Couples Escapes Around La Fortuna

La Fortuna rewards couples who pace the day around the weather and the water. This guide follows a single romantic day, from a quiet morning walk to a late soak, and lists what each stop costs. Prices are in US dollars and rounded.

Morning: a quiet walk

Start early at Arenal Volcano National Park, which opens about 8am. Foreign adults pay about $15. The Las Coladas trail, about 1.8 km, crosses black hardened lava and gives a wide view toward the cone. Walkers stay at the base, because the cone and the zone around it are closed to the public.

For a canopy view instead, Mistico Arenal opens at 6am. Its 3.2 km trail has 16 bridges, six hanging, and self-guided entry starts at $32 plus tax. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.

Midday: lunch with a view

Arenal Observatory Lodge sells a day pass with lunch for $40. The Nest, an observation tower of about 28 m, looks over the volcano and Lake Arenal. The entrance pass alone costs about $20 to $22.

Afternoon: a long soak

Tabacon’s day pass includes lunch or dinner and starts at about $170 per adult. The resort sells out, so reserve ahead. The water is geothermally heated and runs through gardens. Guests staying at the resort can also enter Shangri-La Gardens, an adults-only area.

Evening: choose your pace

Two options suit the evening. EcoTermales runs a session from 5pm to 9:30pm at about $49 per adult, or about $81 with dinner, and it is the more intimate choice. Baldi, with 25 pools, stays open until 10pm. Adults pay $51, or $75 with one meal, and no reservation is needed.

Night: forest sounds

The Bogarin Trail runs a guided night walk for $60, lasting about 2 hours, and a birdwatching walk for $80. Carry a torch, use no flash and keep voices low. Frogs and insects are likely. Larger animals are never guaranteed.

Staying overnight

Rainforest lodges and resorts around La Fortuna range from small cabins to hotels with thermal pools. Compare rooms, cancellation terms and distance from town before you commit.

Practical tips

  • A taxi is simpler than a rental car for evening soaks.
  • The free river spring is for daylight only, so skip it after dark.
  • Arenal is dormant, so there is no lava glow, only stars if the sky is clear.

Read more: Couple activities in La Fortuna and Solo activities in La Fortuna .

Venue sites: Tabacon day passes and Bogarin Trail .

Stays can be browsed on Booking.com .