Choose from 58 Fun Things to Do in Costa Rica
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Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
The 16 hanging bridges that line the paths of Costa Rica’s Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park stretch a total of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) across the steep landscape. See the birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes, and frogs that call the forest canopy home by ascending these spans, suspended above gorges and stretched across jungle floors.
The Basics
A hike through the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park in sunny weather is a perfect way to spend several hours viewing and photographing the area’s flora and fauna. The life of the rain forest largely takes place overhead, in the thick canopy of jungle and sunlight.
Wander through the thick vegetation on well-marked trails on your own, or join a guided tour focused on plants, birds, and animals—or more adventurous pursuits. An early morning birding tour is the best way to expand your bird list, with more than 60 species spotted regularly in this protected wilderness. Also look for families of monkeys swinging through the air and lazy sloths lounging among tree limbs. For a unique view of the forest, sign up for a night walk. Some guided tours combine a visit to the park with stops at Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Lake Arenal, and the nearby Tabacon Hot Springs.
Know Before You Go
- Closed-toe shoes are required in Mistico Park; wearing sandals is not permitted and you will be refused entry.
- The Sal & Pimienta Restaurant, on the park grounds, is open daily from 7:30am to 4pm.
- The rain forest is home to a hearty bug population; insect repellent is a good idea.
- Children under 10 years old receive free admission.
How to Get There
The hanging bridges are located five miles (eight kilometers) east of Tabacon and 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from La Fortuna. Look for them just after the exit to El Castillo, on the lakefront road to Tilaran. Round-trip transportation from nearby hotels is available for an additional fee.
When to Get There
General entry and guided tours take place Monday through Sunday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Costa Rica’s rainy season is typically May through November; prime Arenal Volcano viewing time is September and October.
Adventure Tours in Mistico Park
The adventure seeker in you will find plenty to keep busy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. One option is a zorbing tour, which envelops you in a huge rubber ball in order to roll safely (if quickly) down a steep hill. Book a Paco’s Horses tour to ride through a remote pasture for epic views, or set out for Spider Monkey Canyon to rappel and zipline among the canyon’s striking natural features.
Address: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
Doka Estate
Costa Rica has some of the world’s most flavorful coffee and travelers who favor this bold brew can see how these prized beans make it from farm to table on a tour of Doka Estate. This iconic plantation puts visitors right up close to the production and practices of this age-old crop. Travelers can tour the grounds, see where workers hand-pick coffee berries from prized plants and even sample some of the eight roasts the Doka Estate creates on site.
Organized small-group, on-site tours ensure visitors receive personalized attention and loads of information, while the plantation’s gift shop, Casa de Artesanias, is filled with unique and flavorful items picked fresh from the farm that are perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home. The Doka Estate is also home to a Bonsai Tree and Orchid Garden, as well as a Butterfly Farm, making it the ideal place to spend the day exploring some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Practical Info
The coffee estate is stationed near Costa Rica’s Poas Volcano. Tours take place Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Travelers can also explore the grounds at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends.
Address: Poas & the Airport Area, Alajuela, Costa Rica
From $ 72
Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense)
Explore the works of some of Costa Rica’s greatest artists from the colonial era through today at the Costa Rican Art Museum, including almost the entire body of work from prolific local artist Juan Manuel Sanchez. The museum is housed in the building that once served as the main terminal of San Jose’s original international airport and outside, toward where the tarmac once sat, is a lovely sculpture garden where visitors can walk around an enjoy the tropical weather. The museum often has chamber music concerts playing in the Golden Hall.
Practical Info
The Costa Rican Art Museum sits at the eastern end of La Sabana Park, so it’s a good idea to pair a trip to the museum with a walk through this peaceful park. The museum is free to visit and open every day except Mondays.
Address: San Jose 10101, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 69
Escazu
Costa Rica is known for its diverse wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls, dense rainforest and endless outdoor adventures. But the Central Valley neighborhood of Escazu offers travelers a taste of a different Costa Rica—one that’s filled with modern architecture, posh homes and even an exclusive country club. Visitors say this hip spot is the perfect place to enjoy the best of big city life in a neighborhood that rocks a more laidback country vibe.
Travelers can wander the main streets lined with big name stores and unique boutiques or tuck into a meal at one of Escazu’s exclusive restaurants for a relaxing lunch or world-class dinner. State of the art gyms and well-kept bed and breakfasts mean visitors looking to escape the city for a weekend and experience a slice of true Costa Rican life can have it all in Escazu.
