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

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????

What a beautiful place. We visited day time on a Friday and there was about 15-20 other people there all day so it was extremely peaceful. The pools and facilities were very clean and staff very helpful. We ate at the poolside bar instead of the restaurant which is definitely a cheaper option with a good selection of salads, pastas, burger etc. you also don’t have to get changed into clothes to eat here like you do for the restaurant. Expect to pay around $10-$15 dollars for a meal

Had a wonderful time at the hot springs! We couldn’t book online but when we arrived, the let us inside with no issues. There weren’t many people, we had plenty of room to move between five pools even on a Saturday. Change rooms and lockers were clean all the time. We had access to clean towels the entire time. Staff was very kind and professional. Buffet was Amazing! Definitely recommend it! Lots of food options for entree, main, and desserts.

This hot springs resort in La Fortuna was a great experience overall. If you like relaxed vibes and tranquility, this is the spot. The water is heated by geothermal activity from the Arenal Volcano, where rainwater seeps into the ground and emerges as hot, mineral-rich spring water. The resort itself is clean, well-organized, and limits guest numbers to keep things chill. Towels, lockers, and lounge chairs are included in the entrance fee (food and drinks cost extra). There are 5-6 pools, ranging from super hot (40°C) to a cool, sandy pool. Slots fill up quick, so book ahead! Entrance fee is around $50 USD per person, and parking is free. If you're on a budget, El Choyin River is supposedly free, but be prepared for parking hustlers and crowds (we skipped it).

Ecotermales truly exceeded all expectations for our wedding! From the moment we booked, the staff was incredibly attentive, helping us plan every detail to perfection. The venue itself is stunning, with lush greenery and beautifully maintained grounds that provided a magical backdrop for our reception. Our guests raved about the delicious food and the seamless service. What stood out most was the team's dedication to making our day special; they went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to dance the night away. Bonus points for allowing fire dancers! If you're looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty with exceptional service, Ecotermales is the ideal choice!

A highlight of our trip - beautiful hot springs, variety of pools and temperatures, peaceful and relaxing. Went at the end of May during rainy season and it wasn't too busy. It did rain twice but this made the experience even more unique being in the hot springs while it rained! The lunch buffet was also delicious. Worth every penny!

Visited Ecotermales for the hot springs evening slot as well as had dinner there! I recommend booking directly through their site as it’s cheaper than any of the travel booking sites. Easy to find via Uber, we chose the 5-9PM slot without any meals included and they have lockers and towels waiting for you as well as a wristband that you can charge drinks and food to so that you can truly disconnect and not have any devices! There’s 9 pools total, and the service is 10/10! Servers come to you and deliver your items, highly recommend to anyone wanting to include hot springs in their La Fortuna trip!

Ecotermales Fortuna was absolutely beautiful, quiet, and incredibly relaxing. The pools were well maintained, each with different temperatures, from a refreshing cool to a muscle soothing hot, making it easy to find the perfect spot to unwind. The staff were all friendly and welcoming, and the server Stephanie at the restaurant, Los Litos, was especially wonderful—so friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious too! I absolutely loved my time here and would return in a heartbeat.

Impressive and majestic—even if we never saw the tip because of the constant cloud cover. Still worth visiting for the surrounding scenery and hikes. The volcano adds such a dramatic backdrop to the area, even when it’s playing shy!

Beautiful park filled with wildlife we saw more bird species in this park then we could of imagined. Well maintained paths. Gift shop and restroom. FYI The weird egg shaped sculpture is from the movie after earth that was filmed here.

When the sun shines, go to the mountain!! Now dormant I had the pleasure many years ago to see the lava field! Still a great visit. Sunday there is no charge for visiting the national park where there are well marked trails

RL Volcano isn’t just a hike — it’s a pilgrimage. You climb up for the views, stay for the bragging rights, and come down feeling like you’ve been hugged (and mildly roasted) by Mother Nature herself.

Visiting the Arenal Volcano with friends was an unforgettable adventure that combined the raw beauty of nature with thrilling experiences. Nestled in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano stands majestically, offering breathtaking views that captivate from every angle. As we embarked on guided hikes around the volcano, we were enveloped by the vibrant flora and fauna. The trails were well-maintained and offered varying levels of difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and avid hikers. Our guide was knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem and the volcano’s history. One of the highlights was the natural hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day of trekking. We soaked in the mineral-rich waters, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest — a truly serene experience that felt like a slice of paradise. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the zip-lining experience through the treetops provided an exhilarating perspective of the area. Flying over the canopy with the imposing Arenal in the background was both thrilling and awe-inspiring. Throughout our stay, the local hospitality was exceptional. We indulged in delicious Costa Rican cuisine and enjoyed the vibrant culture and warmth of the local people. Arenal Volcano is a destination that thrills, relaxes, and educates, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This journey with friends will be cherished for a lifetime, and we left with memories etched in our hearts and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Costa Rica.

We saw tons of animals, toucan, crested guan, great curaçao, howler monkey, blue ground lizard and a coati.

Sixteen years ago, this was a must-see. Now it’s basically just a mountain—quiet and resting. Give it another 500 years and it might put on a show again. Until then, if you want to experience real volcanic activity, head to Sicily, Hawaii, Iceland, or Southeast Asia, where the eruptions are very much alive.

Beautiful lake views. Sunset every night. Great 🌈 rainbow over the lake

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen or experienced in my life. 🌋🌊🌄 If you have to opportunity to visit you should do it.

Beautiful lake, many different activities to do and places to stay and eat all around the lake. Beware roads are narrow and pavement can be less than ideal.

Beautiful lake with breath taking views. There are all kinds of activities to do all around the lake.

So beautiful. An excellent way to make your journey across to the near town of La Fortuna. The volcano slowly creeps closer and closer. Highly recommended than a car or bus.

Crossing my his lake from La fortuna to Monteverde was an absolute highlight of our trip. We used Swiss Travels to book our ferry and it was a breeze. Stopped along the way to see nature and animals. Love the lake, the breeze, and the smells.

I have been living on lake Arenal for 13 years now. I love it. If you are looking for a place to retire or investment property. I can help you with that

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.