La Fortuna: 14 Mesmerizing Places to Visit
Picturesque and majestic waterfalls, stunning lush forests that leave you stunned, and emerald thermal hot springs to rejuvenate your soul, this is all that La Fortuna is all about!
Being one of the most talked about destinations in Costa Rica, this small town is being googled and boasted in thousands of blogs, but does it live up to the hype?
Absolutely yes! Let us help you learn about making the most of your Costa Rican getaway at every turn.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the La Fortuna vibe and make sure to plan your visit from December to April for an exquisite experience
Rich culture and history of La Fortuna
Costa Rican culture is full of colours, a blend of native tradition with Spanish colonial influence with a hint of Chinese, Jamaican, European and African culture.
La Fortuna, a small town, is just one example of Costa Rican culture.
Where you can dive into the town’s heritage through the mouthwatering local cuisine, handcrafted artwork, and welcoming locals as you explore the town and its vicinity.
Additionally, the town has a rich past that can be discovered in historical sites and neighbourhood museums.
San José being the capital is also known as the entry point to Arenal Volcano National Park, which has 2 magnificent volcanos.
14 Places you must visit in La Fortuna
1. Proyecto Asis- Wildlife Sanctuary
Proyecto Asis is a Wildlife Sanctuary located in the stunning, lush rainforests of the Arenal volcano region.
You can volunteer and immerse in opportunities, which include daily tours, private tours, retiree programs, student and student team programs, and animal science and veterinary student programs.
If you are here for a spring break or a summer getaway, this is an excellent way to spend time with your family.
- Location: 45 minutes car/taxi ride from Town centre.
- Pricing: Price per person- $35, Kids 5 to 9 years old-$20
- Timing: Monday to Saturday
- 8:30 am & 1:00 pm
- Duration: up to 2 hours
2. La Fortuna Waterfall
This Waterfall is 70–75 meters high, nestled close to the Arenal Volcano and at the base of the Chato Volcano.
It’s one of the most famous and widely visited by tourists in Costa Rica. It’s a picturesque moment to watch the gushing white water from this magnificent waterfall!
The base pool is suitable for swimming, but be cautious of the rock.
With beautiful routes showcasing the abundant flora and animals of the region, the journey down to the waterfall is an adventure.
Everything you’d love to know about the La Fortuna waterfall is here!
- Location: 5.5 km away from Downtown.
- Pricing: $20 for foreign adults, $9 for Costa Rican adults and children below 8 are free
- Timing: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
3. Sloth Tour
The purpose of the sloth tour is to see these adorable, cuddly, unique animals.
However, Arenal Volcano Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, and offers o much more, including leaf-cutter ants, toxic frogs, and monkeys.
Remember to bring your binoculars and camera!
- Location: Within just 5 minutes from La Fortuna
- Pricing: Adults-$54 and Children 0-4 are free.
- Timing: time slots- 8:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.,
- Duration: 3 hours
4. Ecotermales Fortuna-thermal Bath
Visit this charming relaxed spa featuring a restaurant, waterfall, bar and natural hot spring pools.
Ecotermales refers to itself as an eco-friendly company because of its dedication to preservation.
Their garbage disposal system is integrated. This enables them to process water waste, ordinary solid and organic wastes, and all the waste produced by their tourism activities.
- Location: 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna.
- Pricing: Entry-$47, including lunch/dinner-$77, Children 5-11 entry- $28, children 5-11 including lunch/dinner-$43 and kids under 5 are free.
- Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Duration: 4 hours
5. Nayara Springs
Discover the mysteries of the most well-known adventure location, Nayara Springs in Costa Rica.
Their staff is committed to ensuring that each of your encounters is exceptional—some exhilarating, some soothing, and always breathtaking.
You can take your time exploring the rainforest and hiring private guides, stopping for a snack if you’re hungry or running to the highest point of a hill.
- Location: 7 km from Town Centre.
- Pricing: $618 to $1953.
