The online booking process was straightforward and efficient. We had to reschedule our visit due to a road closure caused by an accident, and the team managed the change seamlessly — really accommodating and helpful. In hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend paying extra for a guide. If you take your time and follow the flow of visitors, you’ll still see plenty of wildlife, as groups tend to gather quickly wherever animals are spotted. There’s also an observatory about ten minutes’ drive away that’s well worth a visit. It’s roughly half the price, far less crowded, and we ended up seeing more animals there in a quieter, more natural setting. It does feel a little odd that so many sightings happen right beside the main paths — it makes the experience seem somewhat orchestrated rather than spontaneous. Overall, this is an enjoyable outing that lasts around two hours, but in my view, it’s a little overrated. Great for families with children, but if your time is limited, there are other activities in the area that offer a more authentic connection with nature.

Very beautiful park , it’s just 10 mins off the main highway. The park has ample Parking and easy access to the park . No wait time to purchase the tickets. The staff said it’s 2 hours long walk but we finished the whole loop in an hour and a half. Covering magnificent 6 hanging bridges and about 10 fixed ones . They don’t give any map to follow but tell to take the picture of the map , which was weird considering the tickets aren’t cheap. The tallest hanging bridge was at about 150 ft with the most stunning views of the rainforest, the waterfall and lush greenery. We really enjoyed walking and looking at the amazing trees and flora . It was a rainy day that day but the shaded trees kept us dry most of the time. Very well kept and beautifully maintained. They have a restaurant and washrooms at the entrance of the park .

We went with 4 adults and 7 children from 18 months to 14 years (most under 10). We rented a stroller which made the walk much more convenient with the littlest one. It is somewhat strenuous and the bridges aren't suited for those with significant fear of heights but the flora and fauna were spectacular to see. There was also a playground, cafe, gift shop and nice bathroom facilities. Highly recommend this as a stop! We went mid week around 10am and it wasn't too crowded but I can imagine the weekends and busy season would be less enjoyable.

We had a great time in Mistico. The views were gorgeous. Luckily it was great weather. The hanging bridges were amazing and we had loads of fun. The trail was paved and hiking was quite easy. There was a stunning waterfall. The wildlife, flora and fauna were beautiful. No restrooms in the trail but it was not a very long trail.

What a great tour we had with Naza as our guide. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She also was very kind to take pictures for us with her telescope and therefore we have some beautiful wildlife pictures and videos. I highly recommend a guided tour. We would not have seen many critters without her expert eyes.

Our guided tour led by Carlos was fantastic. We saw far more than we would have had we walked alone. Our experience from the entrance through to exit was incredible. Some benefits of visiting included learning more about the ecology of Costa Rica, views of the beautiful countryside, up close examination of the fauna and challenging but fun walks across the bridges. Thank you so much!

Highly recommend. We had a 9am tour booked and missed our time (after WAZE took us on an off road route that ended at a dead end) but Mistico let us go at a later time without any issue. Because we booked a guided tour, we were able to see a lot more wildlife and learn about them as we went. We saw two sloths, toucans, pit vipers, and more.

This was a phenomenal experience! We parked on the road right outside the entrance across the resort. We paid $5 to the gentleman who helped us. We arrived at 8:30 am on a Monday and we had the whole place pretty much to ourselves. At around 9 it started becoming busier. The water was pleasantly warm and relaxing and the experience of sitting on the warm river while surrounded by the beach trees was just magical. Highly recommend this!

NO CELL COVERAGE HERE - Read reviews before you travel there! 1. Not easy access. Highly recommend you take sandals/ water shoes to walk on the VERY rocky river bed. 2. The best pools you turn LEFT at the bottom of the steps and go through the dark tunnel - then turn RIGHT at the wall/ artificial waterfall and climb onto the dry river bank. (The guy in red is going the wrong way) THEN you can easily access an empty pool. VERY hard to go directly through the waterfall or left as you will see once you are there! 3. Some people don’t go through the tunnel at all and stay in the water right by the steps entrance. This is much faster flowing water and less places to keep your things dry. 4. Take some drink and speakers if you like! Some people stay here hours. The water is amazing! 5. Uber is the cheapest way to get here, however no cell coverage means you must walk uphill 5/7 mins before you can order a pick up to get back into town. Pics attached

Our experience at Tabacon was amazing. We came here for the first time in 2006 and it’s even better now. The hot springs are beautiful and relaxing, the food in the restaurant and wet bar was delicious, the staff were friendly and helpful. We got a day pass and booked a massage ahead of time. If you don’t book ahead of time you’ll unlikely get a spot the day of. The locker rooms were basic though, and make sure to bring a plastic bag for wet items as they don’t provide those. Overall, an incredible experience.

In our search for top attractions to visit in Costa Rica, we came across Tabacón Hot Springs—and I’m so glad we gave it a try. We purchased the one-day pass that included dinner, and it turned out to be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hot springs are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine a lush tropical setting with natural flowing hot springs that feel like waterfalls—yes, you can literally sit under these warm, soothing waterfalls and relax. It’s unlike any hot spring I’ve ever seen—spacious, serene, and beautifully integrated with nature. Best of all, it wasn’t crowded at all during our visit. At times, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, which made the experience even more special and rejuvenating. As for the dinner, we were genuinely impressed. It was a well-thought-out three-course meal with a creative presentation, delicious flavors, and top-notch service. From the starter to the main course and dessert, every bite was a delight. I’m truly glad we added the dining option to our package—it elevated the experience. Overall, Tabacón exceeded our expectations in every way. From the natural beauty of the springs to the peaceful atmosphere and exceptional dining, it was one of the highlights of our time in Costa Rica. If you’re visiting the area, do not miss this place—it’s the best hot spring I’ve ever been to and an experience you won’t forget. Highly recommended!

This was one of favorite things about Costa Rica. I thought it would be more crowded but we almost always had an area/pool all to ourselves. The resort is very clean and beautifully maintained. The restaurant was wonderful and everyone was very nice. We can’t wait to come back again.

I bought day pass for $100. You only get access to the pool and thermal river- which is almost the same temperature every where, and has some waterfalls. No access to jacuzzi or saunas section. No maps were provided- we had to walk around just to figure out where is what. The grounds are nice. We were bored and had nothing to do after 2hours. This is not worth the price and definitely not a whole day activity.

Excellent service, very good rooms, and outstanding restaurant for dinner. The tours are well crafted, the hot springs are quite therapeutic with a natural feel. Will come back.

Amazing place to be. We have spent the full day there and it was such a relaxing day! The place is designed really well, very green, so you don’t fill like it is crowded. We also got a lunch at the bar + some drinks. Food was good (hamburger and pad thai), served quite fast.

A group of friends and I were celebrating a birthday in Costa Rica. The itinary was planned by said birthday girl. This was what she wanted to do for her birthday. While the pools were beautiful and photogenic, there was many disappointments. 1. The food that we ordered was not amazing. A 5 star resort having mediocre food is startling. Ordered a burger that was supposed to be angus beef chuck, it wasn’t. Ceviche was mediocre, and they only had one option of fresh juice (in a tropical paradise) - pineapple. 2. The check in and checkout were quite outdated. Took 5-7min to check in and out of a day at a hot spring. 3. There wasn’t a pool that was really hot. Was hoping for a hot pot or the like, but the warmest was around 90 degrees. To summarize, this place is not worth the price and amenities. $80 is just way too much to be spending on a mediocre experience. Won’t be back.

Gorgeous view, delicious pizza and lots of options. On our way to Mistico we decided to stop here for lunch. It was easy to park and pull into. The menu had a lot of sandwich, pizzas and full entree. They also had some great photo spots set up along with swings right in front of volcano arenal. A small kids area and lots of seating does make it kid friendly too.

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is excellent, service top notch, and the food makes me want to come back for more! We highly recommend. We were looking for steaks specifically, their menu has a variety.

We were in our way to our next destination when we saw this restaurant. Absolutely beautiful open air restaurant with high quality food. They pay attention to the little details, like they branded the logo into the bun! The IPA has their own private label. I know we shouldn't have cheeseburgers in another country but I had to scratch that hitch and it was good! Funny The waitress tried to serve the burger to my son.... The responsible kids had a traditional Costa Rican dishes that I tried and the beef was so tender. The portions were a large and generous and the prices were fair. I highly recommend going out of your way to dine here!

