CR
La Fortuna
A lively town at the foot of Arenal Volcano, known for hot springs, waterfalls and rainforest adventures
A lively town at the foot of Arenal Volcano, known for hot springs, waterfalls and rainforest adventures
A 70m waterfall plunging into a jungle pool a few kilometres from town, reached by around 500 steps. Swimming is possible in calmer pools downstream.
Photo: Isabella Jusková, CC0
A trail through primary rainforest with suspension bridges at canopy level, good for spotting birds, monkeys and other wildlife.
Go early in the morning for the best wildlife.
Photo: Peter Hook, CC BY 2.0
Costa Rica’s largest lake, a reservoir west of the volcano, used for kayaking, fishing and windsurfing, with a scenic road along its shore.
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try casados, grilled tilapia from local farms, chifrijo (rice, beans and pork) and fresh fruit.
La Fortuna town has sodas and restaurants for every budget; many hot springs resorts have their own restaurants.
La Fortuna is about three hours by road from San José and Liberia airports. Shared shuttles, buses and rental cars are the main options. Jeep-boat-jeep transfers cross Lake Arenal to Monteverde.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia and many other countries can visit Costa Rica visa-free; stays of up to 180 days are allowed for many nationalities, though the length granted is at the officer’s discretion. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. Check current rules before you travel.
Activities and hot springs are the main costs. Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted. It is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, especially for tours and park entry fees.
Volcano, waterfalls and hot springs.
Hike down to the La Fortuna waterfall, then relax in the hot springs in the evening.
Hike the lava trails in Arenal Volcano National Park and visit the hanging bridges.
Kayak on Lake Arenal or take a guided wildlife walk, then continue to Monteverde.
Clouds often hide Arenal’s summit; mornings usually give the best views.
The Caribbean slope gets rain year-round; carry a rain jacket.
Roads can be narrow, steep and unpaved; a 4×4 helps in the rainy season, and avoid driving at night.
Free hot rivers exist, but commercial springs are safer and better maintained.
Quick answers for planning time in La Fortuna.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK and many other countries do not; you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
It has been in a resting phase since 2010, after erupting from 1968.
About three hours by road.
By road (about 3 to 4 hours) or by jeep-boat-jeep across Lake Arenal.
Around 500 steps each way.
Waze is the most popular navigation app in Costa Rica; download offline maps for rural roads.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Costa Rica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.