21 Exciting Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica for an Epic Trip
Visiting Costa Rica soon and looking for the best things to do in La Fortuna? This detailed travel guide has you covered with all the top attractions, including hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges and more.
This little town at the base of Arenal Volcano is often called the adventure capital of the country, and after spending two full weeks here, I can confirm, it lives up to the hype.
La Fortuna is packed with experiences that combine nature, adventure, and pure relaxation. I still remember standing in awe at the foot of the thunderous La Fortuna Waterfall, soaking for hours in the steamy pools of Tabacón Hot Springs, and taking a day trip to the impossibly blue Rio Celeste, where the river looks almost unreal.
One of my favorite memories, though, was visiting a local chocolate farm, cracking open cacao pods, and tasting chocolate in its purest form; it was as educational as it was delicious.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best things to do in La Fortuna, from can’t-miss adventures to hidden gems, plus tips to help you make the most of your visit to this unforgettable corner of Costa Rica.
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La Fortuna: Quick Guide
Planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica? Here are the best resources for La Fortuna and Arenal, plus top La Fortuna Costa Rica tours and La Fortuna hotels. Happy travels!
LA FORTUNA CAR RENTAL
Check Prices of Costa Rica Rental Cars
BEST LA FORTUNA HOTELS
Luxury | Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Luxury | The Springs Resort & Spa
Mid-range | Volcano Lodge
Economy | Hotel Roca Negra Del Arenal
Apartment | Condo’s Vista Al Volcan
Hostel | Selina La Fortuna
Best Things to Do in La Fortuna,
Costa Rica
A few of the top Costa Rica attractions can be found in La Fortuna and the surrounding Arenal Volcano region.
Top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica and top things to do in Arenal Costa Rica are one and the same. My favourite activities in the region were La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal Volcano hike, Mistico hanging bridges and a day trip to Rio Celeste waterfall.
I’ve outlined all the top La Fortuna activities, including free things to do in La Fortuna, for your browsing pleasure.
Here is a list of top La Fortuna things to do:
1. La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica (otherwise known as Catarata La Fortuna in Spanish) is located a 10 minute drive outside of La Fortuna town. The La Fortuna waterfall hike consists of 530 paved steps down to the falls, with a butterfly garden, orchid garden and on-site restaurant (opens at 9AM).
Read the Complete Guide to La Fortuna Waterfall
Note, you cannot swim in the pool directly in front of the La Fortuna Costa Rica waterfall, rather you can swim in a lagoon a short 30 second walk down river.
La Fortuna Waterfall Hours | 7AM – 5PM Daily
La Fortuna Waterfall Price | $18USD per Adult (Free for Children under 8)
WHERE | La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall Skip The Line Entrance Ticket
2. El Salto Rope Swing
One of the top free things to do in La Fortuna, the El Salto Rope Swing is located at the junction of the main road that heads towards La Fortuna Waterfall (great to combine these two La Fortuna activities!).
El Salto La Fortuna consists of one epic rope swing over a large deep lagoon that is situated at the base of a small, wide, yet powerful El Salto waterfall. You can also jump from the cliffs surrounding the lagoon. The water is crisp and refreshing.
Read the Full Guide to El Salto Costa Rica
You can find parking along the main road of El Salto La Fortuna. Make sure to roll up windows, lock doors and leave no valuables behind.
WHERE | El Salto Rope Swing + Waterfall, La Fortuna
3. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges La Fortuna
Mistico Hanging Bridges Arenal is located a 30-minute drive west of La Fortuna town and is a great la Fortuna things to do combined with an Arenal Volcano hike or the aforementioned La Fortuna waterfall.
Full Guide on Mistico Hanging Bridges
The park at Mistico Costa Rica is nestled into the Arenal jungle with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano from its starting point. Make your way through several hanging bridges (some of the top hanging bridges in Costa Rica!) and witness life, including flora and fauna, amongst the jungle.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Natural History Walk
On my visit to these epic Costa Rica hanging bridges, I witnessed the most stunning pair of motmots, several cute white-nosed Coatimundi (pizote), a small viper snake, and so much beautiful flora and fauna.
