Fortuna (La Fortuna de San Carlos) is a small city in the north of Costa Rica. Fortuna is mostly famous for its nearby Arenal Volcano (1,633 m) that has been constantly erupting since 1968. The Arenal Volcano is a destination for scientists and tourists alike as it erupts on an average of 41 times a day.
PLACE TO VISIT
Arenal Volcano The photos at right are views from the village of El Castillo, on the southwest side of the Volcano, about 25 km west of La Fortuna and about 4km up the road from the Arenal National Park entrance. Additionally, there are great views of Lake Arenal and the Monteverde Cloud Forest from road up above El Castillo. In the evening hopefully you will see lava eruptions that can be quite spectacular set against the black night sky, but often it may be too cloudy to see the magnificent lava flows. Tours to the National Park usually start out in the early afternoon and include walking for about an hour through lava rocks before reaching El Mirador, the best place to view the eruption of the volcano. There are also possibilities of skipping the lava rock walking and go straight to El Mirador. Most tours state that they will stay for a hour/hour and half at this place, but if there is nothing to be seen probably a lot less. Also be aware that it might be chilly, so bring a jacket. The tours come in a variety of options: with buffet dinner and entrance to the Tabacon hot spa $64, with entrance to Baldi hot spa $30, just the tour $25. There is also a possibility of a no frills tour by mini-bus to El Mirador and back to Fortuna for $10.
Fortuna waterfall by horse $25. Stone steps lead to the bottom. Take a swimsuit for the pool in the lovely stream below. The entrance is accessible by road, so a cab works fine too.
Lake Arenal, is just west of the Arenal Volcano and can be seen as you drive over the dam on the main highway to Tilaran. Much better views of the lake and volcano can be seen from the hills above the village of El Castillo, which is located 9 km from the main highway on the Arenal National Park road. Activies on lake include boat tours, fishing, kayaking, and wind surfing.
WHAT TO DO
Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, A visit to the Butterfly Conservatory offers a practical educational experience about nature with diversified exhibits of how butterflies, frogs, insects, and plants are reproduced in this natural environment. There are six large atrium habitats that provide representation of the plants, trees, butterflies, and frogs that live within the four micro-climates surrounding Lake Arenal; the lowland habitat, highland habitat, edge of forest habitat, and inside of forest habitat. You will also see laboratories, reproduction greenhouses, the exotic frog habit, host plant gardens and orchid atrium. If you want more adventure, then take the Rainforest River Walk along Quebrada Mariposa, the creek running through the primary forest on the property, where it’s often possible to spot animals such as sloth’s, tayra’s and monkeys; or toucans and parrots. Or, just take time to reflect at the Volcano View Gazebo, overlooking the botanical gardens, with views to the Arenal lake and volcano beyond. $12.
Jeep Boat Jeep, The fastest way to Monteverde. This trip starts at La fortuna at 8:30AM. where they will provide transportation to the Arenal Dam. At 9AM board the boat for around 35 minutes observing the Arenal Volcano. On the other side of the lake, four wheel drive trucks will be waiting and will take you to Santa Elena, it takes 30 minutes from Fortuna to Arenal Lake, 30 across the lake and 1 hour from the arenal lake to Monteverde. So in 2 hours you can go from La Fortuna to Monteverde or the other way Morning transportation pick-up time: 8AM from Monteverde. 8:30AM from La Fortuna - Arenal. Afternoon transportation pick-up time: 2PM from Monteverde; 2:30PM. from La Fortuna - Arenal. (The cost of pick-up from your hotel depends up on the location)
Cano Negro Wild Life Refuge, Caño Negro Wild Life Refuge Rio Frío are biological humid areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds plus three different species of monkeys, also iguanas, sloths, turtles and caymans. The tour starts at 7:30AM picking up all "Nature Lovers" from the hotel in a very comfortable bus for the 1-½ hour Transfer to Los Chiles, a culturally mixed village only 4 km from the Nicaraguan border. Here your boat waits for your river adventure, beginning the 4-hour floating safari through Tropical Rain Forest and pastures until you arrive at the marsh. An experienced English - Spanish speaking guide leads the tour. Along the river you can see many birds, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, also the three-toed sloth and some reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizard and turtles.
