Pura Vida in La Fortuna

Ziplining

La Fortuna offers some of the best ziplining in all of Central America. For adrenaline seekers, there are lines extending over half a mile that reach speeds of 45 mph or more. If your priority is scenery, several courses provide stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Lake Arenal.

While you can take the DIY route with a GoPro, many tour operators have photographers on site to capture your adventures over the rainforest for a fee. Just remember to use secure pockets to ensure your valuables don’t fall to their demise.

Night hikes

While many trails in Costa Rica have regulations against hiking alone at night, La Fortuna offers a multitude of tour options where you can explore with an expert guide. In addition to keeping you safe, these guides are experts at spotting wildlife you would likely miss on your own, all while providing insightful commentary on each species. I was able to see tree frogs, coatimundis, bullet ants, snakes, poison dart frogs, and even a kinkajou. Almost every single species was pointed out to me by my guide, which just goes to show how crucial they are to the experience.

Sloth watching

Similar to night hikes, I truly believe seeing sloths requires an expert guide. A sloth’s brown coat, combined with a layer of green algae, makes it extremely difficult to find them on your own. (Yes, sloths actually grow algae on their hair! This is one of the many cool facts you can learn on a tour.) Luckily, guides know exactly where to look and use high-powered spotting scopes to zoom in on sloths hidden high in the canopy. When you’re out there, always remember to look at the tops of Cecropia trees, as sloths love to hang out and munch on their leaves.

Hot springs

Thanks to the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a mecca for hot springs, with over 15 locations featuring hundreds of individual pools. You can tailor your experience however you’d like, with day-pass options at luxury resorts, social springs with swim-up bars, or free soaks with the locals in the Tabacón River. Many of the private springs offer lockers and changing rooms, in addition to on-site food and beverages.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

This park offers guided and self-guided hiking loops with great views of the Arenal Volcano and opportunities to spot wildlife in the canopy. When visiting the six hanging bridges, try to arrive early—your best chance to see animals is in the morning.

Before you leave, be sure to check the roof of the snack shack to see if any coatimundis are scavenging for food.

Jungle Bowls

This was my first smoothie bowl outside of the United States, and it was by far the best. From an expansive menu with numerous options, I opted for the pitaya bowl and was not disappointed. Almost all of the ingredients are locally sourced, providing a refreshing way to cool off on a hot Costa Rican day.

North Fields Coffee and Chocolate

This family-run plantation offers several tour slots throughout the day, where you can learn about and taste a variety of coffees and chocolates.

During the coffee portion, you’re walked through every step, from the coffee cherry to the final roasting process. For the chocolate, you’ll experience it in its purest, bitter form before tasting the sweet delicacy we all know and love. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to sample a few more pieces of chocolate before you leave!

Soda Tito Rosa

A ‘soda’ is a traditional, family-run Costa Rican eatery, the heart of local food culture. There are tons of great spots to choose from, but my top pick is Soda Tito Rosa. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, it offers a peaceful vibe and incredibly fresh meals. It’s the perfect way to eat like a local and give back to the community.

La Fortuna Taproom

You’ll see Imperial everywhere in Costa Rica. It’s a popular staple, but if you’re looking to expand your repertoire with other local beers, La Fortuna Taproom is a fantastic place to visit. The taps rotate frequently, so be sure to ask your bartender for their current recommendations!