La Fortuna is one of the most-visited areas in Costa Rica, known for its lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It serves as an excellent hub for many tours and excursions, while boasting great views of Arenal volcano.
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Why Travel to La Fortuna?
One of the primary draws to La Fortuna is its proximity to Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks. The volcanic area filled with rainforests and incredible biodiversity makes this one of the best regions in Costa Rica to visit.
Travelers often spend their day relaxing at hot springs and/or visiting waterfalls and taking outdoor activities such as river rafting, spelunking and kayaking. La Fortuna's main town offers abundant restaurants and nightlife. It's also a hub for transport, and getting to and from tours.
If ziplining, wildlife, coffee, rafting or volcano tours are on your list, La Fortuna is certainly worth a stop at minimum, or even as your home base in Costa Rica. It also offers convenient transport to Monteverde, another popular ecotourism destination.
The town of La Fortuna has many attractive qualities and opportunities ranging from relaxation to extreme adventures, however it might not be for everyone. The downside is that La Fortuna may feel more touristy or expensive compared to lesser-visited areas of Costa Rica.
Best Places in La Fortuna
The main town of La Fortuna is a convenient tourism hub for some of the best nature and adventure tours in Costa Rica, not to mention a great spot to have a view of Arenal Volcano. We will first highlight the best things to do within the town itself, and then go over many of the tours which the region is famous for.
La Fortuna Main Town
1. Parque de La Fortuna
The park in the center of town offers a great place to relax. We spotted several toucans within the palm trees, and watched fire dancing shows at night. Arenal Volcano can be spotted in the distance, which makes for a great photo spot.
2. El Salto
Famous for its rope swing, El Salto has a small waterfall and picturesque rapids. Some prefer to admire the show put on by these thrill-seekers, or simply enjoy a refreshing swim and meet new people.
3. Honey, Chocolate & Coffee Tour
Offered at the Arenal Bee Garden, this 3 in 1 tour offers insight into the production of these local goods within the history of the region. Best of all, tastings are included! There are also several chocolate and coffee tours you can take from the main town, more to that later.
4. La Fortuna Butterfly Garden
Dedicated to the conservation of butterflies and other tropical insects, the Butterfly Conservatory is a must-visit for anyone interested in Costa Rica’s vibrant insect life. The conservatory features several greenhouses, each home to a variety of butterfly species, as well as educational exhibits on local ecosystems.
5. Bogarin Trail
The Bogarin Trail offers excellent opportunities to see sloths from within the town of La Fortuna. Self-guided tours are available, however guided tours either during the day or night are recommended to spot more wildlife and learn about these impressive creatures.
6. Restaurants & Nightlife
La Fortuna is bustling with restaurants and bars offering several food options from traditional to gourmet meals. The streets come alive at night, and you'll have no trouble finding nightlife to enjoy.
Be sure to have a meal at a traditional soda, which offer full plates at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy great ambiance and good food at Pollo Fortuneño. Our favorite higher-end meal was at Bamboo Gardens, which had great food and views of the river.
Best Day Trip Tours from La Fortuna
If you are looking to visit some of the major sights in La Fortuna without a tour, we highly recommend checking out the shuttle company, EasyHop. Their daily routes go between La Fortuna main town and several locations mentioned below, namely: El Salto, a couple of coffee and chocolate tours, La Fortuna waterfalls, multiple hot springs, Arenal 1968 Park, and the hanging bridges.
1. Hot Spring Pools
One of the must-do things in La Fortuna is visiting a hot spring or better yet, stay in a hot spring hotel. There are several options to choose from such as Baldi and Tabacon or more affordable options such as Relax Termalitas and Termales del Arenal. More details about this below.
2. Guided Safari and Wildlife Activities
Costa Rica is know for its wildlife and biodiversity. It is one of many travelers' reasons for visiting Costa Rica. In our months of exploring this beautiful country, La Fortuna is the best spot to have a safari tour. Taking a sloth walking tour or a guided rainforest night tour is a must!
3. Arenal Volcano National Park
Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, this national park is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Trails wind through lush forests, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis. For the adventurers, don't miss the canyoning and rapelling in waterfalls and river rafting.
4. Arenal 1968 Volcano Trail
The Arenal Volcano Park 1968 Trails, named after the eruption in 1968, offers unique and historical hiking trails that you can explore. These trails are The Guayabos Trail, The Coladas Trail and El Bosque or Los Patos Trail. You can choose to join a guided-tour as well to learn more about the history and significance of the place.
5. Lake Arenal
The largest lake in Costa Rica offers breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano with the rainforest and wildlife. You can also swim in the calm waters of Lake Arenal and enjoy other water-based activities such as fishing, and paddle-boarding. You can also book a kayak tour from La Fortuna with transfer.
6. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Another fantastic location for experiencing the rainforest from above, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges offers a series of hanging bridges and guided tours that delve into the rich biodiversity of the area. One of our favorite tours that we did in Costa Rica.
7. Venado Caves
For the adventurous traveler, the Venado Caves offer a unique underground experience. Go spelunking and explore these incredible caves - climb and crawl through underground trails and narrow crevices with a guided tour.
