Discover the magic of La Fortuna, Costa Rica—home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and unforgettable adventures. This list includes my favorite places to stay, must-try restaurants, hot springs, hiking trails, and thrilling excursion...
Sections
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Hotel
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Restaurants
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Other Food & Drinks
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Adventure
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Things to Pack
Hotel
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This is the most amazing hotel! It has amazing hot springs, delicious food & drink… and a spa!
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Restaurants
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We ate here for breakfast and dinner multiple times. My son had an AMAZING steak!
Tres Cascadas - Costa Rica Restaurants - The Springs Resort & Spa
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Beautiful window views… and delicious (expensive) dinner
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
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Cute little open dining Italian restaurant in town
LA FORCHETTA, La Fortuna de San Carlos - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & ...
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Go in to the town and explore! Stop and have a great dinner here
RESTAURANTE TRAVESĂŤA, La Fortuna de San Carlos - Menu, Prices & ...
Other Food & Drinks
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Looking for a little nightlife?
CHARLIES SPORT BAR, La Fortuna de San Carlos - Restaurant Reviews, ...
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Make sure to stop at a “soda” along the way… they are small, casual
Family run restaurants with amazing local food. Often with gorgeous views!
SODA & RESTAURANTE RODRĂŤGUEZ, La Fortuna de San Carlos
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Stop at any of the local markets to purchase souvenirs and snacks/drinks to bring back to the hotel. Support the local economy and save a few dollars!
Cristian Supermarket 4
Adventure
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The highest and fastest zip line in the area
Sky Adventures
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This was so much fun! You go down the river twice
River Tubing - Things to Do in Arenal Costa Rica – Club Rio Outdoor Center
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The most popular rides are the sunrise or sunset… though they have many more throughout the day. We went at sunrise and it was beautiful!
Horseback Riding - The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
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An amazing FARM atv tour; mid way through we stopped at a local farm and interacted with the animals, ate an amazing lunch and took in the beautiful sights
ATV Tours - Costa Rica Activities - The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
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Who’s up for a little adventure?!
Pure Trek Canyoning Adventure - Pure Trek Costa Rica
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Great for a fishing adventure!
Lake Arenal - Information and Maps Costa Rica
Things to Pack
Besides the obvious bathing suits, shorts, tanks and sundresses these are a few items you will want to consider throwing in your bag!
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It’s a long flight! Make sure you are comfortable
Best Travel Pillows
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This was the only bag I used all trip. Just wore it across my chest
Crossbody Bags
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There is “rainy season”- and “less rainy season”…. And it’s no joke!
Rain Poncho
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The roads in the Arenal area are very windy! We were picked up by shuttle and I am SO thankful I had taken a Dramamine
Non Drowsy Dramamine
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Make sure to have quick drying sneakers!
Women's Columbia Drainmaker™ XTR
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My favorite luggage- love the gold handle! I’m an overpacker and appreciate the built in scale to let me know when I’ve hit my limit!
Best Rolling Luggage & Suitcases - Check-In & Carry-On Luggage | BÉIS ...
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These are my favorite flip flops… more for style than activity
Tory Burch Kira Flip Flop (Women)
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Perfect accessory for your phone should you tube down the river- or really do any activity when it’s raining! (And it’s always raining!)
Large Waterproof Phone Pouch 2 Pack - IPX8 Case for iPhone 16/15/14 Pro Max & Galaxy S25/S24
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There are a lot of (big) bugs in Costa Rica!
OFF! Family Care Insect Repellent 15% DEET, 4 Oz, 2 Count
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My favorite phone charger… it’s a slim design and attaches to the back of your phone easily (magnetic).
