La Fortuna, Costa Rica : Best things to do

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering if La Fortuna deserves a spot on your itinerary?

I totally get it! When I was planning my own trip, La Fortuna kept popping up everywhere – Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls and I couldn’t decide if it was just tourist hype or truly worth the stop. Spoiler: I’m so glad I went. La Fortuna ended up being one of the highlights of my Costa Rica road trip!

This small town has the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. One morning you can be ziplining through the rainforest or chasing waterfalls, and by afternoon, you’re soaking in natural hot springs with a cocktail in hand while staring at the volcano. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you think, “Yep, this is exactly why I came to Costa Rica.”

But here’s the thing, La Fortuna can feel overwhelming when you first start researching. There are so many hotels, tours, and activities to choose from, not to mention figuring out how to get there. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’ll break it all down: where to stay, how to get there, the best things to do, FAQs, and my final tips.

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Where to stay in La Fortuna

When I started looking at hotels in La Fortuna, I was amazed at how many choices there were. Do you want to stay right in town where all the restaurants and shops are? Or wake up in the jungle with nothing but the sound of birds and a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano? The good news is—there’s something for every style and budget.

Stay downtown if… you like convenience. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and tour pick-ups. Perfect if you don’t have a rental car for the trip. Stay near Arenal or the hot springs if… you’re dreaming of a resort-style getaway with spa vibes and volcano views. Stay outside town if… you want peace, quiet, and boutique eco-lodges surrounded by rainforest.

Here are a few hotels I’d recommend:

Budget-friendly: Hotel Las Colinas, Arenal Xilopalo, Hotel Arte Natura & Cabañas Sueños del Arenal

Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, Nayara Tented Camp , Hotel El Silencio del Campo & Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

 Just a tip: Hotels here book up fast during Costa Rica’s dry season (December–April). If you’re traveling then, make sure to reserve early for the best spots!

How to get to La Fortuna

Getting to La Fortuna is actually part of the adventure. The town is located in northern Costa Rica, about 3 hours from San José (the capital) and about 4 hours from Liberia Airport. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads, rolling green hills, and tiny villages—it’s one of those road trips where you’ll want to keep your camera handy.

When I was planning my trip, I debated whether to rent a car, take a shuttle, or try public transportation. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your travel style.

Driving to La Fortuna

I chose to rent a car, and honestly, it gave me so much freedom. I rented my car with Adobe Car Rental and paid $300 for 10 days on my Costa Rica road trip (including insurance – best deal), picking it up just outside the San José Airport . Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made. The roads are mostly paved and in decent condition, but be prepared for some twists, turns, and occasional potholes. Having a car made it super easy to stop at roadside fruit stands, take detours to beautiful waterfalls, and explore at my own pace.

• Best if: You want flexibility and plan to explore beyond La Fortuna (like Rio Celeste or Monteverde)
• Travel time: About 3 hours from San José
• Rent a 4×4 if you’ll be heading to more remote areas, though for La Fortuna itself a regular car is fine.

Shuttles to La Fortuna

If driving in a foreign country isn’t your thing, shared or private shuttles are the most popular option to get to La Fortuna. Shuttles pick you up right from the airport or your hotel and drop you off in La Fortuna. It’s stress-free and comfortable, perfect if you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

• Best if: You don’t want to drive and prefer door-to-door service.
• Travel time: Around 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Public Bus to La Fortuna

This is by far the cheapest way to get there, but it’s also the longest and least convenient. While there isn’t a direct route (as of 2025), the journey is simple with just two transfers: first to San Ramón, and then onward to La Fortuna and the trip can take 4+ hours. If you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind the slow pace, it’s a good option but not the most comfortable one.

My recommendation: If your trip is short, go for a rental car or shuttle. It’ll save you time and give you more flexibility to explore all the fun things La Fortuna has to offer.

How to get around in La Fortuna

Once you’re in La Fortuna, the good news is you don’t actually need a complicated transport plan. The town itself is small, and most of the action (like restaurants, cafes, and shops) is centered around the main square. But since many attractions are scattered around the area like waterfalls, hot springs, hiking trails, and adventure parks, you’ll definitely want a way to get around.

Here’s what I found worked best:

Rental Car : If you drove into La Fortuna, you’re already set! Having a car makes it super easy to explore at your own pace. The waterfall is just 10 minutes outside town, hot springs are scattered along the main road, and other attractions are anywhere from 15–30 minutes away. Parking is usually straightforward, though you may pay a small fee at some attractions. This is how I traveled around La Fortuna. This option is best, if you love flexibility and want to explore beyond town.

Taxis & Uber: La Fortuna has plenty of local taxis, and you’ll see mostly them hanging around the main square. Uber is sometimes available but not as reliable as in bigger cities. Taxis are convenient for short trips like heading to the hot springs or the waterfall. Just be sure to ask the price before hopping in. You can also check with your hotel reception about taxies details. This option is good, if you don’t want to rent a car but still want easy transport for a few outings.

