La Fortuna Waterfall: 15 Thrilling Activities You Should Not Miss
Are you excited to explore La Fortuna Waterfall, a hidden gem in Costa Rica’s lush heart?
It is heaven or a dream come true for nature lovers, offering you a unique experience to unfold this thrilling adventure.
Get along to visit this mesmerizing La Fortuna Waterfall and the enormous Arenal Volcano, this small town offers the ideal balance of peace and action.
This waterfall is a public place but is managed by a private Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT), which is a non-profit organization.
The motive is to ensure the growth of the La Fortuna community and maintain the natural space with the funds received as entry tickets from each visitor.
Get ready to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at every turn, and delve into hiking through jungles, relaxing in hot springs, or discovering the lively local culture.
Statistics About Costa Rica That Will Surprise You
- As recorded in the statistics, Costa Rica ranked 44th in the world overall with 1.35 million tourists in 2021.
- La Fortuna experiences none of the four seasons, therefore practically twelve hours of daylight are guaranteed throughout the year.
- Costa Rica’s tourism industry generated almost 1.7 billion US dollars in 2021.
- Costa Rica has around 120 islands and receives around 4000 ml of rainfall annually.
- Costa Rican weather is pleasant, yet it is also tropically humid at times with hot temperatures.
- The country’s wettest and warmest region is Limón, and Alajuela is the coldest.
- Due to less rain, the best time for travelling to La Fortuna is from December to April. May to October receives the majority of rainfall.
- The best time for visiting La Fortuna waterfall is from December to April, as it rains less.
Where Is The Majestic La Fortuna Waterfall Located?
La Fortuna Waterfall originates from the Spanish word, which means “the fortune” and is located in the Alajuela province, Costa Rica and is also called Catarata Fortuna in Spanish.
Nestled at the foot of the Chato volcano, approximately 5.5 km away from La Fortuna and close to the Arenal Volcano, the waterfall is roughly 70–75 meters tall.
One of the most famous and widely visited is La Fortuna waterfall in Costa Rica, It’s amazing to watch as the falls produce an enormous flow of white water. You can swim in the base pool, but be cautious of the rocks.
Luckily, you can enjoy many more serene and similarly unique swimming spots just a few stops away.
Tickets and Pricing to Enjoy La Fortuna Waterfall
The entry for La Fortuna is not free, it has a ticket that costs $20 for foreign adults, Adults from Costa Rica would be charged $9 and there won’t be any fees for children below 8 years of age.
You have to walk more than 500 steps on a paved trail that leads to the waterfall through a stairway carved out of the hillside. There are spots where you can stop and rest if necessary, and it takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes.
Visitors are welcome to swim in the stream along with a lifeguard on duty. You can find guest services and lodging facilities at the top of the cliff, including a gift shop and restaurant, as well as shower areas and bathrooms. The time for visiting is from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Why La Fortuna Waterfall Is A Must-Visit
La Fortuna Waterfall, nestled in the lush rainforests, it’s quite gorgeous though and there is so much to explore if you need a break.
The waterfall drops into a clean, green pool, providing a stunning panorama.
The hike down to the waterfall is an adventure in itself, with scenic trails that showcase the rich flora and fauna of the area.
You can’t miss hiking to La Fortuna waterfall if you are visiting La Fortuna! It is one of the most stunning and iconic waterfalls in the entire country.
It is surrounded by exuberant tropical rainforests, making it the ideal location to take in Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery.
The perfect combination of natural beauty, thrilling adventure, and the opportunity to immerse in the tropical landscape makes La Fortuna Waterfall a must-see attraction.
15 Thrilling Activities You Should Not Miss at La Fortuna
1. Natural Hot Springs
Several natural hot springs with temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C can be found throughout La Fortuna, originating from the volcano’s depths via rivers in the Earth’s crust.
Arenal Volcano naturally heats water at Tabacon River, Ecotermales Hot Springs, Los Lagos pools, Arenal Paraiso, Royal Corin, and Baldi Hot Springs, among others on hotel property.
There are additional hot water sources that are perhaps not used for tourism or are being used in a limited capacity.
2. Day spa
After a long day of adventures, hikes, and rushing around in La Fortuna Waterfall, why not take a break and receive a well-deserved massage or complete spa treatment?
You can select your chosen option and spend your time relaxing for a unique package. Here are some varieties that you can enjoy:
- Mud mask
- Hot stones massage
- Swedish massage
- Reflexology
3. Horseback riding
Riding a horse in La Fortuna symbolizes adventure and a connection to the natural world.
Ride and engulf yourself in every aspect of Costa Rica’s natural splendour as you wander through lush rainforests and across landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions.
The experience combines excitement and calmness with every step, providing an unforgettable view of Arenal’s breathtaking scenery from the saddle and enduring memories of discovery and awe.
Here are some of the best horseback riding services in La Fortuna:
- Alberto’s Horses
- Horseback Riding Costa Rica
- Horseback Riding Arenal by Cabalgata La Yolanda
4. Rafting
Rafting in the Balsa River is a thrilling experience and is the ideal family outing!
