A Complete Guide to Arenal and La Fortuna in Costa Rica
Read our travel guide on the best things to do in Arenal, tips on where to stay, activities, attractions, how to get, getting around, what to pack, when to go, and budget tips. Simply put, here is everything you need to know about Arenal Volcano National Park before you go.
Arenal is the epitome of the top travel destination in Costa Rica. Great facilities, fun activities, amazing scenery, beautiful volcano, and abundant wildlife, all that and much more offers Arenal.
For many, it's one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Our blog post will hopefully show you this area more closely, so you can plan your visit to this incredible Costa Rican region.
The chances are that you have already seen photos of Arenal even without knowing the name of the place. The conical-shaped volcano, which not that long ago was one of the most active of the bunch, is on Costa Rican every postcard.
Nowadays, Arenal is sleeping, probably waiting before it awakens from the hibernation once again.
Arenal and a small town La Fortuna, which is the gateway to the national park, serves as a perfect introduction to Costa Rica, and you can't choose a much better location that will slowly show the beauty of the dramatic nature forming this region.
This Arenal travel guide includes practical information and the best things to do. Simply put, here is everything you need to know about Arenal.
THINGS TO KNOW
Before we dive into the article, there are some things to know about Arenal. It's a general rule of thumb that the more you know about the area, the fewer surprises it will have in store, and you will have the chance to plan your trip to go as smoothly as possible.
ARENAL IN COSTA RICA
When you start searching for information about this top Costa Rican destination, you will soon enough find names such as Arenal, Arenal Nuevo, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, and La Fortuna.
They are not the same, and we'll try to explain these names as best we can step by step.
It's essential to clear the confusion as it will allow you to understand this area much better, and it will be much easier from now on to orientate in the directions. So first things first.
La Fortuna is a small town east of Arenal Volcano National Park, and this is the main town in the area where you can find all tourist services. You can say that La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park.
As the name suggests, Arenal Volcano National Park is a national park, where you can find many amazing places and natural attractions.
The most famous attraction within the national park is Arenal Volcano, which is coincidently the most famous volcano in Costa Rica.
Since Arenal Lake was extended, there is no Arenal town (the original village was flooded by the extension in 1978).
There is only Nuevo Arenal, a small town on the north side of Arenal Lake, which has some accommodation, but it's arguably too far from the action.
Lastly, some top attractions are not located within the national park, such as Mistico Hanging Bridges, but they're in the Arenal area.
So here is the conclusion of all we have learned so far. When we talk (or other fellow travelers) about Arenal, we mean either the national park, volcano, or the area in general.
It's basically a shortcut to make our lives easier. This is quite useful in practical life, as now you know, that, for example, you should be looking for a bus to La Fortuna and not Arenal.
Furthermore, now, when someone asks you, "Have you been to Arenal?", you know what they mean. Or not, you might be even more confused than you were before reading those lines. Pura Vida!
CROWDS
It's almost impossible to answer the question of whether Arenal is crowded or not as it depends on many factors. Arenal is a top tourist destination in Costa Rica. This means that you can expect other tourists to explore the area as well.
The vital thing to understand about Arenal is that the place is pretty big, and tourists can spread out, but at the same time, they can accumulate at certain places.
What we are trying to say is that some locations or attractions can be crowded, and some might feel more relaxed, depending on the time of the year and the places.
Our helpful travel tip is not to expect to have top-rated attractions just for yourself, and also be prepared that some places will be overcrowded.
The town of La Fortuna might not feel like a typical tourist town (we mean we've seen worse), and we believe it's due to the fact that there are dozens of accommodations scattered around the area that leaves the town to keep its own atmosphere.
As we have already mentioned, time of the year plays an important role in the visitor numbers, and you can expect fewer crowds in the rainy season.
COST OF TRAVEL
Throughout our blog posts about this small country in Central America, we’ve already established that Costa Rica is not a budget-friendly destination.
And Arenal is one of the most prominent places to realize this fact.
Popular destinations are known for higher prices, and you can expect to pay a bit more here in Arenal as well.
