By Alajuela, Costa Rica — LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS – Local tourism businesses in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano have successfully forged new international partnerships this past weekend at ExpoArenal, an event designed to bolster the region’s standing as a world-class travel destination. Organized by the Arenal Chamber of Tourism, the expo served as a critical nexus between local entrepreneurs and a host of tour operators from key markets including North America, Central America, and Mexico.
The event aimed to reinforce La Fortuna’s position as one of Costa Rica’s most frequented destinations, a region that already welcomes more than one million tourists annually. By creating a direct channel for negotiation and collaboration, the expo provided a platform for local hotels, tour companies, and service providers to showcase their unique offerings to an influential international audience, ensuring the region remains competitive and continues to attract high-value tourism.
To better understand the legal and business framework supporting the vibrant tourism sector in La Fortuna, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing local entrepreneurs and foreign investors in this popular destination.
La Fortuna’s success is a testament to Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida’ brand, but sustainable growth requires robust legal structures. We’re seeing a surge in foreign investment, which is excellent, but it must be navigated with careful due diligence, particularly concerning land use regulations and environmental permits. For local operators, formalizing business agreements and ensuring compliance with labor laws are no longer optional—they are essential for long-term viability and to protect the very natural assets that make this region a global attraction.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight underscores a critical truth: the ‘Pura Vida’ experience that defines La Fortuna is not self-sustaining, but relies on the robust legal foundation he describes. As the region’s popularity soars, this formal framework becomes the essential guardian of both local enterprise and the natural splendor that fuels its appeal. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital connection between due diligence and sustainable success.
ExpoArenal was more than a trade show; it was a strategic initiative to highlight the area’s comprehensive value proposition. The event showcased how La Fortuna masterfully blends adventure, wellness, and a deep commitment to environmental preservation, setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism development not just in Costa Rica, but globally.
ExpoArenal was a meeting point that strengthened our relationship with international markets and allowed us to showcase the value of a destination that combines nature, hospitality, and sustainability.
Tadeo Morales, President of the Arenal Chamber of Tourism
The foundation of La Fortuna’s appeal is its staggering natural beauty and robust infrastructure. The territory, spanning approximately 50 square kilometers, is home to 86 hotels offering nearly 12,000 beds. Visitors are drawn to over 20 distinct natural attractions, including the iconic Arenal Volcano National Park, the serene Lake Arenal, the turquoise waters of Río Celeste, and numerous thermal hot springs fed by 16 different sources. This rich natural endowment is complemented by a first-class hotel and gastronomic scene, offering everything from rustic lodges to luxury resorts.
What truly sets La Fortuna apart is its innovative and community-focused economic model. A local Development Association strategically reinvests tourism revenue back into the community. This circular economic approach funds crucial infrastructure improvements, supports local entrepreneurs, and develops public spaces that enhance the experience for both residents and visitors, directly benefiting more than 10 neighboring communities.
All the income generated by the La Fortuna waterfall, which receives an average of one thousand visitors per day, is invested in the growth of the area, the strengthening of businesses, and local entrepreneurships.
Carolina González, Board Member of the Development Association
During the expo, international buyers experienced firsthand the diverse array of activities that define the La Fortuna experience. The offerings range from high-adrenaline adventures like hiking and river rafting to wellness-focused pursuits such as yoga in thermal waters, bird watching, and horseback riding. A prominent example of this synthesis of nature and responsible business is Ecotermales Fortuna, a resort that has become a model for sustainable development in the region.
The owners always sought to build this tourist center responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and applying all sustainability standards.
César Rojas, Manager of Ecotermales Fortuna
By successfully hosting ExpoArenal, La Fortuna has not only opened new commercial avenues for its businesses but has also reaffirmed its global leadership. The event underscored the community’s unified vision for a tourism sector that is innovative, responsible, and deeply connected to its natural and cultural roots, ensuring its long-term prosperity and appeal on the international stage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Arenal Chamber of Tourism
About Arenal Chamber of Tourism:
The Arenal Chamber of Tourism (CATUARE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and economic development in the La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano region. It represents a wide range of local businesses, from hotels and tour operators to restaurants and artisans, working to strengthen the area’s brand, advocate for beneficial policies, and ensure a high-quality visitor experience while preserving the natural environment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Development Association of La Fortuna
About Development Association of La Fortuna:
The Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT) is a community-led organization responsible for managing key local assets, most notably the La Fortuna Waterfall. It channels the revenue generated from tourism into social and infrastructural projects that directly benefit the local population. Its work focuses on improving education, health, security, and entrepreneurial opportunities, creating a successful model of community-based tourism management.
For further information, visit ecotermalesfortuna.cr
About Ecotermales Fortuna:
Ecotermales Fortuna is a family-owned and operated natural hot springs resort located in La Fortuna. Situated on 27 hectares of protected rainforest, it is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and providing an authentic Costa Rican experience. The resort features natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, traditional cuisine, and an environment designed to minimize ecological impact, offering visitors a tranquil and environmentally conscious wellness retreat.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled practice and professional rigor. The firm leverages its deep, multi-sector experience to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions while upholding a profound sense of social responsibility. Central to its ethos is the conviction that a just society is built on accessible legal understanding, driving its efforts to empower the public with crucial knowledge and fortify the rule of law.