We had an early dinner at El Novillo, we wanted to eat meat. I ordered smoked pork ribs and my wife ordered steak. Our meals were well prepared, but both the pork and the steak were very chewy. Good flavor, but tough. We did have pineapple flambe for dessert that was really good. We really liked this restaurant, the service was excellent and with decent weather there would be a nice view of the volcano. Although we wished our meat was a little better, we'd eat here again.

Ceviche was amazing! I'm drooling just thinking about it now. Best hamburger! If you're craving one in Costa Rica... Go here! It melted in your mouth. We got the virgin Piña colada and the mango smoothie too, both were so delicious! Another huge hit was the fish platter and Carmen's chicken! The ambiance there was so beautiful. Scenery is stunning, cute hanging swings in the front, wide open dining area with the smell of smoked wood in the back from the meat chef. it was delicious and just perfect. We were all satisfied. Our friends last night in Costa Rica was this night and they said this was the best food they had their whole time here.

Tommy like steak!!! Man what a great meal I just had. Staying at Tabacon and found this restaurant just a stones throw away. The beef was fantastic as were the sides. Angela was super sweet and such a good server. A++++

Very nice and clean restaurant. It was fun seeing the grill area. The waitress was kind, the food was delicious.

Do NOT pay extra for a tour guide for this hike. We loved the fact the hike is almost all shaded. The waterfall is beautiful and we got a decent workout on the way back up. The water is refreshing and very clear. Expected a more environmentally friendly space. We also didn’t see a single animal except for a few fish in the water.

Incredible waterfall well worth the admission ticket. The power and height is really impressive. There are several other smaller cascading waterfalls to see on the way down. It's atleast 500 steps down with a railings. Going down is the easy part. There is a wading area separate of the waterfall to swim and get wet. The no love scenes sign was quite funny.

One of the "must see" spots on your Costa Rica trip! The waterfall is picturesque, well maintained and easy to access. It does require you to descend about 530 steps to the waterfall (and then the same back up). I saw people of all sorts and fitness levels doing it. Just take it easy going back up (enough space to rest without blocking the way). It took me about 10-12 minutes to go down and 20 mins to come back up with stops. Important to carry a rain shell with you. When I started from the first viewpoint and start of the steps, the rain was strong. When I reached the base of the falls it had stopped with intermittent drizzle. So, don't wait for the rain to stop - better to start walking and wait at the falls if you need to. If the water is too strong, they won't let you swim directly at the falls. There is another area by the falls where people can swim. Photos can be taken at the base (on the rocks), from the main viewing deck at the bottom (wait your turn when busy), from the viewpoint at the top, and from a few spots along the path. 24-70 mm lens is good. The area is quite developed. You will find a gift shop, bathrooms, and a restaurant serving okayish to decent food. PS: it was raining heavily when I reached the restaurant but eased off again after 10 mins (you get the picture!). There is WiFi at the restaurant. Dedicated/managed parking on site. You can expect to spend 2-2.5 hours here at a normal pace. Tickets can be bought in person at the entrance. Expect this to be one of the more visited places (more tourists). Normal footwear is okay (that will hold up in wet conditions).

Once in a lifetime experience! This waterfall was beautiful and unforgettable. There were a ton of steps, so be sure to wear grippy shoes and a raincoat/poncho if you prefer. I was fine with getting wet with just a t-shirt, but it did get a bit cold. You can swim in the waterfall and there are more spots around to view scenery and smaller waterfalls.

It's a not very difficult staircase leading to a cool waterfall, and you can swim there which is fun. I got there just after the opening hours so there were only few people. However, there's no walking path alongside the river, only 2 spots to swim basically. Still, worth a visit if you arrive early enough.

La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-see! The facilities are well-maintained, and there are rest stops along the 500 steps down (and back up!). No washrooms at the bottom, but there's potable water to drink or rinse off after a swim. Showers, a souvenir shop, and free parking are available near the entrance. Entrance fee is around $50 USD per person."

Definitely worth seeing! There are around 500 steps down/back to access so prepare for that but waterfall is gorgeous and the swimming area has river trout. We recommend going early in morning

The best guided tour in La Fortuna! Had the pleasure of having William Bogarin provide the guided tour for my visit and saw lots of animals! William was incredibly kind, knowledgeable and very patient to get all the photos I wanted. Parking is super easy, the staff is very friendly and overall it’s a great experience. Also, definitely do the guided tour! You will not see much on your own just walking around, they are the experts and know where to look! Please give them a visit!

Firstly, William was a fantastic guide. Incredible knowledge and eagle-eyed skills to spot all sorts of animals and critters. Thank you for your insight and kindness. Plainly: You will see many animals and more on this tour. We saw our first sloth within one minute on the trails. There is an interesting history to the property that the guide will share with you. The lush, dense forest is fascinating. We didn't even book ahead, just walked up. Most tours are on the hour, so plan accordingly. Bring water.

not just sloths! while we did see four sloths on our walk, there were also plenty of other animals like frogs and birds to see and take photos of. our tour guide William was fabulous. he was really good at taking photos with and without the telescope that each guide carries and had eagle eyes to see the animals. the cold pineapple at the end of the tour was the cherry on top. definitely worth a trip!

The best daytime walking tour of our entire Costa Rica trip! Highly recommend paying for a guided tour, which lasts about 2 hours. The guide’s knowledge and the views through their telescope are priceless. Trail is flat, very easy terrain.

Walked the short trail, saw sloths, poison frogs, lizards, and birds. Guide Randall eas patient and knowledgeable and shared interesting facts. But...$45 USD per person feels steep for what you get. Also, they don't do research, rescue animals, or help imprive the rainforest habitat. I'd suggest not supporting this one, It seems the cash just lines the owners' pockets, check out Proyecto Asis instead.

We had a wonderful guide. She took photos on my mobile using her scope. We saw several sloths and a baby sloth. Also an iguana and poison arrow frogs. It was well worth doing. You can also go back and do the trail again foc. The entrance covers 2 days.

We decided to go here and we chose a guide and it was the best decision we made as we saw so much wildlife. William was out guide and was a founding member of the park. His knowledge and ability to see animals including insects was amazing.

A must visit location in La fortuna, about $72 cad per person to enter but so worth the money. Multiple hot pools at different temperatures and lots of swim up bars. The drinks are priced and an expected price and service is good. The slides are wild, I'm not sure I enjoyed any of them to be honest, fun would be the wrong word, they were very quick and the toilet bowl pool is to shallow and my partner cut his head open hitting the pool. There's lots of fun to be has but be very cautious on the slides.

We weee there in off season and the place was pretty quiet which was wonderful. The grounds are well taken care of and the place is so beautiful. The pools always felt clean and there are so many of them to choose from. The rooms were comfortable and had all we needed. The rooms were clean when we got there and they kept them clean during our stay. The breakfast was delicious, and we had some desserts that were also amazing. Baldi is one of the best places I have stayed, they treat you like VIP the whole time you are there! The food in the upper restaurant was good, but nothing spectacular. It is a buffet style and there was a lot to choose from and had good flavor.

A Jungle Paradise! 🌋 Must-visit in La Fortuna: If you are visiting Costa Rica, Baldi Hot Springs is absolutely worth the money! We spent a fantastic, relaxing afternoon here and it was the highlight of our trip. We visited as part of a tour from the Guanacaste region (about a 2-hour stop) and it was the perfect amount of time to soak and recharge. Why you'll love it: 🌿 Variety: There are massive amounts of pools at different temperatures, so you can find the perfect heat level for you. 🍹 Swim-Up Bars: There are lots of bars right in the water. The service was good and the drink prices were totally expected/reasonable for a resort. 🎢 Fun Factor: We didn't go on the slides, but they looked like a blast if you want an adrenaline rush. Whether you are driving yourself or booking a tour stop like we did, this is a must-do experience in La Fortuna. Highly recommended! 🇨🇷✨

Very nice experience. Stayed with my family and 2 small kids. During the week in October was so nice, not busy and totally relaxing. I have stayed with Tabacon before, but this resort is way more for fun kids and incorporates more bars into pools. They are currently not accepting credit cards, so bring your cash. Located near downtown Arenal, so you can explore there easily and take tours.

