3 Days in Arenal, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Detailed Itinerary

Arenal, Costa Rica, holds a special place in my heart as it stands out as one of my top two destinations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio being the other.

If only I had more time, I would have eagerly spent weeks exploring this region.

Nevertheless, I managed to maximize my visit and am here to share this 3 days in Arenal, Costa Rica itinerary with all of you!

From the volcano hikes to relaxing in hot springs, the EPIC waterfall, the charming town, and the warm hearted locals, every aspect of La Fortuna is amazing. 

I wrote this La Fortuna & Arenal itinerary to reflect our trip, we were very happy with it and I hope you are too!

Some links in this La Fortuna itinerary are affiliate, if you click them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

La Fortuna Itinerary Map

How many days in La Fortuna / Arenal, Costa Rica

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Our stay: 3.5 days

I recommend visiting Monteverde next and if you can, spend as much time as possible to make a longer Costa Rica trip.

Arenal, Costa Rica Accommodations

La Fortuna and the region of Arenal have many gorgeous resorts and hotels. This is mostly attributed to their abundance of hot springs.

When we went to La Fortuna, we stayed at a Treehouse Airbnb close to town.

I prefer to stay in Airbnb or Vrbo rentals, as it helps me feel more at home.

Click here for La Fortuna Vrbo Rentals.

Click here for La Fortuna Airbnb.

La Fortuna Luxury hotels

The luxury hotels listed here are outside / to the west of the city centre of La Fortuna.

1. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa 

Tabacon is world renowned for its exceptional hot springs and luxurious accommodations. Elegant suites, villas with private gardens, volcano view rooms, you are in for a treat.

Spa and wellness are of utmost importance at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa; offering volcanic mud wraps, massages and facials to name a few. 

The hot springs are icing on the cake. Sit back in paradise with a refreshing drink in hand as you enjoy the many pools or thermal river. 

I was able to spend a day at Tabacón Hot Springs. My family stayed at this resort, (without me, how rude?), and they still have not shut up about how amazing it was. It is pure luxury.

Click here for information on prices & booking at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa!

2. The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal

The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal offer some of the best views in town; located on a hillside with panoramic views overlooking the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rainforests.

Similar to Tabacón,  you have access to mineral-rich hot springs, world-class spa services and many adventure activities to choose from. 

The Springs Resort & Spa has been known to host many famous people; including The Kardiashians.

Click here for booking & pricing information on The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal!

Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna

1. Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort is in a great location, very close to Arenal Volcano. This hotel is another that offers hot spring services; with many thermal pools and natural hot springs to choose from. 

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort is best for families, as there are a range of activities offered for all ages; including designated children’s pools and play areas. 

For those that want a tranquil spa and hot spring experience for a lower budget, Los Lagos Spa & Resort is for you!

Check out prices & booking information for Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort here.

2. Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge

If you are looking for a more uniquely Costa Rican experience, opt for Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge.

With eco-friendly practices; this lodge uses renewable energy sources, and implements water and waste management systems that minimize the impact on the environment. Hello, save the earth people!!

If you are a wildlife lover, this place is also for you!! The refuge is across 200 acres of tropical rainforest and home to a number of flora, fauna, birds, monkeys, sloths, the list goes on!

Arenal Oasis offers guided nature tours to help you learn more about Costa Rica’s biodiversity. You will feel as though you are touring the country while staying at your accommodation.

Click here for Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge pricing and booking information.

La Fortuna Budget Hotels / Hostels

1. Arenal Backpackers Resort

For budget-friendly accommodations, stay at Arenal Backpackers Resort. There are various room types available, including dormitories and private rooms.

Arenal Backpackers Resort offers a communal bar/lounge area, kitchen, pool & so much more. This environment is sure to help you meet friends and like minded individuals ready to explore.

Additionally, this hostel offers spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and is centrally located, making this an easy spot to visit all that La Fortuna & Arenal have to offer.

Click here for Arenal Backpackers Resort pricing & booking!

2. Selina La Fortuna

Selina hostels are amazing. They are stylish, well-designed and attract a fun crowd. The social environment and communal spaces at Selina hostels provides opportunities to make friends easily and have travel buddies ready to go!

The Selina La Fortuna provides a range of different room types; private suites, treehouses, dormitories and more!

Selina offers a number of activities and programs that are offered daily; from yoga to social events, you will never be bored!

This hostel is centrally located and a fabulous choice for those travelling on a smaller budget or for those ready to meet some new friends!

Click here for Selina La Fortuna booking information.

3 Days in Arenal, Costa Rica Itinerary

Day 1: La Fortuna Town & Mistico Hanging Bridges

Morning: La Fortuna Town

Spend your morning getting acquainted in La Fortuna, you will be spending 3 days in La Fortuna Costa Rica.

