 ARENAL VOLCANO
Located seven kilometers from Fortuna, Arenal Volcano has an area of 33 square kilometers. The volcano has experienced constant activity since July 29, 1968. Its landscape has two faces: one covered with lush vegetation sheltering a variety of wildlife, and the other rugged with lava tracts and sand from the constant eruptions. Considered the region’s main attraction, Arenal offers daytime and nighttime viewing opportunities, thanks to its constant explosions and eruptions.
RIO CELESTE ADVENTURE
This adventure is located in the Tenorio National Park, which is formed by a myriad of natural resources of unparalleled beauty. One of the most attractive features is the Rio Celeste or "Light Blue River". You will encounter a phenomenon of nature and chemistry when you get to the Tenideros (the stainer). This effect is provoked by the emanation of sulphuric gases from the bottom of the river and the precipitation of carbonated calcium delivered by a stream that dumps into the main river at this point. This park is amazing and features a challenging 4-5 hour hike through nature to the viewing the light blue river. Here, discover hot springs that will amaze you with small pools of hot water next the cold-water river. Due to the variable climate, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to many different species of plants and trees. Some of the most watched species of animals here are tapir, collared peccary, howler monkey, white-faced monkey, spider monkey, wild cats (puma, margay and ocelot), birds such as the three-wattled bellbird, turkey vultures, and different types of hawks and tanagers.
TABACON HOT MINERAL SPRINGS
Tabacon's hot mineral springs are a miracle of nature forming cascades and natural pools through exotic tropical gardens. This place is one a kind in the world. The Tabacon River begins inside Arenal Volcano. The magma heats the water to 101 degrees, which then flows through the base of the volcano 3/4 of a mile to Tabacon Hot Springs. Each pool varies in temperature and depth and some vary in mineral count. The main pool is equipped with a slide and a swim-up bar. The healing powers of the thermo mineral waters and the deep cleaning characteristics of volcanic mud and clay are the perfect complement to any location. At the main area of the springs is a spectacular waterfall, where you can sit under the falls and let the hot water massage your neck and shoulders. Soak in the large main pool with a swim-up bar, or choose a number of other smaller pools with built-in lounges, little waterfalls, and cozy tubs hidden in the gardens.
FORTUNA WATERFALLS
Ride a horse on the tranquil side roads of Arenal volcano to the imposing waterfall of Fortuna. This beautiful waterfall, set in the rainforest near the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park is managed by a local community development group (Association de Desarollo de Fortuna). It is about a 30 minute- ride from downtown Fortuna. Here we leave our horses to rest and start the hike down the canyon. This is a 15 to 20 minute -walk bordering the edge of the mountain. After a hike through challenging terrain, you will be rewarded with a natural pool under the falls, perfect for a dip on a hot day.
CAÑO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE
Caño Negro is a RAMSAR site of worldwide importance for wetlands conservation. The refuge is vital to the environmental balance of the country’s Northern Zone. This habitat shelters a wide variety of plant and wildlife species, many of which are unique or in danger of extinction, including seabirds such as the jabirus and reptiles such as caimans and turtles. During the dry season, the refuge becomes an important feeding ground for the thousands of seabirds that arrive at the wetland. The plumage of some of these birds will change color and take on a pinkish hue due to the mollusks consumed by the birds. The natural wealth here includes plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country, including the prehistoric Gaspar fish - considered a living fossil. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, lodging, restrooms, and drinking water.
PUERTO VIEJO DE SARAPIQUÍ
The seat of the Sarapiquí county in Heredia province , Puerto Viejo is a typical river community surrounded by forests, agricultural plantations, rural architecture, and many hanging bridges. In recent years, Puerto Viejo has seen significant commercial and tourism development that has converted it into a well-visited ecotourism destination, with several biological stations and preserves located in the outskirts of the community.
VENADO CAVERNS (DEER CAVES)
Discovered in 1962, these caverns are located three kilometers west from the village of Venado, which is north of Lake Arenal. These caves are an underground world that provides the perfect setting for people with an adventurous spirit. The formations in these caves are over six million years old. Inside, you will encounter stalactites, stalagmites, corals, and chimneys. Visitors must climb, wade, and crawl through the different parts of the 1.5-mile system of caves. With good access facilities, the caves are easily reached; several tourism outfits offer tours through a large part of the cavern system.
 LA SELVA BIOLOGICAL STATION
Located in Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí, at the confluence of two great rivers, La Selva Biological Station comprises 1,600 hectares of tropical wet forest and deforested land in regeneration. Wildlife here is diverse, and includes large animals such as jaguars, pumas and tapirs. Thousands of arthropod species are currently being recorded here, and more than 400 species of birds, both resident and migratory, have been observed—that’s almost half the bird species found in Costa Rica. One of the rainiest places in the country, La Selva receives an average of four meters (more than 13 feet) of precipitation annually, constant throughout the year.
Dr. Leslie Holdridge, who dedicated his property to experimentation with mixed plantations to improve natural resource management, originally established La Selva in 1954. In 1968, the property was acquired by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared as a private biological station and preserve. Since then, it has been converted into one of the most important sites in the world for tropical rain forest research.
RÍO TABACÓN
Located near Arenal Volcano, this river has had a series of improvements made along its banks, giving rise to another of Fortuna’s attractions: Tabacón hot springs. At a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, these waters relax muscles, clean the skin, and reduce stress. Several nearby companies have developed access facilities for visitors’ enjoyment, including pools at various temperatures strewn among beautiful gardens surrounded by a tropical forest.
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