Savour an organic lunch, local fruits, also a refreshing glass of fresh sugar cane juice as a delightful end to an exciting trip!
Paddling across the swift rapids will give you a jolt of adrenaline. So, don’t miss out on this unique experience.
5. Sky tram
Take a trip to the highest mountain in Arenal and enjoy breathtaking views of the woodlands all around and so much more.
You will be able to see unique plants and animals that you might only be able to see from above as you ascend.
The aerial tram operated by Sky Adventures provides a gradual climb through the gorgeous rainforest, giving expansive vistas of the mountains in a serene environment.
For those who love the outdoors but would rather take a more laid-back approach to exploration, this is the ideal experience.
6. Zip-lining
La Fortuna is among the greatest locations to go zip-lining in Costa Rica, which is a must-do activity, that you should not miss.
Get an adrenaline thrill while enjoying incredible views of the landscape as you soar above gushing waterfalls, canyons, and jungles!
The Pino Blanco waterfall, Cerro Chato, La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and the small town of La Fortuna itself will all be visible to you.
7. Mountain biking
You can hire a bike to explore Costa Rica’s most active volcano and ride around the most fascinating locations of this tropical paradise.
Mountain biking in La Fortuna offers thrilling trails with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, making it a must-do adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Kayaking
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of La Fortuna, kayak tour provides an incredible experience that will leave you gasping for air.
You will be able to kayak through the calm waters of the Peñas Blancas River under the supervision of a knowledgeable tour leader.
A fascinating and unique way to discover the Peñas Blancas River in La Fortuna is with the Safari Float in Kayak.
9. Paddleboards
Go on an adventure with stand-up paddleboarding that allows you to stand yourself over the water while standing on a buoyant board, and gives you the amazing impression that you are walking on water.
Do you want to be mesmerized by the Arenal Volcano’s natural beauty as you go into the centre of Lake Arenal? Take a moment to relax at an amazing viewpoint. Take pleasure in about 1.5 hours of paddling on this exciting journey.
10. Renting ATV or dirt bikes
If you want a thrilling off-road adventure, then the area around the Arenal Volcano is ideal. The ideal Arenal ATV tour routes have been carefully designed over the years by the local La Fortuna ATV experts.
Enjoy this 2 hour ATV tour in Costa Rica with your family. This is a perfect activity to indulge in these wild and muddy, off-road trails!
You can discover swimming spots, and trekking routes to the highest point of the gigantic Arenal volcano and come across the Maleku tribe, who are native to Costa Rica, in these 2 hours!
11. Butterfly Farms
One of the most recent attractions for tourists is the magnificent and innovatively designed butterfly garden in La Fortuna De San Carlos, Costa Rica.
The butterfly farm is 15 meters high and 980 meters in an unrestricted area that displays 20 species of regional butterflies along with blue Morpho the owl’s eye butterfly, and many more.
It is highly recommended to visit this extraordinary butterfly park in the morning since most butterflies are present and active in the early morning hours of the day.
12. Venado Cave Tours
Explore the unique Venado Caves that are home to nearly 6 million-year-old buildings, including waterfalls, an underground river, many stalactites and stalagmites, unusual animals, and a few Venado Cave-specific unique species.
La Fortuna de San Carlos is about 45 minutes away from La Fortuna Waterfall, so are you ready to start this underground adventure tour?
13. Bungee Jumping
One of the most breathtaking views of the entire area and the whole country in terms of rainforests can be found in Monteverde Extremo Park.
If you are seeking entertainment, thrill, and emotions full of enthusiasm, then this is the perfect place for you offering bungee jumping, Tarzan activities, rappelling tours, and amazing cable lengths—the longest being 3400 feet long and 600 feet high.
Costa Rica Bungee is situated in San Ramón’s cloud forest. Just forty-five minutes from La Fortuna and one hour and twenty minutes to San José, the capital of Costa Rica.
14. El Salto Swimming Hole
Surprisingly El Salto Swimming Hole has a blue-green pool and a tiny waterfall, and it’s beautiful.
It’s also rather simple to get there, making it ideal for hot days when you need to cool off without putting in a lot of effort.
Make sure you visit at the ideal time as it’s a famous tourist spot and becomes quite busy or crowded in the peak season.
However, luckily there is another swimming spot nearby, since this location is public land with no entry ticket, thus you are free to visit it whenever you choose.
15. Canyoning
Create and cherish lifelong memories by combining two of the most exhilarating outdoor activities into a single trip. Zip lining, waterfall rappelling, and canyoning!
With some of the world’s most stunning rivers and waterfalls, Costa Rica offers a one-of-a-kind setting for your experience.
Rappelling is an exciting and different way to see nature, offering you the experience of walking through waterfalls and across a canyon creek.
Hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall: Trail Details and Safety Tips
Your journey starts with a 500-meter trail down into the valley, which offers amazing views from the top and ends at the peaceful “natural pools” at the bottom of the river.
