What to do and see in Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

June 30, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava fields. Take a rafting tour or hit the beach, then retire to a comfy hotel.
Restaurants in Arenal Volcano National Park

1. Pure Trek Canyoning

Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
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1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,370 reviews

Pure Trek Canyoning

Pure Trek is La Fortuna's most popular canyoning & waterfall rappelling operator. Since 2001, our professional and certified guides have lead thousands of clients of all ages through our well maintained canyon for an adventure of a lifetime. Experience activities like rock climbing and the "Monkey Drop"- you will get wet! Keep your eyes open for a chance to see toucans, sloths, monkeys and other exotic wildlife. After canyoning, you'll head back to Pure Trek's headquarters to enjoy a delicious, garden-fresh lunch. Pair Pure Trek canyoning with any of our combo tours for a full day of fun and adventure. Kids welcome!

2. Proyecto Asis

Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 4400 Costa Rica +506 4000 1553 [email protected] http://www.institutoasis.com
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,698 reviews

Proyecto Asis

Previous Reservation is required. Proyecto Asis is a Wildlife Shelter and Environmental Education Center located very close to La Fortuna. Wild animals which have been found wounded, forsaken or are rescued from the black market by the local forest rangers are brought here. Those that cannot be released are used within our educational programs. In order to finance our shelter, we offer daily tours and volunteer activities. Schedules: Monday to Saturday at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm. Sundays Closed. Easy access facilities and trails for all ages.

Reviewed By connierussell - Thunder Bay, Canada

My husband and I spent the full day at Proyecto Asis. We had a guided tour of the Sloth Rescue Centre in the morning (which ended up being a very good idea since it was a hot day and rescued sloths' enclosure requires standing in the sun so better to do that early), walked down to the local 'soda' for lunch, then had a guided tour of the main rescue centre in the morning, finishing with a short volunteer stint where we helped prepare and deliver food to some of the wildlife. Both guides were very good, explaining the reasons various animals were at the centre, which ones would be able to released, and rehabilitation/release process. We very much appreciated the philosophy of the place and were impressed with the good work they were doing. (One has to be careful in Costa Rica not to be sucked in by shady places who pretend to be doing wildlife rescue but are in fact exploiting animals for profit.) Spending time at Proyecto Asis was one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommended!

3. Anywhere Costa Rica - Day Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
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1%
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5.0 based on 1,366 reviews

Anywhere Costa Rica - Day Tours

We design seamless experiences and personalized vacation itineraries for your best Costa Rica trip yet! From a single hanging bridge excursion to a complete vacation, we will help you make the most of your visit.

4. Costa Rica Cooking

La Fortuna, San Carlos, Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica +506 2479 1569 [email protected] http://www.costaricacooking.com/classes
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
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5.0 based on 100 reviews

Costa Rica Cooking

Costa Rica Cooking is the place where Chef Scott Alan showcases his passion for cooking while using fresh, local ingredients from his beautiful home of La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica. You will cook alongside him learning about the food and culture behind the dishes and hear many entertaining tales of life in Costa Rica. Our kitchen is located near the base of Arenal Volcano and boasts amazing views of the volcano along with the adjoining dog rescue center, Costa Rica Dog Rescue. This is a unique and rewarding experience and is a must while visiting La Fortuna.

Reviewed By ASawSmith - Jacksonville, United States

We did the cooking class with Chef Scot back in Feb 2018 and my husband and I still talk about it to this day! We loved everything about it - from the kitchen in the open air, to the drinks, to the food we prepared and all the information we learned about local cuisine. We had such a great time, honestly couldn't say anything about this experience that we didn't like - 100% recommend!

5. ATV La Finca

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
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Poor
1%
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5.0 based on 182 reviews

ATV La Finca

REAL ATV ADVENTURE at La Finca 500+ cc engine 4x4 ATV, bigger, stronger, safer. Private rides only with a bilingual guide. Many trails to accommodate all level of riders (from Beginners to Advanced) Away from the crowds and the touristy traps.

6. North Fields Coffee Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
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5.0 based on 373 reviews

North Fields Coffee Tours

We are a family owned business with an authentic experience producing craft and specialty coffee and chocolate in La Fortuna and Costa Rica

7. Bogarin Trail

Calle 480, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica +506 8420 3661 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/BogarinTrailLaFortuna/
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 578 reviews

Bogarin Trail

Our private trail offer a lot of wildlife just 5 minutes away from downtown La Fortuna, this tour is for nature lovers, we oofer a selfguided tour or a guided tour with pur experts guides. To make a reservation with us please contact us directly!

Reviewed By nkrul - Rehoboth Beach, United States

We had gone hiking on other trails in the area without a guide, and hadn’t seen any wildlife yet. So we went with a guided tour by William at Bogarin trail and it was one of the best tours I’ve ever done!! William has an amazing eye to spot the wildlife. We caught a mom and her baby sloth on video and poison frogs and many other animals. A must do tour when you are in Arenal!

8. Centaura- Day Horseback Riding Tours

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 261 reviews

Centaura- Day Horseback Riding Tours

Private - Customized Horseriding Adventures with Centaura Our Horse adventures are for all people and all riding levels. We have many horses, with different breeds, sizes, gaits and temperaments and we assure you that we can tailor our rides and horses to please from the most experienced rider to those who have never been on a horse before. La Finca has the most diverse type of riding with more than 1800 acres nestled under Platanar Volcano.

9. El Salto

Mile from the center of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica +506 8807 4954 http://www.arenalexpeditions.com
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

El Salto

Reviewed By charlesm - London, United Kingdom

One of our top swimming locations whilst in Costa Rica (La Fortuna Waterfall itself was the best). Great fun to hang out with the locals and jump/dive/swing into the crystal clear waters. There are a few parking spots near the bridge over the road and it is right there. Felt quite safe (be sensible though).

10. Gavilana Permaculture

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
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5.0 based on 140 reviews

Gavilana Permaculture

Concerned with overstepping your ecological footprint? We know that ecosystems can be extracted from regeneratively in order to sustain a human community. We also know it's largely not a common practice in the world, at least not yet. We set up this space to launch a community supported permaculture, a program thanks to which any local and visitor can have an access to free plants, knowledge, a chance to offset his or her ecological footprint, learning hands on opportunity, space to barter/sell produce, medicine garden and much more. Take advantage of our free permaculture excursions, come to get some greens or just simply to connect with like minded people and the land.

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