The prosperous tourist centre of La Fortuna de San Carlos nestles against the Cordillera de Tilaran in the lee of smouldering Volcan Arenal, which towers over the town to the west. La Fortuna is the main gateway to the volcano, enshrined within Parque Nacional Arenal, which is the primary draw for tourists. The attention has fostered a blossoming of local eco-tour attractions.

The compact town of La Fortuna is bustling with travellers hoping to watch a volcano explore, a feat that Volcan Arenal obligingly performs regularly. At night pyrotechnics light up the ink-black sky. There is no shortage of accommodations to cater to the constant traffic.

Despite the tourist boom, the town still serves as a regional agricultural centre and retains it strong ties to the local beef cattle economy. Cowboys with lassoes and machetes are a local feature. Horseback riding is popular, and several tour operators offer rides as far as atop the Cordillara de Tilaran.