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Alajuela Province, Costa Rica Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Alajuela Province, Costa Rica Family-friendly activities

La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

1. La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Escape into the nature of the La Fortuna on a guided hike. Walk by the river and follow a trail to a panoramic viewpoint. Have a delicious lunch at a Maluku Indian village and trek through forest, lava fields, and farmlands before relaxing at a natural hot spring resort with a drink. Be collected at your accommodation and be driven to the beginning of the forest walk. Trek on the easy track along the crystal clear La Fortuna river. En route, hop on a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint. Spot the next location from a distance then begin the return walk down a jungle staircase. Halfway down is a high suspension bridge to cross. The trail leads further down the huge canyon, which was shaped by a volcanic mega-eruption. Encounter the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. Be amazed by the lush vegetation on its 70-meter high walls, the huge volcanic rocks at its foot, and the water splashing down in its massive pool. Bask in its beauty or even take a refreshing dip. Return to the viewpoint then walk down to the little village of the Maluku Indians. Seated in their Palenke (main house), enjoy a rest while listening to an interesting story about their culture, art, and history.  After being active for a few hours, the time has come to relax and enjoy a typical hot lunch. Next to the restaurant is a butterfly garden and frog pond that you can explore until your food is served.  Reenergized, take a 15-minute ride to the park at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Being the trek through the primary forest where you can see huge trees with giant roots. Besides a variety of birds, the forest is host to monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and each the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.  Conclude your tour at the natural hot spring resort. Relax in its soothing warm water for about an hour and enjoy a volcanic mud facial and a complimentary cocktail. Afterward, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano and Hanging Bridges Combo

2. La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano and Hanging Bridges Combo

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the La Fortuna area, and travel to Arenal Volcano to hike the paths surrounding the mighty mountain. Get back to nature in Arenal Volcano National Park, where most of the 850 species of bird identified in Costa Rica can be found. Look out for other wildlife, such as white-faced capuchin monkeys, jaguars and deer. Then, cool down with a swim in a natural pool at La Fortuna waterfall. Once we are refreshed, will move to the restaurant to taste our delicious typical meal "Casado" Marvel at the stunning landscapes of a secondary rainforest at the base of the park, and a primary rainforest with amazing biodiversity amongst the hanging bridges. Walk through the rainforest on a network of 15 suspension bridges of various levels of difficulty in Mistico Park.

San José: Guided Volcano, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Day Trip

3. San José: Guided Volcano, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Day Trip

Visit the Poás Volcano, the picturesque La Paz outdoor waterfall, and a coffee farm on a day trip from San José, Costa Rica. A wonderful choice for coffee aficionados and nature lovers alike, this tour includes a hotel pickup and lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a convenient pickup directly from your accommodation in San Jose and make your way to your first stop for the day, the Poás Volcano. Travel in an air-conditioned van and admire coffee plantations as well as flower and strawberry farms along the way. Poás is one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes and last erupted in April 2017. The volcano and the surrounding park were closed for close to 17 months and a safety perimeter of nearly 2.5 kilometers was established around the erupting crater. At the volcano, you'll have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then, follow a trail to the Botos Lagoon, a crater lake located inside the Poás Volcano National Park. As you hike, learn about the different ecosystems in the park. After your trek, refuel with a delicious lunch of local fare at one of the restaurants in the area. Then, head out to your next destination, the La Paz Waterfall. Discover La Paz waterfall as you stroll along paved trails through cloud forests and rainforests. Make the most of excellent photo opportunities as you visit these falls and see them from different vantage points Then, head to your final stop for the day, the Hacienda coffee farm, the first and only Coffee farm. See the visitor center and learn what Coffee is doing to empower farmers, promote sustainable practices, and develop the next generation of coffee. At the end of your Costa Rica adventure, enjoy a convenient transfer back to your hotel in San José.

La Fortuna: Arenal Mundo Aventura Park Zip-Lining Tour

4. La Fortuna: Arenal Mundo Aventura Park Zip-Lining Tour

Discover the thrill of soaring over the canopy of lush forests and waterfalls while on this zip-lining tour in La Fortuna's Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. Enjoy an adrenaline-filled extreme canopy ziplining experience in an ecological park filled with wildlife and jungle. Experience Arenal Mundo Aventura Extreme Canopy Ziplining, the perfect combination of adrenaline and fun great for a variety of ages. Soar over the canyons, lush forests, and waterfalls of the park on this adventure. Explore some of the 560 hectares that make up the ecological park and conquer an 18-meter high tower. Observe spectacular views of the Pino Blanco Waterfall, the Arenal Volcano, and Cerro Chato Volcano while exploring the park. Try seven different exciting canopy zipline cables and zip through the air at speeds from 65 & 70 km/h. Zip along the signature cable, and admire a breathtakingly beautiful canyon with a view of the La Fortuna waterfall on this unique adventure experience.

From La Fortuna: Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour

5. From La Fortuna: Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour

Start your full-day tour with a scenic drive from La Fortuna to the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Head out on a 4-hour hike that will take some effort but is definitely worth it. At the end of the hike you’ll have reached the Rio Celeste. The river’s blue color is the result of a chemical reaction between 2 merging rivers having different volcanic minerals. This rare phenomenon creates a fairy tale-like beauty. Visit a waterfall and a lookout point for great views and see the place where the river changes color. Your guide will point out local wildlife on this adventure as well. After your hike, enjoy a delicious lunch before the drive back to La Fortuna.

