Central Valley

Few places pack so much into so small an area. The 1,633-metre Arenal Volcano towers over the town of La Fortuna, its slopes feeding geothermal springs that warm dozens of riverside pools. By day, travellers rappel down jungle waterfalls, paddle Class II–III rapids on the Balsa River and walk suspension bridges strung through primary rainforest teeming with toucans, sloths and howler monkeys.

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As night falls, the rainforest reveals a second world of red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous and glittering insects on guided night walks. Whether you're after heart-racing adrenaline or a slow soak under the stars, Arenal & La Fortuna delivers the quintessential pura vida experience — and it's all bookable direct with the vetted local operators we trust.