I recommend getting to the Mistico park at opening to enjoy the trails and wildlife to yourself.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Opening Hours | 6AM – 4PM Daily
WHERE | Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
4. La Fortuna Hot Springs
The La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano region contains 12 swimmable hot springs in Costa Rica. When it comes to choosing what hot spring in Costa Rica La Fortuna you would like to spend the morning or afternoon in, I have a few recommendations below based on your priorities and budget.
Some Arenal hot springs provide luxury spas, swim-up bars or amusement parks for kids.
Arenal Volcano + Hot Springs Tour
All 12 hot springs derive their thermal therapeutic waters directly from Arenal Volcano and provide a luxurious and pampering experience no matter which you choose.
Indulging and relaxing in a La Fortuna hot springs is an absolute must while in the area and can be great after a hike around Arenal Volcano, like the recommended tour below.
Luxury La Fortuna Hot Springs: Tabacon
The best natural hot springs in Costa Rica, in my humble opinion, is the Tabacon Hot Springs located at the world-class Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. As one of the most luxurious La Fortuna hot springs, it offers a swim-up cocktail bar, multiple waterfalls and rivers to choose from, cool-off pools, canopied sun beds, a fine dining restaurant and indoor cocktail lounge.
What I really loved about Tabacon hot springs Costa Rica is there were so many opportunities for privacy throughout the property. Therefore, I would highly recommend it for couples, honeymooners and people seeking peace and quiet.
Tabacon Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall + Hanging Bridges Combo Tour
You can purchase a Tabacon hot springs day pass on site that includes access to the majority of the hot springs facilities (besides the guest-only area), locker, towel and delicious 3 course al-a-carte lunch or dinner.
TIP | Wearing water shoes is strongly recommended. I personally wear these water shoes.
WHERE | Tabacon Hot Springs
Read my guide on visiting the Tabacon Hot Springs
Mid-range La Fortuna Hot Springs: EcoTermales
At a mid-range price point, EcoTermales La Fortuna offers natural and man-made pools of differing temperatures and depths. With plenty of opportunity to grab a cocktail at the bar and lounge on the sunbeds, you will definitely experience a few hours of relaxation here.
Read Eco Termales Hot Springs for First Timers
Do note, for families, there isn’t much for kids to do here, although when I visited there were definitely a few kids enjoying the shallow, cooler pool.
A day pass to Ecotermales Costa Rica comes with a buffet lunch, although its nothing to write home about.
Eco Termales Hot Springs Admission Ticket
Family Friendly La Fortuna Hot Springs: Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs is the most family friendly hot springs in La Fortuna and the Arenal region. Baldi is located on a large property with 25 thermal pools, jacuzzis and saunas, restaurants and bars on offer.
What makes it the most family-friendly Arenal hot springs is its addition of a kid’s play zone (Baldi Kids) with a plethora of interactive activities.
Baldi Hot Springs Costa Rica is best for families, and large groups of people.
Baldi Hot Springs Day Pass with Lunch or Dinner
Free La Fortuna Hot Springs: Public Tabacon Hot Springs
At the top of the best free things to do in La Fortuna, is the public hot springs located just downstream from the famous Tabacon Hot Springs.
As part of the same thermal river, you can park your car on the side of the road, climb down a few rocks by the bridge and enjoy a free hot springs experience. Make sure to bring water shoes!
The free hot springs La Fortuna has to offer is great combined with a hike around Arenal Volcano, like in the below recommended guided tour.
Arenal Volcano + Hot Springs Tour
5. Arenal Volcano Hike
As a dominant feature of the Arenal region and an epic backdrop to La Fortuna town, a hike around Arenal Volcano is a top La Fortuna Costa Rica activity. There are a couple of hikes to choose from in Arenal Volcano National Park that will take you through forest and lava fields, ending with epic views of Arenal Volcano itself.
