Soaks and Sunsets for Two in La Fortuna

For two people, La Fortuna comes down to slow evenings, warm water and a forest that sounds different after dark. This guide arranges those moments in order of intimacy. Prices are in US dollars and rounded.

The quietest soak

EcoTermales offers an evening session between 5pm and 9:30pm. Entry costs about $49 per adult, and about $81 when dinner is included. It is a smaller complex than the large resorts, so the atmosphere is calmer.

The biggest soak

Baldi has 25 pools and waterslides, and it stays open until 10pm. Adults pay $51 for entry only and $75 with one meal. Nobody has to book. The mood is lively, so go for variety rather than seclusion.

The splurge soak

A Tabacon day pass includes lunch or dinner and starts at about $170 for adults. Peak dates cost more, and many dates sell out, so reserve ahead. People staying at the resort also have use of Shangri-La Gardens, a section reserved for adults.

Time in the trees

Mistico Arenal sells twilight, night and bird tours from $54, on a 3.2 km route with 16 bridges. Six bridges hang above the ground. Guests must wear closed shoes with a firm tread.

The Bogarin Trail runs a guided night walk at $60 for about 2 hours, and a birdwatching walk at $80 for about 3 hours. Use a torch, switch off your flash and speak quietly. Frogs and insects are the likely sightings, and larger animals are never certain.

A lunch above the canopy

The lodge offers a $40 day pass that includes lunch. Afterwards you can climb The Nest, a viewing tower of about 28 m, and look across the forest to the cone and the lake. Entry without lunch is roughly $20 to $22.

The end of the day

Face west toward Lake Arenal at sunset. Arenal itself has been dormant since late 2010, so there is nothing glowing on the slopes after dark.

Where to sleep

Lodges and hotels around La Fortuna range from simple cabins to resorts with their own thermal pools. Compare cancellation terms and travel time into town before you book.

Small things that help

  • Taxis spare you from driving after an evening soak.
  • The public river spring is a daytime place only.
  • Bring water shoes, a light rain layer and a torch.

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

Official pages: Tabacon day passes and Arenal Observatory Lodge .

Search lodgings: Booking.com .