La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Bungalows Las Iguanas: INCREDIBLE cabins in the rainforest. $156 per day for a 3 bedroom bungalow with a private pool and hot tub. Bungalows have air conditioning, towels, bed linens, a coffee machine, fridge, and wifi. Jose and his mother were excellent hosts and the included breakfast was incredible. Each morning, we arrived to fantastic service and our choice of incredible meals. When our preschooler needed a pick me up, we got pancakes! We had fruit smoothies, tea, and traditional Casadas. The hosts were more then willing to practice Spanish each day, introduced us to their cows, came calling when wildlife visited, and showed us the nearby creek.
Mistico Hanging Bridges: We saw monkeys, a viper, birds, and LOTS of jungle. Although I am generally TERRIFIED of heights, none of our crew was too scared to cross any of the bridges. We arrived as early as we could and would have been willing to arrive earlier. We chose not to have a guide for fear of being rushed and having to rush the kids. This might have been why we saw only a few animals and no sloths. The restaurant at the entrance has a panoramic view of the volcano. Staff only allow those having a full meal to sit inside.
Don Jorge Chocolate Tours: We started with a short walk around the Don Jorge farms. We saw 4 types of cocoa trees, sugarcane, and spices. Our guide explained that the farms were switched to organic about 10 years ago. Next, we helped to squeeze the juice out of sugar cane and sampled the pure juice. As we finished our tour, Don Jorge's adorable child came to play nearby. (No one seemed to care when our youngest slipped away to play with him and his trucks nearby.) Those who weren't enjoying toy trucks made chocolate in two different methods. We learned about the way ancient Incas produced chocolate and the more modern handmade chocolate processes. It was a laid-back, fascinating, and authentic tour where our guides passionately demonstrated their craft and their families history.
We Considered
Ecoglide Arenal for zip line reportedly takes safety very seriously and watches out for kids.
Kalambu Hot Springs: 3 small pools, one for kids that includes a water slide and a huge bucket that dumps water intermittently. Admission fee can include a meal- they have a nice buffet with traditional Costa Rican cuisine that rotates by day, plus pizza and chicken fingers for the kids. If you are looking to kill a few hours between events, time a meal here. The portions are huge, and the food is very traditional. Check their Instagram for rotating discounts. There are some VERY negative reviews which might suggest the place is getting rundown.
Arenal Orphanage: Is interested in donations being brought and will work with volunteers.
Free Hot Springs: Park just east of the Tabacon Spa. You’ll see parking attendants guiding you to pull over so they can take the standard 500-2,000 colones to watch over your vehicle. Continue to walk east until you cross over the spring, then on the left, you’ll see a trail that leads you downhill to an opening in a fence. From there you can jump right into the water or walk further up a trail to find a section to yourself. The current is powerful. You want a mild current. Stagnant water where bacteria festers. Keep nose above water, because while Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is extremely uncommon (3 cases in 25 years, 2 of them were in 2020, though).
The La Fortuna Waterfall: Reportedly gorgeous waterfall with 500 slippery stairs. It costs $18 for adults and is free for those under 9.
Arenal Volcano National Park. The trail was 4km and the hike takes about 2 hours. At the end of the trail loop, leading back to the parking lot, there is a newly built cafeteria with stunning views of the volcano. $19 USD per person.
The Arenal Volcano Ecologic Park. There are 5 hiking trails that intertwine if you stay to the right the whole time. There is also a lake with a Tarzan swing and picnic area. https://youtu.be/dwXVn2nDI_I
National park at Rio Celeste with a beautiful waterfall.
Callidryas Tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. The guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, and they are dedicated to protecting the rainforest and the animals that call it home. This tour taught us how to spot sloths and after I was able to find several on my own in different places around Costa Rica. $60 per person price for Sloth Tour.
Vida Campesina Organic Farm and Cooking School: On the road to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Start by taking a tour of the gardens to learn where all of the food you will prepare comes from, then a lesson on Costa Rican Spanish language and culture. Head to the kitchen where you will learn to cook a delicious, made from scratch, organic meal. I highly recommend this experience for families!
Mistico Hanging Bridges: We saw monkeys, a viper, birds, and LOTS of jungle. Although I am generally TERRIFIED of heights, none of our crew was too scared to cross any of the bridges. We arrived as early as we could and would have been willing to arrive earlier. We chose not to have a guide for fear of being rushed and having to rush the kids. This might have been why we saw only a few animals and no sloths. The restaurant at the entrance has a panoramic view of the volcano. Staff only allow those having a full meal to sit inside.
Don Jorge Chocolate Tours: We started with a short walk around the Don Jorge farms. We saw 4 types of cocoa trees, sugarcane, and spices. Our guide explained that the farms were switched to organic about 10 years ago. Next, we helped to squeeze the juice out of sugar cane and sampled the pure juice. As we finished our tour, Don Jorge's adorable child came to play nearby. (No one seemed to care when our youngest slipped away to play with him and his trucks nearby.) Those who weren't enjoying toy trucks made chocolate in two different methods. We learned about the way ancient Incas produced chocolate and the more modern handmade chocolate processes. It was a laid-back, fascinating, and authentic tour where our guides passionately demonstrated their craft and their families history.
We Considered
Ecoglide Arenal for zip line reportedly takes safety very seriously and watches out for kids.
Kalambu Hot Springs: 3 small pools, one for kids that includes a water slide and a huge bucket that dumps water intermittently. Admission fee can include a meal- they have a nice buffet with traditional Costa Rican cuisine that rotates by day, plus pizza and chicken fingers for the kids. If you are looking to kill a few hours between events, time a meal here. The portions are huge, and the food is very traditional. Check their Instagram for rotating discounts. There are some VERY negative reviews which might suggest the place is getting rundown.
Arenal Orphanage: Is interested in donations being brought and will work with volunteers.
Free Hot Springs: Park just east of the Tabacon Spa. You’ll see parking attendants guiding you to pull over so they can take the standard 500-2,000 colones to watch over your vehicle. Continue to walk east until you cross over the spring, then on the left, you’ll see a trail that leads you downhill to an opening in a fence. From there you can jump right into the water or walk further up a trail to find a section to yourself. The current is powerful. You want a mild current. Stagnant water where bacteria festers. Keep nose above water, because while Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is extremely uncommon (3 cases in 25 years, 2 of them were in 2020, though).
The La Fortuna Waterfall: Reportedly gorgeous waterfall with 500 slippery stairs. It costs $18 for adults and is free for those under 9.
Arenal Volcano National Park. The trail was 4km and the hike takes about 2 hours. At the end of the trail loop, leading back to the parking lot, there is a newly built cafeteria with stunning views of the volcano. $19 USD per person.
The Arenal Volcano Ecologic Park. There are 5 hiking trails that intertwine if you stay to the right the whole time. There is also a lake with a Tarzan swing and picnic area. https://youtu.be/dwXVn2nDI_I
National park at Rio Celeste with a beautiful waterfall.
Callidryas Tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. The guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, and they are dedicated to protecting the rainforest and the animals that call it home. This tour taught us how to spot sloths and after I was able to find several on my own in different places around Costa Rica. $60 per person price for Sloth Tour.
Vida Campesina Organic Farm and Cooking School: On the road to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Start by taking a tour of the gardens to learn where all of the food you will prepare comes from, then a lesson on Costa Rican Spanish language and culture. Head to the kitchen where you will learn to cook a delicious, made from scratch, organic meal. I highly recommend this experience for families!
