4 Hikes in La Fortuna to Plan a Trip Around

1.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210Our pick

Spend about nine and a half hours exploring La Fortuna with Rainforest Explorers. You will float the Peñas Blancas River, spot monkeys and sloths, swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, eat a home-cooked Costa Rican lunch, and hike old lava trails near Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, and Francisco are known for wildlife spotting and local insight.

“Edgar and Tony were great! The family restaurants food was amazing and all staff was just so nice. Finished super tired and weather wasn’t ideal but overall great time. :)”

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2.Arenal Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $73

From Callidryas Tours in La Fortuna, you’ll ride to Arenal’s old lava fields for a roughly three-hour guided walk. Guides such as Byron, Aaron, Diego, and Ricardo explain the 1968 eruption, plants, and wildlife. Expect uneven lava rock, short steep sections, volcano and lake views, and fresh fruit with drinks afterward.

“A moderately difficult hike up through the old lava flow from the 1968 eruption. Great scenery and a very knowledgeable guide. The fruit at the end of the hike was a welcome bonus.”

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3.Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66Best value

Walk a 3.1-kilometer rainforest circuit in Místico Park with a guide such as Andres, Harvin, or Daniella. Cross 15 stationary and suspended bridges, watch for monkeys, sloths, snakes, frogs, and birds, and use the guide’s scope to spot animals hidden in the canopy. Hotel pickup, snacks, water, and air-conditioned transport are included.

“We had a wonderful time on this tour! Our guide was Andres and he was fantastic!! We signed up for the group tour but unexpectedly got our own private tour. Andres was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He helped us take several great pictures. I would most definitely recommend this tour!!!”

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4.2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $160

This two-day Red Lava TSC hike links La Fortuna and Monteverde by remote forest trails, with a basic cabin overnight in a hidden valley. Guides such as Hugo, Errol, Santiago, and Carlos lead small groups of up to eight. Expect steep, muddy sections, river crossings, simple meals, and a much easier second day into Santa Elena.

“You’ll remember what it is to be human again. This is as close as you’ll get to true presence in paradise. Our guide, Christian, is a great human being and very knowledgeable. You will learn a lot about the jungle and the history of Costa Rica. I also met some great people. Pura Vida”

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