When can I see Arenal Volcano's peak?

Arenal Volcano is often covered by clouds, especially afternoons. Best visibility is at dawn (6-8 AM) in dry season (December-April). The volcano hasn't had major eruptions since 2010, so no lava flows, but the perfect cone shape is iconic when visible.

Which hot springs should I choose?

Tabacón is the most luxurious with tropical gardens, swim-up bar, and waterslides (₡60,000 / $120). Ecotermales is more intimate with natural setting and smaller crowds (₡50,000 / $100). Baldi Hot Springs is budget-friendly with 25 pools (₡40,000 / $80). All include towels and lockers.

Is Río Celeste worth the trip from La Fortuna?

Absolutely—Río Celeste's turquoise water is one of Costa Rica's most stunning sights. It's a 1.5-hour drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park, then 6km moderate hike (2-3 hours) through rainforest to the waterfall. Tour operators offer day trips with transport (₡40,000-60,000 / $80-120). Go early to avoid crowds.

La Fortuna

Adventure capital at the base of Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, and gateway to rainforest activities.

🌐Other Cities in Costa Rica

Jaco

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo

San Jose

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Recommended Hotels in La Fortuna

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🏛️Main Attractions

✓Arenal Volcano
✓La Fortuna Waterfall
✓Tabacón Hot Springs
✓Arenal Hanging Bridges
✓Lake Arenal
✓Río Celeste

Also check attractions in other Costa Rica cities:

Jaco Puerto Viejo de Talamanca San Jose

🏨Recommended Hotels

★Nayara Springs
★Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
★The Springs Resort & Spa
★Arenal Observatory Lodge

🍜Restaurants & Food

•Don Rufino

¥¥¥

Upscale Costa Rican Cuisine

•Restaurante Mi Casa

¥¥

Authentic Tico Home Cooking

•Soda Viquez

Traditional Casado (local set meal)

•Rainforest Café

¥¥

International & Vegetarian

Also check restaurants in other Costa Rica cities:

Jaco Puerto Viejo de Talamanca San Jose

🚇Transportation

La Fortuna is a small town walkable within downtown. Most attractions (volcano, hot springs, waterfalls) require tours, rental cars, or taxis. Buses connect to San José (4-5 hours), Monteverde (3 hours boat-bus combo). No airport—nearest is San José or Liberia.

PedestrianFree

Downtown La Fortuna is compact—main street has restaurants, tour operators, shops. Most hotels and attractions outside town require transport.

Organized Tours₡20,000-60,000 ($40-120 USD) per activity

Most convenient for visiting Arenal Volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfalls. Tours include pickup/dropoff from hotels.

Local Taxi₡5,000-15,000 ($10-30 USD) depending on distance

Official red taxis available for transport to La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacón, or other nearby attractions. Negotiate fare before departure.

Vehicle Rental₡40,000-70,000/day ($80-140 USD)

Recommended for flexibility visiting multiple attractions. Roads generally good. Book in San José or Liberia for better rates.

💡 Travel Tips

• Book hot springs in advance—Tabacón is most luxurious, Ecotermales is more intimate
• Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall early morning—avoid crowds and enjoy natural pool swimming
• Arenal Volcano rarely shows its peak—clouds cover it most days, best visibility at dawn
• Day trip to Río Celeste (turquoise river) in Tenorio Volcano National Park—absolutely stunning
• Pack rain jacket year-round—afternoon showers common even in dry season