La Fortuna de Carlos, More Than ´Just a Small Town´!

Mar 15
09:47

2010

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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A guide to the highlights of La Fortuna, in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, by a Costa Rica travel expert at Costa Rica For Less

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La Fortuna de San Carlos is Costa Rica´s top rated tourist destination due to its location 10 kilometers from Volcan Arenal,La Fortuna de Carlos, More Than ´Just a Small Town´! Articles thus the gateway to the infamous volcano.  Most tourists visit for at least one night in order to visit the cloud forests, hike the Toucans trail, enjoy great vistas of Lake Arenal and awe at the red hot lava flows that can be seen rolling down the western side of the mountain. 

But what most people do not expect is that this charming and quaint little town tucked in the Tilaran Mountains has much more than just a relaxing evening to offer.  From the center of town not only can you enjoy the impressive view of the volcano spewing smoke and fireworks, but you can depart on tours for horseback rides, ATVs, kayaks, boats, hikes, waterfall exploration, and hot spring baths!    So you may want to extend your stay in this rural town a few more days if you are into creating a Costa Rica vacation full of outdoor adventures and relaxing evenings!

First and foremost people come to town to see Arenal Volcano and for good reason.  This Volcano puts on one of Mother Nature´s greatest firework shows and has an overwhelming amount of biodiversity in its unique ecosystem.  But staying a few more days will allow you to ATV the base of the mountain, zip line through the tropical forests surrounding or kayak on Lake Arenal to get a fabulous view of the mountain and a good workout! 

There are also great opportunities to kayak or boat on nearby rivers, go fishing, hike not so popular trails or visits La Catarata de la Fortuna, a 230 foot high waterfall that evokes a sense of being in a true paradise.  Each tour you book will be with an expert guide that will help you spot some of the highlighted flora and fauna of this bio-diverse wonderland. 

This is all mixed with some of the most beautiful and relaxing hotels, some of which provide the luxury of their own hot springs for guests to use at will.  After a day of outdoor adventure, you will probably want to relax in these thermal waters and spas with the backdrop of mountains and lush wilderness all around you.  These mineral hot springs are also very good for your health, especially the health of your skin, so be sure to give it a try!

If you come in mid-February, you should try to make it to La Fortuna for the Fiesta de la Fortuna.  This highly anticipated event has a variety of activities for locals and visitors alike to participate in such as carnival rides, craft markets and lessons, bullfighting shows, copious amounts of food from around the country, gambling locations and of course tented discos to celebrate in throughout the night!

As you can see, this might be just a small town but the opportunities for big adventure and great memories are endless.   So think about your trip and the activities you may want to participate in, perhaps you should consider staying in La Fortuna for a few extra days!