La Fortuna

Images from La Fortuna and nearby cloud forests: Arenal Volcano, lava trails, waterfalls and rainforest wildlife

February 12, 2019 - February 14, 2019 — La Fortuna

This photo set documents landscapes and wildlife around La Fortuna and nearby cloud-forest preserves in Costa Rica. Images show Arenal Volcano and adjacent hardened lava fields, trails that traverse regenerating cloud forest, and viewpoints from lodges and resorts near the mountain. Other frames include La Fortuna Waterfall, suspension bridges in the Arenal cloud forest, and rainforest wildlife such as mother-and-young sloths in the canopy. The collection reflects geological features shaped by Arenal's historical eruptions and the region's development as a center for nature-based tourism and scientific observation.
Beautiful clouds and sunset behind Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
February 14, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, a stratovolcano in the Guanacaste Mountain Range of Costa Rica, is seen at sunset from the town of La Fortuna. The volcano is one of Costa Rica's most active and has been a significant geological feature since its last major eruption in 1968. Its conical shape and surrounding lush vegetation make it a prominent landmark, drawing tourists and researchers alike. The area around La Fortuna is known for its hot springs and adventure tourism, largely developed due to the volcano's presence.
Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica with clouds
February 14, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, a stratovolcano in Costa Rica, is pictured with dramatic cloud shadows cast across its slopes. This volcano was once one of the country's most active, with its last major eruption occurring in 1968. While it has been dormant since 2011, its imposing presence continues to shape the surrounding landscape and attract visitors. The fertile volcanic soil supports lush vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the barren upper reaches of the cone.
Road leading to Arenal
February 14, 2019 — A gravel road winds through the lush landscape of Costa Rica, leading towards the prominent Arenal Volcano. This unpaved route serves as a vital connection for local communities and visitors accessing the region surrounding the volcano, which is a stratovolcano known for its frequent eruptions until its dormancy in 2010. The road's surface, composed of volcanic rock and soil, reflects the geological activity of the area. Today, it facilitates access to national parks, eco-lodges, and adventure tourism activities that draw people to witness the volcano's majestic presence and the surrounding rainforest.
Swimming under the La Fortuna Waterfall
February 14, 2019 — La Fortuna Waterfall, located near the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, is a popular natural attraction. The waterfall cascades approximately 70 meters (230 feet) into a pool where visitors can swim. The surrounding area is characterized by lush tropical rainforest, a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. The waterfall and its environs are part of a protected area, managed to preserve its natural beauty and ecological significance.
Sloth in a Costa Rican tree
February 14, 2019 — A mother sloth clings to a tree branch in Costa Rica, with her young nestled against her. Sloths are arboreal mammals native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Their slow metabolism and specialized diet of leaves contribute to their sedentary lifestyle, allowing them to conserve energy in the canopy. This species plays a role in the forest ecosystem by influencing vegetation and serving as a host for various symbiotic organisms in their fur.
Sloth and baby sloth in Costa Rican Tree
February 14, 2019 — A mother sloth clings to a tree branch in the Costa Rican rainforest canopy, with her young offspring nestled close. Sloths are arboreal mammals native to Central and South America, known for their extremely slow metabolism and sedentary lifestyle. They spend most of their lives in trees, feeding on leaves, twigs, and buds, and are well-adapted to their arboreal environment. Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems, including its rainforests, provide critical habitat for these unique creatures, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.
Sloth mother and her baby
February 14, 2019 — A mother sloth clings to a tree branch in Costa Rica, with her young offspring nestled close. These arboreal mammals are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Their slow metabolism and specialized diet of leaves contribute to their unhurried lifestyle, making them a unique part of the region's biodiversity. Sloths play a role in their ecosystem by consuming foliage and serving as a habitat for algae and insects on their fur.
Arenal Observatory Lodge Sunset
February 13, 2019 — The Arenal Observatory Lodge, originally established in 1910 as a research station for the Carnegie Institution, offers views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding rainforest. Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the lodge was built to facilitate scientific study of the nearby Arenal Volcano. Today, it operates as a hotel and continues to provide a base for exploring the region's natural beauty and geological significance. The lodge's architecture, with its expansive verandas and green metal roofs, is designed to complement the lush tropical environment.
Sunset behind the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica 2019
February 13, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, a stratovolcano in Costa Rica, is seen at sunset from the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Originally established in 1944 as a research station for volcanologists, the lodge now serves as a hotel and a base for exploring the surrounding national park. The volcano is one of Costa Rica's most active and a significant natural landmark, drawing visitors interested in its geological activity and the lush rainforest ecosystem it dominates.
Inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest in 2019
February 13, 2019 — A trail winds through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve in Costa Rica, a region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. This unique ecosystem, characterized by its high altitude and persistent cloud cover, supports a dense array of epiphytes, ferns, and diverse plant life. Established in 1972, the preserve protects a critical habitat for numerous species, including many endemic to the area. Visitors can explore designated trails like this one, which offer a glimpse into the complex and vibrant environment of a tropical cloud forest.
