La Fortuna / Arenal
Volcano views, natural hot springs and waterfall adventures.
About La Fortuna / Arenal
La Fortuna sits at the base of the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, making it Costa Rica's adventure and hot-springs capital. The lush northern-plains setting combines waterfalls, rainforest and Lake Arenal with a steady stream of tours, from hanging bridges to volcano-heated thermal pools.
Cost of living
An inland tourist town, La Fortuna is generally more affordable than the Pacific beach towns, though hot-springs resorts and guided tours can add up for visitors.
Climate
Warm and notably rainy rainforest climate — the greenery is year-round, with the driest months typically falling between February and April.
Is La Fortuna / Arenal right for you?
For visitors
Travelers base here to hike around Arenal Volcano National Park, soak in natural hot springs, visit La Fortuna Waterfall and explore Lake Arenal and nearby wildlife.
Plan a Costa Rica trip →For expats & retirees
A smaller but growing number of expats settle in and around La Fortuna for its dramatic scenery, lower inland costs and tight-knit small-town feel away from the coast.
Top things to do in La Fortuna / Arenal
- Hike the lava trails of Arenal Volcano National Park
- Soak in natural and resort hot springs
- Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall and swim at its base
- Walk the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy
- Go whitewater rafting or kayaking on nearby rivers
- Take a boat or wildlife tour around Lake Arenal
Property in La Fortuna / Arenal
Properties range from in-town homes to rainforest acreage and farms with volcano views, with inland pricing that is friendlier than the coast.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Always verify clear title and work with an independent local attorney.
Other destinations
Compare more of Costa Rica's most-loved towns.
Tamarindo
Surf, sunsets and Costa Rica's most established beach-town expat scene.
Manuel Antonio
Where rainforest, wildlife and white-sand beaches meet.
Monteverde
Misty cloud forests, hanging bridges and canopy zip-lines.
Nosara
A Blue Zone wellness haven for yoga, surf and a slow, healthy pace.
Atenas
Famous for the 'best climate in the world' and a longtime retiree favorite.
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