Relaxing in La Fortuna’s hot springs is often one of the highlights of a Costa Rica trip, but it does not have to be the only experience you plan around. Whether you are visiting Tabacon Hot Springs, Baldi Hot Springs, or another thermal resort, you can continue exploring later that day or save your next adventure for the following day.
This guide brings together 10 of the best things to do in La Fortuna after hot springs, with options for different schedules and energy levels. Use it to plan the rest of your day or create a more complete itinerary near Arenal Volcano.
Table of Contents
1. Cross Hanging Bridges Through the Canopy
Crossing hanging bridges is one of the most memorable ways to experience the rainforest while visiting Costa Rica, and you do not need to plan a full day of strenuous activity. The trail at Mistico Park includes 16 bridges in total. Six are suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor, offering a closer look at the canopy and wide views of the surrounding landscape.
Allow around half a day so you can walk comfortably and pause to look for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife among the trees. Sightings are never guaranteed, but a naturalist guide can help you notice animals you might otherwise miss.
After visiting the hot springs in the morning, you can explore the bridges later that day. If your hot springs visit is in the afternoon or evening, consider coming to Mistico Park the following morning.
Learn how to avoid crowds at the La Fortuna hanging bridges when choosing the best time for your visit.
2. Take a Guided Rainforest Hike
If you want a more active way to explore, consider a guided hike beneath the rainforest canopy. Walking along ground-level trails gives you time to notice towering trees, tropical plants, streams, insects, and wildlife hidden among the vegetation. Uneven terrain and changes in elevation can also make the experience feel more adventurous than a relaxed walk.
You can explore many rainforest trails independently, but a guide will often help you see much more. Naturalist guides know which leaves, branches, tree trunks, and quiet corners deserve a closer look. They can also explain the plants and animal behavior you encounter along the way. After visiting the hot springs later in the day, this activity may be best saved for the following morning.
Can you hike La Fortuna without a guide? At Mistico Park, you can. Discover more by reading our blog.
3. Spot Wildlife on a Night Walk
Once daylight fades, the rainforest becomes a very different place. A guided night walk focuses on the animals that become active after dark. Guides use flashlights and trained eyes to check leaves, tree trunks, streams, and the canopy for frogs, insects, sleeping tropical birds, sloths, and other wildlife.
La Fortuna is home to toucans, sloths, monkeys, and many other animals, but every evening in the forest is different. Sightings depend on the weather, timing, and luck. Even when wildlife stays hidden, the sounds and atmosphere offer a memorable way to experience the rainforest.
This activity can fit naturally into your plans after relaxing in the hot spring pools earlier that day. At Mistico Park, our guides help you explore safely and notice details that can be difficult to see in the dark.
Book your guided night tour at Mistico Park
4. Explore La Fortuna Waterfall
Located around 3–4 miles outside La Fortuna town, this famous waterfall is a classic addition to your itinerary. The water drops approximately 70 meters (230 feet) into a natural pool surrounded by tropical greenery. Reaching the base requires walking down a long staircase, but you will be rewarded with an impressive close-up view. Swimming is available in designated areas when conditions allow.
Keep these tips in mind before heading down:
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip.
- Carry enough water for the return climb.
- Take your time on the stairs, especially when they are wet.
- Pause for breaks because walking back up can be demanding.
- Swim only in designated areas and follow the safety instructions at the site.
If you still have plenty of energy after visiting the hot springs, you may be able to enjoy both activities on the same day. Otherwise, plan the waterfall for the following morning so you can explore without rushing.
5. Get a Closer Look at Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is one of the first things people look for when they arrive in La Fortuna. You can visit a nearby lookout to admire the scenery and take photos, or choose a trail if you want to spend more time exploring the area. Its most recent eruptive activity was recorded in 2010, but the volcano remains an impressive part of the local landscape.
If an Arenal Volcano hike is part of your plans, remember that a clear view is never guaranteed. Clouds can cover the summit quickly, sometimes hiding the entire peak. After visiting the hot springs in the morning, check the weather before heading to a lookout or trail that afternoon. If your hot springs visit is later in the day, plan this activity for the following morning and keep your schedule flexible.
6. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park
Visiting Arenal Volcano National Park is about more than getting a good photo of the volcano. Its marked trails take you through the surrounding forest and across hardened lava left by past eruptions, giving you a closer look at the area’s geology. Some lookout points may also offer volcano views when the clouds lift.
Set aside a few hours, wear sturdy shoes, and check the current entrance hours before you go. The park may fit into your afternoon after a morning at the hot springs, as long as you have enough time and daylight. If you visit the hot springs later in the day, save the national park for the following morning. Even when clouds hide the summit, you can still enjoy the trails, forest, and old lava formations.
7. Cool Off at Lake Arenal
If you want a slower afternoon, Lake Arenal offers a relaxed change of pace. You can book a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding experience and spend time on the water while enjoying the green landscape around the lake. These activities depend on the weather and water conditions, so check with your tour provider before heading out.
You do not have to get on the water to enjoy the area. A scenic stop near the lake can be enough if you simply want to take in the view and look for Arenal Volcano across the landscape. This option works especially well after visiting the hot springs in the morning. If your hot springs visit is in the afternoon, save the lake for the following day.
8. Try a Chocolate or Coffee Experience
If your itinerary already includes plenty of outdoor adventure, a coffee or chocolate tour gives you an opportunity to slow down and learn more about Costa Rican culture. During a tour, you may see how cacao or coffee is grown, processed, and prepared, with tastings often included along the way.
This is a good option for a rest day or after visiting the hot springs in the morning. Some providers may also offer late-afternoon or evening experiences, although schedules vary. Check the start time, duration, and what is included before booking.
9. Go Ziplining
If relaxing in the hot springs leaves you ready for something more exciting, zip lining in La Fortuna area is a popular choice for thrill seekers. Some local courses include as many as 12 lines, although the number, length, and height vary by adventure park. Along the way, you can glide above the trees and enjoy a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.
You do not need to be an experienced athlete for every course, but you should feel comfortable with heights, wearing a harness, and following safety instructions. Check the difficulty level along with any age, weight, health, or mobility requirements before booking. An afternoon session may work after visiting the hot springs in the morning. Otherwise, save the adventure for the following day when you feel rested.
10. Relax at a Local Restaurant or Café
After visiting the hot springs and exploring La Fortuna, sometimes the best plan is simply enjoying a good meal. Stop at a local soda, a casual Costa Rican eatery that is often family-run and known for home-style cooking. You can try a casado, a traditional plate that usually includes rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein.
Another local favorite is gallo pinto, a simple mix of rice and beans that is especially popular at breakfast. If you prefer something lighter later in the day, settle into a café for Costa Rican coffee, fresh juice, or dessert. It is an easy way to enjoy local flavors and close out a full day without adding another scheduled activity.
Book Your Visit to Mistico Park
Mistico Park is an excellent option after visiting the hot springs in the morning or as the main activity on the following day. Our hanging bridges tours combine canopy views, rainforest trails, and wildlife watching with a naturalist guide. Contact Mistico Park today to plan your visit. We will be happy to help you make the most of your time in La Fortuna.
FAQs
What should I do in La Fortuna besides hot springs?
You can walk across hanging bridges, join a rainforest or wildlife tour, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, explore Arenal Volcano National Park, spend time at Lake Arenal, try ziplining, or enjoy a coffee or chocolate experience.
Can I visit Mistico Park the same day as the hot springs?
Yes. You can visit Mistico Park in the morning and relax in the hot springs afterward, or plan an afternoon park visit after spending the morning in the thermal pools. Check your reservation times and allow enough time for transportation.
Can I fit more than one activity into the same day as the hot springs?
Yes, especially if you choose activities that are close together or combine several experiences in one place. At Mistico Park, a guided visit can include hanging bridges, rainforest trails, and wildlife observation. Avoid scheduling too much so you can enjoy each activity without rushing.
Is it better to do activities before or after the hot springs?
It depends on the activity and your energy level. Hiking, ziplining, and other active experiences may be easier before the hot springs. A scenic viewpoint, local meal, café visit, or night walk can work well afterward.
Do I need to book activities in advance around my hot springs visit?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for guided tours and visits during busy travel periods. Advance reservations make it easier to coordinate tour times, hot springs entry, and transportation without last-minute stress.