8. La Fortuna Waterfall
Go down 530 steps through a rainforest leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. Cascading 70 meters into a crystal-clear pool, this waterfall is top of many people's La Fortuna lists. It is prohibited to swim at the base of the waterfall, but there are offshoots of the river available for a cool dip. We recommend visiting Rio Celeste with a tour guide over La Fortuna waterfalls, however due to the proximity of La Fortuna, you're easily able to get here from town via EasyHop.
9. Chocolate and Coffee Tours
Costa Rica is well-known for their coffee. A must-visit activity when exploring this country is learning about coffee and chocolate production. Tours from La Fortuna include Rainforest Chocolate Tour and North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour. If you wish to visit these places yourself, you can book transport with EasyHop.
10. Rio Celeste
Although these falls are further from town, a day trip to Rio Celeste is totally worth it. The scenic waterfall feeds into a beautiful turquoise blue pool. After a hike, the tour will conclude with a swim in the bright blue river just outside of the park.
11. River Rafting and Safaris
La Fortuna is likely the best place in Costa Rica for River Rafting & Safaris. The surrounding rivers that cut through the surrounding mountainous rainforest offers perfect rafting conditions for all skill levels.
12. Ziplining
The rainforest canopy also creates an excellent landscape for ziplining. There are several options to choose from - you can zipline with Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, zipline with 7 cables and relax at thermal pools or zipline with 12 cables and a forest guided tour.
13. Kelambu Hot Springs and Water Park
Explore the hot spring pools, water-slide, wet bar and playground in this water-park - ideal spot for families with kids or anyone who wanted to have fun. Check out their website for amenities and entrance fees.
Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Premium Hot Spring Hotels
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is the most popular in the area. It's the most affordable resort in this list and has a party-like atmosphere, featuring water-slides.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is beautiful and likely the next most popular hot spring resort. Day passes are available, but the most premium hot springs are for hotel guests.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal may be the single most premium resort in La Fortuna, and is apparently the favourite of celebrities.
Ecotermales is a more intimate and less crowded alternative to the larger hot springs, for a more relaxing and natural feel.
Affordable Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Termales Del Arenal offers hotel stays, or day pass use of its heated pools for $18. They have a large number of pools in varying temperatures. They have children's pool, snack bar, dining areas, water slides and even a sauna.
Relax Termalitas also offers hotel stays, as well as day pass use of their hot springs for 5000 colones. You have access to pools with both hot and cold water. Children's pool, snack bar, dining areas and water slides are available as well. On a clear day, has a good view of the Arenal Volcano.
Free Hot Springs in La Fortuna
El Choyin is a hot spring river located 15 minutes from town. As this stretch of Choyin Rio is not owned by local businesses it's free to enter. Find a private stretch of the river to relax in and enjoy a massage from the rapids.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
It's imperative to choose the right type of hotel in La Fortuna based on the kind of travel you're looking for. Each type of stay will result in drastically different trips. See our full La Fortuna accommodation guide here.
Vacation rentals within town
These no-frills La Fortuna Hotel stays are perfect for those who want to stay central, especially if you do not have a car. Access to restaurant and transport to tours is much easier when staying in town.
Our recommendations: Socialtel La Foruna (formerly Selina Hostel), Tico Bed & Breakfast and Poshtel Arenal
Hot Spring Resorts
One of the things La Fortuna is famous for. These relaxing resorts offer plenty of pools to lounge in, which are heated by geothermal activity of the nearby volcano.
Our recommendations: Hotel Mountain Paradise, Nayara Gardens and Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
Nature Lodges
Nature Lodges are for nature lovers who want a secluded stay in the middle of the rainforest, with views of Arenal Volcano.
Our recommendations: Casa Torre Eco-Lodge, and Arenal Observatory Lodge
We recommend spending a few days in La Fortuna town while doing tours and day trips, and then finishing your vacation with a couple of relaxing nights in a hot spring resort.
La Fortuna Costa Rica: Tips
- Tours can be purchased in town if not buying in advance. Be sure to negotiate, and perhaps ask for a cash discount (USD or colones).
- Most tours communicate through WhatsApp. Make sure you have an account from your home country as your number needs to be verified.
- Food can be as expensive as US restaurants, or a fraction of the cost. Wide ranges are available. If looking for affordable and quick meal options, head to a soda. Also pay attention to where local taxi drivers stop to eat to ensure good value for money.
- Tipping is not expected. Some restaurants have a service fee built into the price, which serves as a tip.
- La Fortuna is very safe. As anywhere, just be cautious walking around at night in secluded areas.
- To get around, EasyHop is the most affordable and convenient option by far. From city center, they have a daily shuttle route that stops at La Fortuna waterfall, numerous hot springs, Arenal 1968 Park, and the Hanging Bridges.
Conclusion
With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that La Fortuna continues to be one of the top travel destinations in Costa Rica. We hope that this list has been helpful in planning your trip. Don't hesitate to reach out or send us a DM on Instagram for any questions.
Curious on what drone we have? We currently have the DJI Mini 4 Pro and we couldn't recommend it enough especially for beginners as it has good stabilization and obstacle avoidance (because you don't want to crash into a tree on day 1!)
Looking for more destinations? Check out our guides to exploring Khao Sok National Park, Thailand; Coron, Palawan, Philippines and Hoi An, Vietnam.
Happy Travels!