Main Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park
Choose from the Arenal 1968 Trail (3 miles / 4.7km) that will take you past a small lagoon and up to an epic viewpoint of the Volcano with medium difficulty trails. Or, Sendero Las Coladas (meaning Flows Trail), an easy difficulty loop of 2.5 miles (4km) up to an Arenal Volcano mirador.
La Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park
You can also choose to explore the less frequented Peninsula sector of Arenal Volcano National Park. The Arenal Volcano hiking trail is an easy 0.8miles (1.3km) from the Visitor’s Centre and takes you by a couple of Lake Arenal viewpoints, including a tower you can climb to see epic views over the region and volcano. End the hike at a viewing platform located right on the lake.
I saw plenty of white-nosed Coatimundi, and a variety of interesting birds including the rare white eagle along the peninsula trail!
TIP | Check the La Fortuna weather forecast before hiking. I’d hate for you to miss the view of Arenal Volcano at the end of your hike like I did (it rained the entire time). The best way to avoid ruining one of your Arenal volcano hikes is to start your hike right at sunrise, as it’s common for the sky to clear for the first hour of sunlight every day.
6. Day Trip to Rio Celeste Waterfall
One of my favourite things to do in Arenal was a day trip to Rio Celeste and its bright blue Rio Celeste waterfall. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, about a 1.5 hour drive northwest from La Fortuna Costa Rica, I highly recommend scheduling a full day for this experience.
Rio Celeste Costa Rica is comprised of a hiking trail, river, the famous Rio Celeste waterfalls, bright blue lagoon, and bubbling thermal waters. There is a lot to see and explore here. Even though my entire trip to Rio Celeste waterfall Costa Rica was dampened by constant rainfall, it was still a memory I’ll cherish forever (muddy shoes and all).
Visiting Rio Celeste: Complete Guide
TIP | Single-use plastics are not allowed in the park, make sure to bring a reusable water bottle. This purifying water bottle is my favourite!
Rio Celeste Opening Hours | 8AM – 2PM Daily
Rio Celeste Entrance Fee | $13.50 USD per person
Best Rio Celeste Tour | Full-Day Rio Celeste Tour
Experience Rio Celeste on Horseback
7. Spotting Costa Rica Sloths
You can’t visit Costa Rica and not see a few cute and cuddly sloths. This La Fortuna sloth tour will take you to a multiple viewing spots for the best chance to witness sloths in their natural habitat.
On this 3-4 hour tour you also have a chance to see monkeys, toucans, frogs and more. You will be provided binoculars for your viewing pleasure.
Alternatively, you can choose to do a walk through Bogarin Sloth Trail La Fortuna.
8. Chocolate Tour in Costa Rica La Fortuna
Y’all, Costa Rica has some of the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten in my life. No joke. As a religious chocolate snob, that is no easy testimonial. I even opted to take two different chocolate tours in la Fortuna while there for two weeks, I couldn’t get enough.
What’s great about taking a La Fortuna chocolate tour is the educational information about the growth, culture and business of chocolate making in Costa Rica. You won’t find locals eating anything less than 80% dark chocolate, which can be a bit bitter for western palettes, but you definitely need to try it at least once in your life.
The Best Chocolate Tour in Costa Rica is right here in La Fortuna
I loved that they tour the plantation, then make chocolate the traditional Costa Rican way. You can then add ingredients to satisfy your cravings. I loved the sea salt and vanilla dark chocolate combo.
I can recommend the purely chocolate Rainforest Chocolate Tour or the combination coffee/chocolate tour through the North Fields Specialty Tour. Both chocolate tour La Fortuna options were top-notch.
Rainforest Chocolate Tour (top pick!)
Eden Chocolate Tour
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
9. Coffee Tour La Fortuna
Although coffee isn’t grown in the Arenal region (mainly in the neighbouring Central Valley), coffee still happens to be one of Costa Rica’s main exports. Get educated about the process with the coffee and chocolate tour from North Fields as they show you the traditional way to grow, harvest and process the Costa Rican coffee bean.
Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed medium roast and dark roast coffee and try a few variations of decadent dark chocolate.
North Fields Coffee + Chocolate Tour
10. La Fortuna Cooking Classes in Costa Rica
Join a local Costan Rican chef for a hands-on experience cooking some of the country’s top specialties including ceviche, patacones, chayote picadillo, and encrusted fish all while sipping on a mojito. Enjoy a three-course meal at the finale of your Costa Rica cooking class.
3-Course La Fortuna Cooking Class
Always wanted to learn how to make classic tortillas? This Tortilla Making Cooking Class is your chance!
11. Canyoning in Costa Rica La Fortuna
As the Arenal region’s most popular La Fortuna canyoning tour, the Pure Trek canyoning + waterfall repelling adventure is an absolute must when visiting La Fortuna Costa Rica. Buckle up and repel down four waterfalls and one rock wall. Lunch included. What’s great, is no previous canyoning or repelling experience is necessary, the guides are really great and encouraging.
If you identify as an adrenaline seeker, or even if you don’t, this canyoning adventure will be a highlight of your trip to Costa Rica. You might even see a monkey, sloth or toucan!
TIP | Wear clothes and shoes that can get soaked and don’t bring your camera for photos unless you have a waterproof case.
La Fortuna Canyoning + Waterfall Repelling Tour
12. White Water Rafting La Fortuna
Take an hour’s drive through picturesque countryside to reach the thundering rapids of either Balsa River, Sarapique River or Toro River for an epic La Fortuna white water rafting adventure.
Whether you choose the class 2-3 or class 3-4 tour, you will enjoy a Costa Rican lunch, snacks and beverages along the way. Of course, all rafting gear is provided on the tour.
White Water Rafting + Wildlife Adventure (Class 2-3)
- Balsa River rapids
- 6 hour duration
- Starts at 10:30AM
Full-Day White Water Rafting + Zip Line Experience (Class 2-3)
- Balsa River rapids
- 9 hour duration
- Starts at 7:30AM
- Includes Zip-lining adventure
Full-Day White Water Rafting Adventure (Class 3-4)
- Rio Sarapiqui or Rio Toro rapids
- 8 hour duration
- Starts at 8:30AM
- Optional one-way transfer to San Jose
13. ATV Tour
Hop on your own ATV and zoom through the trails of the Arenal rainforest for a mud-splattering, fun 2 hour ride. If you are new to driving an ATV, don’t fret, your guide on this La Fortuna ATV tour will give you a thorough lesson before the ride on a local Costa Rican farm. You can have the option to book as a couple (riding one ATV) as a solo driver.
You can also opt to take part in a pampering mud mask facial.
14. La Fortuna Zip Line Tour
Zip over the iconic bright blue La Fortuna waterfall and through the lush La Fortuna rainforest on this epic zipline adventure. Spend 2.5 hours at the Arenal Mundo Aventura Park ending your adrenaline-rushing excursion with a wind down at the Maleku Cultural Rescue Centre.
Ziplining is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, and very family friendly!
15. Horseback Riding
Tour through the epic landscapes of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rainforest on the back of a majestic horse. Enjoy the Mistico hanging bridges park and trails of a private natural reserve. Spot Costa Rican animals, birds and plant life on your 2.5 hour horseback riding La Fortuna tour.
You can choose to be picked up from your hotel, or if you have a rental car, you can purchase the tour without transportation.
16. Wildlife Safari Float
Take a 3.5 hour exploratory cruise down the Penas Blancas on this scenic and serene float safari. Listen to commentary from your naturalist guide and spot quintessential Costa Rican wildlife like monkeys, iguanas, turtles, toucans and a plethora of birdlife.
End the safari float excursion at a local farm tasting homemade local snacks, all washed down with a hot cup of world renowned Costa Rican coffee, made traditionally from a ‘sock’.