Check out some of their shops and make sure to stop into a fruit/veggie stand to get a smoothie. Our favourite was Frutas Y Verduras Hnos Lazo.

If you’re lucky and it’s not cloudy you will have an unobstructed view of Arenal Volcano. It is such a beautiful backdrop to this town.

Afternoon: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Mistico Hanging Bridges

It’s time to get in your car and drive 30 minutes west of town to the Mistico Hanging Bridges. This was one of our favourite experiences in Arenal.

If you read anything from this blog post, make sure it’s my below note…

This park offers a few different tours and entry tickets. We chose to purchase the entrance fee for the Mistico Hanging Bridges walk.

The park is open from 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with final entrance to the park at 3:50 PM.

Once you arrive you will be awarded with this stunning view of Arenal Volcano.

This magnificent park has a total of 16 bridges, 6 hanging and 10 fixed bridges.

The walk takes a couple of hours, is 3.2 km in length, and you can go at any pace you’d like.

*You must wear closed toe shoes at this park.*

Mistico Ticket Options

Tickets for general entrance fee (USD):

1. Adult: $32
2. Teen (11-18 yo): $21
3. Senior (65 yo+): $26
4. Child (10 and under): FREE

Click here to buy Mistico general entrance tickets!

Prices updated August 2024.

Some recommend that you purchase a guided tour to be able to see more wildlife. That is up to your discretion.

The guided tours cost a bit more, upwards of $40.00 USD per adult. I personally was OK with just doing the walk on our own. We saw an abundance of wildlife.

They provide a bird watching tour, a twilight walk, a night walk and combo tickets.

Mistico Tour Groups

There is a tour that runs from La Fortuna to Mistico Hanging Bridges and includes; transportation, entrance fee into the park and a private guide.

I recommend this option if you want a well taken care of day!

Book this tour in advance, it runs rain or shine!

Tours in Costa Rica are offered in English and Spanish, as many of the tourist areas of Costa Rica speak English!

Evening: Out for dinner in town

Head to dinner in La Fortuna, Try Restaurante La Parada. You will not be disappointed!

Good night!

Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano National Park

Morning: La Fortuna Waterfall

This La Fortuna 3 day itinerary would be INCOMPLETE without visiting the famed La Fortuna Waterfall.

Drive over to La Fortuna Waterfall as early as you can!

The drive from town is about 10 minutes.

La Fortuna Waterfall opens at 7:00 AM and the earlier you get there the better, as the crowds start to come at around 9:00 AM (with tour buses).

However, if doing this day (Waterfall, Volcano & Hanging Bridges) in a tour is preferable, check out this tour that includes entrance to all three attractions, transportation, lunch, tour guides & more.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Tickets can be purchased on site right before you walk down or ahead of time here on their website.

These tickets will give you access to the waterfall and their orchid garden.

General Admission Tickets (USD):

1. Adult (9yo+): $18.00
2. Child (less than 8yo): FREE

We arrived at about 7:30 AM and it was literally perfect. At this early hour, we were some of the only few people under the waterfall for about an hour.

La Fortuna waterfall was my favourite part of Costa Rica, HANDS DOWN. Don’t forget your bathing suits!!

Once you arrive, you must walk down the 500 steps to the base of the waterfall. The stairs are well kept and we had no issues. I wore sandals and Arujan wore running shoes.

When you’re down at the bottom you will not want to leave. We spent a few hours here, exploring, swimming under the falls and relaxing. It was perfect.

La Fortuna Waterfall is tied for first for me with Nauyaca Waterfalls outside of Dominical, Costa Rica.

Don’t forget, you have to walk up 500+ steps to get back home.

It is not as hard as it seems, however, some people will have some difficulty, if so, there are benches along the way to rest your legs if you need!

It is not accessible for those with mobility difficulties.

La Fortuna waterfall is known to be one of the BEST things to do in La Fortuna!

Lunch: Gecko’s Waterfall Grill

Get a bite to eat at Gecko’s Waterfall Grill, it is on the way back to town. 

Afternoon: Arenal Volcano National Park

After an early lunch, head over to Arenal Volcano National Park. From town, this is about a 30 minute drive.

Once you arrive, you will be greeted at the entrance. You can purchase tickets there.

General entrance tickets (USD):

1. Adult: $15.00
2. Child: $5.00

Prices updated August 2024.

They will then let you download a map of their trails via QR code.

I took a picture of their map as well. It seems like a lot, however, we were able to fit in all of these trails in an afternoon. I am here to tell you, it is possible!

My recommended Arenal Volcano National Park Trail Itinerary

I highly recommend you download the FREE app Alltrails. It is great for downloading specific trails and following them offline. I personally use the free version only and this is all I ever need! 

