The best things to do in Arenal, Costa Rica, include hiking old lava flows in Arenal Volcano National Park, soaking in hot springs, riding a tram and zip line through the rainforest canopy and swimming below La Fortuna Waterfall. Most of these sit a short drive from La Fortuna, the town at the volcano's base, so two or three nights here covers a lot.
Arenal Volcano is quiet today. Its most recent eruptive phase began in 1968 and ended around 2010, so you won't see lava or a night glow. When the clouds lift, you'll see its near-perfect cone from much of the region. For the full story, read
Arenal Volcano eruption history and facts.
La Fortuna: Your Base for Arenal Activities
La Fortuna is the gateway town for the Arenal area and the name many travelers know the region by. It has restaurants, shops and easy access to the waterfall, hot springs and national park. Lodging ranges from in-town hotels to resorts with volcano-view rooms and thermal pools. Adventure Life arranges your stay at vetted
Arenal hotels and lodges matched to your travel style.
Arenal Volcano National Park
A guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park follows trails shaped by past lava flows, through forest that has grown back over them, with views of the cone on clear days. Along the way, you may see howler monkeys, toucans and other birds. A naturalist guide helps you spot wildlife you would otherwise walk past.
Who it appeals to: hikers, birders and families. Trails range from easy walks to longer hikes.
Insider Tips: Start early. Mornings tend to bring clearer views of the summit and more active wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes and bring rain gear.
Practicalities: Guided hikes typically last 2 to 3 hours. Check current hours and entrance fees on the
SINAC Arenal Volcano National Park page.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall drops about 70 meters (230 feet) into a forest pool where you can swim. A trail of roughly 530 steps leads down to the base, and the climb back up is a good workout. A local nonprofit development association manages the site.
You can also reach the waterfall on horseback: a guided ride through farmland at the base of the volcano ends with a short hike down to the pool.
Who it appeals to: nature lovers, photographers and families with older children who are comfortable with stairs.
Insider Tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds, wear water shoes and bring a dry bag for your phone or camera.
Practicalities: Check current hours and entrance fees on the
official La Fortuna Waterfall website.
Arenal Hot Springs
Geothermal heat from the volcano warms the rivers and springs around La Fortuna, and many travelers plan an evening soak after a day of hiking. Options range from quiet rainforest pools to lively complexes, and some resorts have springs of their own.
EcoTermales
EcoTermales has five hot pools, a freshwater waterfall and a regular pool set in the rainforest. Entry is limited to two time slots a day of 100 guests each, so it stays quieter than larger complexes.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi is a large complex with thermal pools at a range of temperatures and on-site dining. Its lively evening atmosphere suits families and groups.
Tabacón Resort
Staying at
Tabacón Resort puts the thermal springs and gardens steps from your room, and each bungalow has an open-air Jacuzzi fed by the mineral springs. Ask your Trip Planner about building your Arenal nights around a stay here.
Sky Tram and Zip Line Canopy Tour
An open-air gondola carries you up through the rainforest canopy to an observation deck with views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. From the top, you can zip line back down on a circuit of eight cables or walk down on a guided nature trail. Riders must be at least 5 years old. Both options are part of the
3-day Arenal Volcano trip.
Who it appeals to: families, first-time zip liners and anyone who wants canopy views without a long hike.
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Hanging bridges near Arenal let you walk through the forest canopy on suspension bridges, at the height where many birds and monkeys spend their time. A bilingual naturalist guide points out wildlife along the way. You can pair the bridges with the Sky Tram and zip line in a single half-day outing.
Who it appeals to: birders, photographers and families looking for an easy walk.
Insider Tips: Bring binoculars, and go early in the morning for the most bird activity.
Lake Arenal: Kayaking, Birding Cruises and Boat Crossings
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest lake, was created for hydroelectric power and sits west of the volcano. A guided kayak trip paddles into quiet inlets with the volcano in view and chances to spot howler monkeys, herons and kingfishers. A sunset birding cruise near the dam is a lower-effort way to see the lake. If you're continuing to Monteverde, a boat crossing of the lake replaces part of the drive. Fishing is also an option on a free day.
Who it appeals to: paddlers, birders and families with older children.
Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
A 4x4 ride takes you into the rainforest, where you rappel down four waterfalls with a guide, from about 45 to 165 feet high. Short hikes connect the drops, and lunch is included. Expect to get soaked.
Who it appeals to: active travelers comfortable with heights and a moderate level of exertion.
Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking
Guided horseback rides cross farmland at the base of the volcano, and one popular route ends at La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim. Mountain biking is another way to spend a free morning on rural roads around the area.
Who it appeals to: riders of most experience levels; the horseback outing is low effort.
Venado Caves
A half-day guided tour takes you through limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites and resident bats, including a formation known as La Papaya. Expect to crawl, climb and wade, and to get muddy. Lunch is included.
Who it appeals to: adventurous travelers who don't mind tight spaces.
White-Water Rafting on the Way to Arenal
Several trips include a rafting day on the Sarapiquí River on the drive to Arenal. The run covers about 7.5 miles of Class II and III rapids, with calm stretches for a swim and a naturalist guide along for the ride.
Who it appeals to: first-time and returning rafters.
How Many Days to Spend in Arenal
Two to three nights gives you time for the national park, the Sky Tram or hanging bridges, and an evening at the hot springs without rushing. Add a night for canyoning, caving or a slower pace. Arenal pairs well with Monteverde's cloud forest and the beaches of Guanacaste or the Pacific coast.
Rain can fall in Arenal any time of year, and clouds often cover the summit. December through April is generally drier and gives you better odds of clear views. For month-by-month detail, read about
the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Arenal FAQs
Is Arenal Volcano still active?
Arenal is considered active but has been in a resting phase since around 2010. You won't see lava today, and scientists continue to monitor it.
Is La Fortuna the same as Arenal?
La Fortuna is the town closest to the volcano. "Arenal" refers to the volcano, the lake and the surrounding region, and most Arenal activities are a short drive from La Fortuna.
When is the best time to see Arenal Volcano clearly?
Early mornings in the drier months, roughly December through April, tend to offer the clearest views, though clouds can roll in at any time.
Plan Your Arenal Trip with Adventure Life
Arenal works best when your days are planned around what you want to see and do. Adventure Life arranges your lodging, transfers, activities and English-speaking local guides, and your Trip Planner can add any of the activities above to your itinerary. Browse
Arenal Volcano tours and
Arenal tour packages, or
talk with a Trip Planner to build a custom Costa Rica itinerary.