Practical Info
Escazu is located 7.5 miles outside of San Jose, about 3 miles west of Sabana Park.
Address: Escazu, Costa Rica
From $ 58
Dino Park
Don’t look now, but it seems like dinosaurs are once again roaming the forests of Rincon de la Vieja. Here at the Dino World Dinosaur Park, watch a vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex as it prowls and growls through the rainforest, or stare in wonder at the towering height of a life-sized, long necked Brontosaurus. More than just stationery statues of dinosaurs, the creatures here at the Dino Park are moving, growling, full-sized replicas of dinosaurs that once roamed the continent, and offer a curiously real way to see how dinosaurs looked in the wild. Interestingly enough, Costa Rica was still underwater when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, though now it sports the only park of its kind in Latin America. Over two dozen different species of dinosaurs all lurk in the trees and the jungle, from quick and nimble velociraptors to lumbering three-horned triceratops. There’s also an educational component to all of the different dinosaurs, and guests will learn their diet, habitat, history, and era they lived in. As part of the popular Blue River Resort, the Dino Park also is nearby to spas, hot springs, mud baths, and swimming pools, and is set on the slopes of a lush volcano in the Guanacaste interior.
Practical Info
Food and drink are available at the park, and it’s best to bring bug spray, comfortable shoes, a bathing, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. The Dino Park is 3 miles from the main Blue River Resort, and four-wheel drive is recommended, but not essential for reaching the park. The Blue River Resort is about 90 minutes from the Liberia.
Address: Rincon de la Vieja, Liberia, Costa Rica
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Admission: $25 for adults and $15 for children
From $ 125
Arenal Volcano National Park
Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, and is especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rain forest.
The Basics
If your ideal vacation involves hiking or hot springs, Arenal is sure to please. Take a guided hike through the lush rain forest to learn about native wildlife, wade beneath Arenal Waterfall, or soak in Baldi Hot Springs. Although much of the park is open to the public, some portions of the volcano are accessible only as part of a guided tour. And even though the volcano itself is large, hiking is limited to the basal portions for safety reasons, as the volcano still sputters and spews on occasion. The park and surrounding areas are rich in lava-less activities: Combo tours help you make the most of your visit to the Arenal area, pairing a trip to the volcano with nearby attractions such as La Fortuna Hot Springs, Venado Caves, Lake Arenal, and the Peñas Blancas River for activities including zipline and hanging bridge canopy tours, waterfalls and hot springs visits, horseback riding, rappelling, safari floats, and whitewater rafting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arenal Volcano tours from San Jose can last upward of 12 hours.
- Many tours include hotel pickup and dropoff from the La Fortuna area.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground.
- Although the volcano’s summit is closed for safety reasons, there are plenty of hiking trails closer to the base.
How to Get There
Many guided tours depart from La Fortuna, the closest city to Arenal Volcano National Park—about 30 minutes away by car. Day tours from larger cities such as San Jose, Liberia, and Monteverde are best accomplished with a private car, taxi, or professional shuttle service, which keep travel times down to roughly three hours from each. Those looking for more budget-friendly options can take the public bus, but be prepared for a long trip; save travel time by checking for direct routes when possible.
When to Get There
The dry season (March to December) is generally considered the best time to view and explore Arenal; however, that is also Costa Rica’s high tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Travel during the rainy season is better for budget travelers or those seeking a quieter experience.
Arenal Volcano Eruption History
After nearly 400 dormant years, Arenal Volcano exploded in 1968, burying three villages and wreaking destruction in the area. This eruption ushered in Arenal’s active period, which produced near-constant ash, smoke, and streams of molten lava until its abrupt stop in 2010. The volcano is now considered resting.
Address: Highway 142, La Fortuna 4417, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: US$10
From $ 30
Carara National Park (Parque Nacional Carara)
At the confluence of two important Costa Rican ecosystems—the wet and wild Pacific Rainforest that characterizes the southern coast, and the dry tropical forest for which Guanacaste is known—this small, popular national park packs a lot of wildlife into a 5240-hectare (12,950-acre) package.
Most notably, Carara is home to one of Costa Rica’s last remaining populations of scarlet macaws, who you’ll likely see gossiping and preening in small groups throughout the park. The Rio Tarcoles, which forms the park’s northern border, is well known for its enormous population of huge crocodiles.
