La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a small town with a big reputation. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, this region is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to relax in thermal hot springs—there’s a reason it’s become one of the most popular destinations in Central America!
I’ve been to La Fortuna twice now and adore everything about this region. Everything about the landscape is stunning, with lush rainforests, flowing rivers, and geothermal hot springs heated by the nearby volcano.
Arenal Volcano itself is one of the most iconic sights in Costa Rica and played a major role in shaping the landscape we see today. This towering stratovolcano was once one of the most active in the world, and although it has been dormant since 2010, it remains a spectacular sight and a key part of the area’s allure.
If you’re planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica—you’ve come to the right place! I’m excited to share everything there is to know about this lush pura vida paradise with you.
How to Get to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Reaching La Fortuna, Costa Rica requires a bit of travel since the town doesn’t have its own airport. The closest major airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. Alternatively, you can fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR), but that drive takes closer to 3.5 to 4 hours. From either airport, you have a few options for getting to La Fortuna:
- Private Taxi: The most expensive option, but convenient if you want a direct ride from the airport to your hotel.
- Shared or Private Shuttles: A more affordable and still comfortable choice, shared shuttles offer door-to-door service but may take a little longer depending on the number of passengers. This is my preferred method for getting to La Fortuna. I recommend asking your hotel to arrange a reputable one for you as shuttle scams do exist in Costa Rica.
- Bus: The most budget-friendly option, but buses take significantly longer (up to 6 hours) and can be crowded and less comfortable.
- Self-Driving: It’s possible to rent a car from the airport and drive to La Fortuna yourself. While driving gives you more flexibility, the roads can be narrow, winding, and challenging, especially in poor weather. I definitely don’t recommend driving this route at night, as the roads are poorly lit and the mountain passes can be dangerous.
Hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Hotels are plenty in this region, including La Fortuna hotels with hot springs and volcano views. I recommend staying less than 30 minutes’ drive from downtown La Fortuna as this area has the greatest proximity to all the best things to do and see.
Luxury Hotels in La Fortuna
- Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: Known for its stunning natural hot springs and 5-star luxury, Tabacon is a must for those wanting a high-end experience.
- Nayara Gardens: Another luxurious option, this resort is famous for its beautiful rooms with private hot tubs and lush surroundings. It’s a little bit more secluded for those who want a getaway.
- The Springs Resort & Spa: A lavish hotel offering stunning views of Arenal Volcano and numerous hot spring pools to enjoy.
Mid-Range Hotels in La Fortuna
- Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa: Offers large suites with breathtaking views of the volcano, as well as access to its own hot springs.
- Arenal Manoa Hotel: This hotel has spacious rooms and an on-site hot spring, plus it’s only a short drive from downtown La Fortuna.
- Volcano Lodge & Springs: A perfect mid-range option with multiple hot spring pools and beautiful garden views.
Budget Hotels in La Fortuna
- Arenal Roca Lodge & Bungalows: Affordable and charming, this lodge offers basic but comfortable accommodations with excellent proximity to the town and volcano. I’ve stayed here and was wowed by the amazing volcano views from the window!
- Hotel Lomas del Volcan: A great budget-friendly hotel that still provides beautiful views of Arenal Volcano and has its own on-site restaurant.
- Hotel La Pradera: Simple yet comfortable, this hotel is close to the town center and offers stunning views of the volcano.
Especially during the high season (December-April), remember to book your accommodation well in advance!
Weather in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season coincides with the high tourist season and the rainy season is the low season. I’ve been to La Fortuna during both and I think both sides have their strengths and weaknesses!
Dry season, which falls between December and April, sees less rainfall (but still some rainfall—you’re in the rainforest after all!), much larger crowds, and higher prices. However, it has generally better weather. More shops and services are open during this time. You also have a better chance of seeing beautiful sunsets and the Arenal Volcano, which is known for being shy.
Rainy season runs from June through October. Per the name, it rains more during this time, but the rains are usually limited to afternoon and early evening. There are much, much fewer crowds and prices for hotels and tours are lower. Tours are also more private because there may not be other people around and you can negotiate the price.
If you want a more in-depth comparison of whether or not it’s better to visit La Fortuna in Costa Rica during dry season versus rainy season, check out my dedicated comparison post here.
How to Get Around La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The best way to explore La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is by renting a car. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. The roads are generally in good condition, and driving here is relatively easy because the drivers are very laid back and nice. Even I, as a New Yorker who almost never drives, had no trouble.
🚗 Rent a car here. Please note that all rental cars in Costa Rica have mandatory insurance that isn’t reflected in the online price—even if you have primary insurance through a third party or credit card!
