Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Top Activities and Experiences
La Fortuna is a delightful town located in northern Costa Rica. It is known for being a hub of adventure and stunning natural beauty. From its picturesque landscapes to a wide range of outdoor activities, La Fortuna offers something for every traveler.
In this article, I’ve gathered a list of the best experiences to enjoy in this vibrant area. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or simply want to soak in the scenery, there’s plenty to discover in and around La Fortuna. Let’s explore what makes this destination so special.
La Fortuna Essentials
Must-Do Tours & Activities in La Fortuna
- Full Day Tour: Explore the Arenal Volcano, visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, and relax in nearby hot springs. This is perfect for a packed day of adventure.
- White Water Rafting: Experience thrill on the Upper Balsa River, with Class 3 and 4 rapids. It’s great for those seeking excitement.
Recommended Lodging in La Fortuna
- Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa: Known for its beautiful natural hot springs and luxury accommodations.
- Amor Arenal: Offers stunning views and a serene environment, ideal for relaxation.
- The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal: Features various amenities, including hot springs and wellness options.
Getting Around La Fortuna
To truly enjoy La Fortuna, having your own vehicle is often necessary. Many attractions are scattered, making public transport less convenient. I suggest reserving your rental car in advance through RentalCars.com to avoid issues. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local rental insurance requirements to steer clear of surprises at pickup.
1. Discover Arenal Volcano National Park
Exploring Arenal Volcano is one of my favorite activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. This active stratovolcano rises to 5,437 feet and features a perfect symmetrical cone shape. The last major eruption happened in 1968, leaving behind a path of ash and lava that spanned 5 square miles. While volcanic activity continued until 2010, the volcano is now in a resting phase.
The park offers numerous hiking opportunities, with the Arenal 1968 Volcano Trail being a highlight. This popular trail not only provides stunning views of the volcano but also takes you through unique lava fields. It’s an adventure full of natural beauty and a perfect way to connect with Costa Rica’s landscape.
2. Explore La Fortuna Waterfall
I highly recommend a trip to La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural features. Located just a short 10-minute drive from the town, the waterfall is an essential stop. To access it, I pay a small entrance fee of $18 for adults.
The journey involves climbing 500 steps down to the waterfall, and it’s all worth it when I stand in front of its 246-foot drop. The view is breathtaking, and swimming in the cool waters below is a must. I suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds since this destination is quite popular.
Important: Swimming may not be safe after heavy rains due to strong currents. Always check conditions before jumping in!
3. Take a Stroll in Central Park
I enjoy visiting Parque de la Fortuna, the heart of La Fortuna. This charming park is surrounded by stunning tropical plants, all with the majestic Arenal Volcano in the background. It’s a wonderful spot for a morning walk or an evening unwind. The park’s layout makes it easy to explore nearby restaurants, shops, and bars, allowing me to soak in the local atmosphere while enjoying a leisurely stroll. It’s a perfect blend of nature and community.
4. Experience White Water Rafting
In the Arenal and La Fortuna region, I discovered some of the best white water rafting in Costa Rica. The variety of options in skill levels makes it suitable for everyone. I had an amazing time on a half-day tour that featured the Upper Balsa River Class III & IV. Despite being new to rafting, I found it thrilling. The rapids provided excitement, and there were calm stretches perfect for swimming and spotting wildlife. I highly recommend trying the Upper Balsa River for an enjoyable adventure!
5. Enjoy the Experience at a Hot Spring Resort
Costa Rica is famous for its hot springs, mostly found near Arenal Volcano. This is a perfect spot to relax in naturally heated water. I love how these resorts cater to different budgets, from luxurious to more affordable options.
One of the top choices is Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. This resort is well-known for its beautiful design that blends with the natural surroundings. The thermal waters come straight from Arenal itself, enhancing the experience. You can choose to stay overnight or simply buy a day pass for access to the pools.
If you’re looking for something less expensive, I recommend Paradise Hot Springs. This charming hotel offers lovely soaking pools set among lush gardens. It’s a great way to enjoy the hot springs without breaking the bank.
Whether you prefer lavish amenities or a budget-friendly escape, spending time at a hot spring resort in Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience. The serenity and stunning views make it worthwhile, and I would encourage anyone to explore these special places.
6. Enjoy a Natural Hot Spring Experience
For a more casual and budget-friendly option, I recommend visiting the Free Natural Hot Springs River. Just search for it on Google Maps, and it will guide you to the entrance. Upon arrival, there’s often a parking attendant who charges about 3000 CRC (around 5 USD) for parking. These attendants help manage traffic and keep an eye on vehicles, which makes me feel more secure about leaving my car.
