Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Norte
La Fortuna
LA FORTUNA (or La Fortuna de San Carlos, as it's officially named) was once a simple agricultural town dominated by the majestic conical form of Volcán Arenal, just 6km away. True to its name, La Fortuna is now booming. Despite all the air-conditioned tour buses whizzing through town, however, it remains a pleasant, inviting community. There's nothing specific to see as most of the town is taken up by agencies selling tours, and visitors wander between them comparing prices, while gazing keenly towards the volcano and popping into sodas for much-needed refrescos to cope with the humidity.
Activities around La Fortuna
Arenal Bungee ( 
479-7440, 
www.arenalbungee.com ). The daredevils at Arenal Bungee, just south of the school on the main road into La Fortuna, can strap you in for a bungee jump ($39) over a shallow pool. The imposing volcano is the last thing you see before taking the 40-metre plunge. There's also a catapult ($39) and a giant swing ($39) if you just can't get enough airborne action.
ATV Arenal Tours ( 479-9883, www.lapraderadelarenal.com ). Based 2km west of La Fortuna in the Hotel La Pradera, this is the tour for those who don't buy into the ecotourism thing. Rip-roaring 2.5 hour ATV tours are $75.
Aventuras Arenal ( 479-9133, www.arenaladventures.com ). Located 150m east of the Parque Central, this professional operator has a similar list of options as Sunset Tours (see below), and they also offer mountain-biking trips and tours to the Venado Caves and Maleku indigenous reserve.
Costa Rica Sky Adventures ( 479-9944, www.skytrek.com ). Aerial tram ($50) and zip-line canopy rides ($10 extra for combination) in a private reserve 23km from La Fortuna on the road to El Castillo.
Desafío Tours ( 479-9464, www.desafiocostarica.com ). Located west of the church, this friendly, efficient rafting specialist run tours ($85) on the Class IV Río Toro as well as trips in inflatable kayaks on the Río Arenal ($65). You can also take a demanding guided hike up Cerro Chato, the smaller volcanic peak that clings to Arenal's skirts ($65), or go canyoning down waterfalls ($85). Their transfer to Monteverde includes a lakeside ride on well-cared-for horses ($75), and they can sort out flights, tours and accommodation anywhere in the country.
Pure Trek Canyoning ( 461-2110, www.puretrekcostarica.com ). Opposite the west side of the church, Pure Trek Canyoning takes thrill-seekers on rappelling trips down a series of five waterfalls ($90).
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