There are two short, 1km (.6mi) interpretive trails through the wilderness and waterfalls, perfect for families and less active travelers. A longer, 4.5km (2.7mi) trail follows the Rio Tarcoles and mangrove marshes, where both the crocodiles and scarlet macaws settle in for the evening.
There are scores of other animals in residence, hailing from both forest ecosystems straddled by Carara: sloths, peccaries, deer, monkeys, armadillos, and even big cats. Birders will appreciate the bounty most, with some 400 species easily spotted in this relatively small area.
Most notably, Carara is home to one of Costa Rica’s last remaining populations of scarlet macaws, who you’ll likely see gossiping and preening in small groups throughout the park. The Rio Tarcoles, which forms the park’s northern border, is well known for its enormous population of huge crocodiles.
There are two short, 1km (.6mi) interpretive trails through the wilderness and waterfalls, perfect for families and less active travelers. A longer, 4.5km (2.7mi) trail follows the Rio Tarcoles and mangrove marshes, where both the crocodiles and scarlet macaws settle in for the evening.
There are scores of other animals in residence, hailing from both forest ecosystems straddled by Carara: sloths, peccaries, deer, monkeys, armadillos, and even big cats. Birders will appreciate the bounty most, with some 400 species easily spotted in this relatively small area.
Practical Info
Carara is convenient to both San Jose and Jaco, which is great for travelers who often park on the famous Tarcoles Bridge for a view over the crocodile-packed river. Unfortunately, this is also great for folks who rob rental cars. Keep an eye on your vehicle (even if you’re just on the bridge for a few moments), leave no valuables visible, and use guarded parking whenever possible.
Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Hours: Ranger station is open 7am - 4pm daily.
Admission: $8
From $ 105
Braulio Carrillo National Park
The vast protected forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park may be divided by one of the nation’s busiest highways, but this just means easy access for travelers, as well as the possibility of picturesque views without ever having to leave the car.
Lazy travelers can traverse the highway snapping photos of lush landscapes from the comfort of their car seats, while those eager to get back to nature can embark on one of the miles of trails leading to the waterfalls, open pastures and mountain stations that dot the rainforest. An Aerial tram on the eastern side of the park offers open gondola rides through the dense understory and canopy of the woods, where its possible to spot the sloth and other forest creatures that call Braulio Carrillo National Park home.
Lazy travelers can traverse the highway snapping photos of lush landscapes from the comfort of their car seats, while those eager to get back to nature can embark on one of the miles of trails leading to the waterfalls, open pastures and mountain stations that dot the rainforest. An Aerial tram on the eastern side of the park offers open gondola rides through the dense understory and canopy of the woods, where its possible to spot the sloth and other forest creatures that call Braulio Carrillo National Park home.
Practical Info
Buses to Guapiles, Siquerres and Limon will drop travelers at either of Braulio Carrillo National Park’s ranger stations. Entry to the park is US$7 and the main station is open daily from 8am until 4pm. The season is driest in March and April, while wetter weather tends to occur from May through November.
Address: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
Admission: US$7
From $ 27
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Costa Rica is known for its adventure — zip lining, surfing, horseback riding. Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a great place to partake, with the country’s longest dual ocean view zip line and a host of other activities. At nearly one mile long, the unique zip line allows for two people at once to soar effortlessly above the Costa Rican jungle with expansive views of the ocean.
With more than thirty activities on both land and sea, the eco adventure park has miles of walking and biking trails, a climbing wall, and a hanging bridge. The park is surrounded by tropical rainforest, where exotic birds, monkeys, snakes, and sloths reside and wildlife sightings are not uncommon. There are plenty of ways to explore the nature of the area, whether by ATV or by spending some time in the botanical garden or wildlife rescue center. In the nearby ocean, visitors can experience the warm waters by kayak, stand up paddle board, surfing, or snorkeling.
Practical Info
Diamante Eco Adventure Park is located just southwest of Playa del Coco in Guanacaste. The best way to get there is to head to the RIU Guanacaste/RIU Palace hotels on Playa Matapalo. The park is located beside the hotels. It costs $68 to do the zip line, and $88 for the zip line combined with other activities.
Address: RIU Guanacaste Route, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-5pm
Admission: No fee for entry, activity costs vary
From $ 42
Gold Museum
More than 1600 pre-Columbian artifacts, including Costa Rica’s very first coin, handmade ceramics and a life-sized warrior, are housed in this museum that was opened in 1985. The museum’s collection displays indigenous works dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD, including traditional jewelry and culturally relevant pieces from other Latin American countries. Displays on the second floor explore the influence of these artifacts on the social and cultural development of the nation, as well as a history of Costa Rica’s currency. Signs in both Spanish and English easily guide guests through hallways filled with rich history.