17. Kayak or Paddle Board on Lake Arenal
Experience the stunning views of Arenal Volcano from the waters of Lake Arenal. After a quick lesson on how to use a stand-up paddleboard, you will explore along the shores of Lake Arenal on a 2-5km (1.2-3 miles) paddle, depending on your proficiency.
Take part in challenges along the way and learn extensively about the area and the lake.
Choose between a kayak (single or tandem) and a paddle board.
Lake Arenal Kayak or Paddle Board Tour
18. La Fortuna Spa Massage
You’ve been canyoning, repelling, white water rafting through the Arenal region, and now it’s time to relax. Enjoy a massage and spa treatment at Spa Bamboo Massages.
I loved the aromatherapy massage and facial combo performed in the charming and private backyard setting of a Costa Rican home.
19. Volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue Centre
Dive into a half-day volunteer adventure at a wildlife rescue center near La Fortuna, where you’ll connect with Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Engage in hands-on conservation work, from preparing animal meals to habitat maintenance, all while learning from local experts.
This intimate, small-group experience offers a unique glimpse into the lives of exotic species and conservation efforts. Ideal for families and eco-conscious travelers looking to enrich their visit with meaningful action. Discover more about this unforgettable experience and how you can contribute to wildlife preservation.
Volunteer at a La Fortuna Wildlife Rescue Centre
20. Wildlife & Frog Night Tour
Take a journey through La Fortuna’s lush nocturnal forests with a specialized night tour, designed to unveil the mysteries of the jungle after dark. Led by expert naturalist guides, you’ll venture into the heart of the jungle, uncovering the hidden lives of its nocturnal inhabitants. Your guide will share insights into the fascinating behaviors and habitats of species such as vibrant frogs, elusive sloths, fluttering bats, and stealthy reptiles.
Throughout the tour, receive professional advice on how to capture the perfect wildlife photographs, immortalizing your adventure. This intimate, small-group excursion ensures personalized attention, enriching your understanding of the rich biodiversity that thrives in the shadows of La Fortuna.
La Fortuna Best Frogs & Wildlife Night Tour
21. Explore Underground at the Venado Caves
Descend into the depths for a thrilling 4-hour journey through the Venado Caves, departing from La Fortuna. Venture along subterranean paths into breathtaking caverns and hallways etched into the earth over millennia. Dressed in provided gear, light your way through this ancient limestone canvas, once an ocean floor, with a knowledgeable guide leading the adventure.
Embrace the mud and water as you discover spectacular rock sculptures, towering stalactites, and deep stalagmites. Encounter a hidden world where bats flourish in the perpetual twilight of these caves. After resurfacing, relax and reflect on your adventure with a refreshing snack of local fruits.
Venado Caves Underground Experience
Best La Fortuna Costa Rica Tours
Some of the best Costa Rica excursions can be found in the Arenal region surrounding the town of La Fortuna. The top two La Fortuna tours include an easy hike around Arenal Volcano National Park, and a stop at La Fortuna waterfall.
Then, you can choose from additional activities like Mistico hanging bridges, visiting one of the many amazing hot springs in Costa Rica (most located here, like Tabacon) or choose to take a Costa Rica sloths tour or chocolate tour.
A day trip to Rio Celeste waterfall is also a must thing to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica.
Top Picks for La Fortuna Tours
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot Springs Tour
La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano Hike + Hanging Bridges Tour
Canyoning + Waterfall Repelling Tour
Other Cool Things to Do in La Fortuna
Full-Day Rio Celeste Tour
Sloth Tour La Fortuna
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
What La Fortuna Attraction Will You Visit First?
La Fortuna is one of those places where every day feels like a new adventure.
From chasing the spray of the La Fortuna Waterfall to unwinding in the thermal pools of Tabacón, from hiking through the rainforest to marvel at Rio Celeste to tasting chocolate straight from the source on a local farm, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences here.
After spending two full weeks exploring, I still felt like there was more to see and do, which says a lot. If you’re heading to Costa Rica, make sure La Fortuna is high on your itinerary.
