The 4-day travel itinerary focussed on the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica will provide you with multiple options and suggestions based on your preferred travel style.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of things to do. But what if you're planning a short trip and need to figure out the best way to see just one part of the country. This 4-day La Fortuna travel itinerary provides options for all sorts of travellers - from the adventure junkies to more relaxed travelers this Costa Rican travel itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip.
Nestled at the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano, this charming town offers the perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene natural beauty. Whether you're hiking through lush rainforests, soaking in natural hot springs, or sampling locally grown coffee, La Fortuna promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
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Assumptions
Before we get into the La Fortuna itinerary, it's important to know that we make some assumptions. Firstly, we're assuming you have more or less the entirety of each of the four days - if you're arriving late at night on day one, you likely won't have time to do anything that day.
We're assuming you have access to efficient transportation (whether that's driving yourself, or transportation provided by tour groups). If you intend to take taxis and buses (or walk/bike), you'll be moving a lot slower than this guide assumes.
And finally, we're assuming you're fortunate enough to physically be able to enjoy the many activities La Fortuna has to offer. Should you have any physical limitations, please use this guide and adapt to what's best for your health.
Balanced Itinerary
This balanced four day itinerary is designed to give you a feel of everything La Fortuna has to offer - you'll experience some of the adventure, but you'll also take time to relax and enjoy the cultural aspects of Costa Rican.
Day One
Morning
Start your La Fortuna vacation by getting a bird's-eye view of the rainforest at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Arrive early (around 8 AM) to avoid crowds and catch the forest as it awakens.
Afternoon
Your morning involved a long walk and views from up-high, so we're taking it easy in the afternoon with a relaxed Chocolate and Coffee Tour. These tours are low effort, but still fun and full of interesting information about some of Costa Rica's most popular exports.
Evening
For dinner, explore the restaurants around La Fortuna's central park. Try local dishes like casado (a traditional Costa Rican meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein) or patacones (fried plantain chips).
After dinner (we recommend opting for a local soda for your first evening), take a stroll around the city with its colorful gardens and views of Arenal Volcano looming in the background.
Day Two
Morning
Just a short drive from town, La Fortuna Waterfall plunges 75 meters into a pristine natural pool. The descent involves 500 steps through dense rainforest. We recommend getting a guided package that includes the Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs (as a cheaper and more convenient combined option).
Afternoon
Hike up to the base of Arenal Volcano while checking out the local wildlife. Following your hike, head over to one of Costa Rica's free natural hot springs to relax a little. If you opted for a combined tour, your tour group will be able to arrange this morning and afternoon activity for you.
Evening
End the day with a cooking class teaching your a local favorite. Depending on which class you choose, it may even involve a trip to the market or a farm where you can pick some of your own ingredients.
Day Three
Morning
It's all about wildlife this morning (and afternoon) with a River Safari. This family-friendly activity offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities without the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting.
Afternoon
Continuing your river adventure.
Evening
End your day with a rejuvenating soak in Baldi Hot Springs, one of the area's most popular thermal experiences. If you're looking for the most luxurious option, consider Tabacon Hot Springs (you can get dinner there too!).
Day Four
Morning
Start your final day with a thrill - Costa Rica is known for its adventure holidays after all! Try some white water rafting on the Balsa River (Class II-III rapids).
Afternoon
Explore La Fortuna town or drive around the surrounding areas before taking the evening to yourself to prepare for your journey home. Now that you've had a few days to explore the town, and check out the deals, this is a great time to do some souvenir shopping.
Evening
Relax and prepare for your journey home.
Adventurous Itinerary
This La Fortuna four day adventure itinerary is about packing in as many thrills and adventurous/outdoorsy activities as you can into your short vacation. Some of these activities do have an element of risk involved, so please make sure you're physically able before signing up. Let's go!
Day One
Morning
Start your adventurous La Fortuna holiday itinerary with a visit to the Mistico Hanging Bridges, but up the thrills with the a Sky combo package that adds zip-lining and a sky tram to the classic Hanging Bridges experience.
(If you're only a mild thrill seeker, crossing the Hanging Bridges themselves is a little scary. They're high in the air, and are very bouncy and sway-y.)
Afternoon
We're reenergizing a chocolate and coffee tour (yes, it involves drinking coffee). There's some walking here but it's not strenuous at all. This activity is about catching your breath and getting a little Costa Rican knowledge.
Evening
Spot spiders, snakes, frogs, and more nocturnal wildlife on a Twilight Safari through the jungle. I've suggested a tour that includes a boat ride, but you can also hike through the jungle if you prefer (just make sure to use a good insect repellent please. It's a literal jungle out there).