On top of that, you really do pay for everything in Arenal. Our friendly travel advice is to budget a bit more for Arenal.
Are you a family of four who wants to visit a waterfall? Well, sure, go ahead, it's 'only' eighty bucks.
Do you want to have some fun? What about hanging bridges? Sure, that would be two hundred and fifty dollars. Tabacon Hot Springs? That's another 300 dollars. And so on.
We are not complaining about the fact that prices are higher or that there's a fee; we do not mind contributing to the local economy.
We just want to point out that if you want to visit as many places or try as many activities as possible, the total sum of money you spend here might be much higher than you would have expected.
If you are a long-term traveler or budget traveler traveling by public transport, then you might want to plan your trip really carefully or consider skipping the Arenal area entirely.
Even that would be a shame as the region is beautiful, looking for cheaper destinations is the most reasonable way to stay on the budget. Or read our blog post on How to Save Money for Travel.
START EARLY
The old saying that the early bird gets the worm is especially true in Arenal. The best chance to spot wildlife is early in the morning.
Also, getting up early will increase your chance of seeing Arenal Volcano in its full glory, as clouds usually roll over it later in the day.
You might also visit some attractions outside the peak hours. For example hot springs get super crowded at certain hours.
BEST THINGS TO DO
Arenal offers plenty of things to do to occupy you for a couple of days. From hikes, canopy tours, waterfalls, ecolodges to hot springs or hanging bridges, you sure will have fun in Arenal.
It is important to know that it is impossible to see it all. That's why you should plan your itinerary carefully.
If you plan on spending one or two weeks in Costa Rica, there's no need to sign up for a similar tour all over again. The rule of thumb is to select an activity you haven't done before or something that is specific for Arenal.
HOT SPRINGS
There are currently a dozen hot springs in Arenal accessible to the public, but not all of them are equal. The hot springs boom in Arenal is staggering, and many visitors travel to this area mainly for this experience.
Soaking in hot pools really is among the best things to do in Costa Rica. There are some things you should know about hot springs in Arenal first, though.
Hot springs in Arenal are located on private properties, which means a few things. First, they are not free, and even though some are affordable, some are really expensive.
Secondly, the hot springs are also adjacent to hotels or resorts, so you can stay there to save some money on the entrance fees. Don't get too excited, most of these places are aware of this fact, and the accommodation prices reflect it.
Thirdly, you can buy a day pass and visit the hot springs without the need to stay in the hotel. This is a perfect opportunity for day visitors who don't want to stay in expensive accommodation.
Lastly, there is only one place where you can enjoy the thermal river for free. It's near the Tabacon Hot Springs, but the site gets crowded with both locals and international visitors.
So what are the top-rated hot springs in Arenal?
Tabacon Hot Springs is the only place in the area that offers a natural river, which means that this place is highly exclusive and offers a bit more distinct experience.
It's also the most luxurious hot spring in Arenal, which means it's also very expensive.
The rest of the hot springs drill wells and uses pumps to get the warm water from the underground.
Baldi Hot Springs and Springs Resort are top-rated and lively hot springs that feature plenty of thermal pools, restaurants, or bars.
EcoTermales Hot Springs and Paradise Hot Springs are also popular but have lower entrance fees. You can even find some cheap hot springs, but expect a lower quality of service.
ARENAL VOLCANO
An active stratovolcano amid the tropical rainforest rising to 1670 meters, Arenal Volcano is one of its kind. Not that you won't find other volcanoes in Costa Rica (or Central America), it's that this one is arguably the most famous one.
The perfect conical shape with a surrounding lush green rainforest is incredibly photogenic if you are lucky to see it in its full glory as it's on most days covered by clouds.
People believed that Arenal is dormant for centuries, and then, in 1968, it suddenly erupted. As the result of a massive and violent eruption, the small villages of Tabacon, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luis were destroyed, and 87 people were killed during the events.
Since then, Arenal became one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica until the activity stopped in 2010. Though you can't see hot lava flowing from its slopes anymore, the area around the volcano offers plenty of things to do.
Remember that climbing the Arenal Volcano is prohibited for safety reasons.