Tours with Transportation Included : One thing I really liked about La Fortuna is that most tours (ziplining, rafting, guided hikes, etc.) include hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you’re planning to do mostly organized activities, you might not need your own car at all. This option is best, if you’re joining tours every day and don’t want the hassle of driving.

Walking: Within downtown La Fortuna itself, you can easily walk everywhere. The main square is surrounded by cafes, bakeries, and restaurants—it has that fun small-town vibe where you can just stroll out for dinner in the evening. This option is good, You’re staying in town and don’t mind arranging transport for the bigger attractions.

My Recommendation: If you’re only in La Fortuna for a couple of days and plan to do organized tours, skip the car and let the tour companies handle transportation. But if you want to explore by your own or take day trips, a rental car is totally worth it.

If you’re planning a longer trip, check out my Costa Rica road trip itinerary.

Best things to do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is one of those places where you can do as much or as little as you want. On my trip, I had a mix of adventure days and lazy, hot-springs kind of evenings, and it was the perfect balance. Here are the best things to do in La Fortuna that I think every traveler should include in their La Fortuna Itinerary:

Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall plunges 70 meters (230 feet) into a bright turquoise pool, surrounded by lush jungle. To get there, you’ll climb down about 500 steps (and yes, you’ll feel it on the way back up!). The entrance fee is around $20 per person.

You can swim at the base, but the water is pretty chilly, so brace yourself! And, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, dry bag, waterproof camera and change of clothes.

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

You can’t come to La Fortuna and not see Arenal Volcano – it’s the star of the show here. The volcano is perfectly cone-shaped and often covered in clouds, but when it clears… wow, it’s magical. I would spent a morning hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can walk along old lava flows, explore rainforest trails, and get some incredible volcano views. The hikes aren’t too difficult, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy them.

I would suggest to go early in the morning when the skies are clearest for the best chance at seeing the volcano without clouds.

Relax in Hot Springs

After a day of hiking and exploring, nothing feels better than soaking in La Fortuna’s famous hot springs. Because of the volcano, the area is full of natural thermal springs, and you’ll find everything from luxury resorts to free rivers where you can soak for free.

La Fortuna is famous for its hot springs, and you’ll find plenty of day-pass options to suit every budget. Tabacón is the ultimate splurge-worthy experience, while EcoTermales offers a more affordable yet equally relaxing vibe.

I chose Choyín Río Thermal, and it felt like the perfect sweet spot. With amenities like showers, changing rooms, parking, plus direct access to the river and thermal pools, it strikes a great balance between the free public springs and the luxury resorts. If you’re after comfort without the hefty price tag, this is the one I’d recommend.

If you don’t want to pay for a resort or facilities, check out the free hot springs river (El Choyin) right off the main road.

Coffee & Chocolate Tour

One of my favorite ways to soak in the local culture in La Fortuna was with a coffee and chocolate tour. Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and chocolate, and honestly, nothing beats sipping a freshly brewed cup while learning about how it all goes from bean to cup.

I joined a small, family-run tour just outside La Fortuna. Our guide walked us through the coffee plantation, explaining everything from how the beans are harvested to the roasting process. I also learned how cacao beans are turned into those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bars.

If you’re a coffee and chocolate lover, this is a must-do in La Fortuna. It’s a delicious way to experience Costa Rica beyond the adventure activities.

Wildlife Tours & Night Walks

One of the things I love most about Costa Rica is how alive the rainforest feels, and La Fortuna is no exception. The moment you step outside, you can hear birds calling, leaves rustling, and sometimes even spot movement in the trees. But if you really want to experience the Costa Rica’s wildlife, I highly recommend joining a guided tour.

During the day, wildlife tours in La Fortuna offer a calmer (but equally amazing) way to connect with nature. I went on a guided walk where we spotted sloths hanging lazily in the trees, toucans flying overhead, and curious monkeys swinging from branch to branch. Having a guide makes a huge difference. They know exactly where to look and can point out animals you’d probably miss on your own.

At night, the rainforest transforms into a completely different world. You can join a La Fortuna night walk tour, and step straight into your own National Geographic–style documentary.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast (or just want those classic Costa Rica wildlife photos), a mix of both day and night tours in La Fortuna is the way to go.

Go Zip-lining or Hanging Bridges

La Fortuna is all about adventure, and ziplining through the rainforest is one experience you can’t miss. Book a tour that lets you soar above the jungle canopy with incredible views of Arenal Volcano or, for something extra special, fly right over La Fortuna Waterfall.

If heights and speed aren’t your thing, the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is a perfect alternative. Walking across suspension bridges with the rainforest beneath and spotting wildlife along the way feels slower, but just as magical in its own way.

