Off-the-Beaten-Path Costa Rica: 8 Local Spots Tourists Miss Near Arenal

We love the energy of La Fortuna, but we also know the most memorable moments often happen when you take the quieter road. For us, that means exploring the countryside that surrounds the famous volcano, where a different kind of Costa Rica reveals itself.

Getting off the beaten path near Arenal means venturing beyond the main tourist strip to find rural communities like Venado, hidden waterfalls, and uncrowded natural wonders. It’s about trading crowded parks for quiet country lanes and discovering a more authentic side of Costa Rican life, all within a short, scenic drive of the volcano.

1. Explore the Venado Countryside

Just a 45-minute drive from the bustle of La Fortuna, the rolling green hills around the small town of Venado feel like a world away. This is the Costa Rica we fell in love with—a landscape of working farms, grazing cattle, and country lanes where your only traffic might be a flock of parrots.

Instead of checking off a list of attractions, a day here is about the simple pleasures. It’s about taking a quiet morning walk as the mist lifts off the pastures, listening to the calls of chachalacas and toucans from the porch, and watching the sun set behind the hills. This is the perfect home base for a different kind of Arenal vacation, one grounded in the rhythm of country life.

2. Go Underground at the Venado Caves

While most visitors look up at the volcano, one of the region's most fascinating adventures lies underground. The Venado Caves are a limestone cave system formed millions of years ago, and they are just a five-minute drive from our front door. This isn't a theme park experience with paved walkways and floodlights; it's a genuine adventure.

Guided tours lead you through narrow passages and along an underground river. You'll wade through cool water (sometimes up to your waist!), clamber over smooth rocks, and use flashlights to spot incredible rock formations, underground waterfalls, and a surprising amount of cave life, including bats and fish. It's a thrilling experience that feels worlds away from anything else in the Arenal area. You can read more in our complete family guide to the Venado Caves.

3. Find the Other Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

La Fortuna Waterfall is magnificent, but on a busy day, it can feel more like a water park. The good news is the entire region is laced with rivers and streams, creating countless smaller, quieter cascades and swimming holes that only locals know.

During the green season, the rivers are full and the jungle is at its most vibrant. We love pointing guests toward some of our favorite spots for a refreshing dip without the crowds. Some are just a short hike from a country road, perfect for cooling off on a warm afternoon. For a deeper dive, check out our guide to five hidden waterfalls and swimming holes you won't find on most maps.

4. Experience Rural Life on a Family Farm

One of the most rewarding things you can do here is connect with the local culture. The area around Venado is dotted with small, family-owned farms, and many are happy to share their way of life with visitors. This is the heart of campesino (country) life.

We are happy to help arrange a visit to a nearby farm where you can get a true taste of rural Costa Rica. Depending on the farm and the day, you might get to milk a friendly cow, learn how they make traditional turrialba cheese, or gather around a wood-fired stove to press your own fresh corn tortillas. It’s a wonderful, hands-on experience for all ages.

5. Savor a Meal at a True Country Soda

Forget the tourist-trap restaurants. For a real taste of Costa Rican cooking, you have to eat at a soda. These are small, family-run eateries serving up hearty, delicious, and affordable local dishes. The menu is usually simple: casados (a set plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat), soups, and fresh fruit juices.

Arenal has plenty of great sodas, but the ones in the countryside are special. We love sending guests to Soda La Terraza, a humble spot in Venado town where you can get a fantastic meal and practice your Spanish with the friendly owners. For more ideas on where to eat like a local, see our guide to area restaurants.

6. Take a Day Trip to the Turquoise River: Río Celeste

While Río Celeste is no secret, its location within Tenorio Volcano National Park makes it feel like a true expedition. From Casa Venado, it's about a 60-minute drive, making it a perfect and very manageable day trip. The drive itself is beautiful, taking you through more of the region's stunning rural landscapes.

The main attraction is the waterfall, where two rivers merge, and a chemical reaction turns the water a breathtaking, milky-turquoise color. The hike through the park is moderately challenging and can be muddy, but the reward is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Costa Rica. We've put together our best tips in our guide to visiting Río Celeste.

• What to bring for a Río Celeste trip:
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots (rentals are available at the entrance)
• Rain jacket, even on a sunny day
• Water and snacks
• Insect repellent
• A change of clothes and shoes to leave in the car
• Cash for the entrance fee and parking

7. Soak in a Quieter Hot Spring

The giant hot spring resorts in Arenal are an experience, but they can also be expensive and crowded. For a more relaxed soak, you have other options. Several smaller, more intimate hot spring facilities like Ecotermales Fortuna offer a quieter atmosphere with a more local feel.

And for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, you can visit the free public hot spring on the Río Chollín. Here, the geothermally heated Tabacón River flows freely, and locals have created small pools with rocks. It’s rustic, it's free, and it’s a memorable local experience. We've written a whole guide to the free hot springs to help you navigate it.

8. Get Lost on the Scenic Backroads

Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. One of our favorite things to do is simply go for a drive. The roads that wind through the hills between Venado, Lake Arenal, and the small towns of Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán offer some of the most stunning, unspoiled views in the country.

Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks, put on some music, and just explore. You'll find incredible vistas of the lake and volcano, tiny villages, and a sense of peace that you just can't find on the main highway. A 4x4 isn't strictly necessary for all roads, but a vehicle with good clearance gives you the confidence to turn down that interesting-looking dirt lane. If you're wondering about what car to rent, our guide on whether you need a 4x4 can help.

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Exploring the quieter side of Arenal is about slowing down and seeing the beauty in the everyday moments. It's about trading the zipline roar for the lowing of cattle and the tourist buffet for a home-cooked meal at a soda. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, we'd love to welcome you. You can see more of our private home in the countryside and use it as your base for your own off-the-beaten-path explorations.