La Fortuna: Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

6. La Fortuna: Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

Soak up the beauty and biodiversity of La Fortuna by horseback on a ride through Arenal Mundo Aventura's nature park. Enjoy the unique scenery of the only nature reserve with direct access to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Embrace your inner jungle explorer by venturing into the lush rain forest around the Arenal Volcano on an invigorating horseback ride from La Fortuna. Climb atop a tame and trusty steed then follow your guide along a beautiful and scenic trail that runs alongside a stunning river canyon. Next, rest at a stop to admire the mesmerizing cascades of the Pino Blanco Waterfall and the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. Cool off with an optional swim at the base of the falls, and learn about the Indigenous cultures of Costa Rica’s with a visit to the village of the Maleku.

La Fortuna: Small-Group Sloth Watching Experience

7. La Fortuna: Small-Group Sloth Watching Experience

After being picked up from your hotel at your chosen time, you will start this exciting journey into the sloths' territory, which is within a small family-friendly eco-project just 5 minutes from La Fortuna. The project has a path of 1500 meters (a little less than a mile) which is suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. You will venture into the forest for 2 hours, where you will be surrounded by plants, a river bordering the property and of course, the Guarumo Trees (Cecropia obtusifolia), which are the favorite food of sloths in Costa Rica. During this tour, you will learn about the importance of the sloths' protection, as illegal trade has grown due to its increasing popularity. Because of this, Ecoterra Expeditions, along with the Rodríguez family, are maintaining this privileged area to protect the sloths in Costa Rica. Your specialized guide will be an expert in locating these sloths, so you can be guaranteed of a sloth observation during your tour. It's important to remember that the sloth is a solitary animal and spends most of its time sleeping and resting on the treetops. The two-toed sloth and three-toed sloth can be observed in the route, and now and then, visitors may have the incredible experience of watching the mother with its offspring. Your naturalist guide will supply high-quality optical gear to provide a 100% satisfying observation without any impact to the naturally smiling sloths. At the end of this natural experience, you will be driven back to your hotel where you will be left understanding just why you cannot come to Costa Rica without seeing a sloth.

La Fortuna: Rainforest Chocolate Tour

8. La Fortuna: Rainforest Chocolate Tour

Visit a cocoa farm in the rainforest with majestic views of Arenal Volcano. See where cocoa is grown, processed and produced and unearth the hidden secrets of local chocolate production. This interactive experience lets travelers eat as much chocolate as they want while learning about the history, culture, and traditions of this popular Costa Rican sweet. In this 2-hour hands-on program, have the opportunity to learn interesting facts about cocoa and chocolate, its origin and history. Participate in all aspects of the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying, and grinding of the seeds.  Discover why the cacao tree was very important to ancient cultures. Find out how cacao was not only used as a ceremonial drink, but its seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value, in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica.

From San Jose: La Paz Waterfall Garden & Rainforest Tour

9. From San Jose: La Paz Waterfall Garden & Rainforest Tour

Travel from San Jose to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and enjoy a walking tour on rainforest trails. See flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, bird, butterflies, and other species and enjoy educational animal exhibits for all ages. Be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in San Jose, and depart for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Enjoy wandering walking trails in the local rainforest and admire the natural beauty of the area. Watch as white rivers flow and see spectacular waterfalls. Spot local wildlife while wandering through the rainforest, like birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds, and see them in their natural habitats. Stop at different exhibits for local wildlife like the Aviary, Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpoentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and Frog Exhibit. Enjoy a buffet lunch after the tour, rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council, that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more. Finish the tour after lunch and be returned to your accommodations in San Jose.

Rio Celeste: Tubing Tour with Snacks and Drinks

10. Rio Celeste: Tubing Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Expereince the rush of spilling over the rapids of the turquoise Celeste River on this tubing tour in Katira. Spot colorful birds, monkeys, and frogs as you float safely along with the provided safety helmet and life vest. Refuel with some delicious fruit and drinks that are included in the tour.  Meet your guide and get set up with your well-maintained tubing gear. Set off down the river through dense jungle over the blue water. Keep an eye out for local birds like toucans, bear-necked umbrella birds, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds.  Awaken your inner adrenaline junkie as you glide over rapids on this family-friendly adventure. Relax and get some incredible photos of this area that is just outside the Tenorio National Park. 

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What people are saying about Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Raul was the most amazing tour guide! He was so easy to get along with and funny, truly the highlight of the tour! The hanging bridges were so beautiful and weren’t too scary if you’re afraid of heights like me. The waterfall was magnificent and we had a lot of time to explore it. The volcano hike was an easy flat loop. You’re able to bring changes of clothes and leave things in the van which was super helpful. Also lots of bathroom breaks and cafe opportunities in addition to lunch. If you’re looking for the best tour this is IT!

Really glad we chose a kayak over raft. You can get ahead of the group so can spot more wildlife and can go at your own pace. Our guide (Alfredo) was great, really reassuring and patient. Also had lots of knowledge about wildlife, river and Costa Rica in general. We saw loads of animals, including monkeys, toucans, iguanas and crocodiles. Good amount of time on river (but could've spent all day kayaking!). The snack and short chocolate talk at the end was an added bonus and nice way to end the tour.

The entire day was amazing. Our guide, Juan Carlos was so knowledgeable about each part of our excursion. He was able to speak to all kinds of species and took time to answer questions. The van was clean, air conditioned and the driver was safe. I love going on guides like these because you learn so much from the guide but also get to meet others in your group.

Pepe and Joel were amazing! They were friendly, genuine and knowledgeable. We appreciated Pepe’s deep knowledge and passion for the land and work he does. We couldn’t have imagined for a better guide! He was genuinely concerned with our experience and made sure we both saw as much as possible but also learned about the beautiful Costa Rican heritage.

It was an amazing experience! Our guide Errol from Red Lava Tours was so kind and really good. We trekked through the rain forest on a beautiful trail, saw the vulcano at the view point and swimmed at the beautiful waterfall. We can highly recommend this tour!