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Things to do in La Fortuna

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this charming town in Costa Rica and unleash your inner adventurer.

Our most recommended things to do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

1. La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Escape into the nature of the La Fortuna on a guided hike. Walk by the river and follow a trail to a panoramic viewpoint. Have a delicious lunch at a Maluku Indian village and trek through forest, lava fields, and farmlands before relaxing at a natural hot spring resort with a drink. Be collected at your accommodation and be driven to the beginning of the forest walk. Trek on the easy track along the crystal clear La Fortuna river. En route, hop on a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint. Spot the next location from a distance then begin the return walk down a jungle staircase. Halfway down is a high suspension bridge to cross. The trail leads further down the huge canyon, which was shaped by a volcanic mega-eruption. Encounter the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. Be amazed by the lush vegetation on its 70-meter high walls, the huge volcanic rocks at its foot, and the water splashing down in its massive pool. Bask in its beauty or even take a refreshing dip. Return to the viewpoint then walk down to the little village of the Maluku Indians. Seated in their Palenke (main house), enjoy a rest while listening to an interesting story about their culture, art, and history.  After being active for a few hours, the time has come to relax and enjoy a typical hot lunch. Next to the restaurant is a butterfly garden and frog pond that you can explore until your food is served.  Reenergized, take a 15-minute ride to the park at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Being the trek through the primary forest where you can see huge trees with giant roots. Besides a variety of birds, the forest is host to monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and each the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.  Conclude your tour at the natural hot spring resort. Relax in its soothing warm water for about an hour and enjoy a volcanic mud facial and a complimentary cocktail. Afterward, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano and Hanging Bridges Combo

2. La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano and Hanging Bridges Combo

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the La Fortuna area, and travel to Arenal Volcano to hike the paths surrounding the mighty mountain. Get back to nature in Arenal Volcano National Park, where most of the 850 species of bird identified in Costa Rica can be found. Look out for other wildlife, such as white-faced capuchin monkeys, jaguars and deer. Then, cool down with a swim in a natural pool at La Fortuna waterfall. Once we are refreshed, will move to the restaurant to taste our delicious typical meal "Casado" Marvel at the stunning landscapes of a secondary rainforest at the base of the park, and a primary rainforest with amazing biodiversity amongst the hanging bridges. Walk through the rainforest on a network of 15 suspension bridges of various levels of difficulty in Mistico Park.

San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

3. San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

Tour the best locations in Costa Rica and learn about local life and culture from those who live there. Visit a coffee plantation, zip line, and soak in the hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Take the scenic route to the Arenal Volcano and visit a coffee plantation along the way. Gain an insight into the world of Costa Rican coffee and taste one of the best coffees in the world. Arrive at the "La Paz" and "San Fernando" waterfalls and admire the exotic tropical birds of Costa Rica, including many species of hummingbirds and rare emerald toucanets. Take in the views at the San Fernando Waterfall observation point before heading to the "Iguana Bridge", where you will have the chance to spot iguanas, sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Stop for an authentic Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located in "La Fortuna." Then, prepare for a zip-lining adventure in the local rainforest jungles with 9 canopy cables and a 50 meter (150 feet) rappel on the Arenal River. Learn about the culture while listening to a "Maleku" Indigenous tribe presentation from locals. Relax for a couple of hours in the Paradise Hot Springs at the base of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by tropical gardens followed by dinner.

La Fortuna: Zip Line Experience and Thermal Pools

4. La Fortuna: Zip Line Experience and Thermal Pools

One of the main attractions in Fortuna is to take a Zip Line Tour ( Canopy Tour ). You will enjoy 7 cables with 9 different platforms and 50mts high rappel where you can see the impressive Canyon of the Arenal River and the extraordinary flora and fauna of the rain forest. You will have the opportunity to see the three kinds of monkeys that live in this zone, toucans, hummingbird and sloths. Put on your high-quality gear and soar through the the rainforest canopy with exceptional views of local birdlife. Fly high over the canopy of the rain forest and feel what adrenaline means for nature lovers.

La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano, Lunch, & Hotsprings Morning Tour

5. La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano, Lunch, & Hotsprings Morning Tour

Explore the Arenal National Park on a guided morning tour, see the Arenal Volcano, an emerald lake, and enjoy a local lunch before relaxing in natural hot springs. See all the stunning beauty of the Arenal area on this day tour. Explore narrow jungle trails and conquer huge lava rocks as you explore the natural beauty and landscape of the area. Admire the impressive Arenal Volcano looming as you explore the area at the base of the volcano, and take in the immensity of this now silent giant. Make your way down as a bilingual guide teaches the group about the ecosystem and the wildlife that may be encountered. Reach the bottom part of the trek and take the opportunity to see an emerald green clean lake. Enjoy a typical local lunch, and finish the experience with a visit to a small resort, and relax in natural hot water pools for about an hour.

La Fortuna: Sloth Tour in the Wild

6. La Fortuna: Sloth Tour in the Wild

The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife, and as well as the 2 different Sloth species: two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths. Another most wanted species sought for their colors, unique features and history are the multicolored toucan and the blue jeans dart frog. On your search for these three beautiful animals, your knowledgeable guide will drive you around La Fortuna's beautiful spotting areas, where you will search for wildlife together. Birds, iguanas and monkeys are among the animals that you might also encounter whilst on this enjoyable safari. Breakfast and snacks are arranged according to the customers' best interest, and all the animals that you will encounter on this tour will be in their natural habitats. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned back to your nearby accommodation.

