Costa Rica

La Fortuna & Volcano Arenal

La Fortuna is a small town close to the famous Arenal Volcano which is still active. Travelers from all over the world at all ages come to this marvelous quiet area. most people arrive especially to the well known Tabacon or Baldi hot springs but know that there is much more things to do in here. Don't miss La Fortuna if you want to enjoy the good life that nature gives us… Costa Rica is much more than the beaches and this area will prove you so.

What to do?

• Baldi Termae – a complex of more than 30000 squared meters of pools in different temperatures, spa, waterfalls, swim bars, fountains, restaurant all in between tropical gardens and down the Arenal Volcano which in a clear non cloudy night you can see the lava dropping down the mountain while sitting inside a pool on a sun tanning bed.
  if you want something more luxurious go for the Tabacon hot springs. But the ones of Baldi are more than enough and in half price.
  Entrance Free: a bit more than 20$.
• "Catarata Rio Fortuna" in the ecologic reserve located 6 km. out of town. it is possible to go there alone by bike but if you are willing to spend a bit more, take a tour with horses. The horses are in good condition and well kept. And in this way you have the chance to see some more of the magnificent surroundings that ends in a beautiful big waterfall.
• If you are not in a hurry and stay in La Fortuna an extra day or more, you should definitely check a little place about 2 km. out of town where all the locals go because it is beautiful and free (seems as the only free attraction in the area). Ask one of the locals how to get to the small waterfall with the Tarzan jump just beneath a bridge that leads to the town.
• It is possible to go hiking next to the Arenal Volcano but it is not allowed to climb it. There are organized tours taking you there but also possible to go alone.

Where to stay?

• Sleep Inn – the owner Carlos (known also as Mr. Lava Lava) is the nicest, funniest man in town giving you a comfortable feeling of being at home. He has rooms in 2 different locations in town (Sleep Inn 1 and 2) and even if you come with a group of people and there is lack of spaces he will always find a solution.
  Sleep Inn 2 offers a big patio with TV, a kitchen for the guests use, ping pong table, darts, etc. 6-7$ per night.
• Arenal backpackers resort – a 5 stars hostel. If you want to spoil yourself a bit this is the place. The rooms are built in high standard with A/C, private bath & toilet. Internet is free and there is a swimming pool as well. It's more expensive than other hostels around but you pay for what you get. 12$ per night.

Special tips:

·    Carlos is the man for all the information you want to get – starts with where to eat and ends with suggestions for where to go next in Costa Rica. He also has the cheapest prices in town so you can do everything through him.

·    Baldi hot springs are open from the morning but if you are not going to spend there the whole day, go an hour or two before the sunset. This way, you can see everything during day time and to enjoy the site with less people during the night.