The Best Day Trips from La Fortuna

A practical guide to five rewarding day trips from La Fortuna, from waterfalls and volcanoes to wildlife and hot springs.

La Fortuna is a great base for exploring the Arenal region, but you don't need to stay in one spot to see its best sides. The area is compact enough that you can wake up in town, drive or shuttle to a completely different landscape, and be back in time for dinner. Over the years I have taken these trips myself and each one offers something distinct.

What follows are five day trips that are well worth your time. They are all doable in a single day, with no rush. Pick the one that matches your mood and energy level.

La Fortuna Waterfall and the Hanging Bridges

This is the most classic combo for a half day or full day. Start early at La Fortuna Waterfall, a 70 meter drop into a turquoise pool. The walk down is 500 steps, and the walk back up is a workout. Swim in the cool water and feel the mist on your face. From there, drive about 20 minutes to the Mistico Hanging Bridges park. The trails are well maintained and the suspension bridges give you a canopy level view of the rainforest. You will likely see howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis. Together these two stops make a full morning or afternoon.

Arenal Volcano National Park

If you want to see the volcano up close, head to Arenal Volcano National Park. The main trail, the 1968 Trail, is named after the year of the major eruption. It is an easy to moderate walk across lava fields and through secondary forest. On a clear day you get a direct view of the cone. The park is open from 8am to 4pm. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You can also stop at the nearby Arenal Observatory Lodge for a different perspective and a cold drink. This trip takes about half a day.

Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park

Rio Celeste is about an hour and a half drive from La Fortuna, but the color of the river makes the drive worth it. The water is a bright, milky blue due to a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. The hike to the main waterfall and the point where two rivers merge takes about two to three hours round trip. The trail can be muddy, so wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty. Go early to avoid crowds and to see the river in the best light. Pack a picnic lunch because food options near the park are limited.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

For a completely different experience, take a boat tour in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. It is about an hour and a half north of La Fortuna. The refuge is a wetland area along the Rio Frio, and it is home to caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and an incredible variety of birds including jabiru storks and roseate spoonbills. The boat rides are quiet and slow, so you can really observe the animals. This is a full day trip, usually from 7am to 3pm. Bring binoculars and sunscreen.

Hot Springs along the Arenal Base

After a day of hiking, nothing beats soaking in natural hot springs. The area along the base of Arenal Volcano has several public access points where you can dip your feet in warm, mineral rich water for free. For a more developed experience, there are a few roadside springs where you can pay a small entry fee. The water temperature varies from warm to hot depending on how close you are to the volcano. This is not a full day trip but a perfect way to end one. Go in the late afternoon and watch the sunset over the volcano.

No matter which trip you choose, the key is to start early and go at your own pace. The best day trips from La Fortuna are the ones that leave you feeling refreshed, not rushed. Pick one that excites you, pack your bag the night before, and head out by 7am. That is the one step that makes everything easier.