If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination with the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, Costa Rica is the place to be. Sitting at the foot of the famous Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica filled with breathtaking views, fun outdoor activities, and relaxing hot springs. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, fun girls trip, or romantic honeymoon, La Fortuna truly has something for everyone! This La Fortuna Travel Guide has recommendations ranging from the best things to do in La Fortuna to restaurant, bar, and hot spring recommendations to where to stay and when to visit.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to La Fortuna
- the best time to visiT La Fortuna
- 7 Best Things To Do In La Fortuna
- the Best Hot Springs In La Fortuna
- Best Restaurants and Bars in La Fortuna
- Where to Stay in La Fortuna + Best Hotels
- How to Get Around La Fortuna
- How Many Days to Spend in La Fortuna
- What to Wear in Costa Rica
La Fortuna Key Info
How to Get There
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR) and drive to La Fortuna
Currency
1000 Colones CRC = $2 USD
Language
Spanish
Weather
Dry Season: December – April
Rainy Season: May – November
How to Get Around
Car Rental, Taxi/Uber, Bus, Tour
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How to Get to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The main way to get to La Fortuna is to either fly into San Jose Airport or Liberia Airport and then drive to La Fortuna which is about 3-3.5 hours away.
Car: Driving to La Fortuna is one of the easiest ways to get there, especially if you’re comfortable behind the wheel. The drive from the airport is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You’ll also want to make sure to book a 4×4 in order to manage some of the trickier roads on the last stretch into La Fortuna.
Shuttle: If you’re not comfortable driving in another country (we weren’t), private or shared shuttles are a great option to get to La Fortuna. We went with a private shuttle which was super convenient and I’d definitely recommend it. Shared shuttles are more affordable but take a little longer since they may make stops along the way to pick up other passengers.
Depending on what time your flight arrives, you may also need to book one night’s accommodation in your arrival city. I would not recommend driving to La Fortuna after dark since the roads are narrow and poorly lit.
When is the Best Time to Visit La Fortuna
The best time to visit La Fortuna is usually considered to be during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is when you can expect the most sunshine, clear skies, and warm temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, waterfall visits, and ziplining.
However, don’t be afraid of visiting during the green (rainy) season from May to November. While this season brings more rainfall, it’s usually concentrated in the late afternoons. If you plan outdoor activities for the morning you can usually avoid a lot of the rain. We visited during the rainy season and found the rain was fairly predictable (every day at 4pm it rained for 2 hours) so it didn’t ruin any of our plans! Also, the lush scenery will be at its most vibrant, waterfalls are often more impressive with the extra water, you’ll face fewer crowds, and hotel prices will be lower!
7 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
1. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most famous sights. It was dormant for hundreds of years until 1968, when it finally erupted and then became one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Photographers would constantly travel to the area for almost guaranteed shots of eruptions and lava flows.
Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010 but there’s still a ton to do in the area. The volcano is part of Arenal Volcano National Park, a protected area filled with biodiversity, hiking trails, and stunning views.
We decided to book a guided tour to hike around the volcano’s trails and see the park. It was a great opportunity to see the lava trails up close as well as wildlife. Our guide pointed out several different animals during our hike that we would have never noticed!
2. La Fortuna Waterfall
Another highlight of La Fortuna is La Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning cascade with a dramatic 70-meter drop into a pool below. The hike down to the waterfall involves over 500 steps, but it’s definitely worth it!
You can swim in the area around the outer part of the pool but not directly underneath the waterfall for safety reasons. It’s a super refreshing swim (the water was colder than expected!) but you definitely have to at least take a quick dip in!
3. Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park
If you’re feeling adventurous you can explore the Hanging Bridges in Mistico Park. The park has a network of trails and suspension bridges that take you right into the heart of the rainforest canopy.
The park has 16 bridges, six of which are hanging bridges that sway gently as you walk across. They range from ground-level to high above the jungle, giving you different views of the forest. Some of the higher bridges are a bit nerve wracking to cross if you are afraid of heights, but I promise the views are worth it. You might spot monkeys, sloths, or butterflies too!
4. Ziplining
La Fortuna is home to some of the best ziplining in the country, and the canopy tours here are next-level, with cables stretching high above the treetops and some lines reaching crazy speeds.
We went with a course that had 7 ziplines but there are also options to do 12 ziplines. The highlight? Ziplining over the rainforest with a direct view of a huge waterfall on one of the longest zip lines!
5. Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica is known for its high-quality coffee and chocolate, and it’s definitely worth it to go on a tour that combines the best of both.
You’ll learn all about how coffee is made, from how the beans are grown to the process of drying, roasting, and brewing.
Next you’ll learn about the cacao tree and its significance in indigenous cultures. You’ll also see how cacao pods are harvested, fermented, and turned into chocolate. And of course there’s plenty of tasting too!
6. White Water Rafting
If you’re looking for more adventure, white-water rafting in La Fortuna is an adrenaline-filled way to experience Costa Rica’s beauty. The area is surrounded by incredible rivers like the Balsa, Sarapiquí, and Toro with varying degrees of difficulty so don’t worry if you’re a first timer! Most tours also include professional guides who not only help you navigate the river but also share interesting facts about the local ecosystem.
