-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, which is part of the enormous 504,094-acre Arenal Conservation Area.

There are abundant natural and geological attractions within these thousands of acres. That opens up a world of potential vacation spots and day outings. So, pack like you're going on an expedition since anything might happen.

Pack a bag, hiking boots, cap, water bottle, insect repellant, sturdy sunglasses, and sunscreen to be prepared for any outdoor adventures. T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are uniform for casual occasions and errands that don't require much physical exertion.

Arrival at La Fortuna, The Gate To Arenal

From San José, a trip to La Fortuna takes under an hour. Some of the more common modes of transportation are listed below.

• You can take a bus, which leaves from Ave. 7-9 at Calle 12 and gets you there in about four hours.
• A shuttle, which costs a little more but accommodates a smaller number of people than a public bus, maybe a better option if you're looking for a more personal mode of transportation.
• If you're driving a rental car, go west on Highway 1 and turn north on Highway 703 in San Ramon. Traveling from San José to San Ramon requires an hour and a half. Two more hours' travel north will get you to La Fortuna. To go to La Fortuna from San José should take around three and a half hours.
• If you want to fly, the local airline Sansa has flights from San José to La Fortuna every day in the afternoon. It's a 30-minute drive.

If you find yourself in La Fortuna, the best way to get around is on foot. If you want to visit Arenal, plenty of tour operators and travel agencies in La Fortuna will be happy to arrange transportation for you in the 20 minutes it takes to go from the city to the park's entrance.

Highlights and Activities

If you're looking for a nice place to travel, Arenal is a good option because you can easily fill a week in La Fortuna with exciting activities. Here are some of the most enjoyable ways to spend a few hours or days.

Trekking Routes

Walking trails around Arenal is a common way to spend a day in the park. These paths have been recently renovated and are perfect for quick jaunts. The Sendero Colada 1968 is a popular route that is a little over two miles long.

Tucanes Trail, another popular hiking destination, is just approximately 1.3 miles in length. The paths don't do much climbing but go through a forest and some lava fields that have since dried out.

The well-traveled Sendero Las Coladas, for instance, skirts these lava outcrops. In the clearings, you may get picture-perfect views of Arenal. Another short path, Sendero El Ceibo, leads to a magnificent Ceiba tree that towers over the landscape at 164 feet tall.

Natural Hot Springs

An expedition to the geothermal hot springs is a common thing to do for tourists in La Fortuna. The Tabacon River continues to feed the hot springs that emerged following the eruption of 1968.

In this region, you may find a wide variety of springs, each with special qualities. Some have both heated and unheated pools, and some are more luxurious and have water slides and swim-up bars. Admission prices vary, but there are hot springs here that won't break the bank.