HIKING IN ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
In our opinion, the best way to explore Arenal is on foot. However, hiking in Arenal is not as simple as you would expect.
You would think that you simply drive to the ranger station at the official Arenal Volcano National Park entrance and start hiking from there.
While this is technically the proper way to explore the national park, soon enough, you will realize that some of the best trails are located on private properties. And choosing where to go can prove to be quite challenging.
Still, the Arenal Volcano National Park is arguably the best place to go hiking, and you won't make a mistake by traveling there.
Lava Flow Trail (Sendero Las Coladas) is a nice trail that offers a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano. Los Heliconias, Los Tucanes, or Los Miradores are easy to navigate trails you also shouldn't miss while there.
The entrance fee to Arenal Volcano National Park is 15 USD for an adult per day, and the park is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Arenal 1968 Park is a popular private reserve featuring man hiking and biking trails.
For some, this area offers better trails than the Arenal Volcano National Park, as you can hike through lava fields and have some open views of the volcano along the way. The entrance fee is 17 USD.
If you decide on staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge, there are some nice trails around the lodge with waterfalls and plenty of wildlife as well.
LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
Five hundred steps will take you down to the base of a Catarata Rio Fortuna, a beautiful waterfall plunging into a crystal clear pool from a height of 70 meters.
You can swim at some places in the river, so make sure to bring a swimsuit.
It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall and anything between fifteen to thirty minutes to get back. If you have bad knees, remember that you will also have to climb back, though the trail is paved.
The water is cold and refreshing, making a perfect combination on a hot day to escape the heat.
If you bring a swimsuit, remember that the changing rooms are at the entrance, not at the waterfall. Also, you are not allowed to swim near the waterfall, if that's on your mind.
The entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall is 18 USD.
And that's our biggest issue with this place. In our opinion, as we travel on a budget, seeing a waterfall for eighteen bucks is simply way too expensive.
If you haven't seen a waterfall in your life, then you will love it.
Otherwise, we would go somewhere else (especially if you travel on a strict itinerary), as Costa Rica offers better waterfalls for lower prices, such as Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park (some of them are even free).
ARENAL LAKE
Since the 1979 expansion, Arenal Lake is the largest lake in Costa Rica. Due to the perfect weather conditions, the lake is a popular spot for all sorts of activities, and you shouldn't miss it.
Strong winds attract kite surfers and windsurfers from all over the world, and you might be surprised that this lake offers better conditions than many coastal areas.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are fun activities for active travelers who want to get some exercise while exploring the area.
If you want to stay on the shores, there is always the possibility of hiking, horseback riding, or biking.
Bird watching is also popular there, and some of the best spots are right near the Lake Arenal shores.
Recreational fishing is another leisure activity you can try at Lake Arenal, as the waters are rich with rainbow basses.
If you travel from the Monteverde Cloud Forest area, the private shuttles include boat rides to cut the travel time.
Here we actually have a funny story from Arenal Lake, when our boat broke down in the middle of the lake, and we had to be rescued by another boat.
Fortunately, everyone was safe, and at least we could enjoy more time on the lake and soak up the views.
CERRO CHATO
Chato Volcano is a beautiful inactive volcano next to the Arenal with a water-filled crater that first erupted 38 000 years ago. The volcano rises to 1140 meters and is set in a dense, lush green forest, which is home to many animal species and plants.
But first things first. The official trail that starts at Arenal Observatory Lodge is closed, and it's illegal to climb there.
We didn't go to Cerro Chato and were debating whether even to include it on the list for obvious reasons.
The reason why we decided to write about it is that some hikers still go there from the Green Lagoon Arenal (it's on the opposite side of the crater, and you have to pay 10 USD for entering the trail).
And by doing so, they are breaking the law and, when caught facing legal charges.
On top of that, the hike is often described as strenuous, the trail is not maintained, and can be dangerous during the rain.
No Arenal tour operators will take you there, and until the situation changes, don't go on your own; it's not worth the risk.
BIKING
Biking is an exciting way to explore the Arenal area. Unfortunately, biking along the main road is not fun, and the lack of official biking trails is disappointing.