Baldi Hot Springs is an incredible experience and a perfect day spa style getaway. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. and stayed until 5 p.m., and the entire day was relaxing and enjoyable. Getting a locker was simple and affordable at $7 and towels required a $10 deposit which you get back when you return the towel. The bathrooms were spotless, and the entire facility was immaculate. There are many different hot springs throughout the property, most of them warm to hot, with a few cold areas. Each pool has its own unique design, and exploring them was part of the fun. The cave hot spring was my favorite. Walking through a warm waterfall inside a cave that opens into a beautiful hot spring pool was an unforgettable experience. The staff was friendly and welcoming. One tip for visitors: Avoid ordering drinks from the premium bar in the back. The drinks there are overpriced and watered down, costing $20 or more. You can get the exact same drink from one of the regular bars for around $12, and those drinks are noticeably better. The luxury bar drinks had very little alcohol and were mostly juice and ice, which made them feel like a waste. We only ordered French fries during our visit. So I cannot speak on the buffet or other food options. We assumed the buffet might be priced similarly to the drinks, so we decided not to eat at the restaurant. Being in the hot springs while it rained was amazing. None of the pools ever felt overly crowded. There are so many options that people spread out naturally, and you can always find a quiet area. The bar near the entrance is the most popular spot. We noticed more visitors arriving around 4 p.m., but earlier in the day it was peaceful, even on a Saturday. There is also a charming jungle trail behind the pools in the back. Where we spotted a toucan, several interesting birds, and farm animals like horses and cows. We did not see monkeys or sloths. The kids area near the helipad looked great, with a water slide, dump bucket, and a comfortable lounge area for parents. Overall, Baldi Hot Springs is a fantastic place to spend the entire day, and absolutely worth the price.

We paid $98 for a day pass for two adults, included parking and ability to leave and come back until 10 pm. There was an ability to upgrade to include a meal. Drinks were a bit overpriced, cocktails ran about $20-25 each. Overall, the multiple different hot springs was cool to see but I don’t think we needed to spend more than a day there. The natural sauna was really cool to hangout around. All the pools have slightly different temperatures, and the swim up bars were covered so we could still hangout while it rained.

Beautiful grounds, clean pools, good breakfast. Short story - stay elsewhere and come for the day to relax..... Watersides are not safe or need more warnings for tall or heavier people! Fast slide can make you go 27 miles per hour. I hurt my shoulder as I couldn't keep the position suggested and almost rolled going around a corner and then came out almost sideways. Medium one was just as bad. PTSD! Same thoughts from a 27 old adrenaline junkie who hurt his lower back doing the fast slide!!!! Room has coffee pot but wouldn't give a coffee packet either morning (said no coffee available) and breakfast doesnt start till 7am. For the room price you would expect so much more. Hotels 1/3 the price had coffee and would bring more if needed...... Shower was sad.... didn't even need to turn on the cold water. Check in process was long as computer system doesnt acknowledge canadian credit cards and had to authorize manually with email confirmations before giving you a room key. Bring your phone with you!!!!! They give you a wrist band but then you have to carry your room key with you to the pools. You have to set up a tab at reception bar and close it off before 930pm.... Can't they attach everything to the wristband????

We had the luxury room, our view of the volcano from our balcony was gorgeous. The staff greeted us upon arrival were very polite and professional. Our room was nice however the room with the hot tub in it was very slippery maybe some matting would be safer for clients. Also we went out in evening and returned and found an enormous amount of ants. All in all nice room good staff not far from town .

It’s the place to enjoy the Hot springs in the area. Very tastefully designed and decorated aswell as located. A boutique experience. Nice hot springs . Multiple pools. Very well maintained. Good breakfast. Amazing staff. It’s the place to be away from the madness but still get to enjoy the Hot springs at your convenience.

Paradise Hot Springs in La Fortuna is truly a gem! The location is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by nature with amazing views of the area. The rooms are comfortable and well-kept, and the hot springs are absolutely relaxing — the perfect way to unwind. It’s a great getaway from the city, with excellent amenities and delicious food. Highly recommend for anyone looking for rest, relaxation, and a touch of luxury in Costa Rica!

We flew from Maui and drove from San Jose and after traveling for almost 24 hours this place was like heaven. Truly paradise. If I could stay here for a whole month I would. Hot springs were all amazing. Food was great. Service was great. If I ever come back to Costa Rica, I will definitely come back.

I got a day pass with a meal add on. While the pools, gym and coffee shop were all great, the meal option felt like a huge rip off. The website made it sound like a three course meal but it’s really just access to their underwhelming lukewarm buffet. If you visit for a day, I can’t recommend staying away from that day pass + food option enough, especially since the other food available is much better and significantly cheaper.

We used only the hot pools. The whole place is very pleasant and the time was well spent. Don't eat dinner there though as the food was extremely boring and mediocre.

Our room was big with a hot tub and always very clean. They arranged for rides to and from airport ~$200 US each way for 2.5 - 4 hr trip. Van had great air conditioning and drivers were very friendly. Hotel staff was great. Pool was very nice and warm. Great view of volcano from roomy balcony. Breakfast was 3.5 stars. Had very fresh fruit and juice. Coffee was inconsistent ranging from 1.5 - 4 stars. Eggs were a little runny at times but overall decent breakfast. Had a really fresh and tasty poke bowl and upstairs cafe with nice volcano view. We did have like 40 ants in the room first night but we killed them and hotel staff sprayed. It is in the jungle and right by the mountains so some to be expected. Was very clean rest of stay. We loved the super comfy bed and shower was great. Great location with cheap Uber less than 10 mins from most places. 30 mins or so to hanging bridges. Birds can be loud starting at sunrise but we had earplugs and headphones with noise app so no issue. Nice to hear birds once up. Air conditioning worked great. Had it in 19-23 range throughout day and colder at night. No issues.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A magical place in the heart of nature Arenal Observatory Lodge is a truly beautiful spot inside one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural reserves. It’s surrounded by incredible biodiversity and offers breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the lake. This place feels magical — perfect for anyone who loves nature, hiking, and peaceful surroundings. It’s also ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking to reconnect with the natural world in a respectful and mindful way. Birdwatchers will absolutely love it — every sunrise and sunset is filled with the sound and color of countless bird species. I highly recommend this lodge to all nature lovers who want to experience the true essence of Costa Rica. 🌿✨

Our stay has been incredible. Our room is clean and has a fantastic view of the Arenal volcano. We visited in November when the rain is on and off and the volcano comes out for little bits of time but we’ve been able to see the full thing at times. Our kids are having an amazing time with the pool and seeing all of the animals. The restaurant is great and the servers are all so friendly and great with kids. It is a little more expensive than I expected but I’m glad breakfast is included. It includes continental and a full dish. Great time for the famiky

The room was amazing, and we were even upgraded. The view from the room was incredible. We also enjoyed the activities offered within the property, like the hanging bridge, the frog pond, and the waterfall. Just beautiful. The staff was wonderful and paid attention to every detail to make sure we had a great experience. We had a very pleasant stay and I definitely recommend this place. Big thank you to Howard who went above and beyond during our stay.

After a long, bumpy uphill road, you reach a beautifully maintained entrance with a super friendly guard who sets the tone for the rest of the visit. From there, you’re directed to a car park surrounded by lush forest and mountain views, and it already feels like you’ve stepped into a nature reserve. The network of trails is brilliant — all colour coded, well-marked, and easy to follow. There’s a great mix of short walks and longer hikes, so you can easily spend half a day or more exploring. What really stood out to us was how peaceful it was. Unlike the busy hanging bridge parks, there was hardly anyone around, which meant we saw loads of wildlife — toucans, howler monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and even a few frogs. It felt much more natural and authentic than the more commercial attractions nearby. Lunch at the lodge was decent. The portions are huge (very American-style) and the food is fine, but what makes it special is the view — you’re looking straight out at Arenal Volcano and the lake while you eat. It’s a great spot to take a break before heading back onto the trails. The hanging bridges and waterfalls inside the grounds are stunning — you get the same experience as the paid “hanging bridge parks” but without the crowds, noise, or tour groups. Everything is really well maintained, and you can explore at your own pace. Definitely worth visiting, whether you’re staying nearby or just driving in for the day. Bring good walking shoes, plenty of water, and your camera — it’s easy to get carried away exploring. This is one of those places that makes you feel completely immersed in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Great location! I spent a night here but I think at least 2 nights would have been better. You have an amazing view of Arsenal Volcano (when the clouds clear) from the main lodge area with a viewing deck. While the room was spacious, it did get warm in the evening and the vocal wildlife took some getting used to (keep that in mind if you're a light sleeper). There was no AC but after opening a netted window slightly, the room cooled down. The staff was very welcoming and friendly - right from reception to the dining room. Dinner was satisfying with some well cooked dishes. Breakfast was okay - I felt the sections were limited. My two highlights were The Nest and The Spa. If you're okay with heights, you must climb the nest to get a legit 360 panoramic view of your surroundings (including Arenal). The platform shakes slightly with movement and wind but it's totally secure. From there, I saw a clear view of Arenal, the lake, and many monkeys on the trees around. The wildlife is rich with many species of unique birds wondering around the area. The Spa was an absolute delight. I enjoyed the "tired legs" massage so much that I booked another relaxation massage the same day. The setting is very, very inviting - a cozy room away from the lodge that opens up to the forests, the sounds of nature, and rain falling around you. The masseuse, Carolina was excellent! You can walk up to the spa or drive your car around to its dedicated parking. If I had another day at the lodge, I would have taken some of the nature trails, explored the adjacent national park, and just explored/relaxed at the property. WiFi was strong. When do you get clear views of the volcano? Mornings tend to have a better chance. It was visible the previous day at sunset as well.

