5 Volcano-Centric Activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

You aren’t alone if a Costa Rican vacation is on your bucket list, especially if you live in the U.S.—tourism is the Central American country’s biggest source of revenue, and over half of the folks visiting are from North America. And it’s no wonder. With beautiful beaches, rainforests filled with biodiversity, and an adventure-filled landscape, Costa Rica beckons millions of folks wishing to trade the daily humdrum for more pura vida (pure life in Spanish) times.

While you may be toying with the idea of heading to the coastline, which admittedly makes sense, I encourage you to head inland and visit La Fortuna, where you’ll find nature, relaxation, and adrenaline-pumping activities all within view of the Arenal Volcano. The mountain has remained dormant since 2010, and there is a plethora of safe, volcano-centric activities to keep outdoor lovers busy. The beaches may be calling your name, but La Fortuna has all the water, solace, and adventure you could ever want. Here are five things to do while you’re there.

Soak in volcanic hot springs.

As you approach La Fortuna, multiple accommodation signs boast about warm springs, but for a genuine experience, head to Tabacon Resort & Spa. Their hot spring experience is the only location where you can soak in the naturally formed river heated by the volcano. Pools range from 72 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and feature natural rock beds filled with mineralized water. I had a fabulous time soaking, moving from cooler to hotter places as I saw fit. Although children are allowed, for a true respite, head to the Shangri-La Gardens, an area of hot springs reserved for adults.

Ride horseback to get close to the volcano.

Arenal hasn’t erupted since 2010, but being near an active volcano isn’t for the faint-hearted. One option is to hike up the mountain, but riding horseback is the best way to soak in the views while leaving the navigation of La Fortuna’s rocky terrain to your horse. If you’ve never ridden horseback, don’t be intimidated, as the pre-excursion briefing will ease your mind, plus participants must wear a helmet for safety reasons. The first part of the trek is on gravel, although as the horse gets closer to Arenal, the landscape changes so that you can survey the vast array of flowers and trees that grow on the mountain. Admittedly, some of the terrain is highly challenging, but I knew I was in good hands as the horses were used to traversing the area.

Glide during an exhilarating canopy tour.

Also known as zip lining, a canopy tour is an exciting way to experience nature around the volcano while taking in views you couldn’t see otherwise. After a safety briefing, guides will accompany you to the platforms so that you can take turns gliding through the rainforest within view of Arenal. Whether you close your eyes, look towards the next platform, or gaze down on the ground below, speeding through the air is electrifying. If you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on your opinion—you may even spot a few snakes and other unique creatures as you zip along. Don’t miss the chance to test the Tarzan swing, where you have to muster the courage to experience a free jump before the line catches you. It’s a bit scary, but the adrenaline rush is worth it.

Experience a massage in the rainforest.

While at Tabacon outside La Fortuna, you can book various spa treatments, from volcanic mud wraps to mineral clay facials, but having my muscles kneaded always tops my list. After time expending energy, the only thing that rivals a soak in the hot springs is having a soothing massage while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Various massage therapies—from a relaxing, 50-minute Swedish technique to the 105-minute Idyllic experience—are designed to let you unwind while easing your muscles. Some menu offerings include hot mud treatments made with volcanic clay, which you can wash off in the thermo-mineral shower with water heated by the volcano. Between the sounds of the rushing river and the release of tension, you may fall asleep (like I did!) for a truly restful experience.

Enjoy a coffee tasting in La Fortuna.

Although Colombia and Brazil are better known for coffee production, Costa Rica has a small-but-mighty approach with their beans. Due to many volcanoes throughout the country, the soil is rich in minerals. That, coupled with a significant amount of rainfall, gives Costa Rica the perfect conditions for growing quality coffee, and I suggest you do a tasting while you’re there. I did it twice—once at Tabacon and the other at Metrópoli in La Fortuna. It’s an activity that coffee connoisseurs will enjoy, but even if you’re not into having a cup of Joe, you can still learn a lot about the bean-to-cup process by participating in a local tasting. Just schedule it in the morning to benefit from the naturally-caffeinated buzz.

Jennifer Prince currently lives in Virginia with her husband, and other than travel and writing, she enjoys ’80s music, vintage things, fostering kittens, time with her family, and dreaming about her next Airbnb venture. Follow her adventures on IG at @travellikeaprince.