So your best bet is to take one of the guided tours that include transportation to somewhere where you can find either well-maintained or more suitable trails.
1968 Arenal Trails offer mountain biking (and also hiking) trails on private property, and the variety of terrain, beautiful scenery, and wildlife will keep you entertained for a few hours. The entrance fee is 17 USD (plus add the cost of renting a bike).
These trails are for more serious bikers; if you are looking for a more leisure activity, ask for the trails around Lake Arenal.
The trails are often muddy, and you should bring a lightweight cycling rain jacket as it rains a lot in the area.
If you don't want to go with a tour, take a closer look into La Fortuna to El Castillo road, which is unpaved, but without a traffic.
LA FORTUNA
La Fortuna is a perfect place to base yourself in the Arenal area. The town is touristy, but it's not the end of the world, and you can find far worse places on the road.
There are not many worthwhile things to do in the town of La Fortuna, but it serves its purpose. La Fortuna has plenty of restaurants, hostels, and hotels that make this place a perfect spot to stay for a few days.
The town is very small and compact, and you will find there everything you need. There are stores, ATMs, banks, gas stations, travel agencies, and rental companies.
Also, getting around La Fortuna on foot is very easy. You can enjoy the local park, see the church, and on a clear day, you will be able to take a picture of it with a volcano in the background.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback riding is one of the best ways to get away from crowds of the Arenal area, and by many, is considered an eye-opening experience.
Galloping (or slowly riding) across Costa Rican countryside allows you to interact with nature uniquely, and you will see things from a different perspective.
With a knowledgeable guide, you will be able not only to enjoy the ride but also see some wildlife along the way.
Most of the Horseback Riding Tours are beginners friendly, and even suitable for people who have never ridden a horse in their life.
The scenery on horseback riding tours varies from open plains to rainforest trails, providing a totally different experience.
HANGING BRIDGES
Arenal is known for many things, but hanging bridges are somewhere at the top of the list. You can say where there is a rainforest, there is a canopy, and Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to try this unique activity.
Arenal Hanging Bridges are among the best activities for families with kids. Arenal has two areas where you can discover the rainforest from above.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges (or simply Arenal Hanging Bridges) has sixteen bridges (six of them are hanging ones) on privately owned land.
The entrance fee to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges is 26 USD per adult, and the self-guided tour takes about two and a half to three hours. You also have to book the tour in advance, in case you don't want to walk alone.
The other facility offering hanging bridges is Sky Adventures Arenal Park. The park contains fewer hanging bridges but offers some other attractions such as the Sky Tram gondola.
Get there early to increase your chances to spot wildlife.
ZIPLINING
Ziplining in Arenal (also known as a canopy) is super popular, and if you never find the courage to try this activity, Arenal is the place to change it.
Costa Rica is home to adventure ziplining, and seeing the rainforest from above is a fascinating experience.
There are plenty of places to go ziplining in Arenal; some places offer a more intimate experience while others will get your heart racing.
Either way, you can find some of the best Costa Rican ziplines in Arenal. Don't forget your action camera at home; you are going to need it!
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Arenal is a popular place for wildlife spotting, but you need to start your day early to see some animals.
Hiring a local guide will elevate the experience as they know where to spot the wildlife and share a lot of fascinating information about it with you. Also, keep in mind that spotting wildlife is never guaranteed, and you might notice tons of animals one day and none the next day.
And what animals can you see in Arenal? You can expect to spot lots of birds (toucans, macaws), frogs, snakes, insects, sloths, monkeys, or peccaries.
So, once again, keep your expectations realistic; spotting the wildlife in Arenal is not as easy as in Manuel Antonio National Park where you can see animals everywhere, even without a guide.
If you are a keen photographer, bring a wildlife camera and proper telephoto lens, as you will have plenty of chances to take some amazing photos in Arenal.
If you don't want to lug around expensive photo gear, we would recommend you bring at least binoculars. Some animals might be too far away.
ARENAL COMBO TOURS
Arguably, the best way to explore the Arenal area when on a short time is by taking a combo tour, which includes a combination of top activities and must-visit places.
