La Fortuna is one of the most picturesque towns in Costa Rica. It’s in the inland province of Alajuela, in the northern part of the country, and despite being quite small, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. Here, you’ll find all kinds of hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a worthwhile stop on your itinerary.
In our case, we came to La Fortuna to see the famous Arenal Volcano and hike through its rivers of solidified lava. However, once there, we discovered lots of other things to do in La Fortuna, so we’re excited to return.
In this guide, I’ll share the 15 best attractions in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, as well as hotel recommendations to help you plan your trip.
1. Arenal Volcano, an incredible place to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
One of the defining characteristics of La Fortuna is the silhouette of the Arenal Volcano in the background. Surrounded by greenery, this monumental volcano seems to be looking down from above. Its most destructive eruption on record occurred in 1968, killing more than 70 people. Don’t worry, though, because the volcano has been dormant since 2010.
Nowadays, this impressive volcano is one of the main attractions in La Fortuna. The best way to witness this natural marvel is by visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the top-rated national parks in Costa Rica. In addition to the spectacular views of one of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanoes, you’ll find several beautiful trails here, making this a hiker’s paradise.
1. Arenal Volcano, an incredible place to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The park is divided into two sectors: the Volcano Sector has three different trails that explore the lava flows, while the Peninsula Sector veers into the surroundings of Lake Arenal. It’s worth visiting both sectors, and you can do it in one day, even combining your adventure with another stunning place: the La Fortuna Waterfall.
If you don’t plan on renting a car in Costa Rica, I recommend taking this tour from La Fortuna’s town center. In addition to the volcano and waterfall, it goes to some hot springs in the area, where you can relax.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall, a must-see in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
As I mentioned, the La Fortuna Waterfall is another popular attraction in La Fortuna, so it belongs on your itinerary. Reaching nearly 70 meters (230 feet) high and immersed in lush vegetation, it’s among the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall, a must-see in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
While you must descend 500 stone steps to reach the base of the waterfall, it’s worth it for a refreshing swim. Besides, there are some rest areas along the way, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some native animals of Costa Rica, like howler monkeys or toucans.
Also, be aware that entrance to the waterfall costs $18, which is independent of Arenal Volcano Park. For $2 more, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket. Parking here is free, and the waterfall is just a 10-minute drive from the center of La Fortuna. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, this excursion is a great alternative. You’ll visit three beautiful places in La Fortuna: the waterfall, the volcano, and the hot springs.
3. Soak in the hot springs, one of the best activities in La Fortuna
Soaking in the hot springs of La Fortuna is a must during your trip, especially after a full day of exploring. Thanks to the geothermal activity of the Arenal Volcano, there are several hot springs full of mineral-rich waters from the depths of the Earth. So, if you aren’t sure what to do in La Fortuna, you can’t beat a therapeutic soak in the warm waters.
To do this, you have two options. The first is to stay at one of the paid thermal complexes in the area or purchase a day pass. There are various complexes, but I recommend the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, which has over 20 hot springs.
3. Soak in the hot springs, one of the best activities in La Fortuna
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more natural environment, check out the Chollín Hot Springs. They’re in a wilder space, so there aren’t any services in the surrounding area. Also, they can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, so try to visit early.
The second option is to do this full-day tour I told you about earlier. It’s the most efficient way to see the most notable attractions in La Fortuna: the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the hot springs.
4. Hanging bridges of Místico Park, a place you cannot miss in La Fortuna
If you’re looking for things to do in La Fortuna as a family, I suggest visiting Místico Park and its hanging bridges. Here, you can walk along a network of suspended trails while enjoying the views of the forest next to the Arenal Volcano. There are 16 bridges in total, all strategically placed to immerse you in the amazing landscape. The entire trail is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, so it’ll take you around two hours.
4. Hanging bridges of Místico Park, a place you cannot miss in La Fortuna
Since this is a private attraction, you must buy an admission ticket ($26/person). The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although they also organize nighttime wildlife tours. If you don’t want to drive, you can do the day tour that I already recommended or this excursion, which replaces the hot springs with Místico Park, a more kid-friendly attraction.