Day Two
Morning
Start the day early with a challenging hike to Arenal Volcano's base. You'll want to take the El Ceibo trail with the advanced/difficult extension. The route takes 4-5 hours depending on your pace. While climbing up to the actual crater is illegal (for obvious reasons), this routes takes you as far up as you're permitted to venture.
You likely won't be able to sign up to any guided tours online that take this route (it's a bit too advanced for most). Instead, call up any of the La Fortuna tour groups, and they will be able to provide a guide (and transport too).
Afternoon
While viewing waterfalls is a classic activity while visiting Costa Rica, you can up the ante. Instead of simply viewing the waterfall from a distance, try rappelling down it! Rappelling and canyoning tours allow you to visit multiple waterfalls, while also getting some hiking in.
Evening
La Fortuna at night gives access to all sorts of different wildlife. Time to take a walk through the rainforest and learn about your nighttime neighbours.
Day Three
Morning
Forget gentle boat rides, you're starting off the day with white water rafting through "The Terminator" and "The Abyss" (those are the names of some of the Class III-IV rapids you'd experience in the Upper Balsa). That said, if you've never tried white water rafting before, you may want to opt for one that traverses Class II-III rapids instead.
Afternoon
It wouldn't be a truly adventurous itinerary without a little time for exploration and spontaneity. Take the afternoon to drive in whatever direction calls to you. There may not be a guided tour at the end of it, but you're sure to find something beautiful.
Evening
You've put your body through a lot these past few days. Time for a little self care at Baldi Hot Springs.
Day Four
Morning
One last set of thrills before you end your Costa Rican adventure itinerary. Begin the morning with waterfall jumping and extreme canyoning. Possibly the most adventurous activity in our itinerary, you'll be jumping off cliffs into natural pools, and swimming through canyons carved by volcanic activity!
Afternoon
You'll still be jumping off cliffs and rappelling down rock formations.
Evening
It's your last evening in La Fortuna. Spend a little time revisiting the town, and get all your things together before it's time to say goodbye.
Relaxed Itinerary
You're on holiday. You want to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Makes sense to me. This relaxed four day La Fortuna itinerary will suggest some fun, easy going things to do (while not just telling you to hang out at your resort/AirBnB pool...though that's a very valid option too).
Day One
Morning
Begin your trip with a relaxing walk high above the trees with the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. While there is a small thrill here (you're pretty high up and the hanging bridges can sway - the more people on the bridge the more you'll feel it sway and bounce!), it's a wonderful view of Costa Rican nature.
Afternoon
Take the afternoon to relax by the pool, or explore the local town. La Fortuna is small place, but it's filled with restaurants and souvenir shops that you may find appealing.
Evening
Book Jalapas restaurant for a dinner with a view. This relaxed (slightly more upscale) restaurant offers gorgeous panoramic views and a delicious local menu.
Day Two
Morning
Begin the day with a tranquil jungle yoga session at the base of Arenal volcano. These one hour sessions are suitable for both beginner and advanced yoga practitioners, and include a very light hike, the option to jump into a natural pool should you wish, and a locally-prepared lunch.
Afternoon
Dedicate the remainder of your afternoon and the early part of your evening to visit one of the many scenic thermal spas, such as Baldi Hot Springs. Make sure to stay until the evening to experience the transition to sunset and grab a little dinner.
Evening
Once you're done at the hot springs, enjoy the evening. If you're feeling energetic, walk around the town, but if you're anything like me, embrace your inner sloth and relax at your accommodation.
Day Three
Morning
Enjoy a slow start to the day. Make breakfast or walk down to a local soda or breakfast spot to enjoy some Gallo Pinto.
Afternoon
Take a gentle walk through Arenal Volcano Park with a sloth watching tour. Sloths don't move fast, so you won't have to either. Simply enjoy the walk while learning about the local wildlife and ecology from a knowledgeable guide.
Evening
End the day with a cooking class where you'll learn to make some local favorites (and get to eat your prepared dishes too).
Day Four
Morning
Another slow morning to make sure you're not feeling too tired on your last day in La Fortuna. Spend it by the pool, sleep in, or chill in La Fortuna town.
Afternoon
One last tour on your last day in La Fortuna. A coffee and chocolate tour allows you to learn about two of Costa Rica's most popular exports while also getting to sample them.
Evening
Enjoy a relaxing drive around La Fortuna and get all your things ready to leave.
Which itinerary to follow
We've provided three very different four day itineraries for La Fortuna, Costa Rica - each one has a different focus, and different type of traveller in mind. These are just templates and suggestions.
Feel free to use the itinerary that feels best to you and adapt however you feel necessary. Don't forget to pack appropriately for your trip!
If you're not sure where to begin, we recommend starting with the Balanced Itinerary and adapting from there - it's designed to let your enjoy your Costa Rican adventure holiday, while also include a bit of downtime and relaxation.
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