It offers the best of Arenal without the hassle of arranging things for those who want to have a stress-free holiday, and it's also perfect for travelers without a rental car.
The selection of tours in Arenal is wide, and choosing the right one depends on your preferences.
Arenal Combo Tour - Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, typical lunch, and Arenal Volcano hike are a perfect combination to have an unforgettable day in Arenal. During this day, you will walk in the treetops to spot wildlife, take a refreshing dip near the waterfall, have lunch in the little village of the Maluku Indians, and finally hike over the lava fields formed in 1968 by the eruption.
Arenal Volcano National Park Walk - Not everyone wants to take a combo tour, as sometimes less is more, as in this case, one activity is more than enough. A half-day guided hike that takes you through the amazing landscape of Arenal Volcano National Park is always a solid choice. If you change your mind later, you can upgrade your tour with a visit to hot springs.
Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs from San Jose - Sometimes, we have to make compromises as our vacation ideas face the harsh reality of the limited time we have for it. Nevertheless, if you are really short on time but still want to see the best of Arenal, you can take a guided tour from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN ARENAL
To be completely honest, there aren't many free things to do in Arenal. Walking around La Fortuna is free, though there is nothing else except for the main park with Iglesia de La Fortuna de San Carlos (a contemporary church) on the west side.
Some accommodations are set in the rainforest and have free hiking trails, though you need to pay for the room, obviously.
A small part of the Rio Chollin is used as a free hot pool, though you need to find a way to get there (it's twelve kilometers from the town). If you don't like themed hot springs with steep entrance fees, this is the place to go.
Though, it's not some off-the-beaten-path place in Arenal, quite the opposite. It gets crowded with bus tours, locals families, international visitors; simply, it's not some hidden gem in the rainforest that you will have for yourself.
These are natural pools, so bring water shoes as the area is not landscaped.
WHERE TO STAY
The good part is that Arenal offers plenty of accommodation for every type of traveler. The bad part is that it's not that easy to find a good and cheap place to stay in at the same time, as they often can be booked out (in high season).
When deciding on the location, you can either stay in La Fortuna, somewhere along the road between the town and Arenal Lake or even at El Castillo. If you decide to stay outside of the city, you will need a rental car to get around or be prepared to pay a lot for taxis or tours.
The variety of luxury hotels, spa resorts, and ecolodges is phenomenal in Arenal, but it will cost you extra. You won't find probably a better area in Costa Rica when it comes to top-rated accommodation than here in Arenal.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in Arenal.
Budget | Casa Torre Ecolodge - Are you looking for a budget accommodation that offers amazing views of the Arenal Volcano? Casa Torre Eco-Lodge offers not only that but much more. From tranquil location outside the town to friendly host and staff, and lovely garden with tropical plants and even some wildlife.
Mid-range | Tifakara Boutique Hotel and Birding Oasis - The hotel is set at the foothills of Arenal Volcano National Park, offers an outdoor pool, tropical garden, air-conditioned rooms, and stunning natural environment that surrounds the property. An excellent value for money.
Luxury | Nayara Gardens - Despite the stiff competition, Nayara Gardens is often considered the best accommodation in Arenal. Set in the middle of a tropical rainforest, this luxury boutique hotel offers panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, rooms with handcrafted wood furniture, and a superb restaurant. Moreover, you can always enjoy the soothing effects of coffee scrubs and volcanic mud treatments.
Arenal Volcano National Park | Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa - Sometimes referred to as AOL, Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Arenal. Arenal Observatory Lodge is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park, meaning the location is hard to beat, and you really won't find better places while in the area.
Thermal Resorts and Spa | Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa or The Springs Resort and Spa - Resorts are popular in Arenal, so we include two more options. Both hotels offer luxury rooms, hot springs, and excellent service, and you won't make a mistake in staying in one or another.
La Fortuna | Hotel Secreto La Fortuna - If you are looking for a nice and affordable hotel in the town of La Fortuna, then Hotel Secreto La Fortuna is an excellent choice. The hotel is located in a quiet area, yet within walking distance to the town center, offers spacious rooms and comfortable beds. A bonus is volcano views from the property.