Practical Info
The museum is located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura near Central Avenue and 5th Street. It’s open every day from 9:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. except some major holidays.
Address: Calle 5, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 9:15am-5pm
From $ 11
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This popular jungle oasis is the number one ecological attraction in Costa Rica. With incredible hiking that’s easily accessible from the capital city, as well as stunning waterfalls and indigenous wildlife, it’s a destination that’s truly worthy of a visit.
Travelers can explore the 3.5 kilometers of rugged trails and 10 animal exhibits on site to gain a deeper appreciation of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity and natural beauty. Whether it’s hiking to the five waterfalls that give this garden its name, wandering through the cloud forest or venturing into the aviary, there’s plenty to do, see and discover at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
The grounds are easy to navigate, and most visitors choose to self-guide their tours. But travelers looking to gain a deeper understanding of conservation efforts, as well as to learn more about the unique flora and fauna here can also opt for a guided tour.
Practical Info
The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entrance is $40 for adults and $24 for children three to 12. Add-on experiences are available for an additional fee, including a guided animal encounter and a waterfall gardens tour.
Address: 126, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $40; Children: $24
From $ 95
Lake Arenal
Covering almost 86 square kilometers and reaching depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters), Lake Arenal takes the title of Costa Rica’s biggest lake, and it’s also one of its most picturesque natural assets, a shimmering expanse of blue water stretching west of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Once a small crater lagoon lying within the boundaries of the Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal was expanded in 1979 and now serves as a hydroelectric dam providing up to 12 percent of Costa Rica’s electricity.
The vast lake is also a popular recreational ground with steady winds offering the ideal environment for windsurfing, sailboarding and sailing, and an abundance of rainbow bass and machaca fish making it a top choice for fishing. Visitors can also cruise the lake by boat or kayak; spot hummingbirds, quetzal, tapir and jaguar in the Arenal Volcano National Park; or enjoy hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking through the lakeside rainforest.
Practical Info
Lake Arenal is located to the west of the Arenal Volcano National Park, about 10 miles (17 km) from La Fortuna and 55 miles (90 km) northwest of San José.
Address: Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
From $ 38
La Fortuna
Its close proximity to Volcan Arenal—one of the top 20 most active volcanoes in the world—has kept the quaint town of La Fortuna ranked high among the most popular destinations for travelers venturing into the Costa Rican countryside. Its picturesque hillside, epic views of Volcan Arenal and much-storied history of narrowly avoiding total demise during a major eruption in the 1960s are all just part of what lends this tiny city its charm.
While both Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park are responsible for attracting the majority of visitors who come to La Fortuna, travelers say La Catarata de la Fortuna—an impressive natural waterfall—and the town’s close proximity to adventurous day trips like zip-lining and cavern tours make it an ideal stopping point for those looking for a Costa Rican experience that’s anything but urban.
Practical Info
La Fortuna is located in San Carlos in the province of Alajuela.
Address: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
From $ 156
Children's Museum (Museo de los Ninos)
The Costa Rica Children’s Museum is an interactive fun experience for all the family.
Housed in a gaily painted toytown castle, that’s actually a historic old military prison, the museum’s hands-on exhibits range across all manner of topics.
Kids will love the 40 exhibits exploring outer space, old-fashioned fun on the farm, history, music, science and ecology and everyday life in Cost Rica.
The Costa Rica Children’s Museum is housed in a striking red and yellow fort on Calle 4, above Avenida 9, a little north of downtown San Jose.
