Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the Fortuna Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 230 feet. A stunning sight to see and a lovely short trek away, this beautiful waterfall makes for a picture perfect moment.

Early morning on July 29, 1968, life as it had been known in La Fortuna and the neighboring towns changed forever, when the Cerro Arenal put an end to 400 years of non-activity, erupting with violence and fury, killing over 80 people and burying over 5 square miles in rock, lava and ash. Extreme eruptions and volcanic activity continued for several days, affecting over 89 square miles in the surrounding area to varying degrees, with damage to crops, property, livestock and forests.

Since that time, Arenal Volcano has maintained nearly constant activity that ranges from soundless explosions with large mushroom-shaped clouds of ash overhead to booming eruptions that send hot rocks nearly a kilometer into the air and flow of lava and gasses down the side of the volcano.

There are also many natural hot springs here as well as resorts where you can pamper yourself taking a long relaxing soak amidst beautiful gardens.

At only 4.4 miles from the volcano you find Lake Arenal, the largest fresh water lake in Costa Rica and the key driver in a nationwide hydroelectric project that currently produces the majority of electricity for the entire country.

The lake is surrounded by rolling hills that are partly pastured and partly forested, as well as sleek windmills that dot the hills, taking advantage of the Trade Winds that sweep in from the east.  The view is dominated on the east side by the imposing perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano.

The Western end of Lake Arenal is considered one of the best places in the world for windsurfing, being November thru April the best months. This lake is also home to many freshwater fish including Rainbow bass that can weight up to 9 lbs, a delight for fishermen.

The Arenal region also offers numerous hiking and trekking trails near the volcano where you can see some stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers, and beautiful plant and wildlife.