El Castillo | Nepenthe - El Castillo is a small village near Arenal Lake, and you might find its laidback vibes more welcoming than the crowded La Fortuna area. Nepenthe B&B is a lovely place, with nice rooms, a pool, a spa, and it offers great views of the Arenal area. The access to the property is via a bumpy unpaved road, so make sure to drive slowly.
WHAT TO PACK
Arenal packing list is highly dependent on your travel style. For hiking, we would recommend good closed-toe trail runners or proper hiking boots.
Hiking pants are also helpful for some hikes (to prevent scratches and against bugs). On top of that, you might want to wear them in the evening when the temperature drops.
A lightweight rain pants or rain poncho should be packed in your backpack any time of the year as it rains a lot in Arenal. Even though you can use one of those no-name single-use rain ponchos, it's better to invest in one that will last longer (at least the entire trip), and you can reuse it later if needed.
In general, we would pack lightweight clothes made from quick-drying materials as the climate is also humid. Also, don't forget to bring some functional clothes for adventure activities.
Keep your electronics and valuables safe, and use dry sacks. Also, some waterproof dry bag would be nice to have.
The sun is strong in Costa Rica, so use sunscreen often, even on a cloudy day. Bug repellent is another essential thing to pack for Arenal.
Tap water is often potable in Costa Rica, though, you might want to use SteriPen or water bottle with a filter for extra precaution.
HOW MANY DAYS IN ARENAL
Two days in Arenal are enough for most travelers. In two days, you can visit hanging bridges, take a wildlife watching tour, take an adventure tour, spend some time in the hot springs, walk to the waterfall, or do some shorter hikes.
Three days in Arenal are more than enough, and you will enjoy the area at a way more relaxed pace.
If you have only one day in Arenal, don't despair. In one day, you can have a very similar itinerary as if you were staying two days, but you need to plan it more carefully to avoid rushing things.
Also, you can consider taking a combo tour to make your life easier, and you don't have to worry about missing someplace due to poor planning.
On the other hand, we believe that three days is the maximum length of stay in Arenal without getting bored.
In our opinion, four or five days in Arenal are way too much, though if you have a budget for it and can afford to stay in a lovely lodge or visit hot springs every day, then why not.
But believe us, Costa Rica is a wonderful country full of mesmerizing places, and we would spend those extra days somewhere else.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ARENAL
The best time to visit Arenal is in the dry season, but we would argue that you can explore it year round due to the nature of activities and things to do in the area.
Arenal area has two distinct seasons. The dry season is from December to April, and the rainy season starts in May and ends in November.
Arenal Volcano is often covered in clouds, and seeing it is not guaranteed, quite the opposite. Not even in the dry season. The average annual temperature is 23 Celsius.
We visited Arenal in April, and it was windy, cloudy, and rainy so that we couldn't see the volcano during our stay.
Arenal is located in Costa Rican lowlands, so you don't need to worry about altitude sickness in this area.
Weather in Arenal is not the only factor you should consider before you go. The dry season is at the same time a peak season in Arenal, and the place is buzzing with international tourists.
The rainy season (mostly June to October) receives a lot of precipitation, but thinner crowds, and some people prefer this time of the year over the high season.
If you arrive solely to spot the volcano, then you have better chances in the dry season. However, hot springs are amazing during the rain, and waterfalls more impressive.
SAFETY
In general, the Arenal area is safe to visit, though you still should use your common sense. Staying safe is the essential part of your trip.
Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, but it's always better to stay in tourist areas; furthermore, watch your surroundings and try not to flash your valuables. La Fortuna is a small but major tourist town resulting in being safer than most places around the country.
Moreover, La Fortuna is one of the safest (urban) places in Costa Rica. Even walking after dark in La Fortuna is considered safe, though there is not much to do anyway.
And when something is described as the safest, it can lead to lowering your guards. For example, if you feel safe, you can leave your daypack unattended, and tourist areas will always attract opportunistic thieves.
