Gardens and accommodations at Arenal Rainforest Resort

Stay in Arenal, Costa Rica’s
most iconic destination

There’s a reason Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most loved destinations. Anchored by the unmistakable silhouette of Arenal Volcano, this lush corner of the country brings together rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and adventure in one extraordinary landscape.

High-energy adventures

Arenal Rainforest Resort places you close to it all, just outside the energy of downtown La Fortuna and along the Arenal Volcano corridor. Spend your days hiking rainforest trails, crossing hanging bridges, searching the canopy for sloths and toucans, cooling off near waterfalls, rafting wild rivers, or soaking in naturally heated thermal waters. La Fortuna’s restaurants, shops, and local life are also within easy reach.

Travelers on a rainforest hanging bridge

A thoughtful pace

Yet Arenal is just as rewarding when you slow down. Mist moves through the forest in the morning. Tropical gardens fill with birdsong. Clouds gather and disappear around the volcano. Warm rain arrives and leaves the landscape greener than before.

Your rainforest homebase

From Arenal Rainforest Resort, you can set out in a different direction every day, then come home to the privacy of your own spacious retreat, landscaped gardens, sculpted hot spring pools, onsite dining, and spa and wellness experiences.

Come for Arenal Volcano, but give yourself time for everything around it. This is a place to explore deeply, rest well, and experience the wild beauty of Costa Rica at your own pace.

FAQ

Arenal Volcano landscape

Why is Arenal, Costa Rica worth visiting?

Arenal brings together many of Costa Rica’s signature experiences in one destination. Travelers can explore tropical rainforest, see Arenal Volcano, visit waterfalls, walk hanging bridges, spot wildlife, soak in hot springs, go rafting and ziplining, and experience the restaurants and culture of La Fortuna. Its combination of nature, adventure, wellness, and accessibility makes Arenal an excellent destination for couples, families, and groups.

How many days should I stay in Arenal?

For most travelers, three to four nights provides enough time to experience Arenal without rushing. A longer stay allows you to balance active days of hiking, wildlife watching, rafting, waterfalls, and other adventures with hot springs, spa treatments, leisurely meals, and time to simply enjoy the rainforest. Arenal also works well as part of a larger Costa Rica itinerary with Guanacaste, Monteverde, Tortuguero, or the Caribbean coast.

Forest canopy
Ziplining adventure

What are the best things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna?

Popular experiences include exploring Arenal Volcano and its surrounding trails, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, walking through the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, soaking in thermal springs, wildlife watching, rafting, canyoning, ziplining, horseback riding, and visiting local farms and communities. La Fortuna also offers restaurants, shops, and an inviting small-town atmosphere.

Where is Arenal Rainforest Resort located?

Arenal Rainforest Resort is located approximately 7 kilometers from downtown La Fortuna along the Arenal Volcano tourism corridor. Its location offers convenient access to La Fortuna and many of the region’s attractions while giving guests a greener, more relaxed setting surrounded by tropical vegetation. The property is currently known as Hotel Mountain Paradise and is being reimagined as Arenal Rainforest Resort.

Arenal Rainforest Resort grounds
Rainforest hanging bridge

Is Arenal Rainforest Resort a good base for exploring La Fortuna and Arenal?

Yes. Arenal Rainforest Resort is positioned between the conveniences of La Fortuna and many of the natural attractions of the Arenal Volcano area. Guests can use the hotel as a base for rainforest adventures, wildlife experiences, hot springs, waterfalls, and excursions throughout the region, then return for onsite dining, spa and wellness services, sculpted hot spring pools, tropical gardens, and spacious accommodations designed for privacy and relaxation.

Chachagua Rainforest Resort & Hot Springs cabin and outdoor hot tub in the rainforest.

Sister Property

Check our sister property Chachagua Rainforest Resort & Hot Springs, located in San Carlos.

Discover Chachagua Rainforest Resort