We came for my dad’s birthday and it was the best trip ever. Best location in front of the Volcano. Phil’s Villa absolutely beautiful. Staff provided excellent service and very accommodating. I would highly recommend AOL Arenal Observatory Lodge. Howard services were the best. His photography also excellent!

This hotel is all about the location, right within the arenal park. But the hotel itself, albeit historic, is very dated and basic. If it had a huge modernisation it could be epic. The rooms in the main hotel block are pretty low end, probably not been updated in decades. Couldn’t comment other than those ones. The restaurant was a huge disappointment - like an old English motorway service station or something - really bad menu and the food was the same. Breakfast was little better. Epic view if you get a window seat but that’s it. You can do walks into the park, but we only had time for one and while interesting the guide was obviously bored and not overly friendly or radiating enthusiasm. They must do the same thing so often. The long road up is in bad condition in many places but if you’ve driven in Monteverde you’ll take it in your stride. If not, you might be a bit shocked.

A very good place to view Arenal volcano! Entrance is $15 and you have access to the volcanic side and lake side of the park. We got to see a sloth, Armadillo ( in the parking lot) , snake. You’ll get a good view on a sunny day. For the lake side of the park, once you exit the volcanic side , take a left turn. After a few meters , you’ll find a dirt road that would continue for 1.7 kms. Lake was peaceful.

Worth the money, a nice hike and we saw a little bit of wildlife. Not the best view onto the volcano though, you dont need to pay to have a nice look onto it. But if you like a hike in the rainforest, its worth it! Unfortunately the large tree "El Ceibo" broke down in 2024 so the roots are still impressive, but the upper half of the tree is gone.

Had an awesome hike! What great views, hikes, talks and more. Saw sloths with babies, monkeys, snakes, bugs, ants, lizards, birds, raccoons and more. So many cool plants along the way - which was just unbelievable 🤩 Our tour guide Jose was really awesome and even took some great photos he sent us afterwards which was super nice. We did the combo with the bridges, volcano and waterfall with lunch and we were very impressed - this was probably our favorite part!

My son and I went for a short trip in the park. Oh what an awesome view and amazing animals. From one side the volcano, from the other side Arenal lake. The nature at it's full glory, all done to make sure humens will not interfere the wildlife. Enjoy!

Great value for the view you get! Even on a rainy season day I saw nearly the full volcano from way close than you’d ever see in la fortuna town, and hiking in the surrounding rainforest is amazing too, with many species unique to Central America visible here. Cannot miss this if you visit la fortuna.

We had an amazing tour with Gabi of the National parc! You can’t dream of a better guide, her passion and joy is contagious!! I can recommend very strongly! Ps: my husband understood Gabi but I understand Dani.

This is a great place to hike and see amazing plants and wildlife! In the rainy season, some of the paths flood and get muddy, but it's an awesome walk through the jungle of Costa Rica.

So delicious!! Everything was amazing, we had a group of 15 and we were all tourists but they were so kind and gave us amazing service. I ordered the grilled tuna with shrimp and it was super delicious! The lemon pie with a scoop of ice cream is probably the best dessert I've had while traveling, if you're coming through I highly recommend!!

We stopped here for lunch following a tour with Nayara Springs, The lunch was fantastic and the beef was so tender. The place was super quiet but the chef came out to say hello. this place used only the best local ingredient’s and certainly worth a stop

A big place clearly catering to the tourists. It was almost too much for us but we decided to give it a try. The food was better than we were expecting and the service was good. It was a little pricey but still worth the visit.

What a beautiful restaurant. I went there for lunch on a Sunday. We had the pizza. It was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend the Selva Rustica pizza… I think it was the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. I definitely want to come back. We saw that they had all different types of seafood. They have dry steaks, a wide variety of cocktails, and a really nice wine selection. For me this place is a total package, the food the service and the atmosphere were wonderful. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely be back.

Food was amazing here. Lots of variety. I got a pizza only because it was wood fired. All other dishes were large portions. Saw a sloth there too!

Tomohawk : 8.5/10 Solomo Steak: 8/10 Sauces: Chimichurri 10/10 House Passion Fruit Margarita: 10/10 Neon Signs / artwork - fun and added character to tropical location. We had our last dinner in La Fortuna and we were treated to a wonderful steak dinner with incredible service. Mario was attentive and very friendly. The location is beautiful and had a wonderful outdoor feel. Glad we came to SelvaRustica.

The best restaurant we’ve tried in Costa Rica. + the octopus in tomato sauce, the seafood rice and the avocado stuffed with octopus and shrimp were delicious! + lovely menu with a great variety. Their specialty is seafood dishes in my opinion + the sangria is delicious. It doesn’t have added sugar, just lots of fruits and red wine + the waiters are friendly and very helpful; the service is very fast

Que Rico Arenal is a wonderful spot for tourists. They have ample parking and the vibe is very nice with an indoor/outdoor style that lets you cool off while also enjoying the sunshine and views. We had the focaccia original and the veggie pizza with jalapenos. They provide some seasonings like an herby olive oil, crushed red pepper and parmesan. The service was very friendly. Highly recommend to any vegetarians.

I was not expecting Italian food to be this yummy in CR! The pasta wasn’t made from scratch but the sauce and flavor were phenomenal and Karina was amazing. Clean and simple ingredients that elevated the flavor of the food. Highly recommend!

I was skeptical being a hotel restaurant, but this was the best food I had in La Fortuna. Quiet during slow season. Ambience is a little odd at night—could use better lighting and air circulation, but the food and service were excellent. Portions were generous for the price. Good sangria, too.

A delightful Italian restaurante & pizzeria with great selections on the menu and an amazing ambience. We stopped here for a late afternoon coffee and snack and ordered smoothies, coffee and focaccia bread. The coffee, though regular, tasted really nice and smooth. The smoothies were made using fresh fruits and we could taste the freshness, they were so yummy. We also ordered the margarita pizza packed to go, along with the coconut flan for dinner and both items were very good too! The restaurant have a wonderful exterior. Unlike a lot of other restaurants in this area, they do not have a view of the volcano or the lake to showcase; instead their guest seating opens into a lush green and well maintained lawn that is absolutely amazing to look into! The staff are friendly and had helpful suggestions to share. Lovely experience ❤️

We stopped for a late lunch/early dinner and decided to have pizza. A no rice meal. We actually each ordered a medium pizza wanting to have leftovers to take back to the hotel. The pizza was good, but not great. I think we may have had high expectations after reading some of the reviews. It was cloudy and rainy while we were there and we were the only customers. So it was a bit dark and gloomy in the restaurant, no view of the volcano.

Coming during the low season has been a blessing in disguise and this restaurant is no different. We happened to be the only customers around 5:30pm on a Monday but I can't tell you how great the service was as well as the quality of our meals. My wife enjoyed a traditional Costa Rican chicken and rice meal while I tried the chicken alfredo. Great meals all the way around paired with a margarita and you need to save room for the great desserts! The triple chocolate brownie and ice cream is 10/10. We will be back the next time we're here in Fortuna. ps - The views of the volcano are just an added bonus.

Delicious Italian food, very surprised! We stayed at the Arenal Inn and decided to have dinner at the restaurant on our last night. We got sangria, mango smoothie, tilapia fish, and pizza (volcan and prosciutto half & half) - everything was delicious! Service was caring and friendly. Atmosphere was relaxing and romantic with some classical music on the background.

