La Fortuna, A small town in the Shadow of the Arenal Volcano.La Fortuna is famous because of tourists who flock to the area to view the Arenal Volcano and partake in the numerous outdoor adventure activities here.

It is located 4 miles from the base of the volcano. The name La Fortuna means “the fortunate’ because it was the only small village spared when the mighty eruption of the Arenal occurred in 1968  destroying three small villages on its western side.

Tourists visit La Fortuna because it is full of small gift shops, has three banks, a good size grocery store, a beautiful church,  and a great adventure tour company. The small airport is located three miles outside of town and the public bus also makes a stop here.  La Fortuna is three hours by car from the San Jose International airport.

Desafio Tours  is located on the town square, and can handle all your adventure tours.  The park in the center of the town is the prettiest part.  Locals  meet to visit, bring their babies to take the sun, and tourist congregate to take photos and watch the townspeople.  Also, the are many good restaurants situated all around the square, as well as small inexpensive hotels.  The trees and plants in the park are always green because it rains here year round.  From La Fortuna you can head north towards the Arenal Lake and on this road you will find most of the hotels –dozens of them- The numerous hot springs in the area are also a big draw for tourist as well as locals.

5 fun things to do in Arenal:

1. zip line tours

2. hot springs

3. rappell and canyoneering

4. white water rafting

5. horseback riding

6 And much more!

If you would like to include the Arenal Volcano area in you vacation to Costa Rica contact Ann “The Arenal Expert“ and she will help you plan your itinerary here in Arenal.

You can read all about Ann  https://costaricalearn.com/manage/