//
District in San Carlos canton, Alajuela province, Costa Rica
Photo: Beate Schröder-Wettwer, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
La Fortuna de San Carlos is a small town in the north of Costa Rica. It is known mainly for the nearby Arenal Volcano (1,633 m), a destination for scientists and tourists. See volcanoes for general information.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The photos at the right of this article are views from the village of El Castillo, on the southwest side of the Volcano, about 25 km west of La Fortuna and about 4 km up the road from the Arenal National Park entrance. There are great views of Lake Arenal and the Monteverde Cloud Forest from road up above El Castillo. In October 2010, the volcano ceased its activity and the famous flowing lava has been gone since. Seeing some smoke during the day is possible, however, do not expect to see lava/eruptions in the night, regardless of clouds. This could change at any time. Tours to the National Park usually start out in the early afternoon and include walking for about an hour through lava rocks before reaching El Mirador, the best place to view the eruption of the volcano. There are also possibilities of skipping the lava rock walking and go straight to El Mirador. Most tours state that they will stay for 1-1½ hr at this place, but if there is nothing to be seen, probably a lot less. It might be chilly, so bring a jacket.
Just west of the Arenal Volcano and can be seen as you drive over the dam on the main highway to Tilaran. Much better views of the lake and volcano can be seen from the hills above the village of El Castillo, which is located 9 km from the main highway on the Arenal National Park road. Activities on lake include boat tours, fishing, kayaking, and wind surfing.
Catarata Río Fortuna
Stone steps lead to the bottom. Take a swimsuit for the pool in the lovely stream below. The entrance is accessible by road, so a cab works fine too. Once you pay to go in, you are free to stay as long as you'd like. It's about a 10-min hike down to the waterfall and 20 min back up.
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Río Fortuna and use the El Salto Rope Swing to jump into the water.
A visit to the Butterfly Conservatory offers a practical educational experience about nature with diversified exhibits of how butterflies, frogs, insects, and plants are reproduced in this natural environment. There are six large atrium habitats that provide representation of the plants, trees, butterflies, and frogs that live within the four micro-climates surrounding Lake Arenal; the lowland habitat, highland habitat, edge of forest habitat, and inside of forest habitat. You will also see laboratories, reproduction greenhouses, the exotic frog habit, host plant gardens and orchid atrium. If you want more adventure, then take the Rainforest River Walk along Quebrada Mariposa, the creek running through the primary forest on the property, where it’s often possible to spot animals such as sloths, tayras and monkeys; or toucans and parrots. Or, just take time to reflect at the Volcano View Gazebo, overlooking the botanical gardens, with views to the Arenal lake and volcano beyond.
Lake Arenal is starting to develop into the wakeboard center of Costa Rica. Here you can learn how to wakeboard while the monkeys are watching you from the shore; an unforgettable experience. Always calm water to be found, and year round good air- and water temperatures.
Very popular and crowded. It is across the road from Tabacon Springs used to be Tabaconcito Hot Springs. It was administered by the Tabacon Hotel, but after losing a lawsuit—rivers belong to the public—they had to leave the complex and is now free to enter. There are no facilities except for some ranches and tables. This is a great place to enjoy a natural river, with even some waterfalls and places to relax within it. Since no one controls the site, you can take inside any food or drinks. Beware that after sunset there is no electricity in that place, so if you are planning on staying late at night bring with you a good flashlight (torch).
16 hot springs of various temperatures. Like Tabacon Hot Springs, this too is often included in volcano viewing packages.
More relaxing and a bit more discreet than either Baldi & Tabacon. Reservations definitely recommended as they limit to 100 guests. Good dinner and drinks. Friendly service and feels like you're a guest of the family rather than a customer.
Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort
The fee includes modern changing rooms with locks, towels, and access to the multi-level hot spring with a slide, artificial waterfalls, view of the volcano, and bars for drinks without leaving the water. For a higher price, there is a magnificent buffet. Many hotels will arrange packages including a guided hike to the volcano followed by a trip to the hot springs for a much lower price.
Around a two-hour hike through secondary rainforest which contains lots of habitat of monkeys, spiders, congos, some cariblancos and not leaving behind the toucans, turkeys, and the big quantity of different flora that's in the outskirts of the volcano. There are some emerald green hot springs, colored from copper deposits.
6.4 km toward the lake from the Catholic Church of La Fortuna. Italian and international menu. Great location for viewing the volcano with an excellent meal!
A welcoming break from traditional Costa Rican food. International cuisine, extensive menu, fantastic ambiance.
Excellent breakfast and food for little money.
Traditional cuisine
Traditional, home-style cuisine from Costa Rica and the Caribbean.
A wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes.
Air-conditioned rooms, hot water, restaurant and a really nice pool.
Gated parking is available.
Family-run, decent, very modern, tiny but comfortable double room with balcony & bath & breakfast, friendly hosts, good view of volcano from landing, occasional iguanas.
Arenal Hotel
Volcano views from all rooms. The hotel includes a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a nice restaurant. Also, free farm tour. Spa service.