Great Soda tucked away near La Fortuna Waterfall. Friendly Service along with great food. Free Wifi is a plus. Definitely Stop after the waterfall for s great meal. We came back for dinner and again we were not disappointed. If i child gives it more stars we would.

Excellent food at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend. Just to be clear, they don't have all of the fresh squeezed juices on hand. They have some of them from the main restaurant in town in jugs. But the casados are exactly how you want them. Really nice. Next time I am going to order pinto con Maduro y Salxhicon.

This Soda is about a 3 minute walk from my Air B&B. I got the Arroz con Pollo and a blackberry (Mora) smoothie. Everything was flavorful and delicious! I will be back to try some of their other items. The ladies there were very kind and provided great service!

The best soda we ate at in La Fortuna. If you know about this place you probably saw it on social media because you won’t find it, even if you were lost. The food was amazing and reasonably priced. Family run and amazing staff. I recommend ordering a couple of plates to try some different stuff. You eat outside, under some tarps in plastic chairs at a plastic table. It is literally everything I love about small hole in the wall style places.

I love small hole in the wall eateries that serve delicious local cuisine, fresh and vibrant full of flavor. I love supporting small businesses. The food was good, presentation was beautiful. Atmosphere was laid back and chill, I felt like I was at my Abueilas home for a warm plate of delicious food.

The best food in La Fortuna, hands down. We came here 2 days in a row and wish we had found out about it sooner. The family who runs it is super kind and welcoming and WOW is their food delicious. Huge, tasty, good priced portions. Don’t miss out on the jugos naturales, either! Tried soursop for the first time and it was so so tasty. They also have a little heladeria attached to it (we may have dabbled in a banana split for good measure after dinner). Go here and you will not be disappointed! (Also, tons of birds in the area and we saw 4 yellow-throated toucans as a bonus the first day!)

Incredible the quality of the food. I strictly recommend the Tico Burrito.

Our B&B owns thus restaurant, great breakfasts included, a few items to choose from. cooked to order, tasty and very local. The pizza is very good, no menu pick what you want on it!

A culinary delight with an incredible chief! Luisa's cooking is absolutely phenomenal and it is very obvious that she puts her heart and soul into every dish. The pizza is worth every bite and the chicken with pineapple salsa is melt in your mouth delicious. The honey garlic salmon is melt in your mouth incredible. The shrimp pasta was delicious. Jaun is a friendly guy and is a great waiter, although a little slow at water refills. Highly recommend this restaurant. Just try it, you won't regret the decision.

The Phoenix was absolutely incredible! The best ceviche I ever tasted. The salmon, which was a special, was so delicious! It had a tangy sauce that was divine, I had to order it again the next night! The steak was also phenomenal and the jalapeño chicken was so good with a nice kick too. Highly highly recommend this restaurant. The staff was also incredibly friendly and accommodating. We spent New Years there as well, and it was wonderful!

A hidden gem with a genius chef. Louisa makes the best pineapple salsa which tastes great on everything: chicken, pizza, fish. Juan is a kind server who appreciates and respects every guest. Their wood-fired pizza oven cranks out amazing pizza with any sauce or topping you can imagine. The honey ginger salmon is the best I have ever had. We have gone back again and again hungry for more.

The place is nice and serves really good food. Staff is extremely friendly and speaks well english. You need to be patient though since it takes same time to get your dish ready, we waited over an hour for our dinner and we were the only customers there. Everything was fresh. The prices are pretty high given the secluded area the restaurant is placed at.

A wonderful group of people that are so warm and accommodating. We often showed up late and early and were always welcome with open arms. The food is wonderful and the view is incredible.

Where do I begin?! Juan and his wife are absolutely amazing hosts. The view from The Phoenix is incredible. The food is made with amor, it is fresh and delicious. They have something on the menu for everyone from traditional Costa Rican to spaghetti/pizza. We will absolutely be back. Thank you for your hospitality Juan!

Nice place to go with kids The toilets and facilities are old, And not always super clean BUT the place has many pools and the kids loved the slides! Quite a nice idea for a few hours after the nature walks!

Very nice clean pools, beautiful landscaping and family friendly hot springs experience. This was a good value and great way to spend a day in La Fortuna. The waterslides were fun for kids and adults. Changing room and restrooms were clean. Overall a terrific experience for the family.

We love this aquatic park! Have been here twice and we really like the kids' pool and the slides. The place is big has a lot of tables and places to stay. It's safe to leave your belongings and enjoy the pools. My kids loved it. You can bring your own food and settle down at a table, as well there's a restaurant you can purchase fast food or but the buffet package. The cocktails are very good and refreshing. Highly recommended for family and friends.

Great for families with young kids! We were lucky to have it almost empty and with discounts at the entrance. Beautiful surrounding with great termal pools.

Just finished with our visit which included 2 adults and 2 children which cost $71 USD ($36,000 colones). The check in was smooth and the employee was very nice although he didn’t speak English. He advised two if the main slides (tube required) were shut down for maintenance and the kids area was being repainted so we were unable to use those two areas. We were literally the only guests time we were there. We still highly enjoyed the 3 main slides, the open slide was slow and easy for the kiddos, the enclosed slide was medium/high speed, and the straight down was very fast. The family pool area is the natural hot spring which I’d guess is in the high 80’s or low 90’s. It was very enjoyable. None of the employees we ran into spoke English but they were all very kind. I’m sure once everything is open it’s an incredible value for the family.

The only redeeming factor at this place was that it was practically empty when we went, so we never had to stand in lines. But the slide equipment is in serious disrepair. You can see paint peeling off of all of the large slides, and feel it scraping your back when you go down. Water is gushing out of cracks under some of the slides, many of them didn't have enough water running down to keep our kids moving, they got stuck and had to scoot down. The staff actually doesn't monitor when other riders have gotten to the bottom of the slide, so we collided with another raft on El Mamut and almost knocked them off the side of the slide. My wife crashed heads with a child in the other raft, luckily he wasn't seriously hurt. They didn't even have a staff member monitoring the triple slide, kids were just going whenever they wanted. Shortly after that, both the largest slides were closed after only being open for 20 minutes. The triple slide was closed down when we left too. Don't expect that all of the attractions will be operating. All that said, it was cheap. About $35 for a family of 4 because they were having a 2 for 1 sale. Just be warned, it looks nothing like what you see on their website.

We had a good time, there are many pools with hot and warm water, different decorations, surrounded by jungle, overall quite lovely; there are bars on the pool, but mostly closed, as we were in low season and there were hardly visitors there at all :) so it was half-staffed, I'm guessing. The slides are also OK, a bit rusty in appearance, but it's fun and you have a view on Arenal just before you slide off the top! The kids enjoyed all the slides and the huge overturning bucket. For the price, it's definitely a cool place to spend an afternoon with family.

One of my favourite parts of our whole trip to CR! We did the outside loop 6km hike on a weekday morning during rainy season (end of May). The hike was not too difficult apart from the lava part which was a bit more challenging. It took us about 3h in total which included many stops for photos and animal watching (we were lucky enough to see lots of very active monkeys!). We unfortunately went on a pretty overcast day so couldn't see the volcano but felt the hike was absolutely still worth it. No issues with crowding and it was a bit cheaper than the other volcano hikes. Highly recommend!!

The park is amazing for birding. We went early in the morning and saw many birds on a sunny day. The paths are very nice and there are many. Saw many wildlife and birds to our surprise as we had not seen so many in a single place since we arrived in LaFortuna The view of the volcano there is better that in they Arenal park and on a sunny day, the view they have is incredible The nicest park we visited in Costa Rica so far and the best thing, it is only $10 per person to visit.

VERY hard and long steps so if you are mobility challenged take your pics from the parking lot (it's still a fabulous view) takes a while to get to the top so plan hours accordingly. Plenty of parking and guided tours are available.

It was fine. The jungle is dense & in the heat somewhat challenging. The viewpoint was nice & you have different trails you can take. Not much wildlife sightings when we were there

$10pp entry fee. During the hike you will see two lakes, cows, volcano view, and lava rocks. I highly recommend coming here if you are on a budget. The trails aren’t as well maintained as the more expensive trails but they were good enough. There are picnic tables at the second parking lot about halfway through to take a break.