Address: Calle 4, San Jose 10101, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily
From $ 7
Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park
Even though it’s less than a mile long, the elevated boardwalk at Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve can take an hour to complete. Here, at Central America’s longest boardwalk, endangered, swooping green macaws can often be spotted in the treetops, and rows of marching leaf-cutter ants parade along vine-covered trunks. Every few steps are worth a stop to marvel at the forest around you—which stretches for over 2,700 acres of pristine Costa Rican countryside. The elevated forest boardwalk aside, Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve is a bright light of conservation in the midst of natural destruction. Here in the province of Sarapiquí to the north of San José, a global demand for Costa Rican pineapples has led to deforestation. Tirelessly working to conserve what they can, Cinco Ceibas set out on a mission to plant half a million trees—including a grove of towering teak that’s been growing for 20 years. Today the teak grove forms the backdrop for eco-tours on horseback, and many of the park’s facilities and buildings were sourced using park-grown materials. Hear the efforts towards conservation while kayaking the Rio Cuarto, a leisurely, slow-moving mountain stream where monkeys, macaws, and red-eyed tree frogs flit across banks and bushes. Best of all, is that despite the park’s remote location and distance from San José, guests are greeted with comfortable facilities and impeccable customer service. It’s the park’s hope, that through education and tourism, that much like the stoic Ceiba trees that have stood for 500 years, the sustainable, natural, conservation practices will help the area keep its forests for at least 500 more.
Practical Info
Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park is located 2.5 hours north of San José towards the border with Nicaragua. Minimum age for horseback riding is 12, and there’s a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
Address: Pangola, Sarapiqui, Heredia, Costa Rica
Admission: $40-$99
From $ 85
Chirripo National Park
Cerro Chirripo, Coast Rica’s highest point, is just one of the attractions that draws wilderness adventurers to what some consider the nation’s wildest park. The 11-mile hike up a steep mountain pass can prove a challenging climb for even the most experienced trekkers. Two permanent shelters along the way mean hikers can leave their tents at home, but travelers will still need to carry plenty of food and water for the demanding trail. Though the pass can be difficult, the views from the top—including the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea—are truly amazing.
For less-fit travelers and those in search of more leisurely strolls, the forests of Chirripo National Park offer plenty of opportunity to explore the unique flora and fauna indigenous to Costa Rica. Its scenic passes, lush pastures and minimal elevation gains are accessible for the entire family.
For less-fit travelers and those in search of more leisurely strolls, the forests of Chirripo National Park offer plenty of opportunity to explore the unique flora and fauna indigenous to Costa Rica. Its scenic passes, lush pastures and minimal elevation gains are accessible for the entire family.
Practical Info
The high season is from December to April, but the rainforest is at its greenest between May and November. Maps and visitor guides are available for free in the park. Visitors must pay $7 to enter and an extra $3 to stay overnight. Chirripo is accessible by bus from San Isidro and leaves daily at 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Address: Chirripó National Park, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Admission: Entrance: $7; Overnight: $3
From $ 85
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center
Costa Rica contains some of the most diverse, tropical ecosystems on the planet, filled with rich wildlife that is famous around the world. Proyecto Asis is a wildlife rescue center focused on the protection and rehabilitation of local animals. Visitors can tour the facilities, take Spanish classes, or volunteer to care for the animals, whose natural habitats are often threatened by human development and expansion in the area.
Rangers rescue the jungle animals which have been neglected, abandoned, or poached, and offered shelter and care. Parrots, monkeys, kinkajou, and peccaries are a few of the animals cared for. Many are on the brink of extinction, with rescue centers contributing to the species’ longevity. Some are even able to be released back into the wild.
A visit to the center is an excellent way to see the animals up close, while simultaneously learning and contributing to the preservation of local wildlife.
Practical Info
Proyecto Asis is located in the Arenal Volcano area. From La Fortuna take Route 142 east and follow signs for Javillos. The wildlife center will be located on the righthand side of the road. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, tour prices begin at $31 per person (1.5 hours.) They also work with volunteers on a longer basis.
Address: 141, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8am-4pm
Admission: Tours start at $31
From $ 33
Baldi Hot Springs
Located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, San Carlos, Baldi Hot Springs features thermo-mineral hot water pools with great views of the volcano. It’s the biggest hot springs facility in the region and the perfect way to relax after hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Located within the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa, there are day-use options as well as availability for hotel guests. The 25 pools range in temperature from 93 to 152 degrees Fahrenheit and get hotter as the elevation rises. It's recommended that you balance your time between pools, as your core temperature will begin to rise after about 20 minutes in a hot pool. The minerality and temperature of the water is believed to rid the body of germs and viruses while increasing blood circulation and releasing harmful toxins.
For the adventurous, Baldi Hot Springs also has extreme water slides that send you bumping and sliding before landing in the natural hot springs pool. Have children? his site is family friendly and features specially designed secure shallow pools with slides and a continuous stream of water that will keep kids thoroughly entertained.
Practical Info
Despite its proximity to Arenal Volcano, the Baldi Hot Springs are located outside of the volcano risk zone established by the National Prevention of Risks and Emergency Commission. The site is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and smoking is not allowed on the premises. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera and a change of clothes; lockers are available for an additional fee.
