Signature Arenal Favorites
Our favorite collection of must-do activities in the Arenal/La Fortuna region.
Ecotermales Hot Springs
The Ecotermales Hot Springs harness the intense energy of Arenal Volcano. Heated deep within its cavernous terrain, these mineral waters flow in temperatures that range between 32°C and 41° C (90°F - 106° F).
Pure Trek Canyoning
A half-day adventure to explore the depths of the Pure Trek Canyon and its collection of waterfall rappels, rock climbing points, and the famous "Monkey Drop" (where you will get soaked)! Keep an eye out for wildlife, you may spot toucans, sloths, monkeys, and other exotic critters. Followed by a delicious garden-fresh lunch at Pure Trek's headquarters.
Arenal Volcano Trek
Explore the volcano’s Western face with an expert guide. The hiking trail traverses the rainforest and a large swath of lava fields created by Arenal’s 1992 eruption. The journey features exuberant plants, wildlife, and lava rock formations as sculpted by nature.
Hanging Bridges Daylight Walk
Trek along the heights of the forest’s canopy! This half-day adventure threads 9 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges through a 3.1 km (2 mile) trail. A naturalist guide will help you spot the reserve’s wildlife including monkeys, sloths, tropical, eyelash pit vipers, and poison dart frogs.
Hanging Bridges Twilight Walk
Venture into the forest’s canopy at sundown! Live a guided walk through two miles of fixed and hanging bridges. Witness a magical sunset and creatures that awake to the night like butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, blooming flowers, owls, collared peccaries, anteaters, and olingos.
Hike & Nature
An engaging experience for hiking enthusiasts who are mesmerized by Arenal Volcano. An expert guide will lead you through fascinating rock and geological formations, recounting the impact of past eruptions and explaining the gradual recovery of the region’s forest.
Horseback Riding
Explore local farmlands on horseback! This fun adventure affords stunning photo ops of Arenal Volcano, from its wide base to its towering, coned cusp. Includes a visit to the farm’s Rancho to enjoy fresh artisan cheese, tortillas, and Costa Rica’s traditional agua dulce or tropical fruit beverages.
Hiking Lovers
The ultimate experience for those passionate for hiking, combine the amazing experience of our hike and nature tour with our Arenal volcano walk where you will enjoy an educative walk, as our naturalist guide introduces you to the geological formation of the area and the regeneration of flora since the last volcano eruption.
Wildlife Safaris
Costa Rica's biodiversity in full display. Enjoy unforgettable sightings of the region's fascinating creatures.

Birdwatching
Arenal Volcano National Park offers a marvelous guided hike for all birding enthusiasts. Expect sightings of toucans, parrots, parakeets, tanagers, and oropendolas. An expert guide will seek elusive species including royal flycatchers, white-fronted nunbirds, and cinnamon woodpeckers.
Frog Night Hike
A singular evening adventure of fascinating twists at Arenal Oasis, the region’s only frog sanctuary! Run by a local family, it is home to close to 30 species of colorful tree frogs. The naturalist guide will lead you along gentle trails through a nighttime chorus of croaks and chirps.
Sloth Spotting
The Sloths’ eternal smile inspires us to slow down and enjoy life at a mindful pace. A national symbol, these affable creatures are one of Costa Rica’s most beloved animals. Our surrounding forests house the two-toed and three-toed varieties. Spotting them in their natural habitat is heartwarming!
Adrenaline Selection
The stuff of legends! Live Costa Rica's heart-pounding adventures.
Kayak & Mountain Bike Adventure
Paddle ‘n roll! Arenal Volcano’s expansive lake and surrounding trails create a unique opportunity to engage in active discovery. A 2 hour kayaking session will let you spot exotic birds and fauna. Followed by a nutritious lakeside picnic to fuel up for a fun mountain biking ride.
ATV Rally
An ATV tour through the forest, enjoying unique landscapes and discovering the history, nature and the culture of the Northern Zone of Costa Rica. A stop at Villa Maleku will surprise you, where they will be able to share with you their language, customs and traditions of indigenous culture.
Stand Up Paddling
Gliding over the glassy waters of Arenal Like is an extraordinary way to enjoy the region’s scenery. Whether you are a first timer, an expert (or anything in between) you will have a blast! SUP pros will teach or help you brush up on proper paddling technique to ensure a graceful journey.
Sky Trek Tram + Zipline
What trams up must zip down! Ride up on an open-air gondola while enjoying uplifting vistas. Then zip along steel cables that criss-cross high above and through the forest canopy, over canyons, and within low altitude clouds. Jaw-dropping heights and speed will earn you full bragging rights!
WW Rafting Class III
Framed by breathtaking views of lush jungle landscapes this 14 km (8.7 miles) rafting expedition is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Class II & III rapids make for a family favorite. Fun, exciting stretches are given pause by tranquil pools. Includes a hearty traditional Costa Rican lunch.
WW Rafting Class IV
Pure adrenaline! A non-stop adventure for experienced paddlers (min age: 12). The river landscape blends lush rainforest and deep canyons lined with waterfalls. Paddle through 30 rapids, many reaching class IV status. Big gradients mean big splashes and big fun! Includes a Tico lunch.
Culinary Immersion
Savor the wonderful flavors of your destination.

Pura Vida Cooking Session
Food is a delicious shortcut to a country’s authentic culture! Our traditional cooking lesson starts with a tour of “La Finquita” (Little Farm) to witness firsthand the land-to-table process. After harvesting seasonal produce, we will prepare a traditional Costa Rican dish and experiment with the country’s flavors, ingredients, and techniques.
Coffee & Chocolate Journey
Trace the roots of the world’s favorite products at a family-owned farm and learn about Costa Rica’s rich agricultural legacy. The main focus will be on coffee and its fascinating farm-to-cup journey. Sample coffee varieties & brewing methods. A briefer experience will focus on cacao, the marvelous bean behind chocolate. Cacao and sugar cane tasting will round up this delicious experience.
Go Farther
Venture out to more of Costa Rica's hidden wonders. Visit wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, or National Parks.
Caño Blanco Nature Sanctuary
Explore Costa Rica’s Northern plains in a full-day boat adventure in search of a shrouded paradise. The Caño Blanco Nature Sanctuary encompasses a swath of wetlands that are nesting ground for countless species of migratory and non-migratory birds. Ends with a visit to a local family’s home for homemade treats.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro is a hidden gem. A boat ride glides through unspoiled swaths of raw jungle and forest. This secluded paradise offers one of the best birding and wildlife spotting adventures in the country. On the way, we will showcase some of Costa Rica’s emblematic plantations. Includes a welcome snack and a post-adventure lunch.
Peñas Blancas River Safari Float
A leisurely downstream float along the spectacular Peñas Blancas River. Expert naturalist guides will take care of the rowing to let you focus on the abundant wildlife and jungle book landscapes. The guides will help you spot monkeys, sloths, and reptiles hidden in the lush scenery. Includes delicious snacks.
Peñas Blancas Twilight Safari Float
The adventure begins at dusk just as daylight dims to give way to the jungle’s mystical night. As the raft floats downriver, nocturnal wildlife awakens in a spectacle that is made possible by a special non-disturbing lighting system. Includes Pura Vida hospitality and snacks at the Hidalgo Family’s home.
Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste Combo
The Tenorio Volcano National Park is a wonderland of impressive fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and the breathtaking cyan-blue waters of Río Celeste. The experience culminates at the Río Celeste Waterfall, a magnificent spectacle of luminous blue water shredding against volcanic rocks.