6. Chocolate Tour
Grab this opportunity to explore the interesting facts and activities of cocoa and chocolate production.
Dig into its history, and origin and participate in the process.
You can also learn about preparing the traditional beverage of their forefathers and, organically, enjoying excellent pure chocolate.
Savour this trip through the traditions, culture, history, and food.
- Location: 1 km from La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Pricing-Adults $30 / Students $24 / Children $21
- Timing: 8:00 a.m, 10:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m
7. Night Tour
Do you enjoy going on long walks in nature and discovering new animals?
If so, you’re at the right spot; your family and you will have an unforgettable experience with the La Fortuna Night Tour.
There is much you can do in La Fortuna, but the night tour has to be among the most unique and innovative.
The fact that most Costa Rican wildlife are out and about at night offers you a unique chance to locate and observe animals that are not visible during the day.
This is one benefit of taking a night tour of La Fortuna.
- Location: 10 kilometres from the town
- Pricing: $47
- Timing: 6 PM-midnight
- Duration: 2 hours
8. Wildlife Safari Tour
Taking a river float trip is a unique way to witness some of Costa Rica’s most impressive wildlife.
Water sources attract a wide variety of animals.
The river safari float trip in La Fortuna is a thrilling experience to explore the Penas Blancas River.
- Location: 30-minute drive from Downtown.
- Pricing: Adult-$64, children-$38
- Timing: 7:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
- Duration: 4–5 hours
9. Bogarin Trail
Get ready for a fantastic half-day option for your Arenal excursion on the Bogarin Trail.
It offers a breathtaking peek into Costa Rica’s wealth of wildlife.
Bogarin Trail is an essential tourist attraction in the area because of its closeness to the town and neighbouring hotels/resorts.
Along while remaining secluded in a tropical rainforest landscape with sloths, tropical birds, and frogs.
- Location: 2.5-kilometre-long hiking trail from La Fortuna.
- Pricing: Kids (0-3)- free, kids (4-12): $30 and adults $45.
- Timing: 08:00 PM/ 09:00 PM/ 10:00 PM/ 11:00 AM/ 1:00 PM/ 2:00 PM/3:00 PM/4:00 PM
10. Paradise Hot Springs
Do you find Arenal Area full of joy and excitement?
Think about the relaxation you would get from hot springs to rejuvenate your body and mind!
With natural thermal water with different degrees, hydro massage, relaxing music, tropical gardens, and maximum capacity!
Paradise is a thermal water resort that promotes leisure and well-being. You can enjoy meals while unwinding in the hot springs.
Enjoy the luxurious suites of Paradise, which offer an elevated level of detail and luxury designed to soothe.
- Location: 4km away from La Fortuna’s Catholic Church
- Pricing: Adults: $42, children (3-11): $26
- Premium pass pricing: includes volcanic mud wrap, massage, Lunch or dinner option, Swedish massage and antioxidant facial.
- Timing: 11 AM-9 PM
11. Los Lagos hot spring
The natural hot springs located at Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort are sourced from pure rainforest springs.
The hot tubs are designed to look natural and are strategically designed to continuously supply your body with warm, fresh water rich in minerals from the underground thermal waters of the Arenal Volcano!
Every time you spend a vacation in Costa Rica, take advantage of these natural hot springs and enjoy some healthy enjoyment.
- Location: 6 mins drive from downtown la Fortuna
- Pricing: adults-$16
- Timing: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
12. Royal Corin
One of the most tranquil and luxurious spas in the Arenal region is The Royal Corin Thermal Water & Spa Resort’s spa.
You’ll adore the world-class therapies and the extent of service that they provide.
Take a plunge in the hot spring pools packed with minerals to rejuvenate yourself.
The colourless, mineral-rich, and odourless thermal water of The Royal Corin is a natural wonder.
Luxurious amenities include:
- 2 Hot spring pools
- 4 Hot spring jacuzzis
- 2 hot spring jacuzzis with waterfalls
- Free use of an iPad with Skype
- Hydro massage showers
- Location: 4.2 km from La Fortuna church
- Pricing: $196-$205
13. Baldi Hot Springs
Plan your day to take pleasure in the 25 thermal pools.
