A first weekend in La Fortuna: waterfall, Arenal and time to pause

Saturday morning: waterfall before the lunch break

Start with Catarata Río Fortuna. Look from the upper viewpoint before deciding on the staircase descent: there are more than 500 steps and the climb back is the demanding part. Rest on the way and follow staff advice about river access; a swim is optional and depends on conditions.

Bring a dry change if swimming, and arrange the return taxi or transfer before descending. Have lunch back near the central park at Soda Víquez. A casado gives you rice, beans and sides with a chosen protein; ask about a vegetarian version and ingredients rather than assuming every side is suitable.

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

Saturday afternoon: town first, optional thermal pools later

Walk around the central park and the outside of the Catholic church, using them as landmarks for the compact centre. This is a useful low-effort afternoon after the staircase. Pause for a drink and let clothes dry rather than stacking a second long hike into the same day.

If you want a thermal-pool session, reserve a named venue separately and arrange your ride back. A local shuttle booking does not include pool entry. Tabacón’s resort map distinguishes day-pass access from the hotel-only adults’ Shangri-La Gardens; check the current pass and meal inclusion directly. A day tour’s unnamed hot-spring stop does not promise Tabacón.

Sunday: choose the volcanic trail or the lakeside route

For lava landscapes, choose the national park’s Las Coladas area and ask at the entrance about the current route and the El Ceibo forest extension. Stay on marked paths below the cone; this is not a summit climb. Take time to look at the contrast between hardened lava and returning vegetation, with cloud sometimes hiding the volcano.

For a gentler outing, use the separate Península sector’s Los Miradores trail instead. SINAC identifies this as an accessible route with lake and forest scenery; confirm present surface conditions and any assistance with the park. Choose one sector for a relaxed morning, then allow time for lunch and your onward journey.

An organised day instead of the independent outings

Replace the independent waterfall and volcano programme with a guided full day if you prefer coordinated transport. Keep the other day slow: central park, a casado and perhaps a separately booked pool visit. Do not add the tour on top of both days’ walks.

For a guided full-day alternative, Compare the La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal and hot-springs day tour. Red Lava TSC lists pickup and drop-off, a live guide, entrance fees, lunch, drinks and a thermal-resort fee. Check your exact pickup area, date and English or Spanish choice. This is an active day with substantial walking, not a substitute for the gentler lake route. The listing excludes wheelchair users, pregnant travellers and people with heart problems. Dinner is not included. Confirm the precise volcano reserve and thermal venue: the itinerary labels do not establish a particular gate or named resort. Its description allows about an hour at the springs, while the outline marks a longer swim optional; confirm your selected option rather than expecting an evening pool pass.

What to carry

Pack a small day bag for each outing rather than carrying your whole weekend wardrobe. Closed shoes with grip work for both the waterfall stairs and Arenal paths; allow them time to dry between days. Quick-drying tops and trousers, a rain shell and a protected phone are more useful here than a heavy coat. Keep water handy during the return climb and put a dry change in a separate bag if you plan to swim.

Let the forecast decide which morning goes to the waterfall and which to the forest. February to April generally has less rain, but no month guarantees a clear volcano. If heavy rain rules out a walk, keep the central-park meal break and reschedule the paid outing with its operator. Use the monthly guides as a starting point; Packtricia adjusts the full list and quantities to your dates, luggage, trip length and preferences.