La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, dominated by the iconic Arenal Volcano. The town is located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. La Fortuna is a hub for adventure, relaxation, and experiencing the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Its diverse attractions and activities make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both excitement and tranquility in a stunning natural setting. Here are the top things to do in La Fortuna:
La Fortuna Waterfall (18USD):
La Fortuna Waterfall is without doubt one of the most popular sights in La Fortuna. With a drop of 70 meters it is one of the best waterfalls to visit in Costa Rica. Once you get there the experience starts with an amazing view of the waterfall surrounded by stunning scenery of the rainforest. As soon as you get down the 530 steps you reach the bottom of the waterfall and can enjoy the view some more and swim in the nearby fortuna river.
The waterfall is located 10 minutes from the center of La Fortuna and easily reachable by car or uber. The uber/taxi ride is about 5 USD each way. To get in you need an entrance ticket. This can be booked online or once you get there. The entry fee is 18 USD and free for children up to 8 years old.
Visit Hot Springs (free):
La Fortuna is famous for its hot springs, naturally heated by the geothermal activity of Arenal Volcano, offering a relaxing experience as well as enjoying the tropical surroundings. There are two types of hot springs. When you book a tour online, the hot springs are mostly inside of hotels and not really authentic. Instead it feels just like a common whirlpool.
I can recommend free hot springs. They offer a way better authentic experience. One in particular is labeled El Choyin on google maps. It is right after you pass by the Tabacon Hot Spring Resort just off the side of the road. During the day they might charge you for parking. When I was there, we went late at night so no one was there. Once you get there, you just walk down a small path to get to the actual hot springs.
El Salto Rope Swing (free):
One of the most popular free things to do in La Fortuna is the El Salto rope swing. It’s a popular spot amongst locals and backpackers. You can jump in from multiple points including a tarzan swing. If you don’t want to jump, it’s still a great place to cool off with natural pools on different levels to swim in.
Location: It takes you about 20 minutes to walk from the city center and 5 minutes to drive.
Horseback Riding to Volcano Arenal(70 USD):
Exploring the area around Volcano Arenal is a must if you visit La Fortuna. There are all different kinds of ways and tours available to see the area the best way possible. For my stay I chose horseback riding. Which was an incredible thing to come across. The ride leads you through the rain forest to one of the best viewpoints of Volcano Arenal and ends with a quick dip in the nearby lake.
I booked my tour in combination with entry tickets to the hot springs as well as transfer and paid 70 USD. So prices for just doing the Horseback riding tour may vary.
Hanging bridges + guided walking tour through the rain forest:
Embark on an unforgettable tour of the Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna, where you’ll traverse a series of suspension bridges high above the rainforest floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views. This guided walking tour through the rainforest allows you to immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the area, with expert guides pointing out exotic wildlife and vibrant flora you would otherwise miss.
SkyTrain – Hand of Arenal (50 USD):
Take the SkyTrain to the Hand of Arenal. Enjoy panoramic views of the lush landscape and the majestic Arenal Volcano on the way up. The tour culminates at the iconic Hand of Arenal, a striking viewing platform shaped like a giant hand and a perfect spot for memorable pictures. Keep in mind that with 50 USD this tour is definitely on the more expensive side.
Chocolate/coffee tour (28€):
Costa Rica is famous for planting and producing cacao as well as coffee. So there is no better place to get a look behind the scenes. I did the chocolate tour, which was a great experience to learn about everything it takes to end up with the perfect chocolate. It’s a very hands-on-tour. After they explain every step, you can make your own chocolate and taste it at the end with a variety of different toppings.
As you can see La Fortuna can make or break your travel budget. After experiencing all the activities myself, I can for sure say you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great time. Sometimes the best activities are the cheapest. When I had to name my personal highlight, I’d instantly say our spontaneous trip to the hot springs at night – for sure something I’ll never forget. What’s your highlight?
