Top 10 Nature & Parks in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Province of Alajuela

August 8, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

La Fortuna de San Carlos is at the center of an array of geological wonders.  The nearby Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano, routinely bursting with lava and ash, and the Catarata de La Fortuna is a waterfall pouring from a seventy-meter cliff.  The Tabacon Hot Springs are a relaxing intermission in the midst of the various spectacles, and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a blissful end to any day's excursion.
Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos

1. Montana Safari

La Fortuna San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 824417 Costa Rica +506 2479 1220 [email protected]
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Montana Safari

This is the ideal rain forest river float for those looking for peaceful encounter with the plentiful wildlife that abounds along the Peñas Blancas River. You will spot monkeys, maybe some allusive sloth, iguanas, crocodiles and caimans, plus a large variety of species of tropical birds such as the sun bittern, keel, billed toucan, herons, kingfishers and our favorite, the Montezuma Oropendula..

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%
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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. Cabalgata Don Tobias

Excellent
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5.0 based on 179 reviews

Cabalgata Don Tobias

The excursion, which takes place 100% on horseback, begins at the farm stables of Don Tobias. There, a professional team of guides prepares visitors with relevant information. Children's equipment is also available. Almost all of the excursion takes place on private land, crossing rivers and jungle, crossing second generation forest and primary forest, as well as beautiful pastures some of which are used for cattle, visitors will see the magnificent Arenal Volcano that accompanies the Visitors throughout the trip. Departure: 8:30 am or 1:30 p.mDuration: 2,30 hours Includes: Transportation, guide, equipment, water. and Snack, Sugested Equipment: long trousers, cool shirts, binoculars, cameras, sunscreen and repellent Of insects.

4. 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/
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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!

5. Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption

300 meters before the La Fortuna Waterfall main entrance, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica +506 2479 1569 [email protected] http://www.crdogrescue.com/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption

Costa Rica Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, that helps rescue, care, and place homeless dogs from Costa Rica into loving homes. At Costa Rica Dog Rescue we are always in need of volunteers! We offer morning and afternoon volunteer programs where you can walk, play, and spend time with our dogs, as well as assist with the care of our facilities.

Reviewed By helloactive - Edmonton, Canada

By chance at lava lounge in La Fortuna a poster was noticed and I was able to participate. This is a fund raiser so one pays. There are numerous dogs and they are taken care of but more donations would help a great deal. They do attempt to adopt out the dogs to other countries including Canada. I enjoyed walking the three dogs that I walked.

6. Senderos Los Tucanes

Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Senderos Los Tucanes

7. Arenal Sanctuary Reserve

400 Metros Este, 300 Norte de la Iglesia Catolica, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica +506 8498 5833 https://arenalsanctuaryreserve.net/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Arenal Sanctuary Reserve

We are a company focused on the preservation of the flora and fauna of our country, offering our visitors the best experience within nature, we have guides of high knowledge that will accompany you during the tour.

Reviewed By Smellyfish883

We went to see the private sanctuary and saw many types of amphibians and reptiles. We also caught a toucan sleeping and stumbled upon not one but two male three toed sloths. A great trip for those interested in conservation and habitat ecology.

8. Monkey Park La Fortuna

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5.0 based on 36 reviews

Monkey Park La Fortuna

Monkey Park was born as a new proposal of educational and interactive experiences with whomever decides to visit us, seen to be the best activity park in the fortune with options for all ages, mixing technology, culture and nature. You are invited to visit, enjoy, and share it with everyone who wants to know, is a magic forest with giant trees and QR codes to scan the whole information of the nature, MONKEY PARK is waiting for you.

9. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

La Fortuna, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica +506 2479 1070 [email protected] http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

11km. (7 miles) of well-maintained hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the Arenal Observatory's 870-acre (352-hectare) property. Pass through the rainforest, past waterfalls, and across hanging bridges. Climb one of the tallest observation towers in Costa Rica. Plenty of wildlife lives in the area, including monkeys, anteaters, coatis, frogs, and more than 500 species of birds.

Reviewed By susy505 - Calgary, Canada

What a mesmerizing experience! From the moment you arrive and find yourself with an unparalleled view of the volcano, to the incredibly extensive trails, Arenal Observatory Lodge is a hidden gem you simply cannot miss. Get away from the hubbub of town and explore nature as it should be: raw, vibrant, rich, and all around you. We were there for a couple of days and definitely need to come back! The food was delicious, with a view of exotic and intriguing birds that come to feed right next to us. We hit the trails and climbed atop the tower with a view over the trees, and then relaxed at the spa for a bit of pampering. Just wonderful!

10. Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica +506 2479 2099 [email protected] https://www.tabacon.com/the-thermal-experience/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 4,923 reviews

Tabacon Hot Springs

Nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. This five-star resort offers a unique blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. The resort's unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerges from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools and ponds surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Reviewed By ZeroHourFallGuy - New York City, United States

After thoroughly soaking and enjoying the Thermal Hot Springs earlier in the day, we we immersed in the Idyllic Massage experience at the Tabacón Spa and our exquisite and perfect massages in a private secluded outdoor bungalow in the rain forest, were followed by an unbelievably relaxing and exceptional hot thermal milk bath in an outdoor jacuzzi. Then it was dinner time... However this wasn’t just “dinner”.... If you haven’t experienced the Ephemeral Table Dining Experience at Tabacón, then add it to, and move it up to the top of your bucket list... “Ephemeral” is refined as the the ability to feel the magic of the time in a lapse that is going to pass. Simply - It is to share the best of the moment... And I just happily shared another “best of the moment” multi-sensorial experience with my Wife Nahanni, celebrating on our 2,500th day together at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, on the last day of our latest fascinating journey in Costa Rica. We enjoyed a exceptionally unique culinary experience in a very private, and very secluded outdoor bungalow, in the very heart of the Costa Rican Rainforest, on the edge of a 300 foot embankment overlooking the Rio Chollin. We were picked up in an electric golf cart and whisked away to our own incredible little Jungle Bungalow in Paradise to meet one of the finest chefs I’ve had the pleasure of dining with. Executive Master Chef Guillermo Manolo Castillo’s concept of the Ephermal Table arose from his desire to captivate, engage, and entertain all Five of Senses to be completely involved in an incredible culinary experience far away from ordinary, where there is no glass, or wall separating you from the kitchen. Nahanni and I had a front row seat to see, and smell, the preparation of each incredible and indescribably delicious dish, throughout the entire six course extraordinary dining experience. Each and every step was an amazing interaction with Chef Guillermo, who described each intricate dish, it’s composition, blending, intention, and incidentally who also personally prepared the 6-course meal according to our own specific dietary preferences and requests, from the best, and freshest ingredients for “us to discover at each moment in time”, and throughout our two hour dining experience. Master Waiter Sergio served each course with impeccable skill and expertise, seamlessly and flawlessly transitioning from one course to the next. They have created the most incredible & best food to pair with Chef Guillermo ́s selection of wine and beer. They even mastered the art of non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine, to match the exquisite and delectable courses for Nahanni. The Place , The Nature, The Space Feel it, Taste it, Drink it! Seriously an absolute must experience, at least once in this lifetime... Pura Vida Steve Lucescu

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