1. Mirador: Main Lookout Point

I recommend this first, you can drive all the way up to the viewpoint and take in the volcano.  For your sake, I hope it is not cloudy.

We had clouds and were unable to see the crater. Go earlier in the day if this is important to you!

2. Heliconias & Las Coladas Trail & ABC trail (El Ceibo):

You can then complete the rest of the trails in this area all together. I strongly recommend this hike, it is easy with minimal elevation gain.

The total is about 5.6 km in length and you can complete this in a couple of hours, if going at a slower pace!

Make sure not to skip the El Ceibo trail, it goes slightly off from the path you will be on, but it is well worth the sight.

This tree is over 400 years old and it’s size is out of this world. My picture of this tree does not do it justice.

3. Sector Peninsula: Los Miradores & El Tororoi (total of 1.8km):

This section is open until 5:00 PM, so we made sure to complete it at the end of our day in Arenal Volcano National Park. Y

ou have to drive over to this area and park beside their information building.

Their paths are quite easy and there are a few lookout spots, a tower and toilets along the way to Lake Arenal. Enjoy your last trail at a leisurely pace!

Arenal Volcano National Park is a spiritual destination for many travellers. Use this Arenal Volcano Spiritual Guide to be closer to Costa Rica.

Evening: Dinner

Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Café Mediterráneo. You are probably super hungry after a busy hiking day. This restaurant has fabulous pizza & sangria!

Good night!

Day 3: Relaxation day; Massage & Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Morning: Massage & Breakfast

Start and end this day in relaxation mode. You are in paradise and you worked hard hiking yesterday. It’s time to relax!

In town there are a number of vendors offering massages for an affordable price. We found this company Serenity in town and just walked in to see if they had any availability.

To our luck they were available!

We had an hour couples massage for $80.00 USD, and it was one of the most relaxing massages I have had.

The price point of this massage was amazing and it helped kick start our relaxation day.

Then head for a late breakfast at Red Frog Coffee Roasters. It is SO yummy and the coffee is fab! 

Afternoon: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Our experience at Tabacón was amazing. I strongly recommend you spend at least a day in one of Arenal’s hot springs.

It is up to you on which you would like to enjoy. The price point changes between most places and I do a deeper dive into this in the above mentioned post.

Tabacón is a luxury resort and it just so happened when we booked, it was one of the few that had an opening.

My recommendation is once you decide which you would like to visit, you book your pass ASAP.

We purchased a day pass with 1 meal included!

I have nothing but praises for this thermal resort. We had one of the most relaxing days and I hope you will too!

If you don’t want to go to Tabacon, there are a number of other hot springs in the area. Baldi Hot Springs is a great option for a louder, more upbeat hot springs.

Check out day passes for Baldi Hot Springs here.

Evening: Dinner at Tabacón or your thermal resort

Purchase dinner with your day pass and you won’t have to worry about where to eat! Otherwise head back to town and grab a bite there.

Check out this list of restaurants in La Fortuna for some inspiration!

Enjoy.

Extra Time in La Fortuna

1. Bogarin Trail

If you have extra time in the Arenal region, I recommend doing a sloth walk. They have a few different companies. We used the Bogarin Trail.

I did not put this in our jam packed three day itinerary as it was not as important as the above mentioned, however, it is still worth it!

Tickets for general admission are $20 USD for entry for adult & children. The park is open from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

We did not take a guided tour, those that did saw more sloths, however, people were very friendly and would show us the sloths that they saw!

The guided and night tours cost about $45-$60 USD per adult.

The sloths come down about once per week to poop!

Most sloths we saw were way up high in the trees, photos could not capture them. This one above, was coming down and we were able to get a good view!

On our way out, there was a small sitting area for bird watching. We saw many different kinds of birds and were able to sit and relax after our walk!

2. La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park & Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour

If you would prefer to combine these top excursions into one tour, check out this tour that includes entrance fees to each park, a guide, lunch & transportation.

This may be a better option for those who would like a structured experience and for those that do not want to worry about transportation to each park.

Busy? Pin the La Fortuna Itinerary it for later!

Need help with personal travel planning?

I create custom itineraries and activity guides starting at $25.00 CAD per day!

Final Thoughts on 3 Days in La Fortuna, Costa Rica Itinerary

Spending 3 days in Arenal Costa Rica offers an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking natural wonders, thrilling activities, and moments of relaxation.

From the captivating Arenal Volcano to the rejuvenating hot springs and stunning waterfalls, this region truly showcases the beauty and adventure of Costa Rica.

Whether you choose to explore the rainforest through hikes, want to relax at the hot springs all day or decide to be a daredevil and do some Costa Rica zip lines, Arenal, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, indulge in local cuisine, and embrace the warmth of the kind people.

Arenal is a destination that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for Costa Rica.