7. Relax at a Hot Spring
La Fortuna also has plenty of opportunities for relaxation thanks to the Arenal Volcano. Basically, rainwater and groundwater seep deep into the earth near the volcano. As the water gets closer to the magma-heated rock layers underground, it warms up. This heated water then flows back up through cracks in the earth to form the thermal pools you can soak in today. Depending on the location, the water can also pick up minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur along the way, and the mineral content is believed to soothe muscles, improve circulation, and leave your skin feeling silky smooth!
The Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has plenty of hot springs to choose from, ranging from luxurious resorts to more natural, rustic spots. Here are a few popular ones:
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: This is the gold standard of hot springs in La Fortuna. Think natural pools surrounded by tropical plants, waterfalls, and five-star service. It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it if you want to go all out.
- Baldi Hot Springs: Perfect for families or groups, Baldi offers multiple pools of varying temperatures, water slides, and a fun, lively atmosphere.
- Eco Termales: A more intimate, tranquil option with a limited number of guests allowed at a time. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a romantic or low-key ambiance.
- Free Hot Springs: If you’re on a budget, the hot springs at Río Chollín (near Tabacón) are a local favorite. While it’s free, keep in mind there are no facilities, so come prepared with water shoes and towels.
Where to Eat and Drink in La Fortuna
Best Restaurants in La Fortuna
Soda Víquez
Costa Rican | $
Soda La Hormiga
Costa Rican | $
El Chante Verde
Latin/Vegetarian | $$
Jalapas
Latin/International | $$
Tierra Mia
Costa Rican | $$
Tiquicia
Costa Rican | $$
Don Rufino
Contemporary Fusion| $$$
Bars in La Fortuna
La Fortuna Pub
Casual Pub
Voodoo Bar & Cocktails
Cocktail Bar
Nanku
Bar & Grill
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has a ton of great options when it comes to accommodation whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon villa or the perfect resort for a girls trip. There’s eco-lodges in the middle of the rainforest, luxury private pool villas, resorts with volcano views, and more!
Best Hotels in La Fortuna
🌋 = Arenal Volcano View
🍷 = Adults Only/Friendly
🌊 = Hot Springs on Site
🌳 = Rainforest/Jungle Stay
Hotel Spotlight
Amor Arenal Jungle Villas
Hotel Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best For: Honeymoons
Avg. Rate: $600+
Hotel Highlights:
🌋 Volcano Views
🍽️ Restaurant & Bar
🍷 Adults Only
💧 Multiple Pools
🏠 Private Pool Villas
🧖🏾♀️ Spa Facilities
🌊 Hot Springs
👟 Fitness Center
Amor Arenal is an adults only/friendly boutique resort in La Fortuna, Costa Rica featuring jungle villas with views of Arenal Volcano, private plunge pools, and hot springs at the resort.
The villas are absolutely massive, and have beautiful interiors with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and panoramic floor to ceiling windows that provide a private jungle escape. The bathroom has plush robes, a massive shower with dual shower heads, and floor to ceiling windows with a direct view of the volcano.
The villas have the option of a king bed or 2 queen beds available to book. Each villa also has a heated private plunge pool facing the volcano and rainforest. It was truly a tropical sanctuary!
The resort also has its own hot springs, several pools, hiking trails, a spa, fitness center, pool bar, and restaurant. Breakfast was complimentary and had a view of the volcano as well!
Amor Arenal truly embodies luxury and relaxation and it’s the perfect place to stay for a honeymoon or special occasion trip!
How to Get Around La Fortuna
Getting around La Fortuna is pretty easy and there are a few options depending on your comfort level and how adventurous you want to be.
Renting a Car: Renting a car is probably the most convenient way to explore La Fortuna at your own pace. It gives you the freedom to visit the hot springs, waterfalls, and surrounding areas without depending on anyone else. The roads are pretty well-maintained, but if you’re heading into more remote areas you’ll want to make sure you have a 4×4.
Rideshares & Taxis: Taxis are available in La Fortuna, but they’re not always as readily accessible as in bigger cities. You can also use Uber, but it’s not always available late at night.
Public Bus: If you’re looking for an affordable option, the public bus system is an option. The buses are reliable and relatively inexpensive, though they may take longer than other forms of transportation and don’t reach some of the more secluded areas.
Tours & Excursions: Many excursions will offer a shuttle to pick you up from your hotel and take you to the major sites as part of a guided tour. This is what we did for most of our activities just so everything was taken care of and we didn’t need to worry about driving.
How Many Days to Spend in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is incredible and you could easily spend a week in this amazing town. However, if you’re planning to visit multiple areas of Costa Rica as part of a larger trip then I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in La Fortuna. It’s enough time to hit the top things to do in La Fortuna like visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, ziplining, and the hot springs.
If La Fortuna is your main destination then I’d recommend 5 days so you can explore more sights like Rio Celeste and be able to have a slower, more relaxing pace! We spent 4 days/3 nights in La Fortuna and felt we could have stayed an extra day to dedicate more time to relaxing in the hot springs due to the long travel time from the airport!
What to Wear in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has a warm, tropical environment and that can see lots of rain. The weather is usually warm and humid, so pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and tank tops. You’ll want to bring swimwear for the hot springs and waterfalls as well.
It’s also a good idea to bring a lightweight rain jacket, especially if you are visiting during the rainy season. You’ll want to bring comfortable, sturdy shoes for hiking Arenal Volcano and the surrounding areas. If you are planning to do adventurous activities like white water rafting, make sure to bring water shoes as well.
You’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent as well since the mosquitos can be brutal in the evening.
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