Encircled by a verdant, lush jungle, as well as the air-conditioned suites, opulent jacuzzi, water slides, landscaped lawns, and the spectacular spa of the La Fortuna!
- Location: 4km away from La Fortuna
- Pricing: Costa Rican adult-$30,00 and Costa Rican children-$22,00, foreign adult-$47,00 and foreign children-$34,00 and Children under 5- are free.
- Timing: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
14. Arenal Lake
Don’t forget to put this location on your “Arenal Things To Do” list!
Just as inspiring as the lake itself is the surroundings. This artificial lake is a stunning location for leisure!
Thrilling water sports in addition is a major source of hydroelectric electricity for the nation.
This lake is called Arenal Lake and is located in Costa Rica’s northern highlands.
It is Costa Rica’s biggest lake, seasonally, its depth ranges from 30 to 60 meters.
- Location: 30-minute drive from downtown Fortuna
- Pricing: Free
- Timing: 8 am–6 pm
Top-Class Culinary Experience in La Fortuna
Most of the famous restaurants, cafés, and hotels are located in La Fortuna downtown.
It would be better if you would book your accommodations in this location.
Here are some restaurants you must visit:
| Restaurant | Location | Speciality | Image |
Tiquicia Restaurant | 700 metres away from la Fortuna | Latin and Traditional Costa Rican cuisine. It serves vegetarian, vegan varieties, gluten, and other options. |  |
Organico Fortuna | 1-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Cashew pasta, American, vegan, vegetarian and healthy meals |  |
Soda Rodríguez | 9-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Lip-smacking Costa Rican food yet affordable. |  |
| Chifa La Familia Feliz | 2-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Costa Rican, Asian and Peruvian cuisine. |  |
Mercadito Arenal | 7-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Sushi, pizza, and cocktails. |  |
Red Frog Coffee Roaster | A 10-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Gallo Pinto |  |
Rain Forest Café | 4-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Empanadillas |  |
Soda Viquez | 4-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Serves traditional cuisine and big portions of food. |  |
Spectacolar Cantina | 4-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Mexican cuisine |  |
Yellow Bark | A 10-minute walk from La Fortuna downtown. | Burgers, milkshakes and salads. |  |
6 Things Not To Do in La Fortuna
- Ignore the Arenal Volcano Safety Guidelines: One active volcano is the Arenal Volcano. Stay away from the restricted areas when trekking, and always follow local safety guidelines.
- Swim in Unmarked Hot Springs: Although La Fortuna is well-known for its hot springs, swimming in unmarked or unapproved hot springs can be risky because of unpredictable water quality and temperature.
- Overestimate Your Physical Capacity: Hiking, canyoning, and zip-lining are a few of the challenging outdoor activities. Make sure the activities you select match your level of fitness.
- Ignore Bug Protection: Because of the tropical climate, bugs and mosquitoes are common. Remember to dress appropriately and apply insect repellent.
- Leave Precious Items Unattended: It’s important to watch out for your possessions at all tourist destinations. Keep valuables under your supervision, especially in public places.
- Disrespect the Local Wildlife: There is a lot of biodiversity in La Fortuna. To protect yourself and the animals, never feed or disturb the wildlife and always maintain a safe distance.
FAQs
What is La Fortuna known for?
La Fortuna is famously known for its lush forests, wildlife, volcanoes, waterfalls, authentic Costa Rican delicacies, thermal hot springs, thrilling activities and luxurious hotels.
Is it worth visiting La Fortuna?
Yes! La Fortuna offers everything you need for a perfect getaway. Luxurious accommodations for relaxing, thermal hot water spring for rejuvenating, night tours to explore wildlife and chocolate tours.
Why is it called La Fortuna?
La Fortuna originates from the Spanish word, which means “the fortune”. It is also called Catarata Fortuna in Spanish.