Despite being quiet since 2010, Arenal Volcano presents the biggest danger in the area.
Climbing the Arenal Volcano is dangerous (and illegal), so don't even think about it. Instead, use one of the hiking trails that offer views of the volcano.
The volcano itself remains quiet (but still active), and as abruptly it stopped its activity, it can as easily resume into its former state.
The risk that Arenal will ruin your vacation is probably small, as there would be some warning before. But these things change in Costa Rica, and it's better to check which volcano is currently active and which isn't before you go.
During the adventure tours, follow your guide's instructions. They don't tell you safety advice for fun, but to keep you safe. When hiking, stay on the designated trails.
The rainforest is full of venomous snakes and other dangerous animals, and although it's hard to spot them, they are there, and you don't want to step on them accidentally.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET
You have several options to get to La Fortuna and Arenal, by car, private shuttles, or public transport.
A rental car is often the fastest and most convenient means of transportation in Costa Rica, though a bit more expensive. On the other hand, buses in Costa Rica are cheap, reliable but often slow.
Both private shuttles and public transport lack the freedom aspect that you get from a rental car.
BY CAR
By far, the best way to get to Arenal Volcano National Park is by car. There are four main roads leading from San Jose to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano Area.
When looking at the map, the most obvious way is to take Highway 1 and leave San Jose via the northwest exit. In San Ramon, turn right and continue on Road 702 all the way along the Angeles Sur, San Lorenzo, and La Tigra.
From San Ramon, the road is very winding, and you should drive slowly. Taking this road also makes a lot of sense when leaving the San Jose area from Alajuela, where you can find the Juan Santamaría International Airport.
However, depending on your travel itinerary, you might want to take different roads to get to Arenal.
Road 32, which turns into Highway 4 and goes through Puerto Viejo, is a great alternative for travelers heading out to Tortuguero National Park.
You can visit the park famous for sea turtles first, and then drive to La Fortuna later. In reality, even though this road is the longest of all four options, it has a similar ETA as the shortest route. It's simply because the road is mostly straight (except for the first part once you leave San Jose).
If you plan on visiting Poas Volcano, take Highway 1, drive to Alajuela, head north on Road 712, which turns into Road 712.
On the junction, turn left and continue on Road 120 to Poas Volcano Parking Lot. After the tour, follow Road 120 and then turn left onto Road 126 to Aguas Zarcas, turn right and when you reach Highway 4, turn left and continue to La Fortuna.
The last option is to take another scenic route, Road 141, twisting between Naranjo, Zarcero, Zapote, Quesada, and Florencia.
The total length of all routes ranges between 130 and 160 kilometers, but you will need three to four hours to get there, depending on the traffic.
From Nicoya and Liberia, drive to Canas, and then take a scenic Road 142 along the Lake Arenal to La Fortuna.
You can also make a detour via Bijagua de Upala, where you can visit Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Renting a car in Costa Rica is very easy and straightforward, and thousands of travelers decide to travel around the country this way.
Rental cars are perfect for families, groups of friends or even couples, as it's always better to split the cost of travel. You can find some good deals in the offseason, but you should book your car early in the peak season.
Make sure you do have some experience with driving, as Costa Rican roads can be narrow, winding, and driving long distances challenging.
Simply put, Costa Rica is one of the best countries to rent a car.
BY PRIVATE SHUTTLE
Almost every travel agency, hostel, or hotel in every tourist destination can arrange a private shuttle that will take you pretty much all around Costa Rica.
The cheaper tourist shuttles are shared, while the true private shuttles are really expensive. Despite the price, they are perfect for people traveling in larger groups (usually six, eight, or twelve passengers).
Not all rides are dull nor ordinary. Taking a private shuttle from Monteverde to La Fortuna offers some interesting variants.
The shuttle tour usually includes a combination of taxi, jeep, van, and boat, while you can also cover a part of the journey by riding a horse.