Try Whitewater Rafting or Canyoneering

If you’re looking for even more adventure, La Fortuna is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. I didn’t get a chance to try it on this trip, but if you love adrenaline-packed activities, it’s definitely something I’d put on your must-do list.

Day trip to Rio Celeste

If you have an extra day in La Fortuna, one of the best side trips you can take is to Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. I had seen photos of this bright turquoise river before, but trust me—nothing compares to seeing it in person. The water is such an unreal shade of blue that it honestly looks like someone spilled paint into the river. Spoiler: it’s 100% natural, thanks to a unique chemical reaction between minerals in the water.

The hike to the waterfall is about 3 miles (5 km) round trip. It’s not too difficult, but parts of the trail can get muddy, especially if it rained recently, so I’d recommend wearing sturdy shoes so you don’t mind getting dirty. Along the way, you’ll walk through lush jungle trails, and finally arrive at Catarata Río Celeste, the iconic waterfall that crashes into a pool of shockingly blue water. When I saw it for the first time, I literally stood there in awe. It’s one of those “is this even real?” moments.

From La Fortuna, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive each way, but the journey is scenic and definitely worth it. I had a rental car, which made the trip super easy. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! You can also book a guided Río Celeste tour from La Fortuna, which usually includes transportation, a guide, and sometimes even a stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

One thing to keep in mind: reserve your park entry tickets online in advance. Tenorio Volcano National Park uses timed entries, and tickets often sell out quickly during high season. 

Another important note: swimming isn’t allowed at the Río Celeste waterfall to protect the fragile ecosystem. Honestly, once you see the pristine water, you’ll understand why! But if you want to take a dip in those blue waters, there are designated swimming spots outside the park where it’s allowed.

Day trip to Bajos del Toro (Cataratas del toro & Blue falls)

If you’re looking for a less touristy day trip from La Fortuna, let me share one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems with you: Bajos del Toro. Tucked high in the mountains of Alajuela Province, this quiet little town is surrounded by cloud forest, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green valleys. It feels a world away from the busy adventure hub of La Fortuna, even though it’s only about a 2-hour drive.

I had a rental car, which made the journey easy enough, but be prepared for winding, narrow mountain roads. If driving in Costa Rica isn’t your thing, you can always book a guided day tour to Bajos del Toro from La Fortuna, which takes care of transportation and planning.

The highlight here is Catarata del Toro, a jaw-dropping 300-foot waterfall that plunges into an extinct volcanic crater. Standing at the viewpoint and watching the water crash into the dark pool below was one of those moments where I just stopped and thought, this is Costa Rica at its wildest.

If you’ve got the time (and the energy), don’t miss the Blue Falls of Costa Rica. These twin turquoise waterfalls are tucked deeper into the forest and look like something out of a fantasy movie. The hike can get muddy, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Pro tip: wear sturdy hiking or water shoes and bring a change of clothes. You’ll be glad you did!

To make the most of your trip, start early from La Fortuna so you have plenty of time to hike and explore at a relaxed pace. You can buy entry tickets for both Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls at the same entrance, making it super convenient.

FAQs

How many days do you need in La Fortuna?

I’d recommend at least 3 days in La Fortuna. That gives you enough time to hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, soak in the hot springs, and squeeze in an adventure activity like ziplining or rafting.

What’s the best time to visit La Fortuna?

The dry season (December–April) is the most popular time, with plenty of sunshine and clear volcano views. But keep in mind, it’s also the busiest and most expensive season. I visited during the green season (May–November), and while there were some afternoon rain showers, the jungle was so lush and vibrant. Honestly, both seasons have their charm.

Is La Fortuna safe for travelers?

Yes! I felt very safe in La Fortuna. It’s a small tourist town with a relaxed vibe, and locals are super friendly. Just use common sense don’t leave valuables in your rental car, and be cautious walking alone late at night, especially outside the main town area.

Can you visit La Fortuna without a car?

Absolutely. If you don’t want to drive, you can rely on shuttles, taxis, or tours that include transportation. Since most activities are spread out, it’s definitely easier with a car, but you can still enjoy La Fortuna without one.

Is La Fortuna worth it?

Absolutely yes! La Fortuna was hands down one of the highlights of my Costa Rica trip. From chasing waterfalls to soaking in natural hot springs, this place gives you that “this is exactly why I came to Costa Rica” feeling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re here for hiking Arenal Volcano, chasing waterfalls, or just soaking in the hot springs, La Fortuna delivers that perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that’s hard to beat. Between the lush rainforest trails, charming town streets, and epic volcano views, you’ll leave feeling like you just stepped into a tropical paradise.

If you enjoy travel vlogs, I’ve shared my Costa Rica trip on YouTube as well, where you can see what each place actually looked and felt like.

I hope this La Fortuna guide has helped you plan your trip! And if you’re continuing your Costa Rica road trip, you can check out my full guide on ‘how to spend 10 days in Costa Rica’.