Why Visit La Fortuna?
Planning a trip to northwestern Costa Rica? Make a stop in La Fortuna! This charming town is brimming with unique attractions and outdoor activities
Planning a trip to northwestern Costa Rica? Make a stop in La Fortuna! This charming town is brimming with unique attractions and outdoor activities… From the Volcan Arenal National Park (and its hot springs) to the hanging bridges of the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: here's why you should visit La Fortuna!
Explore Volcan Arenal National Park – La Fortuna's Must-See
Relax in a Hot Spring
The Arenal volcano national park is a natural wonder known for its biodiversity and hot water springs. These springs are fed by the Tabacón River (itself heated by Arenal's volcanic activity).
Rich in minerals, these natural springs are prized for their therapeutic benefits – and are used to fill the pools at paid thermal resorts. During your visit to the park, don't miss this local attraction!
The Rio Chollín Thermal Baths: Free Natural Spring
This natural spa is accessible 24/7. Lacking modern infrastructure (showers, changing rooms, etc.), it offers a unique experience in raw nature. Undiscovered by mass tourism, the Chollín thermal baths are a wonderful opportunity to mingle with locals, who adore this spot. The water temperature is around 95°F (35°C).
Las Termalitas del Arenal: Paid Hot Springs
Accessible for roughly €8 per person, these thermal baths (with pool temperatures ranging from 86°F to over 122°F / 30° to over 50°C!) offer restrooms, dining areas and a small water slide…
Swim and Horseback Ride Near La Fortuna Waterfall
Nestled within lush tropical forest, the Fortuna Waterfall is a magnificent 230-foot cascade! Prized for its impressive drop and permitted swimming, this natural wonder requires some effort – you'll need to climb 500 steps to reach it!
The area surrounding the waterfall can also be explored via horseback riding – this type of trek gives access to steep trails that are difficult on foot and brings you close to the cascade (expect about 3 hours).
Whitewater Rafting on the Arenal and Balsa Rivers
Rafting down the Arenal and Balsa rivers is a must-do activity in La Fortuna. Celebrated for their currents, these two waterways promise unforgettable thrills! To do so, contact a local operator…
After explaining safety measures and equipment use, your guide will take you to the starting point and accompany you throughout the excursion (roughly 2 hours). For the more daring, it's also possible to opt for a full day of canyoning (rafting + rappelling descents).
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Located in Alajuela Province, the town of Fortuna is a gateway to numerous trekking trails. First and foremost within Arenal volcano national park itself, of course, (with quite varied hiking circuits, such as bird-watching routes, paths crossing lava fields, mountain biking trails, etc.), but also in the surrounding region…
Less than an hour's drive from La Fortuna, you'll find for instance the private reserve Bosque Eterno de Los Niños. It offers lovely hikes (ranging in difficulty) through its tropical forest.
Please note that climbing Arenal volcano is not permitted, as it remains active. It's sometimes possible to hike Cerro Chato – a smaller volcano offering stunning views of Arenal – but again, this hike isn't always accessible. |
Have Fun at El Salto (Rope Swing)
Completely free, the El Salto spot is a natural swimming hole open to the public. Accessible in just fifteen minutes on foot from La Fortuna's town center, this peaceful haven is equipped with a rope where you can channel your inner Tarzan! Picturesque and refreshing, El Salto is beloved by both visitors and locals alike!
Embark on a Wildlife Safari
La Fortuna is also an ideal destination for a wildlife safari! This part of Costa Rica is home to numerous reserves – such as the Arenal Sanctuary Reserve or the Arenal Natura Ecological Park – and you can experience unique safaris, conducted at night, by boat or kayak (safari float)… A chance to admire colorful frogs and sloths!
Discover the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
A thirty-minute drive from La Fortuna, venture into the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Situated on private property, this magnificent reserve (once overlooked due to difficult access) was developed in the early 21st century by the estate's heirs.
Driven by an ecotourism project, the reserve now offers numerous trails (accessible to all thanks to paths of varying difficulty levels), bird-watching excursions, and walks punctuated by hanging bridges. All excursions also provide panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
Frequently asked questions
From San José, several options are available to reach La Fortuna: public bus (roughly 4 hours, economical), shared private shuttle (2.5-3 hours, more comfortable) or car rental for flexibility. The drive via Route 702 takes about 3 hours depending on traffic.
The best time to visit La Fortuna is during the dry season, from December to April, when weather is most favorable. That said, the rainy season (May to November) offers lush vegetation and fewer tourists, though outdoor activities may be disrupted.
No, climbing Arenal volcano is forbidden as it remains active. It is sometimes possible to hike Cerro Chato, a smaller neighboring volcano offering breathtaking views of Arenal, but this hike is not always permitted. Check with the national park before your visit.
Free and paid options exist. The natural Rio Chollín thermal baths are accessible 24/7 at no cost, directly in nature, with water around 95°F (35°C). Paid thermal spas like Las Termalitas del Arenal (roughly €8 per person) offer amenities (restrooms, dining) and pools at various temperatures (86°F to over 122°F / 30°C to over 50°C).
To fully enjoy La Fortuna and its surroundings, plan at least 2 to 3 days. This allows you to visit Arenal volcano national park, La Fortuna Waterfall, bathe in hot springs and try an outdoor activity like rafting or the hanging bridges at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
La Fortuna's region is rich in biodiversity. During a wildlife safari in local reserves like Arenal Sanctuary Reserve or Arenal Natura Ecological Park, you may spot sloths, colorful frogs (including poison dart frogs), monkeys, toucans and many other species. Night safaris, boat trips and kayak tours increase your chances of seeing nocturnal wildlife.
