Arenal Volcano
Arenal was one of the most active volcanoes in the world from 1968 to 2010. In 1968 it erupted without warning and destroyed three villages, killing 87 people. The eruption opened three new craters and sent pyroclastic flows across the western flank. For the next 42 years it maintained a state of near-continuous activity. In 2010, eruptive activity essentially stopped and scientists began reassessing whether it had entered a resting phase or genuine dormancy. The distinction matters for tourism: the active lava flows that drew visitors from the 1990s onward are no longer happening. What remains is an extraordinarily beautiful conical volcano with a landscape shaped by those decades of activity.
La Fortuna and the National Park
La Fortuna is the town at the base of the volcano, the primary base for visitors. The volcano dominates the skyline on clear mornings before afternoon clouds typically obscure the summit. The national park entrance is accessed from the south side; hiking trails wind through old lava fields and rainforest with multiple summit viewpoints.
La Fortuna Waterfall is 5 kilometres south of town: a 75-metre drop into a pool suitable for swimming, accessed by a steep descent of around 500 steps. The 20-minute descent and the 30-minute climb back up are all part of the experience.
Hot Springs
The geothermal activity that feeds Arenal also heats springs in the surrounding area. Tabacón Thermal Resort operates commercial hot spring pools integrated into landscaped gardens along a naturally heated river. The commercial resorts are expensive (USD 60 to 80 for day access); free or cheap natural hot pools exist along the road west of La Fortuna, though their exact locations shift as the terrain changes.
Lake Arenal and Hanging Bridges
Lake Arenal, 30 kilometres west, is a large artificial reservoir offering kayaking and windsurfing. The hanging bridge trails in several tour operator parks provide suspension bridge crossings through the rainforest canopy at height; the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges park is the most accessible.
Getting There
San José to La Fortuna is about three hours by private car or shuttle. Shared shuttles run daily from San José and most major tourist hubs; book through accommodation or local agencies.