Toucan Arenal Lodge

The small mountain town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica is famed for one giant attraction – its huge volcano. And on the days when this towering mass is hidden by cloud, you'll probably hear it rumbling! Full of fantastically authentic places to eat, La Fortuna is a friendly place and a popular base to set out on tours. No wonder, as the surrounding area is packed with lush forest, hot springs and vast nature reserves.

Many hostels in La Fortuna are near natural beauty spots. Stay in a laid-back backpacker hostel with vibrant tropical gardens and hammocks, as well as a free shuttle to the local jungle hot springs. Or, pick a peaceful hostel resort with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and private rooms. There's even a La Fortuna backpacker hostel with magical tent options – think woven exteriors, proper beds and twinkling night lights. Taking luxury to the max, it also has a hot tub and a swimming pool. Most La Fortuna hostels have free Wi-Fi, as well as female-only dorms and en-suite bathrooms.

You'll find lots of natural attractions in La Fortuna. Ecocentro Danaus is a nature reserve filled with sloths, turtles and howler monkeys (bring your camera to capture their antics!). Butterfly fans can head to Mirador El Silencio to spot huge blue morpho butterflies in 22 hectares of lush forest. Lovers of chocolate can visit ChocoMuseo, a free museum where you can learn all about the cacao bean. They also put on chocolate-making workshops and trips to cocoa plantations.