Address: Del Centro De La Fortuna 4 Km, San Carlos, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: ₡12000
From $ 225
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall cascades 200 feet (61 meters) down the sheer cliff face of Cerro Chato, the Arenal Volcano’s dormant and thickly forested twin. One of the most impressive and accessible waterfalls in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a great place to picnic, swim, and photograph the waterfall’s perpetual mists and nearby exotic vegetation.
The Basics
Set just outside the town of La Fortuna, this cascade is a must-see for visitors to Arenal Volcano National Park. From the parking lot, the descent down the staircase to the falls only takes roughly 20 minutes. A longer trail winds through the rain forest and can be traversed on horseback, giving travelers an opportunity to spot toucans, monkeys, and other tropical creatures. At the bottom, adventurous visitors can swim in the clear waters below the fall, while others can picnic along the rocky shoreline or snap pictures of the scenery.
Most La Fortuna Waterfall tours include a visit to the adjacent Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can head out on a volcano hike, get your adrenaline pumping on a waterfall-jumping and canyoning adventure, or float down the river on a safari tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a bathing suit, sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- Swimming is allowed, but only in pools well away from the potentially dangerous currents produced by the falls, especially during the rainy season.
- Keep in mind that the staircase down to the falls is steep and sometimes slippery.
How to Get There
La Fortuna Waterfall is located roughly 10 minutes by road from the small town of La Fortuna, and about three hours by road from San José.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit is during Costa Rica’s dry season (mid-December to April), when the weather is ideal for exploring. Arrive early in the day if you want to avoid crowds.
Exploring Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and epic volcanic landscapes. Trek through the park’s many hiking trails, walk across picturesque hanging bridges, take a horseback ride, or go rappelling down volcanic rock faces. Nearby, Baldi Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to relax after an action-packed day of sightseeing.
Address: Costa Rica
From $ 15
Puntarenas Cruise Port
Sitting on a narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a gateway to exploring the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. It is also the country’s most important fishing port and a popular holiday destination for Costa Ricans.
How to Get to Puntarenas
If you are lucky, your ship will dock right in Puntarenas; other cruise ships may dock at Puerto Caldera, which is 20 minutes away from Puntarenas by taxi. In Puntarenas, you will arrive at the base of the Paseo de las Turistas, the main tourist drag.
One Day in Puntarenas
Without much to see in Puntarenas itself, you will most likely spend your day on an excursion. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, Poas Volcano National Park and the Carara National Park are all popular day trip destinations and possible activities include horseback riding or hiking through the rainforest, kayaking, whitewater rafting, birdwatching and ziplining.
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxing way to spend your day, you might try a visit to the town of Sarchi, about 40 minutes from Puntarenas. The drive itself is pleasant and the town offers a variety of unique souvenirs including colorful crafts and leather goods. Or, arrange an excursion to a local coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of Costa Rica’s best brews.
For those who opt to hang around town, you can stroll along the Paseo de las Turistas, a beachfront walkway that is bursting with shops, open air food counters and restaurants.
Port Information
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but those in the tourist industry will likely speak and understand some English. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, but most merchants and taxi drivers will accept US dollars, giving you change in colones.
How to Get to Puntarenas
If you are lucky, your ship will dock right in Puntarenas; other cruise ships may dock at Puerto Caldera, which is 20 minutes away from Puntarenas by taxi. In Puntarenas, you will arrive at the base of the Paseo de las Turistas, the main tourist drag.
One Day in Puntarenas
Without much to see in Puntarenas itself, you will most likely spend your day on an excursion. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, Poas Volcano National Park and the Carara National Park are all popular day trip destinations and possible activities include horseback riding or hiking through the rainforest, kayaking, whitewater rafting, birdwatching and ziplining.
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxing way to spend your day, you might try a visit to the town of Sarchi, about 40 minutes from Puntarenas. The drive itself is pleasant and the town offers a variety of unique souvenirs including colorful crafts and leather goods. Or, arrange an excursion to a local coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of Costa Rica’s best brews.
For those who opt to hang around town, you can stroll along the Paseo de las Turistas, a beachfront walkway that is bursting with shops, open air food counters and restaurants.
Port Information
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but those in the tourist industry will likely speak and understand some English. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, but most merchants and taxi drivers will accept US dollars, giving you change in colones.
Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
From $ 192