Lomas del Volcan
Volcano views from all rooms.
Each room has a small patio and offers a view of the volcano as well as double bed, TV, fridge, coffee pot, hot water. There are also 14 hot springs pools on the hotel property The hotel also has a famous canopy tour on the property which costs $45 and lasts about 3 hours.
15 rooms. The deluxe rooms feature two queen size beds, mini fridge, a/c, private bathroom with hot water, coffee maker and safety deposit box. Every room has its own private terrace with direct view to the volcano. The hotel has swimming pool, a small spa for body treatments and a very good Italian/international restaurant.
Organic/biodynamic certified ginger and turmeric farm with rustic lodgings on the edge of the rainforest. Steven, the farm manager is a walking encyclopedia of medicinal plants, sustainable farming and rainforest ecology. They have a variety of lodging options from individual cabins to air-conditioned master suites. All have overwhelmingly comfortable beds and nice views. The food is all organically grown on the site (including the meat) and is alone worth the trip. They have a natural pool and solar jacuzzi, wireless internet, rainforest hikes, options for day-tours both on and nearby the farm.
A five-story hotel in downtown. Good views from the upper rooms. Several rooms and most of the hotel are wheelchair accessible. On site restaurant, sports bar and offers "No Limits Tours" for senior and physically challenged and disabled tourists.
15 rooms, all with AC and fan, 1 double and 2 single beds. A typical breakfast with gallo pinto, egg, ham, cereals, fruit, bread, coffee and juice is included. The owner Hernán Blanco can help you order tours to the surrounding attractions, and if you're lucky, he might give you a free ride to the volcano (and back). He can also get you shuttle service to or from San José for $15 (one way) leaving Fortuna at 06:00 and returning at noon. Friendly and helpful staff.
La Roca Virgen is a surprisingly cheap yet clean and comfortable place to stay. Off the beaten path but only a couple minutes walk to the center of town. 6? rooms with private baths for $9pp, rooms with shared bath cheaper. Off season discounts. Wireless internet. TV, fan, and refrigerator in rooms. Tours arranged. Property patrolled/inhabited by friendly dogs.
The lodge has 65 rooms with two double beds, a/c and private bathroom with hot water. One of the better views of the lava flow of the Arenal Volcano, also features an open air jacuzzi with a magnificent view of the volcano and swimming pools.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano and managed by a local family. Rooms are rustic fancy cabins in the woods. The lodge has its own wildlife refuge where you can walk in flat trails inside the rain forest, visit a butterfly garden, frog ponds and terrariums with local reptiles, insects and poison dart frogs.
Hotel Magic Mountain
A colonial modern hotel, facing the Arenal volcano. Scenic location provides visitors with a stunning view of the volcano.
A few meters from Lake Arenal. Features Swiss chalets, a rotating restaurant and a small railroad track.
In the foothills of the Arenal volcano, it has 20 rooms with view of the volcano. The rooms have air conditioning, safety deposit boxes, hot water, flat screen cable TV, phone and private terraces. The hotel has swimming pool, beautiful gardens, restaurant service and conference room. Tropical breakfast included in the room rate.
Titokú Hot Springs
One of the most biologically diverse in the entire country, the Chachagua's 50 acres (20 hectares) spread nestles up against the Children's International Rain Forest which has great potential for bird and wildlife viewing. Chachagua is fairly self-sustaining: it grows its own fruit and other produce is grown on the ranch. Overall the hotel provides nature guides, nature tours, walks, breakfast, dinner, and a transfer to or from San José. The best times to visit are November through March.
Entrance to the hot springs and spa is included in room rate, one of the top spas in Costa Rica.
One of the newest resorts in Costa Rica and one that has incredible views of Arenal Volcano. The hotel premises includes hot springs, three restaurants, a wildlife preserve, a fitness center and a casino. Easily one of Costa Rica's most extravagant hotels.
By shared shuttle
There are several companies, such as Daytrip, offering direct shared shuttle buses to La Fortuna from San Jose a few times a day.
By private shuttle
The cost of a private transportation with a Costa Rican driver is not much if you compare it with the benefit of a direct safe drive to the destination.
By car
It is a 3½-hr drive from San José, but the junctions are not very well marked, so bring a good map.
By plane
Domestic flights are available with Aerobell Airlines, or Sansa Airlines. Costs around US$90 for flights to/from San José (SJO) or Quepos (Manuel Antonio National Park).
By thumb
Hitch-hiking is actually a reasonable option and quite easy if you are travelling on a tight budget. This way you can reach the park entrance, trails or hot springs time independently and fast.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
La Fortuna · Regional · FON
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about La Fortuna and Costa Rica.
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026. Compare dry season sunshine, green season wildlife, rainforest hiking, hotel rates, and surf swells.
8 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
Nature & adventureDiscover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
ItinerariesThe Gringo trail is a term for places in Latin America visited by gringos, that is, people from North America or Europe. It is the Western Hemisphere's equivalent of tropical Asia's Banana Pancake Trail.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.