These enticing waters are ideal for a cold swim to relieve the heat after your hike and provide a peaceful moment to spend time with the peacefulness of nature.
Remember to bring along your camera—this trip promises to offer breathtaking scenery and moments you are going to treasure forever.
Trail Length and Difficulty:
- The trail to La Fortuna Waterfall is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 miles) round trip.
- It’s a moderately challenging hike, with steep stairs (approximately 500 steps) leading down to the waterfall.
Safety Tips:
- Use the handrails provided along the steeper parts to ensure your safety.
- Be cautious around the waterfall and pool area, as rocks can be slippery.
How to Travel Around La Fortuna?
Are you thinking about how you would explore La Fortuna? Don’t worry, You can take a walk around downtown La Fortuna with ease.
However, because the attractions in the Arenal area are scattered around, comparatively renting a car is the best option if you plan to stay in downtown La Fortuna and want to see them all at your own pace.
Sadly, there aren’t any shuttles or buses that go directly to the national park, Hanging Bridges Park, or waterfall.
- Shared shuttle service: In La Fortuna, EasyHop provides shared shuttle services with 13–14 stops that cost $3 per ride.
- Uber Taxi service: Uber operates in La Fortuna, and its downtown location is where you can find Uber.
- A taxi or Uber ride from downtown to La Fortuna Waterfall will run you about $4 each way. It costs about $35 for one way to the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park.
Best Dining and Accommodations Near La Fortuna Waterfall
| Hotels | Distance | Restaurants | Distance |
| Arenal Waterfall Lodge | 10 min (5.7 km) | Don Rufino | 9 min (5.5 km) |
| La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows | 2 min (2.8 km) | El Chante Verde | 0.6 km |
| Flora Glamping de Abuela | 1.1 km | El Río | 1.5 km |
| Arenal Rústic Lodge | 5 min drive | Soda la Hormiga | 8 min (5.1 km) drive |
| Selina | 20 km | Restaurante Inspira | 9 min (5.4 km) drive |
| Tifakara Lodge | 1 min (500.0 m) drive | El Jardín de Frida | 9 min (5.4 km) drive |
| Arte Natura, Boutique Hotel | 3.9 km | Chifa La Familia Feliz | 8 min (5.2 km) drive |
| La Fortuna Natural Green | 10 min drive | Restaurante Nene’s | 10 min (5.6) drive |
4 Nearby Attractions You Must Visit at La Fortuna Waterfall
1. Arenal Volcano Park
Northern Costa Rica is home to the protected Arenal Volcano National Park. Furthermore, It is well-known for its jaguars, tree frogs, hot springs, and active Arenal Volcano, as well as a heaven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
You can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, bird viewing, and discovering the vast biodiversity of the area.
The park is a must-visit location if you wish to soak in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and dynamic landscapes, since it offers amazing vistas, particularly around sunset.
2. Mistico Park Hanging Bridges
This green natural preserve including a picturesque lake and hanging bridges offers a variety of adventure trips.
At the base of the Arenal Volcano, Mistico Park is a Wildlife Reserve that offers you an opportunity to get in touch with nature through the Hanging Bridges route, which is engulfed in a tropical rainforest.
The park offers self-guided tours, bird-watching tours, night walks, guided tours of the Hanging Bridges route, and unique naturalistic activities.
3. Rio Celeste Tenerio Park
You must visit this park, which is a part of the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range and is home to a rainforest that preserves different kinds of wildlife that are valuable to the area.
With its four cones, the Tenorio Volcano in the region provides naturally beautiful vantage points from which to view the coastal areas of the Pacific and Caribbean.
4. Wellness park
In Wellness Park, the magnificent Tropical rain forest offers breathtaking views and fantastic guided trekking.
The purpose of the Wellness Park is to provide its visitors with well-being experiences that will help them get closer to leading happy, fulfilling lives.
This is the spot to be if you’d want to take a minute during your visit to La Fortuna waterfall to reflect and feel at peace.
Things to pack for La Fortuna Waterfall
- Pack long pants and comfortable hiking shoes for the trek.
- Keep a bathing suit and towel for your swimming.
- While navigating the pools or waterfalls, in that case, wear water shoes.
- Keeping an Insect repellent is a must and an umbrella or raincoat for comfort
- A binocular and a good quality camera to record the breathtaking views.
- Don’t forget to pack sunblock.
FAQs
How long is the La Fortuna Waterfall hike?
The La Fortuna Waterfall hike takes about 15–20 minutes to descend 500 steps to the base. You can explore and swim in the waterfall for approximately 45 minutes. Thus the hike back up can take longer due to the steep climb.
Does La Fortuna Waterfall cost money?
Yes, La Fortuna is a public place maintained by the Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT). Each tourist is supposed to buy an entry ticket and prices are:
Foreign adult: $20
Costa Rican adult: $9
Children below 8 years: No entry ticket
Can you go to La Fortuna Waterfall on your own?
Yes, you can visit La Fortuna Waterfall on your own. It is a well-marked trail with handrails for your safety, and the entrance fee grants you access to the hiking path and waterfall area.