If you don’t want to drive or cannot drive, you can try taking a bus or taxi. The red taxis all around downtown La Fortuna are very reliable and safe, though the drivers might not speak much English. Uber is also available here for a reasonable price. Taking the bus is the cheapest but may take a long time to get to where you want, so I don’t recommend it.
Lastly, you can get a tour for pretty much anything and everything in La Fortuna, and they usually include an option for round-trip transportation. So feel free to book as many excursions as you want and get picked up by a driver as part of your activity!
What to Pack for La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Welcome to the rainforest! As such, you should pack accordingly. I recommend bringing light layers, rain and sun protection, and bug spray everywhere you go. Here are some of my top picks for things I brought:
- Dry Bag: Honestly, this was the best idea I had on the whole trip. This lightweight waterproof bag keeps all your stuff dry, which means you can store your phone, wallet, camera and more inside no matter the weather. It’s also helpful if you need to put your bag down anywhere, to protect it from mud, dirt, or bugs.
- Bug Spray: An absolute must. While they generally don’t carry diseases, the mosquitoes in Costa Rica can be unforgiving! Make sure to bring one with a high enough percentage of DEET.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: When the sun is out in La Fortuna, it’s HOT! Make sure to have at least SPF 30 and reapply sunscreen every few hours.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch: Useful if you want to take your phone with you on adventures like zip lining, swimming, or whitewater rafting.
- Cash: most places in La Fortuna take credit card, but it can still be useful to have cash (in local Costa Rican colones) in a pinch. Also, if you want to negotiate prices with tour operators or shop owners, they usually will ask for cash. Instead of using the currency exchange at the airport, I recommend drawing cash from a local ATM in downtown La Fortuna for better rates.
The Best Sights and Activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a very outdoorsy, active place with a great emphasis on nature and wildlife. This is reflected in all the best things to do and see, which are almost all outdoors!
La Fortuna Waterfall
A must-visit, this 70-meter waterfall is just a short drive from town. It takes about 30 minutes to hike down the 500 steep stairs, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views and refreshing swim at the base. The current here is super strong, so don’t swim too close to the waterfall itself!
La Fortuna Waterfall is open from 7 to 5 and costs 18 USD per person. Your ticket includes an orchid garden (which sadly wasn’t in bloom during rainy season when we visited). This is one of the most popular places in all of La Fortuna—in high season there can easily be 100 people here at a time! For that reason, I recommend coming around opening time.
Arenal Volcano National Park
While it’s illegal to climb the Arenal Volcano itself, the Arenal Volcano National Park offers lots of beautiful trails with great volcano views! The 1968 Trail is a favorite, winding through lush forests and offering incredible views of the volcano along the way. I’m also a fan of the hike to the famous towering La Ceiba tree—which we didn’t end up finding, but it was amazing to see the smaller trees along the way!
For a quieter experience, head to Mirador El Silencio just outside the national park, where you can hike through the forest with almost no other people around.
Hot Springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
One of the best ways to relax after a day of exploring is by soaking in the natural hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. I’m partial to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa and can’t stop recommending this place to everyone who goes to La Fortuna, but there are plenty of hot spring options!
Read my glowing review of Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa here or feel free to check out Baldi Hot Springs and EcoTermales Hot Springs, among other fan favorites.
♨️ Read more: Is It Worth Visiting Tabacon Hot Springs in La Fortuna?
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a must-visit. The park features a 3-kilometer trail with six hanging bridges, offering an elevated view of the rainforest canopy. You’re likely to spot birds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way.
The park is open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the entrance fee is $26 USD. It’s best to buy your ticket in advance and arrive early in the morning when wildlife is most active. You can read more about Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park in my guide here.
🌿 Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another popular activity in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and also one of my favorites! Even if you’ve never ridden a horse, Costa Rican horses are so laid back and easy that it’s no trouble at all.
Most tours take you either around the base of Arenal Volcano or to La Fortuna Waterfall. I recommend doing the Arenal Volcano route and visiting La Fortuna Waterfall on your own. Of course, there’s no guarantee that the volcano will be out, so I would suggest doing the first tour of the morning to get the best chances!
Prices typically range from $65 to $100 and include all the gear, a 2-hour guided route, and sometimes bonus entry to hot springs or a meal afterward.
Zip Lining
Zip lining is definitely one of the most popular activities that’s a must-do in Costa Rica. In fact, it’s so popular that there are a plethora of companies to choose from! You can go with a popular one like Sky Adventures or Ecoglide, which offer long zip lines, beautiful routes through the rainforest canopy, and amazing birds-eye views of the lush surroundings.
Tours usually cost around $50 to $100 and are known for their safety and stunning scenery. Some of the zip lines here are among the longest and fastest in the world and they usually also offer photo packages if you want pictures to commemorate your adventures.