This was my most favorite place in our entire CR trip. Just $10 each to get into some amazing hikes. We did the full route all around the park. There were times I felt like we were deep in the Amazon rainforest. At the top you come out into some open fields. We saw some wildlife like moneys. Also ran into some friendly cows. It was a cloudy day so we didn’t get a good view of the volcano, but it was still 100% worth the trip. It was quite a hike and did take some effort.

Awesome! $10 entry fee, not crowded at all, nice trails, beautiful volcano view, animals. What else could you ask for? Oh and lots of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray.

We did the long tour with 3 kids (youngest 6yo). Took us 2.5 hours. Nice walk around the volcano base with nice views. The walk might be challenging for the soundest one if they are not used to walk. We definitely enjoyed it ! Don’t forget to bring water

We did the 5km trail which I can definitely recommend. Some parts are more open like the viewpoint, while others are more dense jungle areas. The black lava rocks are beautiful to walk through. Bring good shoes!

Very lovely hike, not demanding for an able bodied, moderately fit person. Despite a cloudy day with a couple fits of rain, we enjoyed the trails immensely. The Lava Flows are nothing much to look at but the forest and the views were pleasant. The whole experience cost us (me and my partner) 52$ (26$ pp) which is a bit on the pricey side.

If you're like me you'll probably want to know as much as possible beforehand to be best prepared for the experience. So I'll try to give you a few details, which hopefully help a bit. First of all the entrance area offers plenty of parking space. We arrived there mid of August 2025 at around 8:30 and were the 2nd car at the parking lot plus one guided tour entering the trail ahead of us, which we overtook pretty quickly. The good thing about the round-trip trails is that you don't have to make a decision in advance. All three trails (red, yellow and green) start at the same point and then divide some time later. So you can make the decision at each bifurcation depending on how you feel at that point of your hike. The green trail is more like a stroll and avoiding any of the lore difficult lava area. Which also means you're missing the vista platform, which the red and the yellow trail offer. We originally planned to do the Red trail, but after going up and down through a lot of lava, my 19 y/o daughter and I decided at the fork between the red and yellow trail to take the yellow trail instead. The best parts were already behind us (going through the lava and the jungle) and we also had had our share of steep steps and loose rocks. We weren't sure if the yellow trail was really the easier way (surely it's the shorter way with only 3 km vs. 5 km for the Red trail), because right at the fork the yellow trail continues to go down steeply. But that fortunately ended pretty quickly and the rest of the yellow trail was quite pleasant. I can't say what you're getting to see extra taking the red way, but it looked to us like more of the same and definitely some additional up and down. Since we had covered a lot of jungle already during our days in Monteverde, I don't think we missed something that we hadn't seen before. I will add a map of the park for your convenience and also a few photos of the trail itself showing the worst parts you'll encounter so that you can make a good decision. We covered the yellow trail in roughly 1 hour. We were slowed down by the many steps up and especially the steps down, since you have to watch your step to not end up putting your foot on loose rocks and pumice stone. We also took plenty of photos. All in all it's a great walk, but even in the morning with only 25 degrees Celsius you'll be sweating profoundly due to the height differences you need to cover. I'll give the yellow trail a medium difficulty rating. It's not an easy stroll and you have to watch your steps, but it is doable if this is not your first 5 km walk. Bring solid footwear and don't even think of bringing a stroller. You will definitely regret it unless you choose the green trail. Even without a guide, we got to see a single (male) coati right at the beginning of the trail, plenty of different birds, a big frog, a few butterflies, a small dragon fly, plenty of ants and lots of lava rocks and jungle. We've had enough guided tours in Monteverde, so we didn't want to spend too much time listening to detailed explanations here again. But if this is your first tour in the jungle, you might want to consider taking a guide to get to see more of the animal life, which you'll otherwise most likely miss.

Visiting Arenal 1968 during our time in La Fortuna was one of the best decisions we made on our trip. We explored the original craters from the historic 1968 eruption while riding ATVs, hiked scenic trails, and even saw the lava flow markings on the volcano up close. We also went horseback riding through the lush landscape—it was absolutely unforgettable. One of the highlights of our visit was the on-site restaurant. The food was exceptional, the service was warm and attentive, and they even brought us fresh local fruits straight from their garden to sample—such a special touch! To top off an already incredible day, we ended our adventure with a visit to Kurú. Pure magic. The springs were absolutely breathtaking, like stepping into a secluded paradise. We spent the entire afternoon floating in the crystal-clear waters, enjoying the natural massage of the cascading waterfalls, and savoring more fresh fruit thoughtfully provided by our guides. I especially loved the thoughtful touches—towels and comfortable lounge chairs made it so easy to completely unwind. I even drifted off to sleep to the soothing sound of the waterfalls. It was the most relaxed I’ve felt in ages. I can’t recommend this experience enough. If you’re visiting La Fortuna, this is an absolute must. Don’t miss it!

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Well-marked trail. Not much else to say. Quite pricey - hence 4* I was expecting at least some evidence of previous lava flow, but just had igneous rocks/boulders on and around the trail. NB in terms of challenge - We did the yellow trail - our nearly-three year old toddler managed it all.

What an incredible hike. Saw a coral snake, incredible views, and had a great time. We did the long route, and it took about 2 hours. Definitely recommend this hike.

While this is a nice clean park, I really didn’t feel like there was much to it. Except the huge volcano of course. You can get guided hikes or hike on your own but we took the car as far as you can go and just sat there amazingly beautiful and so lucky the weather cooperated giving us a full view of the majestic volcano. Stunning clouds and wisps of steam. Really something to see. We stayed volcano gazing for about 1/2 hour then left the park. I’m not sure that was worth the admission fee but we were happy to pay so national parks can stay clean and well taken care of. After we left, we went on an adventure to find a place called Jungle Love Lounge. A very sweet and small restaurant/cocktail bar very secluded on the mountainside with the absolutely incredible view of the volcano. We sipped cocktails in the breeze there with not a tourist in site.

Breath taking. Food was wonderful surf and turf a plate full.Hiking at your own pace. Nice trails. But the waterfalls to get into is the most spectacular part.

Been there for a short w hours hike. The trails are pretty clear, although few of the signs are worn out. Seen there few animals abe great views. Everything is green and "screams" to your eyes. Recommended!!!

As someone who loves National Parks in the USA, this is definitely more like a state park and it felt like it was a high price for what you get. We walked all trails (3, 4, 5, 6) and it took us around 2 hours. Trail 5 was very beautiful and felt more immersive. We saw a sloth off the road on driving path Trail 6, lots of birds, and coati in the parking lot. Plenty of parking and bathrooms available.

There are a few trails which were really fun! Lots of wildlife to see. It was cloudy so we couldn’t see much of the volcano, but still worth the trip.

Enjoyed seeing the volcano! The hike is very easy and almost completely flat. Entry was $17 per person (this ticket gives entry to every part, so the hikes as well as the peninsula) If it is too cloudy to fully see the volcano, just wait a bit, sometimes the clouds move a lot within minutes! I recommend the following order: 1. Hiking trail 4 or 5 (5 is just a small extra part) to the first viewpoint 2. Driving route 6 to another viewpoint 3. Driving to the peninsula for another short hike (route 1 or 2). This trail has 3 viewpoints. We saw a coati and some pigs as well! This took us about 4 hours. Not sure how hard it is to visit all this without a car.

It's great park with a good mixture of easy and difficult trails. We saw tons of wildlife.

We ate in this restaurant several times while staying at the Volcano Lodge, mostly for breakfast, but we had dinner and drinks one night. They put on a really good breakfast buffet, no issue there. Dinner was good, although I'd rate it as very average. The big disappointment was with the happy hour drinks, they were very weak. It was like drinking juice. I don't think I've ever experienced mediocre drinks at a happy hour, maybe I've been lucky. Anyway, no excuse for that, if they can't serve decent cocktails, don't do a happy hour.

Our experience was a mix of highs and lows. The sea bass was a highlight—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. However, the salmon didn’t feel as fresh, and it ended up tasting a bit bitter, which was disappointing. On the wine side, the Malbec stood out as a much better choice than the Cabernet. The real standout was the service: attentive, detailed, and genuinely welcoming, which made the overall experience enjoyable despite the food inconsistencies. With some improvements in freshness, this could be a great spot!

The food is delicious, the customer service is great and the interior environment is splendid. However, there's are few highlights I was to identify. there is a limitation of creativity in the Menu. It's a short list of options to choose from and the ones available are quite expensive; consider economic dishes for other budgets. There could also portray better lighting in the surrounding. It was quite dark outside and it wasn't a positive modest. Overall, the experience was quite enjoyable but I feel that there is more potential in food and environment. We'll visit again.

