Located 93 miles (15 0 km) northwest of San Jose, La Fortuna is the eastern gateway to the Lake Arenal region. Arenal Volcano, a presence in this small place, dominates the horizon. The town is a convenient base for trips to the volcano, Lake Arenal, Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, hot springs at Tabacon, the 230-foot (70-meter) La Fortuna waterfall just south of town (very steep trail), and Venado Caves, a nearly 2-mile (3-km) subterranean adventure not for the claustrophobic. A bank and gasoline stations are the last you will see for a while if YOU're heading west, and sodas (small cafes), restaurants, and gift shops are strung along the main street.

The 10 miles (16 km) to the turnoff to Arenal Volcano National Park skirt the volcano; forested slopes give way to ash and furmaroles as you approach its western face. Lava flows are usually visible only on the western side, though the sound and eruptions are impressive from La Fortuna and environs.
Getting There

By bus: Buses run from San Jose, Ciudad Quesada, and Tilaran.

By car: From Ciudad Quesada or via San Ramon; from the northern Pacific region, via Canas and Tilaran.

By air: air service by SANSA Check.

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