Discover why this small town has become an essential stop for travelers seeking the perfect blend of natural wonders and authentic Pura Vida spirit with this rundown of the seven best things to do in La Fortuna.
La Fortuna, nestled in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush rainforests, this small town offers some of the most spectacular experiences in Central America.
Whether you're planning a short stay or an extended visit, here are the top seven things to do in La Fortuna that will make your next Costa Rican adventure unforgettable.
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La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the area. This 70-meter (230-foot) cascade plunges into a crystal-clear natural pool, creating a picture-perfect scene that seems straight out of a travel magazine.
To reach the waterfall, you'll descend approximately 500 steps through the lush rainforest. Thankfully, the steps are well-maintained, and the trek down is relatively easy, though the climb back up can be challenging—it is, however, absolutely worth the effort!
At the base of the waterfall, there are two pools available. One side is the waterfall itself, while the other is a small beach. You can swim in either side (yes, you can try to swim close to the waterfall but it does come down quite hard so it's very difficult to do so. And maybe not the safest thing!).
Alternatively, bring a towel and relax on the rocks while taking in the the spectacular view.
Tips
- You can buy tickets at the venue, but there are long queues. Buy your La Fortuna Waterfall ticket in advance to skip the lines.
- The best time to visit is early morning to avoid crowds.
- Make sure to bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
- I recommend getting a combined guided tour that includes the waterfall, the volcano hike, and a quick trip to the hot springs.
Arenal Volcano Hike
The iconic Arenal Volcano is the geological crown jewel of the region. While it's currently in a resting phase (no lava flows to see), the perfectly cone-shaped volcano still makes for an impressive sight and offers excellent hiking opportunities.
The Arenal Volcano National Park features several trails (some the easy ones are very well-maintained, the more advanced trails are more...challenging) that wind through varied landscapes, from old lava fields to lush rainforests. The most popular routes include:
- Arenal 1968 Trail: Named after the year of the volcano's major eruption, this trail takes you through lava fields and offers spectacular views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Las Coladas Trail: A 2.8 km path that leads to a viewpoint overlooking hardened lava flows from past eruptions.
- El Ceibo Trail: This route takes you through the rainforest, allowing you to spot wildlife and unique vegetation.
Tips
- While you can enter the park by yourself, I recommend opting for a guided volcano hike as some of the trails are a bit difficult to follow. The guides also do a wonderful job of explaining the history and the ecology of the area.
- Opt to make the hike in the early part of the morning for clearer views (the volcano is often shrouded in clouds by afternoon).
- Make sure to bring comfortable trail blazers or hiking shoes and plenty of water. Check out what shoes to take to Costa Rica for more information.
- I recommend opting for the combined guided tour that includes La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal volcano, and a quick trip to the hot springs. These can all be done in a day, giving you more time to checking out more things to do in La Fortuna.
Indulge in a Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica is renowned for its exceptional coffee and chocolate, and La Fortuna offers fantastic opportunities to learn about both. Several local farms provide educational and delicious chocolate/coffee tours where you can follow the journey from bean to cup (or bar).
On these tours, you'll typically:
- Walk through plantations learning about sustainable growing practices.
- Observe the harvesting and processing methods.
- Participate in some hands-on activities (such as grinding coffee or sampling cacao).
- Sample freshly roasted coffee and handmade chocolate.
- (And if you're lucky, you might even see some sloths!)
The North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour is amongst the most highly rated experiences in the area, with guides that speak English well.
Tips
- Duration: 2 hours
- This type of tour is perfect for food enthusiasts and culture seekers. While there are some hands-on activities, this is a very different experience from the other more adventurous/active options.
- Assuming you're staying in La Fortuna, many tour groups will include transportation from and back to your accommodation at no additional cost. Make sure to check!
Mystico Hanging Bridges
For a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy, the Mystico Hanging Bridges Park offers an unforgettable experience. This network of suspension bridges allows you to walk through different levels of the forest, from the ground to the treetops.