5. Lake Arenal, another tourist attraction near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal is another place to visit in La Fortuna. When the government built a hydroelectric plant in the Arenal Valley, they dammed the river and created this artificial lake. The plant is one of the most revolutionary engineering projects in Costa Rica, supplying energy to 40% of the country.
This lake is the second-largest lake in Central America, covering 90 square kilometers (35 square miles). While the construction of the lagoon in the 1970s displaced 2,500 people across two communities, they were able to improve their living conditions with better houses, infrastructure, electricity, and wastewater management.
5. Lake Arenal, another tourist attraction near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
As one of the main attractions in La Fortuna, Lake Arenal is just 20 minutes from downtown and offers incredible views. You can travel down the road that borders the lagoon and enjoy the various viewpoints.
Beyond the views, there are several things to do, such as this kayak tour, which gives you an hour to navigate across the lake and bird-watch. It also includes fresh fruit to help you replenish your energy levels, although there are local restaurants in the area if you need something more substantial. Another fun option is this paddle board tour for all ages, which gives you a unique perspective of the lake.
6. Go ziplining in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, something fun to do in La Fortuna
If you’re up for an adventure, there are many fun activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. One that I must recommend is ziplining at Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. Here, you’ll find seven ziplines to choose from, suitable for different ages and intensity levels, so you can go with children, friends, or family.
6. Go ziplining in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, something fun to do in La Fortuna
As you soar through the air, you’ll get amazing views of the forests, canyons, and waterfalls of this 560-hectare park. For me, this is one of the most exhilarating things to do in La Fortuna, so don’t hesitate to book your excursion here, which includes pick-up from your hotel in La Fortuna.
7. Visit the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
It may sound obvious, but with so many cool things to do in La Fortuna, you may forget to walk through the charming streets of town. Indeed, the town of La Fortuna is no longer the small hamlet it used to be, but we fell in love with its traditions and attractions.
7. Visit the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
You can easily get lost in its interesting streets or simply sit outside and experience the locals’ daily lives. Despite the newer venues and tourist spots, some older attractions still stand, such as the Church of San Juan Bosco and the Parque de La Fortuna, which is the central part of the town.
On clear days, the silhouette of the Arenal Volcano looms above the town’s buildings, creating one of the most characteristic images of La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
8. Rafting, an adrenaline-pumping activity in La Fortuna
One of the most memorable moments of my trip was white-water rafting in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. It was an action-packed experience, and even though my cousins and I had never rafted before, we had an incredible time. The instructors’ explanations were thorough, we had all the necessary safety equipment, and there were rescue kayaks in case of emergency. Although there are many places to go rafting in Costa Rica, La Fortuna has three rivers that offer different intensities: Balsa, Toro, and Peñas Blancas.
8. Rafting, an adrenaline-pumping activity in La Fortuna
We chose this excursion, which lasted 2.5 hours and went along Level II and III rapids. After a brief orientation, one of the guides joined us on the raft, while another was waiting for us with dry towels at the end. They also invited us to eat at a local restaurant so we wouldn’t have to go back to the hotel with an empty belly. It was an adrenaline-filled activity, but we felt completely safe, so I highly recommend it if you’re a beginner.
On the other hand, if you have experience and want a more thrilling adventure, this tour on Level III and IV rapids may be better for you.
9. Cerro Chato, an attraction in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for beautiful views
Cerro Chato is another iconic attraction in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, that you shouldn’t miss. If you’ve already hiked the trails of the Arenal Volcano and you want more, I suggest taking the route to the crater of this inactive volcano.
9. Cerro Chato, an attraction in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for beautiful views
Be aware that this route is very challenging, so I only recommend it if you’re in good physical shape. If it has rained recently, the trail will be full of mud, and the forest section will be quite narrow and intimidating. However, the most difficult part of the trail is the final slope to the crater, about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. The climb to the top is tough, but your effort will be rewarded with an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. You can even cool off in the crater’s lake.
