Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Every adventure activity you can imagine is available here, whether it’s horseback riding, ziplining, tubing, canyoning, or white water rafting. Use these methods of travel to discover tropical wildlife, excellent birdwatching, and luscious landscapes.
1. La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall sits just outside town and is popular with travelers and locals looking to cool off in the impressive natural pools. Hike for around 30 minutes down steep stairs (about 600!), through the stunning green rainforest, before reaching the base of the mighty waterfall. The powerful waterfall plummets to the natural pool below from a height of 70 meters. Read here everything about La Fortuna Waterfall.
Also read: Complete 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary
Once you’re at the bottom, you’ll be able to swim in the pool under the falls. However, be aware that there is a strong current from the water, and there are more relaxed places to swim downstream.
Opening Times and Entrance Fee: La Fortuna waterfall is open from 7 am – 5 pm and costs 18 USD per person. This includes parking and access to toilets, restaurants, and the orchid garden. The money is also invested in the park to improve infrastructure and environmental conservation.
2. El Salto Rope Swing
True to its name (Salto means ‘jump’ in Spanish), the El Salto rope swing is the perfect place to jump into the beautiful blue water below. This stunning spot is located just on the side of the bridge in town. Grab hold of the swing and launch yourself from the rocks, into the refreshing pool. It’s the perfect place to cool off and enjoy nature as you relax and sunbathe on the surrounding rocks.
Also visit Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica.
At the weekends, locals flock to the area to show off their skills, using the swings to do backflips and tricks. Best of all, the entrance to the El Salto rope swing and the waterfall is completely free!
Also read: Best Things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica
3. Arenal Volcano National Park
The national park where the Arenal Volcano sits is one of the absolute must things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. It’s also the country’s most active volcano, with lava flowing continuously since its eruption in 1968. Don’t worry though, park rangers keep a close eye on volcanic activity and close the parts of the trail that they feel are unsafe. Arenal Volcano National Park is about 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is the perfect place to hike and get a better understanding of Costa Rica’s famous nature. (Entrance fee: 17 USD)
As you go, the luscious rainforest will turn into a black volcanic terrain before you reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints. Here, you’ll have an incredible view of the volcano as the clouds surround the peak and down onto the rainforest below. You can also see Arenal Lake on the other side!
If you’re hungry, there is also a cafe at the end of the path where you can get snacks or drinks. Alternatively, there are water refill stations on your route so bring your reusable water bottle for the hike.
Tip: We recommend doing a sunset hike, as it’s stunning to see the colors of the evening sky against this beautiful, wild nature. Make sure to wear good shoes as the walk can be intense at specific points on the trail.
4. Hot Springs, La Fortuna
The active volcano in La Fortuna makes it a hotspot for geothermal activity. This means there are lots of Hot Springs in La Fortuna to choose from, all of which are between a comfortable 35-38 degrees. Generally, these springs are attached to hotels, so you have to pay for a day pass or stay at the hotel to access them. However, there are hot springs in La Fortuna for all budgets and even some free ones!
Also discover the incredible Caribbean town Puerto Viejo.
Free Hot Springs
If you’re on a budget, La Fortuna has free hot springs situated right next to Tabacon resort. Unlike the hotels, you won’t find amenities like changing rooms, bathrooms, or lockers here, but it’s a more natural experience. Because it’s free, it can be very crowded. However, it’s a great way to meet locals and other travellers in La Fortuna.
Paid Hot Springs
If you have a bit more money to spend, a visit to Tabacon Resort is worth your money, without a doubt! Here you’ll find a stunning landscape of different leveled pools, with waterfalls and lush tropical greenery. You might also see wild animals like hummingbirds and iguanas enjoying the surrounding nature. Each pool has a different temperature, so you can find the right hot spring for you, depending on how you like it.
More time available? Visit the waterfalls of Bajos del Toro near to La Fortuna!
You can choose from a full-day pass (from $85 USD) or a half-day pass (from $70 USD). The full-day pass includes access to all amenities like bathrooms, lockers, changing rooms, and towels.
Please note: You can only pay by card for these hot springs in La Fortuna. Read our best budget saving tip here.
It’s worth checking the price of staying at Tabacon Resort overnight. Sometimes, staying for the night is not much more than the day pass; a lovely luxury treat on your trip!
5. Tubing, La Fortuna
Tubing is the ultimate adventure and a top thing to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Book from one of the tour companies in La Fortuna, who will provide a guide and a rubber tube. Then simply jump inside the tube and enjoy the rapids of the River Arenal! The guide will help you navigate the narrow parts of the river, the white water, and the exhilarating drops along the way. Although the tours are offered in La Fortuna, the best tubing experience is around Rio Celeste.
6. Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste is a beautiful nature spot about 1.5 hours away from La Fortuna, Costa Rica, in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Although it’s a little remote and hard to get to, it’s totally worth it when you first see the incredible blue waterfall plummeting into the pools below.
There is no direct public transport to Rio Celeste so you’ll need a car to visit (5 USD for parking). Alternatively, there are plenty of tours leaving from La Fortuna, including return transport and your entrance fee into the national park. (Book a tour here)
Entrance fee: $12 USD
7. Canyoning Tour
A canyoning tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is a heart-racing opportunity for thrill-seekers. Especially those who want to see the landscape from a different perspective. Join a canyoning tour, hop in the 4×4, and head off-road into the wilderness to your first canyoning location. Professional guides will help you rappel down the cliffs, spiraling between the rock walls into the streams and rivers below. Not only is this a completely different way to see nature, but you’ll also have the most incredible feeling of satisfaction when you reach the bottom and see how far you’ve come. (Book your canyoning tour here)
8. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are a bucket list thing to do in La Fortuna. Discover the unique hanging bridges suspended among the rainforest canopy as you walk among amazing animals like sloths, tarantulas, and frogs.
As you walk, take the time to look down onto the stunning forest from the incredible height of 45 meters (or 148 feet)! Floating among the treetops, listening to the peaceful sounds of wildlife around you is truly an experience like no other. (For more wildlife visit Manuel Antonio National Park)
The trail is around 3km long and includes six hanging bridges and ten normal throughout the forest trail. Along the way, you’ll see a waterfall and even have a view of the volcano on a clear day.
Tip: Come in the morning, as this time usually is quieter and the weather is often better. Don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes as the trail can be muddy, and there are lots of creepy crawlies around!
How to Get to the Hanging Bridges
The hanging bridges are about a 30-minute drive from the center of La Fortuna. It’s best to drive using a rental car. Alternatively, you can take a taxi (expect to pay around 30 USD) or book a guided tour from La Fortuna that includes transportation.
Entrance fee: 26 USD per person (without a guide). You don’t need a guide to walk the trail, but it’s a good idea if you want professional help spotting different wildlife species. The route will take you around 2.5 hours with a guide. Without a guide, allocate 1.5 hours.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
If you have your own transport, you’ll find the best accommodations and campsites just outside the village. Otherwise, La Fortuna has many excellent accommodations that fit a range of budgets. If the hot springs play a big part in your trip, consider staying in a hotel with hot springs included in the nightly price. (Here are all your hotel options) We’d recommend staying 3-4 days to allow enough time to do all the top things to do in La Fortuna.
Campsites in La Fortuna
Planning on camping in Costa Rica? We camped in a 4×4 from Nomad America. Campsites in La Fortuna cost between 4000 – 5000 Colones (6-8 USD). Some good campsites are:
- Lagos del Rio
- Termales Los Laureles
How to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Most international flights come into San Jose, around 3 hours away from La Fortuna. The road is well-paved, and you can rent a car (no need for a 4×4 for this route). There are also many shuttle buses to choose from or public buses for an even lower price. (Book your transfers here)
Liberia also has an international airport and is a 2.5-hour drive from La Fortuna. Halfway is the Rio Celeste Waterfall, if you want to make a stop en route.
We recommend to rent a car in Costa Rica through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Best time to visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is tropical all year round, making it luscious and green. The dry season spans the months of December to April and is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer. However, these are also the busiest months, and accommodation prices can get very expensive (especially around Christmas and New Year).
If you don’t mind a bit of rain, the wet season (mid-April to November) is also a great option. During this time, there are fewer people, cheaper accommodation, and the waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest. Typically, the rain showers only come in the afternoon, so you’ll still have lovely sunshine and clear skies in the mornings.
Best Cafes and Restaurants in La Fortuna
La Fortuna town is the jumping-off point for many adventure activities, rivers, hot springs, and national parks. It’s also the place to find lots of yummy restaurants and cafes. In line with the adventurous and outdoor lifestyle, there are great healthy cafes where you can enjoy delicious tropical fruit and seasonal veggies. Some of our favourites were:
- Organico Fortuna
- Jungle Bowls (Smoothie bowls)
- Soda la Hormiga (Costa Rican)
- Kappa (Sushi)
Your budget for La Fortuna
In La Fortuna hotel or hostel rooms are priced between 20 – 250 USD a night. Going out for a meal its about 10 – 40 USD. There are quite some high entrance fees like La Fortuna waterfall or the Volcano park. Luckily you can opt for the free hot springs! Like almost everywhere in Costa Rica tap water is safe to drink in La Fortuna.
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Thanks for sharing all this info!
With what camera do you take photos? Looks awesome!
Thanks! 🤗 You can read about our gear here.