Surprised by some very mixed reviews here but I’m glad that mine was a very good one. Good service, reasonable price ($30 for a bottle of French wine, $28 main). The food I had was delicious, tilapia fillet + shrimps in avocado sauce. It was very well made and plated.

I don’t know where to begin… this was by far the most exquisite restaurant I’ve been too. I’m not even kidding…hands down one of the best meals in my entire life. And I went (TWICE)!! I got the blackberry juice and Herb Chicken tonight, which is gluten free (Pollo a las hierbas) and it was divine. I wish I wasn’t leaving and could stay here for a week just to eat their food! They have an amazing breakfast too…an entire omlet and waffle station, and a huge buffet of food. From fruit , to rice, to pancakes, even sausage…you’ll be guaranteed to find something you like here. I want to applaud the staff at this fine establishment for all of their hard work. They have created fine dining with a beautiful view of Arenal Volcano. I would come here again , and I would recommend to family and friends. Thank you for making my dining experience memorable…this is a memory I will cherish forever, gracias Pura Vida 🇨🇷🦥

I can't rave enough about this restaurant. Before arriving to Volcano Lodge as a guest, I backpacked all the way up and down the Pacific coast and nicoya peninsula. I probably have eaten at 50-60 different restaurants in my time in Costa Rica, ranging from Soda's to steakhouses and bistros. I can say without a doubt that Sura is the best food I have had on my entire trip. I have eaten there a lot and every dish was nothing short of incredible. Their Tres Leches cake is the best tres leches I've ever had. Even if you aren't staying at Volcano Lodge, you must visit Sura for a meal. They allow non hotel guests to dine at lunch and dinner I believe. Thank you to the chef's and service people! Also I found the prices to be quite fair given the quality, portion size, and the fact that it is a resort restaurant. I can easily say this is what I believe to be the best restaurant in Costa Rica!

The absolute worst hotel dining experience I've ever had. To sit down during breakfast this morning, we had to wait 30 minutes. Before they bring our drinks, we already ate the appetizers... Twice. And we ordered the drinks first. The breakfast is only typical Costa Rican food, and for a hotel of this price, I expect much more variety. 4 days of the same food every morning. Oh, and to add to it all, instead of turning the tables, cleaning them, and getting it set up for the next group, they wipe down the tables and then wait for people to sit to set it. Also, they make people wait in line to take their room numbers, instead of sitting them first, and then asking like any normal place would. The worst hotel restaurant experience! This place NEEDS new management! And the staff could move much faster than their Pura vida sloth speed when there are people waiting in line to get breakfast or are hungry for dinner and the restaurant is empty. Also, they have everywhere written that they'll do everything to meet your needs just ask, and so instead of a bloody Mary I asked for a bloody Maria (with tequila), and they made it seem impossible, and then it was a terrible drink made in the wrong glass anyways.

Tried this place out back in 2016 as it was located right next to our Airbnb. The pizza was absolutely mouthwatering and they were kind enough to cater to the vegan people in our group. Incredible and heartwarming service. Make sure to write on the wall before leaving!

Pleasent staff. Large calzones Scenic ride, heavy dirt/rocky roads to destination. Villages filled with all sorts of animals. Home/Owner/operated.

Amazingly friendly people. Great location with roof top seating that has amazing views of the trees and bird. Home made ice cream was delicious!

Beautiful humble restaurant! Great food! Amazing atmosphere and the best ice cream I have ever had in my life! I highly recommended the ice cream here!

Very cool place, romantic, peaceful, authentic pizza. The ice cream is amazing absolutely must when you go!

We read about pizza John's at our hotel, and we simply had to go there! We were not disappointed! Great staff, delicious pizza and the location off the beaten track is worth the effort! Oh, and don't forget the home made ice cream! When you're done, head down to the lake for an amazing view of the volcano!

Great pizza and calzones! Staff on duty only spoke Spanish so we had trouble ordering by phone. We drove there and ordered take out in person and with a little pointing and nodding our order went just fine, plus we enjoyed a cold beer in a frosted mug while we waited! Staff were really great to work with despite the language difference, highly recommend.

Very cool caves. You need to wade through water and crawl through narrow passages (which you can skip). The guide was nice, but the tour lasted about an hour instead of the promised two hours. You can see plenty of bats, spiders, and other wildlife there.

Best experience I've had on my Costa Rica trip! This was my first time caving and I was in awe of the cave and tour. My wife and her son are experienced cavers and they too loved the cave. Guide was terrific and meeting the owner Pam and hearing her story of this long time family business was so nice. I highly recommend this experience if you want an amazing adventure!

This is a MUST activity! I only stumbled upon this place via Google maps because Rio Celeste roads were flooded and i had to detour. Best accidental find ever. Easy to book, 1 hour taxi will cost less than $20usd. Some parts of the cave were scary like climbing a 8 foot section. But crawling through 1 feet of water in a 3 foot space was epic. Our guide was very helpful and descriptive. Book in advance.

Our family of four (with two teens) recently experienced the incredible Venado Caves near La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and it was an absolute highlight of our trip! This adventure struck the perfect balance between thrilling exploration and accessible fun, making it an ideal activity for diverse groups. What truly impressed us was the thoughtful design of the tour. There are optional passages that cater to different comfort levels. For the more adventurous members of our group, there were exciting, tighter squeezes and even one section requiring a bit of a pull-up (though our fantastic guide, Wilmer, was always there to lend a helping hand!). For those who preferred a slightly easier route, there were clear, less challenging paths available, ensuring everyone could enjoy the experience without feeling pushed beyond their limits. This flexibility meant our whole family had a blast, each at our own pace. The duration of the tour was also perfect – it’s not too long, easily completed in just a couple of hours, which leaves plenty of time for other activities in the area. Our tour guide, Wilmer, deserves a special mention. He was incredibly knowledgeable, not only about the caves themselves but also about the local environment and history. Beyond his expertise, Wilmer was exceptionally helpful and went above and beyond by taking fantastic pictures and videos of our group throughout the tour. This was a huge bonus, as it meant we didn't have to worry about our phones getting wet and could fully immerse ourselves in the adventure.

We went to Venado Caves with my family in August 2025. The entire team deserves 5 Stars for the entire experience and patience. I would like to especially thank WILMER 👍 for making my kids feel safe and comfortable in the cave. He was very knowledgeable and explained the history and critters. The caves / birth canal is fully worth exploring. The caves do require some physical agility so be sure to get down on all fours and crawl through narrow passeges. If your clothes don't get drenched then you are not doing something right 😁. You will also be climbing up and down 2-3 meters in dark. You will have hard hat with lights. Recommendation: - make reservations in advance .. carry cash for faster transaction. I was able to use credit card but it took some - they have shower facility with soap (cold water) but you need to bring your own towel. - You shouldn't take car keys, purse, wallet, passport, or anything that may get damaged due to water immereion. - Take head or wrist mounted action camera, or cell phone with waterproof cover - however your pix may not come out well due to darkness. - I definitely recommend having lunch at the facility - and they had plenty of options for vegetarian. They dessert and fresh guava juice were tasty. Thanks again for a unique experience.

Wilmer and the other staff were amazing. My partner and I arrived there at 8:30am while on the way to Monteverde, unknowing that they only do tours at certain hours. Instead of making us wait until 10am or us forfeiting the chance to go, they managed to free up a tour guide, Wilmer, who gave us a wonderful trip through the cavernas. Can’t thank them enough for the memories and laughs. The underwater waterfall was beautiful, the cave’s history stimulating.

This cave offers an exhilarating experience where you'll get dirty, wet, and crawl through small holes. The cave formations are fascinating, and it's teeming with diverse living creatures, including four species of bats. The hike to the cave entrance was through lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. Our tour guide, Luis, was friendly and made exploring enjoyable; remember to bring cash to tip him. They provide helmets and rubber boots for $30 USD per person (cash only), with showers available after the adventure. There's also an onsite restaurant. While the cave is cool, the check-in area outside is hot and humid. We drove from Monteverde, encountering some gravel roads and potholes, but the scenic views were stunning. If you're into darkness, wildlife, and natural formations, this cave is perfect for you.