If you decide to do this hike, you must first register and pay the $15 entrance fee at the Paradise Mountain Lodge Hotel. This La Fortuna volcano hike takes around 6 hours to complete, and you should wear waterproof clothing and footwear since it usually rains a lot.
10. Cueva del Venado, one of the best places to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Visiting the Cueva del Venado is another fun thing to do in La Fortuna. At first, I was a little reluctant to do this underground tour, but I was pleasantly surprised. In addition to stalactites and stalagmites, we saw marine fossils and corals, remnants of these ancient limestone caves that were once under the sea. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
10. Cueva del Venado, one of the best places to visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The caves are safe to enter, although you must book a caving excursion with a certified guide. Our guide, Pedro, was passionate about the subject and gave us tons of information while pointing out impressive details along the way. He was also very patient with us, especially in the sections where we had to crouch or crawl to pass through. Be aware of that if you’re claustrophobic!
Of course, the tour included all the equipment and gear we needed to stay safe, including a protective suit, helmet, and flashlight.
11. Visit a cocoa production farm, an interesting excursion to do in La Fortuna
Visiting a cocoa production farm is another interesting thing to do in La Fortuna, and it’s also a lot of fun. Not only will you learn more about the local culture, but you’ll also get to eat some delicious chocolate! We took this tour, during which we learned different facts about cocoa, including its origin and history. Of course, we tasted a variety of chocolates.
11. Visit a cocoa production farm, an interesting excursion to do in La Fortuna
This excursion in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, begins with a visit to the farm, where you’ll get an up-close look at the production process. Your guide will share the many secrets of cocoa cultivation and processing, and you can even participate in collecting the fruit, drying it, and grinding its seeds. Another cool part of this tour is the brief history lesson about chocolate’s significance and traditions in Costa Rica and ancient cultures.
I enjoyed this tour a lot, especially since it took place in a wild environment. The excursion only lasts an hour and a half, so if you have some free time while passing through La Fortuna, I highly recommend it.
12. Canyoning in the Perdido Canyon, another exciting thing to do in La Fortuna
This canyoning tour in the Perdido Canyon was another La Fortuna tour that I was really looking forward to. Canyoning is one of the most thrilling activities to do here, so it’s perfect for daredevils. If you don’t know, this sport involves rappelling down rock walls, usually by the bed of a river. In La Fortuna, the tour consisted of going through six different waterfalls, so it was quite special.
12. Canyoning in the Perdido Canyon, another exciting thing to do in La Fortuna
The day begins with a 4WD ride to a nearby mountain town, where you’ll meet your guides. They’ll give you safety instructions and teach you some techniques before accompanying you down the canyon. Don’t worry; the tour includes high-quality climbing equipment such as a professional harness, helmet, and gloves to ensure you stay safe at all times.
After completing a sequence of rappels, jumps, and climbs, you’ll walk back to the beginning along a lovely nature path. To finish up, you’ll visit the Canyon Café, where you can change into dry clothes and tuck in for a good meal.
13. See sloths on the Bogarin Trail, a must-do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The Bogarin Trail is a well-known nature trail just a few minutes from the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, so you can get there by car or on foot. What makes this place so popular is its wealth of wildlife, including various species of birds, lizards, frogs, and Costa Rican sloths.
13. See sloths on the Bogarin Trail, a must-do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The main trail is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long, although you’ll find shorter trails branching off from it. That said, hiking the trail is an easy activity in La Fortuna for all ages since the path is flat and well-maintained. There are even rest areas where you can take a break and some picturesque bridges where you can take pictures.
Of course, the best way to make the most of your visit is by hiring a naturalist guide. They’ll be able to spot fauna hidden in the forest that your untrained eyes might miss.
14. Nighttime frog safari, another cool tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Speaking of animals in Costa Rica, did you know that most of the species here are nocturnal? After sunset, life in the jungle and forest changes completely, and some species become much more active and easier to observe. That’s why I highly recommend this night safari, one of the most famous excursions in Costa Rica.