Chocolate and Coffee Tours
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and chocolate, and taking a tour is a great way to learn about the production process. The guide walks you through the entire chocolate-making process from cacao tree to chocolate bar and you get to participate every step of the way! And of course, you get to eat tons of chocolate at the end.
We did “Rainforest Chocolate Tour” and it was incredibly fun and educational. Also, I’ve now discovered I like my dark chocolate with orange oil and a crack of sea salt. This is a perfect rainy day activity as the workshops are usually sheltered!
Sloth and Wildlife Tours
Did you even come to Costa Rica if you didn’t see a sloth? I highly recommend doing one of these tours if you’re interested in seeing wildlife! It’s very difficult to spot animals without a trained eye and booking a guided tour dramatically increases your chances of seeing some of the region’s most iconic animals, including sloths, monkeys, frogs, and exotic birds. The guides are experts at spotting wildlife in their natural habitat and often bring telescopes, so you can get a close-up view of the animals.
On my most recent sloth tour, we saw four sloths in a single hour-long tour with our guide and trust me when I say we never would have seen them otherwise! Between distance and camouflage, it’s nearly impossible to see them in the dense foliage.
El Salto Rope Swing
For a free and fun activity in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, head to El Salto Rope Swing. This is a popular local swimming hole located just outside town and it’s still relatively unknown to non-locals! The spot is easily accessible by car or bike, and best of all, there’s no entrance fee!
Shopping in Downtown La Fortuna
If you’re looking for souvenirs or unique handmade items, take a stroll through downtown La Fortuna. The town is home to several artisan shops where you can find locally crafted goods such as jewelry, pottery, and woodwork. Costa Rican coffee and chocolate are also popular souvenirs to bring home, and you’ll find plenty of shops selling high-quality local products.
Overall, La Fortuna is not very active at night so I recommend coming before dinner if you want to explore the most stores. It’s also another great rainy day activity or a way to wind down after a day of adventures. We enjoyed walking around, explored some artisan shops, bought chocolate and coffee souvenirs, and got massages.
Whitewater Rafting and Tubing
If you’re action-oriented, I highly recommend going whitewater rafting or tubing in La Fortuna! The region’s rivers, fed by the nearby mountains and rainforests, offer the perfect conditions for both thrilling rapids and more leisurely tubing excursions.
I’ve been whitewater rafting in La Fortuna and absolutely loved it! We tackled class III and class IV rapids and had a blast riding through the rainforest’s rivers. Most tours also include a stop along the riverbank for a break and a snack of fresh tropical fruit. The whitewater rafting tours also typically offer photo packages so you can focus on navigating the rapids!
Eat at a Traditional Costa Rican Soda
While exploring La Fortuna, Costa Rica, make sure to stop at a traditional Costa Rican soda. Not to be confused with the carbonated drink, a soda is a small, family-run restaurant serving up authentic Costa Rican dishes like casado (a plate typically consisting of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat) and gallo pinto (a breakfast dish of rice and beans). Dinner is usually a small or at-home affair.
The food at a soda is simple but delicious, and you can also enjoy freshly made juices like cas, guanabana, or tamarindo. After all, eating is a major part of enjoying the local culture!
Beyond La Fortuna
Have extra time or want to go outside of La Fortuna? With a rental car, you can easily explore more of Costa Rica without having to go too far. Here are some fantastic nearby destinations worth visiting.
Bajos Del Toro
Just a short drive from La Fortuna, Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem known for its pristine waterfalls and lush cloud forest. One of the highlights of the area is Las Pozas, a stunning secret waterfall that offers a secluded and tranquil spot for nature lovers. The area is also home to the Catarata del Toro, one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, and several hiking trails that meander through the forest.
In fact, I’ve heard many people say that they skipped La Fortuna Waterfall because it can’t compare to the incredible falls in Bajos del Toro!
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Just 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, Costa Rica, visit Tenorio Volcano National Park and see the famous Rio Celeste, known for its strikingly bright blue waters. The hike to the waterfall takes about an hour and a half.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the Laguna Azul and El Tenidero, where the river gets its distinct color from natural minerals in the water. Make sure to call ahead to check if the water is clear, as heavy rains can sometimes turn the river brown.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
On your way back to San Jose, consider a stop at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, located between La Fortuna and the San Jose airport. This privately owned wildlife reserve offers visitors the chance to see several waterfalls, an animal sanctuary, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s a great way to round out your trip with more stunning scenery and wildlife encounters.
¡Pura Vida! Have Fun in La Fortuna, Costa Rica!
La Fortuna, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in this country for a reason—it has everything you could possibly want. Who knew that this picturesque town nestled near the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano would have so much to see and do?
I truly hope you fall in love with Costa Rica as much as I have, and don’t forget to enjoy and relax along the way. Pura vida!
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