Written by David Garcia, Maria Gaulto, Alejandro Vargas
02/08/2025
Gotta Be Worth It, Pexels
La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is a renowned destination offering a blend of adventure and natural beauty, dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano. Visitors can immerse themselves in lush rainforests, discover stunning waterfalls, and relax in volcanically heated hot springs.
The town center of La Fortuna offers various restaurants, hotels, and shops. For socializing, local bars such as La Fortuna Pub, Voodoo Bar & Cocktails, and Lava Lounge provide lively atmospheres with live music and opportunities to connect with other travelers and locals. "Sodas," which are local restaurants, also offer an authentic cultural experience.
Top 7 Things to do in La Fortuna
La Fortuna offers a range of experiences, from exploring lush natural landscapes and encountering diverse wildlife to indulging in adrenaline-pumping adventures and relaxing in thermal waters.
1. La Fortuna Waterfall
Descend approximately 500 steps through a lush jungle path to reach the base of La Fortuna Waterfall. This impressive cascade drops 75 feet into a cool, emerald pool, perfect for a refreshing swim. It is advised to wear appropriate footwear for the descent and ascent, and to be mindful of the strong current near the falls.
Cost: The entrance fee is typically $18-$20 USD for adults (ages 9 and up). Children under 8 or 9 are usually free. Some combined tours may include the entrance fee.
Transport: The waterfall is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. A taxi typically costs $10-$15 USD one way, while an Uber may be around $5 USD one way. There is no public bus service directly to the waterfall. Many tours offer round-trip transportation.
2. Soaking in Hot Springs
Relax in the volcanically heated hot springs, a signature experience in La Fortuna. Various resorts and local spots offer different settings, from luxurious, landscaped pools with swim-up bars to more rustic, natural river experiences. These mineral-rich waters provide a soothing end to an active day.
Cost: Costs vary significantly. Luxury resorts like Tabacon or The Springs Resort can range from $68-$158+ USD for day passes, often including meals. Mid-range options like Ecotermales or Baldi are typically $30-$77 USD. Budget-friendly options like Termalitas can be around $8-$10 USD, and some natural river spots like El Chollín are free.
Transport: Most hot springs are a short drive from downtown La Fortuna, typically 8-16 minutes. Taxis are readily available. Some resorts and tours offer shuttle services to and from their facilities.
3. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Embark on a walk through the rainforest canopy along a two-mile trail system featuring 16 bridges, including six impressive hanging bridges. This experience offers unique perspectives of the forest, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as monkeys and birds, and enjoy panoramic views of Arenal Volcano on clear days.
Cost: Entrance for adults is $32 USD. For ages 11-18, it is $21 USD, and for 65 and over, it is $26 USD. Children aged 6-10 are free. Guided tours are available, and park-provided transportation from La Fortuna can be added for $26 USD per person.
Transport: The park is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. Taxis cost around $20-$25 USD one way. The park also offers a shuttle service for approximately $6 USD round trip. There is no public bus directly to the park.
4. Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking
Explore the diverse landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park through various hiking trails. Paths lead through secondary forests, old lava flows from the 1992 eruption, and provide viewpoints of the majestic Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The trails offer chances to observe local wildlife and impressive trees like the Ceibo.
Cost: The entrance fee for adult foreigners is $15 USD plus tax, and $5 USD plus tax for children. Tickets are purchased at the park entrance via credit card only. Guided hikes are an additional cost, typically $80-$125 USD per adult for group or private tours.
Transport: The park is about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. Public buses run twice daily from La Fortuna bus station for approximately $5 USD, but they can be unreliable. Shuttles, such as Arenal Shuttle, offer more reliable transport for around $15 USD. Taxis and Uber are also available.
5. Sloth Watching Tour
Join a guided tour along private trails specifically designed for spotting sloths in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable guides help locate these elusive creatures, along with other rainforest animals and birds. These tours provide an intimate encounter with Costa Rica's unique biodiversity.
Cost: Prices generally range from $30-$65 USD per person, often including the guide and entrance to the private reserve. Some tours may be offered as part of a combo package with other activities.
Transport: Many sloth tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in La Fortuna. Otherwise, private sloth trails are typically a short drive from town, accessible by taxi or a rental car.
6. Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rich agricultural heritage with a coffee and chocolate tour. Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans and cacao fruits. Many tours offer hands-on experiences, such as making your own chocolate, and include tastings of freshly brewed coffee, chocolate, and sometimes sugarcane.
Cost: Adult tours typically cost between $38-$49 USD per person. Reduced rates are often available for children. Many tours include round-trip transportation.
Transport: Most coffee and chocolate tours offer convenient round-trip transportation from hotels or vacation rentals in the La Fortuna area.
7. Whitewater Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on rivers like the Balsa (Class II-III) or Sarapiqui (Class III-IV). These guided excursions navigate exciting rapids through lush rainforests, offering an adventurous way to see the natural scenery and potentially spot wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.
Cost: Prices for whitewater rafting tours generally range from $70-$85 USD per person for Class II-III rapids. Tours typically include professional guides, safety equipment, and often round-trip transportation and a meal.
Transport: Almost all whitewater rafting tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in La Fortuna, as the river put-in points are usually outside of town.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
