The 4 Best La Fortuna Hiking Tours

Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike - The Peñas Blancas River float: the best wildlife setting

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

Start near La Fortuna with a peaceful safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, then swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, eat a traditional lunch at a family ranch, and hike old lava trails near Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, Oscar, and Francisco are praised for spotting wildlife and explaining local nature and culture.

“The best thing we did! This is a very sweet family owned company. The group was small, and our guide had so much knowledge to share with us. The boat ride is the perfect way to start the morning, tons of animals. He was so good at spotting them, and shared binoculars with the group. The waterfall was absolutely stunning, but if you are out of shape, give yourself enough time to get back up the stairs! The Arenal hike was less strenuous than I thought it would be, and very worth it! The highlight of the tour though, lunch with the family. I so value a home cooked meal,…”

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Arenal Volcano Hike

2.Arenal Volcano Hike

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

Walk across Arenal’s old lava fields with a local guide, learning about the 1968 eruption, plants, and wildlife. Callidryas Tours provides transport, park entry, drinks, and fresh fruit. Guides such as Byron, Aaron, Diego, and Katarina have led engaging outings, though the hike is short and can be rocky, steep, and busy.

“Great hike and great experience. The tour guide was absolutely fantastic and super energetic. Answered all of our questions and explained a lot to us.”

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Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

3.Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66Cheapest way up

Spend about four hours exploring a 3.1-kilometer rainforest circuit near La Fortuna, crossing 15 suspended and stationary bridges. A professional guide such as Andres, Harvin, or Daniela may help you spot monkeys, snakes, frogs, birds, and sloths with a scope. Transport, park entry, water, and snacks are included.

“Our tour guide for our Hanging Bridges tour was excellent. He was very dynamic and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge about the rain forest we were walking through. Having a guide is a very different experience from walking through the forest on your own. He explained so many details about the various trees, visitors could not possibly have gathered the information on their own. It was very fascinating. It was also very interesting walking along the various suspension bridges across the very deep gullies. Some were longer and swayed more than others and some relatively short. They provided a beautiful view of the forest. Though the walk was not especially…”

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2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

4.2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

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

This two-day hike links La Fortuna and Monteverde by remote mountain trails, with a rustic forest cabin overnight. Guides such as Hugo, Errol, Santiago, and Christian lead small groups of up to eight, prepare dinner, and point out wildlife. Expect a hard first day, river crossings, basic washing facilities, and an easier climb toward Santa Elena on day two.

“This has been one of the best things we've experienced in Costa Rica! We've felt so lucky about having Hugo as a guide, he was super nice, he cooked us a delicious dinner and shared with us his stories while also being super kind to Severino, the sweet old man whose house we've slept in :) The hike is challenging but not too hard, even though it wasn't too warm when we did it. The house is super basic, so be prepared (it might be useful to bring a pillowcase). This wasn't a problem for us but it's not for everyone. You are totally out of the world in many…”

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Other ways to spend the day on foot

Mountain & Summit Hikes129 Volcano Hikes97 Waterfall Hikes60 Guided Day Hikes93 Glacier Hikes51 National Park Hikes42

The 4 Best La Fortuna Hiking Tours

Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

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

Arenal Volcano Hike

2.Arenal Volcano Hike

Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

3.Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

4.2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

Pick a kind of walking day

Above the treeline

Water and rock

How you walk it

Trees and trails