Costa Rica · Alajuela · northern plains
What to see and do in La Fortuna and Arenal
Three independent admissions to explore the volcano environment.
Use La Fortuna as a base to visit the trails of the national park, go down to the ADIFORT waterfall and explore the bridges of Mistico. Each place has its own entrance and transfer; one reservation does not replace the others.
Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.
What to visit in La Fortuna and Arenal · forest, waterfall and bridges
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES
What to do in La Fortuna and Arenal · forest, waterfall and bridges
nature
Arenal Volcano National Park
The trails in the public use area go through forest and old lava flows, with perspectives of the volcano and the reservoir depending on the weather. The tourist route does not go up the cone.
Activities for your visit
- Walk along the enabled trails.
- Observe the volcanic landscape from its viewpoints.
Tips for this place
- Stay within the authorized area.
- Clouds can cover the volcano.
SINAC indicates in-person purchase at the park ticket office on the day of the visit. This admission is different from La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico and other private parks in the area. It is prohibited to climb the Arenal and Chato cones.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 10.463, -84.75.
nature
Fortuna River Waterfall · ADIFORT
The waterfall falls between forest walls and is visited on a self-guided tour managed by ADIFORT. The descent to the river involves about 530 steps and the climb back up.
Activities for your visit
- Contemplate the waterfall from its viewpoints.
- Tour the orchid garden included.
Tips for this place
- Rate the stairs according to your mobility.
- Respect the instructions on flow and bathing.
Buy the entrance to Río Fortuna Waterfall with ADIFORT. The upper viewing platform offers an alternative for those who cannot go down the stairs. Bathing depends on the conditions and instructions of the staff.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 10.4195, -84.6682.
nature
Mistico · hanging bridges
This private park offers trails and suspended bridges over the forest around Arenal. The self-guided mode allows you to explore the circuit without a group guide.
Activities for your visit
- Cross the bridges of the chosen circuit.
- Observe the forest and the views that time allows.
Tips for this place
- Wear completely closed shoes.
- Check the short or accessible route according to your needs.
Book the self-guided modality linked by Mistico Park. Guided visits, transfers and other experiences have their own conditions. It is a private park with independent entrance from the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Reference sources and location
Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.
Reference coordinates: 10.4879, -84.7549.
A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF
3-day itinerary in La Fortuna and Arenal · forest, waterfall and bridges
- Day 1
Arenal Volcano National Park Trails
Check the accesses enabled and buy the park ticket at the ticket office.
- Day 2
Fortuna River Waterfall
Reserve the waterfall and distribute the effort of going down and going up, with breaks and water.
- Day 3
Mistico suspension bridges
Go to the private park for the chosen modality and time, with closed shoes.
Tips for visiting La Fortuna and Arenal · forest, waterfall and bridges
- Organize movements between the three accesses.
- Rate the stairs of the waterfall and the length of each walk.
LOCAL FLAVORS
What to eat in La Fortuna and Arenal · forest, waterfall and bridges
Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.
The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast
Gallo pinto
Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.
The whole country · Soda lunch
Casado
A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.
Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions
Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth
Olla de carne
Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.
Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure
Family cuisine · Rice to share
Costa Rican arroz con pollo
Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.
Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book
Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk
Caribbean rice and beans
Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.
Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine
Costas and sodas Crispy green banana
Patacones
Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.
Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors
Sources to prepare your visit
- SINAC · Arenal Volcano National Park
- ADIFORT · visit to the Río Fortuna Waterfall
- Mistico Park · self-guided suspension bridges
- SINAC · in-person purchase at Arenal Volcano
- SINAC · prohibition of access to the Arenal and Chato cones
Reference location: SINAC · Arenal Volcano National Park.
Reference of a place in the guide; It does not represent the entire region or a route between visits.
Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.
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