Fun little park! Our guide for the frogs, Sebastian was so knowledgeable and gave us such great information! We really learned a lot. It started raining but they provided umbrellas for us. Took about 3 hours. Wonderful butterflies.

Few frogs (so small that you can see them only when guide points them to you) and snakes in cages, some crocodiles and butterflies, short hike, not worth the price. Did not see any animals (rainy day). Way too expensive. Better off do the national park hike.

Noelia was our guide and she wonderful. She helped us get pictures and told us about the flora as well as the animals. She never once seemed irritated with my daughters questions or stops on the trail. It was a beautiful place and great experience

One of the biggest disappointments in Costa Rica! It could have already discouraged us that they only accept dollars, and when paying 88 dollars, they don’t have change for 100 dollars. Although this wasn’t an entirely unsolvable issue, the real problem arises when you pay 88 dollars and see only about 10 butterflies. ☹️ It felt like quite a scam to me. 🤔 The only redeeming part was the goose with goslings, but when you visit a butterfly house, that’s really not enough. 🤦🏼‍♂️ I definitely do not recommend this place. The entrance fee is 22 dollars per person, and you really see nothing.

This place was amazing. We got lucky with limited other guests there at the time & received lots of information from two of their staff. One of them in high school & was so informative!! They took us off path to see a wild sloth and toucan & then another sloth that had found its way too close to the road. You can tell the animals are cared for and are there because of injuries/unable to be released to the wild. The butterflies were a highlight & they pointed out all the frogs and snakes that were available. Thank you!!! Highly recommend, we spent about 2.5 hours wandering around and learning.

Absolutely loved this place! We went with the self-guided tickets. Nevertheless, after making our way through the first portion of the park, a guide gave us information about the frogs, snakes, and other animals they had. We ended with a small trail, on which we spotted a few frogs and even a sloth. It's definitely worth stopping by! Very kind staff and lovely initiative.

We took the 2 hour night frog tour. We saw many animals and our guide, Leonela, was great. She was very knowledgeable about the animals and took great pictures (attached). We also got to search for the animals, which was very fun. The tour was a good length and the trail was not too difficult to walk, even in the dark. We would highly recommend our guide and the tour!

We had a wonderful time at the Conservatory! Their mission to preserve the jungle and help the regeneration of butterflies is inspiring. Our tour guide had great energy and was super informative. Not to mention the trail was nicely maintained so it was easy to walk through and the beauty of ir all was of course the butterflies🦋

Wonderful conservatory. Volunteers are so very knowledgeable and friendly. Had a lovely visit. Would recommend to the owner to power wash the walk paths, they were a bit slippery. Cheers to their success they have an amazing thing going here and their efforts are commendable!

Beautiful collection of butterflies with knowledgeable guides to explain the different species on display. There are short rainforest walks that you can do on the property after enjoying the butterfly and frog habitats. This experience was one of our trip highlights. We came midday on a weekday, and it wasn’t busy.

Elora was an amazing tour guide! I have never been to a Butterfly Conservatory that gave me so much information. The tour guide gave us so much information and education about butterflies, plants, frogs, the insects and more! This was by far the best conservatory tour I have ever had. If you want to learn and also enjoy the tour, THIS is the tour for you!

It’s off the beaten path, but just a few extra minutes from Sky adventures ziplining place. They are a mostly volunteer group working to replant the forest and protect lots of butterfly species. They have 4-5 different butterfly habitats with plants appropriate for the butterflies there. Also a frog habitat. Beautiful property.

Amazing experience. The most butterflies in one space I've ever seen. Great tour guide too. This was a highlight of our trip.

The Butterfly Conservatory is a stunning escape into the vibrant world of butterflies and nature. Upon entering, you're immediately greeted by the warm, humid air of a tropical environment, filled with lush greenery and the fluttering of colorful wings. The variety of butterfly species is impressive, with dozens of types flitting about in their natural habitat. It's enchanting to watch them as they land on flowers and occasionally on visitors—an interactive experience that adds a magical touch. The layout of the conservatory is well thought out, with informative displays that educate visitors about the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of conservation efforts. The paths are winding, allowing for leisurely exploration and plenty of photo opportunities. Staff members are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the butterflies, enhancing the overall experience. They also host scheduled feedings and talks, which are worth attending for a deeper understanding of these beautiful creatures. In addition to the butterfly house, there are tranquil gardens and a small gift shop offering unique souvenirs and educational materials. Overall, The Butterfly Conservatory is a captivating destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. It’s a place where you can marvel at the beauty of nature while learning about the delicate balance of ecosystems. Highly recommended! Last tip, don’t go in the heavy rain. Only the night time butterflies will be active.

We stopped here one afternoon for coffee after lunch immediately loved the view and the atmosphere. Came back the next day from La fortuna to have lunch here. Did not disappoint!!! The burrito was out of this world. The milk shakes especially the pineapple with rum was like nothing else. The town is small and over looks the river. Perfect day trip for a view and some peace.

Im sitting here right now. Just finished the food. It was SO good. My wife got a burrito and I got a chalupa. We shared nachos. Also we had fresh papaya juice. The atmosphere feels really comfortable and clean. The staff seems really nice. They have cool 80's music playing and there is a friendly motorcycle theme. The view of the lake and volcano is stunning. Their garden is flowering and peaceful. Great stop after a days hike.

New favorite place on earth!! ARE YOU KIDDING MEEEEE! WOW Kelly thank you for creating such a fantastic place! Best views, food and service! We enjoyed the chicken burrito - papaya smoothie- lots of frozen margs and the margarita pizza with pesto to dip the crust cause it’s THAT GOOD! Wow! thank you thank you xx

La Ventanita is a fantastic place to get some good food and just unwind after a hike at the nearby national park, or visiting the butterfly conservatory (walking distance away) and just watch the clouds over the nearby volcano while you sip a beer or a milkshake. You could hardly ask for a better view. The food is good, the service is good, and the prices are reasonable.

Delicious food. Wraps, burritos are 😋😋 try their juices. Fresh and wholesome. Prices are the best we've seen here in Costa Rica. Oh and the views are unbeatable

Wonderful atmosphere, cute decor, and nice music. The view of the mountains and river were beautiful, and the nearby town didn’t disappoint! Took a little bit for the food but totally worth it! Saw a cute kitty while there.

Absolutely beautiful views and delicious burritos. We had the chicken and cheeseburger burritos. Both delicious…especially after a hike around Arenal Volcano

Great views, friendly service—but hit or miss on the food. Jalapas in La Fortuna has a stunning view and welcoming staff, though the place looked like it was still under construction. Most of our dishes were delicious—especially the plantains—but the coconut shrimp was chewy with a strange aftertaste and definitely not worth the $40 price tag. Overall, a pricey experience with a few highs and a few disappointments.

My friend and I stopped by TWICE because of how great this place is. The foods are delicious, the drinks are great, and the atmosphere and view are top-notch. Fast and attentive service from the friendly servers. This is a must-visit if you are in the area and you won't regret it.

Amazing place with super delicious food, especially Caribbean chicken and very friendly staff. The view must be great as well though during our visit the volcano was covered.

A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica – Jalapas is a Must-Visit! During our recent family vacation in Costa Rica, we had the pleasure of dining at Jalapas, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, the restaurant offers breathtaking views that immediately set a relaxed and memorable atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, the staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive. Jalapas strikes the perfect balance between laid-back charm and exceptional service, making it feel like a home away from home. The food was absolutely delicious—every dish we tried was thoughtfully prepared and full of fresh, local flavors. From the mouthwatering appetizers to the perfectly cooked mains, each plate was a delight. The kids loved their meals just as much as the adults did, which is always a win on a family trip! Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or watching the sunset over the hills during dinner, Jalapas delivers an unforgettable dining experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Costa Rica—this spot is not to be missed!

One of the best meals we have had in Costa Rica. The quality, price and service were fantastic! The tropical ceviche and chifrijo were incredible. Well worth the drive for this place.

We have been in CR for 5 nights. This was by far the best all around meal we had. The food, service and atmosphere are top notch. We had Daelen as a server and she was the best we had on our entire trip. The view is amazing. Highly recommend getting there before sunset.

Fantastic small intimate restaurant that overlooks a valley. Food was incredible and garlic / coconut shrimp were highlights. Chicken parm was another good entree and civeche / plantain chips and dips. Guacamole maybe close to best we've ever had. Worth a drive. Suggest an suv as theyre working on the road that goes to the top of the hill and it's pretty steep unpaved.