The trail consists of six hanging bridges and several fixed ones, spanning approximately 3-4 km through the private reserve. As you walk, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—you might spot howler monkeys, colorful birds, sloths, and numerous tropical butterflies.
Tips
- Guided tours are available. The main benefit of a guide here is that they're fantastic as spotting wildlife.
- The best time to go is very early mornings to avoid the crowds and to see more wildlife activity. It's also worth avoiding the hanging bridges on days with poorer visibility.
- You don't need hiking shoes for the hanging bridges. Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring insect repellent!
Natural Hot Springs
One of La Fortuna's most distinctive attractions is its abundance of natural hot springs, heated by the geothermal activity of Arenal Volcano. These mineral-rich waters offer the perfect relaxation after a day of hiking and exploration.
The area boasts several hot spring facilities, each offering a unique experience:
- Tabacón Hot Springs: The most luxurious option, featuring cascading thermal waters in a lush garden setting with multiple pools of varying temperatures.
- Baldi Hot Springs: Home to more than 25 thermal pools, waterslides, and swim-up bars—perfect for families and those seeking both relaxation and entertainment.
- EcoTermales: A more intimate experience with fewer crowds, offering a serene environment with five main pools nestled in the rainforest.
Tips
- This is a more relaxed option and perfect as a recovery day following a long hike.
- Evening visits are underrated. The hot springs have beautifully lit-up gardens that can only be enjoyed in the evening.
- Many hotels offer packages including transportation
- Make sure to bring your swimming gear, a towel, and flip-flops.
- Most facilities have lockers and changing rooms available. However, if you choose to find any of the free hot springs around La Fortuna, do keep in mind that they don't include any sort of lockers or changing rooms.
Twilight Wildlife Safari
For an unforgettable encounter with Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity, a guided twilight wildlife safari around La Fortuna is a must-do activity. As the day transitions to night, the rainforest undergoes a fascinating transformation, with diurnal creatures retreating and nocturnal animals emerging.
These specialized tours typically begin just before sunset and extend into the early evening hours when wildlife activity peaks. Expert guides equipped with spotlights and knowledge of the local ecosystem will help you spot animals that you wouldn't see during the day.
What makes these twilight safaris special is the opportunity to observe wildlife during their most active periods. You might witness:
- Red-eyed tree frogs emerging from their daytime slumber.
- Kinkajous and olingo feeding in fruit trees.
- Bats!
Tips
- Make sure to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes; bring insect repellent, and a flashlight.
- Your guide will often take photos through spotting scopes but in an ideal situation you should have a camera with good low-light capabilities.
- Some tours include transportation from your hotel.
Visit the beach
While La Fortuna itself is landlocked, the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific coast make for an excellent day trip. The drive to either spot offers beautiful scenery through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes. Both Jaco and Tamarindo are reachable for a long day excursion, offering a perfect contrast to the rainforest and volcanic landscapes.
Jaco is the closer option, about 3.5 hours by car from La Fortuna. This lively beach town is known for:
- A wide stretch of dark sand beach perfect for swimming
- Excellent surfing conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers
- Vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene
Tamarindo, while further away (about 4.5 hours), offers:
- Golden sand beaches with turquoise waters
- More upscale dining and accommodation options
- Better conditions for snorkeling and diving
Tips
- Consider staying overnight to make the most of your beach time.
- Rent a car for flexibility, or book an organized tour.
- For a shorter beach trip, consider Lake Arenal, which has small beaches and water sports just 30 minutes from La Fortuna
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna perfectly encapsulates Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" philosophy with its combination of natural wonders, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. While these seven attractions top the list, the area offers many more experiences worth exploring—from white-water rafting to canyoning.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful communion with nature, La Fortuna delivers unforgettable experiences that will have you planning your return visit before you've even left. Make sure to check out our Costa Rica travel tips to make the most of your holiday!
Have you visited La Fortuna? Which of these attractions would you most look forward to experiencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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