Arenal, Monteverde, and the Northern Lowlands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Arenal, Monteverde, and the Northern Lowlands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. La Fortuna Waterfall
A strenuous walk down 500 steps (allow 25 to 40 minutes) is worth the effort to swim in the pool under the waterfall. Wear sturdy shoes or water sandals with traction, and bring snacks and water. You can get to the trailhead from La Fortuna by walking, by horseback, or by taking a taxi (approximately $10). Arranging a tour with an agency in La Fortuna is the easiest option. There are restrooms, free parking, a restaurant, and gift shop.
La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica2479–9515Sight Details
Rate Includes: $18 -
2. Arenal Volcano National Park
Although the volcano is in a resting phase, you might see an occasional plume of smoke. It is still worth visiting the network of three easy trails leading to old lava flows, secondary rain forest, and a lookout point. (You are still limited in how close you can get, since no one can predict when Arenal will roar to life again.) The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as monkeys, sloths, coatis, deer, and anteaters. A top trail within the park is Heliconias (0.61 km [0.38 mile]), which has a lookout point and connects to Las Coladas Trail (2 km [1 mile]). You'll see hardened lava streams from 1992 and a 200-year-old ceiba tree on El Ceibo loop (2.3 km [1.43 miles]) toward the edge of the park. Los Miradores Trail (1.29 km [0.8 mile]) takes you on a paved trail to Lake Arenal. Old lava flows are also visible on the popular Los Tucanes Trail that begins near the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Guides are available for hire at the neighboring tour office, Arenal 1968. Bring plenty of water, but remember that single-use plastics are prohibited in all of Costa Rica's national parks (a reusable water bottle will make a nice souvenir). Outside the national park is the noteworthy Cerro Chatto, an inactive volcano which you can hike from a trailhead near La Fortuna Waterfall at the Green Lagoon Lodge. Expect to pay an entrance fee of up to $10. The challenging, steep, and often muddy Cerro Chatto Trail is for experienced hikers in good physical condition. It takes about three to four hours to reach the stunning, emerald green crater lake.
1½ km (1 mile) from police station, on road to Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica2460–0620-regional officeSight Details
Rate Includes: $15 cash only -
3. Church of San Juan Bosco
The town's squat, pale, concrete church, unremarkable on its own, just might win Costa Rica's most-photographed-house-of-worship award. The view of the church from across the central park, with the volcano in the background, makes a great photo of the sacred and the menacing.
West side of Parque Central, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica -
4. Eco Termales
Open hours at these family-owned hot springs are divided into two intervals per day (9 to 4 and 5 to 10), with only 80 guests permitted entry per segment. This means the six pools and restaurant never get too crowded. Temperatures range from 37° to 41°C (98.6° to 105.8°F), and there is one chilly waterfall to cool you off. Admission includes towel and locker. This is a great alternative to the overcrowded Baldi Hot Springs across the road or the mammoth Tabacón Hot Springs.
3½ km (2 miles) east of Catholic church, across from Baldi, diagonal from Volcán Look Disco Club, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica2479–8787Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $44 -
5. Ecocentro Danaus
A small ecotourism project outside town exhibits 60 species of medicinal plants, abundant animal life—including sloths and caimans—and butterfly and orchid gardens. This is a great place to see Costa Rica's famed red poison dart frogs up close. You can also learn about the indigenous Maleku culture and see their art displayed. Seven guided tours are offered daily from 8 am to 3:30 pm. A two-hour guided evening tour begins at 5:45 and should be reserved in advance. The center can arrange your transportation, too.
2 km (1 mile) south of La Fortuna, 600 meters (1,969 feet) above road to Agua Azul, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica2479–7019Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $30 -
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6. Lake Arenal
Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, shimmering Lake Arenal, all 85 square km (33 square miles) of it, lies between rolling green hills and a picture-perfect volcano. Many visitors are surprised to learn it's a man-made lake, created in 1973 when a giant dam was built to provide hydroelectric power for the country. A natural depression was flooded, and a lake was born. Depending on the season, the depth varies between 100 and 200 feet, with rainbow bass and machaca fish lurking below the surface. When water levels drop, you can see ruins of a cemetery and church jutting from the lake. The almost constant winds from the Caribbean make this area a windsurfing and kiteboarding mecca. Outfitters in La Fortuna, Nuevo Arenal, and Tilarán run fishing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding trips on the lake. Desafío, an operator based in La Fortuna and Monteverde, has a half-day horseback trip between the two towns, with great views of the lake. For the best lake views, reserve a hotel in Nuevo Arenal.
15 km (9 miles) southwest of La Fortuna, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica -
7. Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges
A series of trails and bridges form a loop through the primary rain forest of a 250-acre private reserve, providing great bird-watching and volcano viewing. Sixteen fixed and hanging bridges allow you to see the forest at different levels. There are self-guided tours, but if you want to spot animals in addition to the breathtaking views, we recommend a guide. Trails are open rain or shine, and there are things to do in both types of weather, including horseback-riding tours that start at 9 am and 1 pm. Shuttle service from La Fortuna and area lodgings can be arranged.
2½ km (1½ miles) east of Lake Arenal dam on paved road, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica2479–8282Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $26 -
8. The Spa at Tabacón
Grab a robe and settle into the jungle Jacuzzi while spa valets serve you healthy smoothies. Treatments like the volcanic mud wrap and the couples’ two-hour massage in private jungle bungalows utilize locally made products and end with champagne and fresh fruit. For a full day of pampering, request the spa package, which includes access to the thermal baths, lunch or dinner, and spa services.
13 km (8 miles) northwest of La Fortuna on hwy. toward Nuevo Arenal, across from Tabacón Resort, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica2479–2027Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $60 -
9. Venado Caves
In 1945 a farmer in the mountain hamlet of Venado fell into a hole, and thus discovered Cavernas de Venado, subterranean limestone chambers extending about 2½ km (1½ miles). If you're not claustrophobic, willing to get wet, and don't mind bats or spiders (think carefully) this could be the ticket for you. Rubber boots, flashlights, and helmets are provided. Bring insect repellent and knee pads but leave your phone at the hotel---it will get wet. If you want to capture the adventure, consider hiring their on-site photographer to follow you through the 10 caves. Lunch is an option here; it must be reserved in advance. Most La Fortuna–based tour companies run trips to Venado Caves for about $90 or you can book directly with the caves for $28.
45 mins north of La Fortuna and 20 mins southeast of San Rafael, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21010, Costa Rica2478–8008Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $28
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