Area Guide
Things to Do in Venecia de San Carlos & La Fortuna
Quick Answer
Venecia de San Carlos, in Alajuela province, sits within easy reach of Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs, and cloud forest waterfalls like those in Bajos del Toro. It's a quieter alternative to staying directly in La Fortuna, while keeping the same attractions within a short drive.
If you've researched Arenal Volcano, chances are La Fortuna has come up as the obvious place to base yourself. It's a fine choice — but it isn't the only one. A short drive away, Venecia de San Carlos offers the same volcano views, the same hot springs, and the same waterfalls, with fewer tour buses and a slower pace once the day's activities are done.
Why Venecia de San Carlos Instead of La Fortuna
La Fortuna is built for tourism — restaurants, souvenir shops, and a steady flow of day-trippers. Venecia de San Carlos is a working agricultural town that happens to sit inside the same volcanic valley, roughly 30 to 40 minutes away by car. Guests who stay here trade a bit of walkable convenience for quieter mornings and evenings, without giving up access to anything the region is known for.
Top Things to Do in the Area
Hot springs. The Arenal region sits on volcanic ground, and that means naturally heated water — from simple free river pools to developed resort-style hot springs with multiple temperature zones. Most are within a 15 to 30 minute drive.
Bajos del Toro waterfalls. A cluster of waterfalls hidden inside cloud forest, including the well-known Catarata de Bajos del Toro. It's less crowded than the falls directly in La Fortuna, and the drive itself — climbing into cooler cloud forest elevation — is part of the appeal.
Arenal Volcano views. You don't need to be in La Fortuna to see the volcano — several viewpoints and trails around the wider valley offer the same near-perfect cone silhouette, often with fewer people around.
Adventure activities. Zipline canopy tours, canyoning, horseback riding, ATV rides and river rafting are all operated throughout the region, not just in La Fortuna itself — most tour operators will pick up from Venecia de San Carlos directly.
Wildlife and birdwatching. The forest cover around Venecia supports the same biodiversity as the rest of the region — toucans, sloths and howler monkeys are commonly spotted without needing to book a dedicated wildlife tour.
See the full list of experiences NARA's concierge can help you plan.
Explore ExperiencesGetting Around
A rental car makes it easiest to explore at your own pace, but it isn't required — most tour operators offer pickup from accommodations throughout the Venecia and San Carlos area, and taxis are readily available for shorter trips. If you're arriving from San José, the drive to this part of Alajuela province takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours.
Where to Stay
For travelers who want the volcano, the hot springs and the waterfalls without the hotel-zone crowds of La Fortuna, a private retreat in Venecia de San Carlos offers the same access with considerably more privacy and quiet — a self-contained space rather than a room among many.
NARA is a private villa just minutes from the area's hot springs, with a concierge who can help plan your days.
See the VillaFrequently Asked
Questions about the area.
Roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Arenal region without the crowds of La Fortuna itself.
For travelers prioritizing quiet and privacy over walkable restaurants and nightlife, yes — the same attractions are reachable, typically at a lower accommodation cost.
A car adds flexibility, but tour operators generally offer pickup throughout the area, and taxis cover shorter distances without issue.
Most travelers spend 3 to 4 days to comfortably fit in hot springs, a waterfall hike, and one or two adventure activities without rushing.
Yes — this is exactly the kind of planning the concierge service handles, from suggesting an order for your days to arranging transportation for specific tours.
Nature outside. Calm within.
Tell us the dates you have in mind and we will take it from there.