14. Nighttime frog safari, another cool tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
During this nighttime excursion in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you’ll hike through a protected area of the rainforest by the Arenal Volcano and Burio River. This place is the only natural frog sanctuary in the country, so I definitely recommend signing up and trying your luck at observing some animals in their natural habitat.
The activity starts at 5:45 p.m. and lasts 2 hours. During this time, you may spot up to 28 different species of frog, some of which live only in Costa Rica. Your guide will help you see them more easily and will lend you a flashlight so you can light your way in the dark. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna.
15. Río Celeste, a spectacular place near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Finally, the Río Celeste is an amazing place to visit near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Although it’s 68 kilometers (42 miles) away from the town center, it’s worth carving out some time in your itinerary to see this wonderful natural paradise. You can sign up for this day trip from town, which includes a volcano hike past this gorgeous river. During our trip, we actually didn’t visit Rio Celeste from La Fortuna, but we booked a hotel by the Tenorio Volcano, which is next door.
15. Río Celeste, a spectacular place near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste is known for its characteristic turquoise-blue color, which you need to see to believe. It also has a magnificent waterfall that will leave you speechless. To get there, you must walk a 1.5 km (2.5 miles) path, which consists of 250 steps. It may seem challenging, but I’ll say that if you take it easy, it’s not difficult at all. Once you reach the base, you can contemplate the majesty and beauty of this place.
We decided to continue the walk for one more kilometer (1.6 miles) to see the Borbollones, an area where the water seems to boil due to the high volcanic temperatures. We also saw the Blue Lagoon, which was my favorite part thanks to its spectacular color resulting from high colloidal silica content. The last section of the walk was where the Buena Vista River meets the Quebrada Agria River. This area is known as the Teñideros due to the unique phenomenon that occurs here: the water’s bright blue color suddenly disappears.
Where to stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna has hotel options for all tastes and budgets, even if you want to travel cheaply, so you won’t have trouble finding a suitable option. If you still haven’t decided where to stay in Costa Rica, check out my hotel recommendations in La Fortuna for a pleasant stay:
- Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort: This is one of the most luxurious hotels in Costa Rica. It offers various room categories, including suites with a terrace, whirlpool, and privileged views. In addition, there is a wellness spa where you can indulge in a relaxing beauty treatment. As for dining options, there are two restaurants serving gourmet and typical local dishes.
- The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal: This is another ideal option if you’re looking for luxury accommodation. Its elegant rooms have dreamy balconies with forest views, while the modern thermal complex features therapeutic hot springs with mineral-rich waters. The resort is 2 kilometers from the town of La Fortuna, so you can enjoy a quiet stay without being far from the action. In addition, it has three restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and Japanese cuisine.
- Selina La Fortuna: This is a cheaper alternative for tight budgets. It’s one of the top-rated hostels in Costa Rica, offering rooms with 6, 8, and 10 beds, as well as private rooms for two people. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a shared kitchen, and a garden with sun loungers. You’ll also find a restaurant within the complex, where you can enjoy dishes at affordable prices. We decided to stay here and we liked it.
- RyA del Volcán Equipped Apartments: For a home away from home, consider these apartments in Costa Rica, just 3 kilometers from town. You can choose between 1 or 2 bedrooms, and each accommodation has a sofa bed in the living room. These modern and comfortable units have a small kitchen with a toaster, microwave, and coffee maker. Plus, the complex has good Internet connection, which is perfect if you need to work remotely.
Map of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Finally, here is a map of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, where you’ll find all the attractions and hotels I mentioned above. It’s also a good idea to consult our tourist maps of Costa Rica to help you plan your itinerary.
I hope this guide to La Fortuna in Costa Rica convinced you to include this place in your travel plans. I’m sure you’ll enjoy its natural areas and tourist attractions as much as we did. As always, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you have about visiting La Fortuna. I’m happy to help!
Pura Vida!