Trees in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
February 13, 2019 — A trail winds through the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, a unique ecosystem characterized by its high altitude and persistent mist. This forest is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, hosting a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic. Established as a biological reserve in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest has become a vital center for scientific research and ecotourism. Visitors can explore its rich environment via a network of trails, offering a glimpse into one of the planet's most biologically intense habitats.
Cloud forest hanging bridge in 2019
February 13, 2019 — A suspension bridge traverses a misty cloud forest near the Arenal Observatory in Costa Rica. These bridges are integral to the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa's nature trails, allowing visitors to explore the diverse canopy ecosystem. Constructed to provide access to the rainforest's upper levels, they offer unique perspectives on the flora and fauna. The observatory itself was originally established in 1965 as a research station, and the surrounding area is renowned for its biodiversity and views of the Arenal Volcano.
Lava Trails below Arenal Volcano
February 13, 2019 — A hiker traverses the rugged lava fields at the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Arenal is a stratovolcano that was active from 1968 until 2010, and its frequent eruptions shaped the surrounding landscape. The trails here wind through solidified lava flows, offering a stark reminder of the volcano's powerful geological history. Today, these trails are part of a protected area, allowing visitors to experience the unique environment created by volcanic activity and observe the slow process of ecological regeneration.
Clouds covering the top of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
February 13, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, is partially obscured by clouds, a common occurrence due to its location in a tropical rainforest. This stratovolcano, situated in the Guanacaste Province, is one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural landmarks. While it was historically an active volcano, its last eruption was in 1968, and it has been dormant since 2010. The surrounding area, including the nearby town of La Fortuna, is a popular destination for ecotourism, drawing visitors interested in hiking, hot springs, and observing the volcano's majestic presence.
Clouds over Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
February 13, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica, is a stratovolcano that was dormant for centuries before its major eruption in 1968. The eruption reshaped the landscape and established Arenal as one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. Despite its geological power, the surrounding lush vegetation highlights the region's resilience and biodiversity. Today, the volcano is a prominent feature in Arenal Volcano National Park, attracting visitors interested in its natural beauty and geological significance.
Lava Trails around Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
February 13, 2019 — The Arenal Volcano, located near La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is a stratovolcano that was active until 2010. The surrounding landscape is marked by solidified lava flows from past eruptions, notably the significant eruption in 1968. These lava fields, now partially reclaimed by vegetation, serve as a testament to the volcano's powerful geological history. Today, the area is a popular destination for visitors interested in volcanic landscapes and the natural regeneration of ecosystems.
Lave field around Arenal Volcano February 2019
February 13, 2019 — The Arenal 1968 Lava Field Trail in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, traverses land shaped by the significant eruption of the Arenal Volcano in 1968. This trail allows visitors to walk across solidified lava flows, offering a direct encounter with the volcano's geological power. The surrounding vegetation demonstrates the resilience of nature, with new plant life gradually colonizing the volcanic rock. Today, the trail serves as a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts interested in the volcanic landscape and its ongoing ecological recovery.
Lava flow trail near Arenal Volcano
February 13, 2019 — The Arenal 1968 Lava Flow Trail winds through the lush cloud forest of Costa Rica, near the base of the Arenal Volcano. This trail follows the path of lava flows from the volcano's significant eruption in 1968, which reshaped the surrounding landscape. Today, the trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk through a regenerating ecosystem and witness the enduring impact of volcanic activity. It serves as a testament to the powerful geological forces that continue to shape the region and is a popular destination for understanding natural succession.
Lava flow trails and water in Costa Rica
February 13, 2019 — The Arenal 1968 lava flow trails wind through the lush cloud forest surrounding Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. These trails offer visitors a glimpse into the powerful geological forces that shaped the landscape during the volcano's significant eruption in 1968. The area is a testament to nature's resilience, with dense vegetation reclaiming the hardened lava. Today, these trails are a popular destination for hikers seeking to experience the unique ecosystem and the dramatic history of this active volcanic region.
Royal Corin Thermal Water and Spa Resort Costa Rica
February 12, 2019 — Arenal Volcano, a stratovolcano in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is visible from the Royal Corin Thermal Water and Spa Resort. The resort, located near La Fortuna, offers views of the volcano, which is one of Costa Rica's most active. Its most recent eruption occurred in 2010, though it has been in a resting phase since then. The surrounding area is a popular destination for ecotourism, drawing visitors interested in the volcano's geological significance and the region's lush biodiversity.

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