Arenal on a Budget: A Guide to Free & Cheap Activities for Families

We believe a trip to Costa Rica should be rich in memories, not expenses. While the Arenal area has its share of bucket-list splurges, some of our favorite moments are the simple, quiet ones that cost little to nothing. Here’s how to build an unforgettable family adventure without breaking the bank.

The best free things to do in La Fortuna include soaking in the natural thermal river at Río Chollín, exploring the town's central park, finding viewpoints of Arenal Volcano, and spotting wildlife on your own. Many cheap activities, like eating at local sodas or swimming at El Salto, offer amazing value.

The Famous Free Hot Springs: Río Chollín

When people talk about the free hot springs in La Fortuna, they mean Río Chollín (sometimes called El Choyín). This is the same volcanically heated river that feeds the ultra-luxe hot spring resorts. Here, it flows through the forest, accessible to the public for free. You can find a warm, mellow spot to sit on the rocks and let the current swirl around you. It’s a truly local experience.

It’s a natural river, not a manicured park, so the bottom is rocky and can be slippery. We strongly recommend water shoes or sturdy sandals. The best time to go is on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. During the green season, be mindful that heavy rains can raise the water level and strengthen the current.

For a complete guide on how to find it and what to expect, read our post on the free hot springs in La Fortuna.

Affordable Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

While La Fortuna Waterfall is stunning, its entrance fee can be a bit steep for a family on a budget. Luckily, the area is full of other places to cool off.

El Salto Rope Swing: Just outside of town, this spot on the Fortuna River is a local favorite. It’s a series of small cascades and pools where you’ll find kids and adults jumping from rocks and a rope swing into the refreshing water. It's completely free to access. The rocks are very slippery, so this is best for confident swimmers and sure-footed visitors.

Hidden Waterfalls: The countryside around Venado and La Fortuna is crisscrossed by rivers with countless unnamed swimming holes and small waterfalls. A drive along the backroads can reveal beautiful spots to pull over for a picnic and a dip. Exploring the backroads can often reveal beautiful spots to pull over for a picnic and a dip.

Exploring La Fortuna Town on Foot

Sometimes the best activity is simply a stroll. The town of La Fortuna is vibrant, safe, and easily walkable. The heart of town is the central park, a beautifully landscaped square facing a classic Costa Rican church. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, enjoy an ice cream, and let the kids run around.

On a clear day, you can often get a fantastic photo of the church with Arenal Volcano looming perfectly in the background. The park is also home to a population of sloths and iguanas, so keep your eyes peeled for movement in the trees. From the park, you can browse the many souvenir shops or just soak in the town's lively atmosphere.

Cheap Eats: A Guide to Local Sodas

One of the best ways to experience Costa Rican culture and save money is by eating at sodas. These are small, family-run restaurants serving traditional food at incredibly reasonable prices. You'll find them all over La Fortuna and in our own village of Venado.

The must-try dish is the casado. It’s a hearty plate that typically includes a choice of meat (fish, chicken, or beef), rice, beans, a simple salad, and fried plantains. It’s a balanced, delicious meal that usually costs just a few dollars. Don't be shy; walk in, grab a seat, and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Free Wildlife Spotting on Your Own

You don’t always need a guide or a national park ticket to see Costa Rica’s incredible animals. With a little patience and a keen eye, you can spot plenty of wildlife for free.

• From Our Deck: Some of the best birdwatching happens right here at Casa Venado. Grab your morning coffee and sit on the deck. You’re almost guaranteed to see toucans, hummingbirds, and chachalacas. We have a guide to birdwatching for beginners to get you started.
• On the Roadside: The road between La Fortuna and the national park entrance is lined with trees where sloths are often spotted. Drive slowly (with someone else watching the trees, not the driver!) and look for stopped cars or people pointing upwards—a classic sign a sloth is nearby.
• Near Rivers: Keep an eye out for monkeys, especially howler monkeys and capuchins, in the trees that line rivers and streams. Their loud calls often give them away long before you see them.

For more tips, check out our guide to wildlife spotting near Arenal.

Simple Pleasures: Cooking & Relaxing at Home

One of the biggest budget-savers is having a place to call home. Our full kitchen at Casa Venado allows you to prepare your own breakfasts, pack lunches for your day trips, and cook dinners with fresh ingredients from local markets. This alone can save a family a significant amount compared to eating out for every meal. For tips, see our guide to grocery shopping in the area.

The quiet moments—reading in the hammock, watching a storm roll across the valley, walking the country lanes at dusk—are often the most cherished parts of a vacation.

Beyond the savings, it’s about the experience. There’s something special about sipping a cool drink on the deck of your private house after a day of exploring, with only the sounds of the countryside around you. These moments are priceless, and they are a core part of the stay here.

We love helping our guests find that perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, splurging and saving. Just let us know what you're hoping for, and we can help you craft the perfect, budget-friendly itinerary.