From La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano with Lunch

7. From La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano with Lunch

We start our day by driving up the mountains near Arenal lake. At the highest point, we arrive at the MIstico hanging bridges park. Here we enjoy the wide panoramic views over the northern zone including the Volcano, the Arenal lake, and the surrounding tropical forest. Our hike takes us over 6 large bridges with some spanning up to 80 meters. These high structures get you at eye height with the abundant wildlife that can be found in the tree canopy. Your professional bilingual guide is with you to have you spot as much as possible. Equipped with a telescope he'll show you many animals and provides interesting information. Having hiked for about 2 and a half hours we leave the bridges behind us and go close to the volcano. A short drive takes us close to the enormous lava fields that were deposited during the big 1968 eruption. A trail cut through the big black rocks leads us to an impressive viewpoint. Being this close gives you a good sense of the enormity of the volcano and the violent force with which it has come to life many years ago. Having hiked and enjoyed the lava field for about 2hours we are ready for some food. Now we take you to the rainforest cafe where you can choose from a variety of tasty dishes Having been properly fed all that is left to do is relax in the hot spring pools that are close to the restaurant. With good changing facilities available you can easily get ready. You can hang out in any of the 6 pools that offer thermal water in a range of temperatures. It is a great way to end an active day and is often seen as a nice moment to share experiences with fellow travelers. Finishing here we will drop you off at your hotel or the place where you parked your car.

La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Upper Balsa Class 3 and 4 Rapids

8. La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Upper Balsa Class 3 and 4 Rapids

After being collected from your hotel, you will make your way to the rafting site. Once there you will undergo a brief orientation session, before taking to the river to experience class III and IV white water rafting on the beautiful Balsa River. You will navigate 10 kilometers of white water rapids, stopping along the way to rest a bit. You can also indulge in a little swimming, and enjoy some fresh Costa Rica fruit. Following your white water rafting, you will receive a clean towel and cold complimentary water. You will then be taken to a local restaurant to have a Costa Rica style lunch and coffee, before eventually being returned back to your accommodation.

La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Balsa River Class 2 & 3 Rafting

9. La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Balsa River Class 2 & 3 Rafting

Get picked up from your accommodation in La Fortuna and set off for the beautiful Balsa River. Meet your expert guides who are rafting specialists who have competed around the world. After a quick orientation and safety instructions, climb aboard your raft to begin your wet adventure. Begin your 2.5-hour rafting tour as you navigate thrilling class 2 and 3 rapids. As you paddle downstream keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife including sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, and a lot more.  Halfway through the trip, take a well-earned rest stop on the riverbank. Here, take the opportunity to freshen up with a swim or enjoy some fresh Costa Rican fruit as a light snack.

La Fortuna: Evening Frog Safari

10. La Fortuna: Evening Frog Safari

After beginning your tour at 5:45PM, you will be able to live the experience of the only natural frog sanctuary in La Fortuna by night. This is your opportunity to view colorful frogs and other wild animals of the rainforest when they are more active and more easily observed. At least 28-species of frogs have decided to make the Arenal Oasis ponds their home. The native plants of Arenal are carefully maintained, in order to create the perfect habitat for these amphibious creatures. This unique private wildlife reserve sits inside a rainforest refuge that connects the tropical areas of the Arenal Volcano and the Burio River. Your local guide will prepare you with a flashlight to assist you in finding these unique creatures, and at the conclusion of your tour you will be returned back to your La Fortuna accommodation.

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Frequently asked questions about La Fortuna

What top attractions are a must-see in La Fortuna?

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What are the best day trips and excursions from La Fortuna?

The best day trips and excursions from La Fortuna are:

Arenal Volcano

Other Sightseeing Options in La Fortuna

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What people are saying about La Fortuna

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,459 reviews

Raul was the most amazing tour guide! He was so easy to get along with and funny, truly the highlight of the tour! The hanging bridges were so beautiful and weren’t too scary if you’re afraid of heights like me. The waterfall was magnificent and we had a lot of time to explore it. The volcano hike was an easy flat loop. You’re able to bring changes of clothes and leave things in the van which was super helpful. Also lots of bathroom breaks and cafe opportunities in addition to lunch. If you’re looking for the best tour this is IT!

Great excursion with our guide Christian. Very experienced guide of 25 years and a super nice person. The hike up and down is not difficult if you are reasonably fit. It took less time than I expected. He explained everything we saw and is very knowledgeable about the biodiversity and eco practices of the country. Lunch was sabroso and the thermal pools were nice. Highly recommend.

Pepe and Joel were amazing! They were friendly, genuine and knowledgeable. We appreciated Pepe’s deep knowledge and passion for the land and work he does. We couldn’t have imagined for a better guide! He was genuinely concerned with our experience and made sure we both saw as much as possible but also learned about the beautiful Costa Rican heritage.

It was an amazing experience! Our guide Errol from Red Lava Tours was so kind and really good. We trekked through the rain forest on a beautiful trail, saw the vulcano at the view point and swimmed at the beautiful waterfall. We can highly recommend this tour!

We had an excellent time. Saw a lot of different wildlife. Our guide Diego was fantastic! Would recommend this tour.