Depending on the departure point, prices for tourist shuttles to Arenal range from 30 USD to 100 USD per person. The private transfers to La Fortuna start at 200 USD for a minivan, which might be a feasible option if you travel in a large group.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Three direct buses depart daily from San Jose to La Fortuna (6:15 AM, 8:40 AM, 11:50 AM). Sometimes, there might also be a bus leaving at 4:10 PM, but it's always better to check at the bus terminal as timetables change frequently.
When we asked at the kiosk, the information we got was quite confusing, and we were not much smarter after we left.
It happens more than often that some lines are cut (or added) depending on the demand.
The bus terminal in La Fortuna is small, not modern nor nice, but it's easily reached on foot. You can also catch a bus in San Ramon or Quesada, but that's just for your information.
Buses from San Jose to La Fortuna leave from the 7-10 Terminal, which is close to the city center. It takes about four hours to get from San Jose to La Fortuna.
If your first destination on your travel itinerary after landing in Costa Rica is La Fortuna, you don't need to go to San Jose.
As a matter of fact, the international airport is located in Alajuela, and you can catch a bus there. At the airport, take a taxi (it's somewhat cheap, and it's only a short ride) to Alajuela (usually it's enough for you to say you want to go to the bus terminal to La Fortuna).
By traveling to San Jose, you would only lose some time without any gain.
Traveling from Guanacaste province, there is no direct bus between Liberia and La Fortuna. From Liberia, take a bus to Canas, and then another bus to La Fortuna via Tilaran.
There isn't a direct bus from Canas to La Fortuna, so you need to transfer to another bus in Tilaran.
If you are traveling from Tamarindo, Samara, or Nicoya, you need to follow the same route and get either to Liberia or Canas first.
Traveling by bus in Costa Rica is cheap but sometimes takes painstakingly long, and you might want to consider taking tourist shuttles instead to save time and sometimes your sanity.
GET AROUND
It's not difficult to get to La Fortuna by public transport, but the hard part is to get around Arenal Volcano National Park without a car.
At least if you want to visit the best places in Arenal, which are mainly outside the town or main roads. And if you want to manage it in one or two days.
The thing about getting around Arenal by bus is that even if you get to the point of your interest (by asking the driver to drop you off somewhere along the main road), you will need to get back to the town later on.
So, arriving at La Fortuna without a rental car makes things a bit more complicated, especially if you travel on a budget.
In this case, your best approach is to take an organized tour that will allow you to visit all the top attractions in the area. Organized tours in Costa Rica are not as cheap as you might think, but they are lifesavers in areas without good public transportation.
Of course, that's in case you don't want to drive, because you can rent a car in Arenal for a day or two, and then return it there.
You can always take a taxi in La Fortuna to take you to Arenal's top places, though it's the most expensive way of getting around, especially for solo travelers. If you travel in a group, then you can share the travel cost, but again, it might be more convenient just to take a tour.
Renting a scooter in La Fortuna might be appealing for some visitors, though it's not very convenient when it's raining, or it's cold.
The last option is to rent a bike in La Fortuna from your hostel, hotel, or bike rental store.
Getting around Arenal on a bike is not as relaxed as it sounds due to the lack of cycling trails (plus, there are no bike lanes). A much better solution is to take a biking tour in Arenal.
As La Fortuna is a small and compact town, you can easily get around by walking everywhere.
IS ARENAL WORTH A VISIT?
Arenal is a beautiful place in Costa Rica, but that's not very surprising as every place we visited there was beautiful.
The more important question is whether you should visit Arenal or not. And that's not so simple to answer.
Some people love Arenal area as they say it's the most beautiful place they visited, some oppose it's too touristy and expensive.
The truth is somewhere in between, and we hope our article answered some of the questions you had before you started reading our blog post.
We can't deny that Arenal has an excellent tourist infrastructure, it's one of the safest places in the entire country, and the scenery is breathtaking. It's also a great place for responsible travelers.
So what do we think about Arenal ourselves?
We are leaning towards the latter group, as Arenal really is expensive, and we believe that there are other places in Costa Rica where you can see more for far less.
That doesn't mean that Arenal is not worth a visit.
In fact, we believe it's a perfect place to visit for first-timers to Costa Rica, especially for families with kids who are also new to the whole continent of Central America.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
