La Fortuna is a popular destination in Costa Rica. From almost everywhere you get a great view of the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and the landscapes around it. The place offers many different activities in nature, some of them I already tried out.
These 6 activities are definitely some of my favourite activities in the San Carlos area:
Mistico Hanging Bridges
The Mistico Hanging Bridges are located close to Lake Arenal. The way to the entrance is a little hidden, but once you arrive you already get a great view of the Arenal Volcano. The hiking trails took us through the rainforest, where we saw many animals like birds, spiders, and even a sloth! We were also very lucky and saw the famous Morpho butterfly at a waterfall. But of course, the highlight is the hanging bridges, from which you get an amazing view over the treetops of the rainforest. It´s a little shaky but definitely a good laugh and an unforgettable experience.
ATV
The ATV Tour was offered on single ATVs and ATVs for 2 people. If you choose an ATV for 2 people, both have the chance to drive. We choose to share an ATV while my mom was brave enough to drive alone. After a small introduction speech, we started… and drove about 30 seconds until we got stuck in the mud, so the guide had to come back to get the vehicle back on the road. After that we didn't have any problems, we drove first an easy road and later on a steeper trail until we crossed a river. The guide had water bottles for us and made two short breaks. The tour took two hours. When we took off the helmets, we couldn't help but laugh about all the dust and dirt on our faces. In the end, we got a typical Costarican lunch that we chose before and was included in the price. Later they took us back to the hotel. It was a very cool experience!
Canopy
When you´re in La Fortuna, you should definitely do a Canopy Tour. Here you hang with safety straps on a steel cable that leads from one platform to the next. We booked our tour at the hotel and got picked up by a tractor that brought us to the starting point. There we got our equipment, which are safety straps, gloves and a helmet. After a short explanation from a guide, we started sliding through the treetops from one platform to the next. Kids are also allowed to participate. Depending on the length of the cable they go together with a guide.
Rappelling
After the Canopy Tour, we could choose if we wanted to climb down a mountain. When you do rappelling, you are secured by one guide on the top and one from below. Somewhat inelegantly, I slipped down the slope rather than climbed. By the way, sneakers are not the best choice for activities like that. Sturdy footwear with a profile would probably have been better.
Horseback riding
Our horseback riding tour was part of a package with canopy, rappel and, of course, horseback riding. They picked us up at the hotel and took us to a small farm close to the hotel. The tour took only 30 minutes, but there are also longer tours offered, where you can ride through nature to a waterfall and always have a view of the beautiful Arenal volcano.
Thermal springs
After all this action it´s great to relax at the thermal baths. Because of the volcanic structures, you can find thermal baths that are naturally heated, everywhere in La Fortuna. Public pools are usually very expensive: in some places, you will pay up to 36 USD for an adult and 18 USD entrance for a child. Of course, there are also cheaper options, but if you are staying in the area it is a better option to choose a hotel with its own thermal pools.
Among rafting, tubing, the waterfall and the Arenal Lake just some activities. In La Fortuna, there are many things to do! It´s definitely worth coming - it´s a place for everyone! If you are an adrenaline junkie, adventurous or just want to relax a little bit. If you have time, you should plan at least two days for La Fortuna. Depending on the season, you can do activities in the morning, so you can enjoy the warm pools in the afternoon, while it´s raining or just end the day with a good book.
Do you have questions about the region or activities? Which one would you like to try out?