Arenal Volcano Night Hike, At 3PM you will arrive a comfortable microbus with destination to a predetermined point to start hikig for around two hours, appreciating the secondary rainforest which contains lots of habitat of monkeys, spiders, congos, some cariblancos and not leaving behind the tucans, turkeys, and the big quantity of different flora thats in the skirts of the volcano. After making this hiking you will enjoy a refreshment and wide information about our colossal friend. To continue with the discovery our guide will show you where hotsprigs come to life and where you will perceive the sulfur odor and an emerald green color lake due to the deposit of copper on it. Later, if nature allows, you will see a spectacular volcano for 1 hour.
Cerro Chato Hike (La Fortuna Costa Rica), Cerro Chato expedition. Leave La Fortuna early in the morning for the hotel "Observatory Lodge", where you begin our walk through very dense primary forest toward the Cerro Chato through very dense primary forest. There you will visit the Crater Lake, where you can swim, take pictures and explore the surroundings. After that, you continue the descent through the rainforest where birds, insects, animals, immense trees and a wide variety of tropical plants can be appreciated. You will also enjoy San Carlos Valley as well as the Arenal Volcano view. The walk will end at La Fortuna Waterfalls, where you hike for about 15 minutes before you can feel the breeze of the powerful waterfall and take a refreshing swim in the river. Afterwards you return to La Fortuna. Departure: 7AM; Arrival: Around 4PM. Includes: guide, transportation, beverages, sandwiches, entrance fee.
Rain Goddess fishing boat - for entertainment the boat navigates around the Arenal lake, so that you can appreciate the unparalleled views. They have kayaks and other water activities you can do at the lake. Of course the main attraction is the fishing. The lake has many species of fish but the "Guapote" Bass is most prevalent; this fish is a close relative of the peacock bass and is just as strong. Other fish like the Mojara are also prevalent, think 'kin to the piranha but fruit eaters'. Using the fish you catch, Clifford, the amiable chef will cook them for you. Enjoy the fruits of your day's fun along with his many special recipes!
Tabacon Hot Springs Entrance fee $65. The fee includes modern changing rooms with locks, towels, and access to the multi-level hot spring with a slide, artificial waterfalls, view of the volcano, and bars for drinks without leaving the water. For a higher price, there is a magnificent buffet. Many hotels will arrange packages including a guided hike to the volcano followed by a trip to the hot springs for a much lower price.
Tabaconcito Hot Springs Free Entrance - Across the road from Tabacon Springs used to be Tabaconcito Hot Springs. It was administered by the Tabacon Hotel, but after losing a lawsuit they had to leave the complex and is now free to enter. There are no facilities except for some ranches and tables. This is a great place to enjoy a natural river, with even some waterfalls and places to relax within it. Since no one controls the site, you can take inside any food or drinks. Beware that after sunset there is no electricity in that place, so if you are planning on staying late at night bring with you a good flash light.
Baldi hot springs 16 hot springs of various temperatures. Like Tabacon Hot Springs, this too is often included in volcano viewing packages.
White water rafting on the Mighty Río Toro Class 3-4 or the Beautiful Río Balsa Class 2-3.
Canyoneering (Waterfall-Rappelling) In the Lost Canyon with Desafio Adventure Company $85. www.desafiocostarica.com
Community, Culture & Conservation Think globally, act locally! Visit AMURECI woman’s co-op, Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Center & Luna Nueva organic farm. (You can also visit only Luna Nueva or Proyecto Asis separately.)$75. Exclusively with Desafio Adventure Company.
Canopy tour by horse $45. You'll go on horse back for about 40 minutes to the place of the canopy. Don't worry if you never have ridden a horse before, they'll set you up with friendly one. Recommended.
Safari boat on the Peña Blancas river $45
Rainforest Mysteries: Food Medicine Habitat link $69 At an organic/biodynamic herbal estate called Luna Nueva, this is a great opportunity to learn about all aspects of the rainforest and how it relates to us as humans. A wonderful, relaxing, informative day tour with organic lunch and bilingual guides.
Horseback ride to Monteverde travel the old fashioned way by horse $75. This is a gorgeous 2-1/2 hour horseback ride along the beautiful Lake Arenal on wonderful, healthy horses. Best way to get to Monteverde! Highly recommended by Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Frommers, tripadvisor and more.
Rafting Rio Toro The trip entails over 45 exciting and continuous rapids that move through 16 kilometers of deep-canyon gorges passing waterfalls in a tropical canyon. Tour includes transport, fruit, guide, and a great Costa Rican typical lunch at the Desafio River Ranch. Prior rafting experience is not necessary.
HOW TO REACH
Direct buses from San Jose or transfer in Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos). Local bus from Tilaran.
By car it is a 3-1/2 hour drive from San Jose, but the junctions are not very well marked, so bring a good map.
