La Fortuna is a great place from which to make a day trip to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. This vast network of marshes and rivers (particularly the Río Frío) is 100km (62 miles) north of La Fortuna near the town of Los Chiles. This refuge is best known for its amazing abundance of bird life, including roseate spoonbills, jabiru storks, herons, and egrets, but you can also see caimans and crocodiles. Bird-watchers should not miss this refuge, although keep in mind that the main lake dries up in the dry season (mid-Apr to Nov), which reduces the number of wading birds. Full-day tours to Caño Negro average between $45 and $60 (£23-£30) per person. However, most of the tours run out of La Fortuna that are billed as Caño Negro never really enter the refuge but instead ply sections of the nearby Río Frio, which features similar wildlife and ecosystems. If you're interested in staying in this area and really visiting the refuge, check out the Caño Negro Natural Lodge.
You can also visit the Venado Caverns, a 45-minute drive away. In addition to plenty of stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations, you'll see bats and cave fish. Tours here cost around $45 (£23). All of the tour agencies and hotel tour desks can arrange or directly offer trips to Caño Negro and Venado Caverns.
Kids and the young at heart may enjoy the pool, fountain, and water slide at Jungla y Senderos Los Lagos (tel. 461-1818; www.hotelloslagos.com). I come here more for the network of trails and small lakes that are also on this property. It recently added a small crocodile hatchery and tilapia farm, a canopy tour, and some basic hot springs. They've also got rooms and cabins that range widely in size, amenities, and price. You'll find Los Lagos on the road to Tabacón, a few kilometers out of La Fortuna. It charges $15 (£7.50) per person -- adults and children -- for daily use of its facilities.