While the springs might seem busy at first, I’ve found that if you wander a bit up or down the river, it’s easy to discover a quieter spot just for yourself. Getting there early in the day can also help avoid crowds.
Soaking in these natural hot springs is truly enjoyable. The water feels like a warm bath, and there’s no unpleasant sulfur odor to worry about. It’s a simple pleasure that makes for an unforgettable experience.
7. Explore Rio Celeste
What Makes Rio Celeste So Colorful?
The breathtaking blue of Rio Celeste has a fascinating origin. According to local legend, the indigenous tribes believed that the gods dipped their brushes into the river after painting the sky, creating its radiant color. Scientifically, this blue appearance is an optical illusion.
At a place called El Teñidero, two clear rivers converge. When they mix, they form a mineral called aluminosilicate. The sunlight refracts off this mineral, making the water appear a striking turquoise. It’s a natural wonder that leaves a lasting impression.
Advice for Visiting Rio Celeste
Planning a trip to Rio Celeste requires some thought, especially since it attracts many visitors. I suggest arriving right when the park opens to avoid the crowds. This timing can help you enjoy the beauty without long waits.
The park is only about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from La Fortuna, followed by a manageable 30-minute hike to the waterfall. After you’ve taken in the view of the falls, I recommend continuing your hike to explore deeper into the park. There, you can see the meeting point of the two rivers at El Teñidero—a sight worth seeing.
Please note that swimming is not allowed in the park for preservation purposes. However, just before you leave, you can visit the Rio Celeste Free Pool, which offers a fantastic chance to swim in stunning blue waters. When I visited, the pool was much less crowded, providing a peaceful escape to enjoy the water.
These experiences at Rio Celeste truly highlight the unique beauty and tranquility of Costa Rica’s nature.
9. Experience Zip Lining
Did you know that modern zip lining has roots in Costa Rica? In the 1970s, researchers needed to explore the jungle canopies efficiently. They created a way to travel above ground, leading to the popular activity we enjoy today.
Costa Rica is now renowned as a top destination for zip lining, thanks to its stunning scenery and lengthy zip lines. While you can find zip line opportunities throughout the country, the best experiences are often in high-elevation areas like La Fortuna.
One standout option is Sky Adventures Arenal Park, where I experienced breathtaking views while soaring through the treetops. It’s an adventure that combines thrill with nature’s beauty, making it a must-do when visiting this tropical paradise.
10. Visit a Coffee Plantation
In Costa Rica, I discovered some of the finest coffee in the world, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. Touring a coffee farm is an exciting experience where I got to see firsthand how coffee transforms from bean to cup. And yes, there are samples!
12. Discover Mistico Park
Mistico Park is a private nature reserve that spans over 600 acres of protected land. This area is filled with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The park features several lookouts that provide stunning views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Arenal Hanging Bridges. These suspension bridges allow me to walk high above the forest floor, offering an unforgettable experience. If I want the best opportunity to see wildlife, I can join a guided tour. The guides are skilled at spotting animals that I might miss on my own. Alternatively, I can explore the park solo. I like to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat, allowing 2-3 hours to fully enjoy this remarkable place.
Some recommended activities include:
- Crossing the hanging bridges
- Observing local animals
- Taking in the scenic views
13. Experience Rappelling and Canyoning
Canyoning is an exhilarating way to navigate through natural obstacles in a canyon. I find waterfall rappelling particularly thrilling, as it involves descending a waterfall using a secure rope. In Costa Rica, numerous tours offer a blend of these activities, guaranteeing an exciting adventure. This unique approach allows me to discover the beauty of Costa Rica’s wild areas, far from typical trails. Whether it’s scrambling over rocks or plummeting down a cascade, every moment spent canyoning is a memorable experience in nature.
15. Taste the Local Cuisine
La Fortuna is a treasure trove of great dining spots. One of my top recommendations is Travesía. This charming open-air café offers fresh and tasty meals at very reasonable prices. I recommend trying their cocktails, fish tacos, grilled meats, and desserts. Everything I’ve tasted there has been delightful.
If you’re looking for healthy eats, Organico Fortuna is the place to go. They serve a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, all in a cute atmosphere perfect for photos. You’ll enjoy both the food and the vibe.
Coffee lovers must visit Cafe Metrópoli. The owner, a passionate former barista, prepared my coffee from scratch using fresh ingredients. I loved his attention to detail, especially in the cafe mocha made with real cocoa powder.
Here are some dishes and drinks to try:
- Fish Tacos
- Grilled Meats
- Vegan Options
- Fresh Juices
- Artisan Coffee
Every bite is an experience to savor in this vibrant town.
