La Fortuna, Costa Rica: travel guide
Arenal Volcano's hot springs, waterfalls and rainforest bridges
Small adventure town at the foot of Arenal Volcano (Alajuela), the hub for hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges and rainforest zip-lines.
About La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a small town in northern Costa Rica that sits directly beneath the cone of Arenal Volcano, and it has become the country's centre for easy adventure. Cloud often wraps the summit, but when it clears the symmetrical peak dominates the horizon.
Things to do in La Fortuna include walking to the La Fortuna Waterfall, crossing the rainforest on hanging bridges, hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park and soaking in naturally heated springs such as Baldi and Ecotermales. Zip-lines and canopy tours are popular, and wildlife such as birds and sloths is often seen.
La Fortuna suits families, active travellers and anyone wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation. The drier months from December to April are the most settled, while the green season brings rain and fewer visitors.
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Currency
- CRC
- Time zone
- America/Costa_Rica
- Nearest airport
- FON
Last updated
Top places to visit in La Fortuna
Tabacón Hot Springs
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Luxury resort where a naturally heated thermal river winds through tropical gardens.
Baldi Hot Springs
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Large hot-springs complex with 25 thermal pools, slides and swim-up bars on Route 142.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic 1,633 m stratovolcano with trails crossing old lava fields and rainforest at its base.
Arenal 1968 Trails
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Private trails and viewpoints over the 1968-eruption lava field with a lagoon and volcano vistas.
Ecocentro Danaus
Wildlife · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Small private reserve for spotting sloths, caimans, birds and butterflies on easy trails.
Venado Caves (Cavernas del Venado)
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A 15-20 million-year-old limestone cave with an underground river, explored with helmet and lamp.
Lake Arenal
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Costa Rica's largest lake (85 km²), a scenic reservoir popular for windsurfing, kayaking and lakeside drives.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Waterfall · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
70 m cascade reached via ~500 steps into a jungle gorge with a swimmable pool.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
600-acre reserve with 16 hanging bridges winding through the rainforest canopy.
La Fortuna Central Park
Cultural · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The town's manicured plaza facing San Juan Bosco church, framed by the volcano.
Ecotermales Fortuna
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Intimate, reservation-only natural hot springs in lush gardens near town.
Bogarín Trail
Wildlife · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
In-town wetland trail famous for reliable sloth, bird and caiman sightings.
Things to do
- Arenal Zip-line Canopy Tour Adventure · 3 h · from USD 65 per person
- Río Balsa White-water Rafting Adventure · 5 h · from USD 75 per person
- Mistico Hanging Bridges Guided Walk Nature · 2.5 h · from USD 55 per person
- Arenal Hot Springs Day Pass Hot Springs · 5 h · from USD 45 per person
- La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Combo Tour · 6 h · from USD 80 per person
- Caño Negro Safari Float Wildlife · 8 h · from USD 80 per person
Day trips and tours
- Arenal Combo: Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs 8 h · from USD 120
Where to stay in La Fortuna
- La Fortuna Town Center about CRC 70 per night
Walkable hub of restaurants, hostels and tour desks around the central park — the practical base for tours.
- Hot Springs Corridor (Rte 142) about CRC 220 per night
Resort strip toward the volcano with Tabacón, Baldi and Ecotermales thermal springs.
Hotels
- Hotel San Bosco 3-star · USD 70 to USD 120 per night
- Arenal Backpackers Resort USD 18 to USD 90 per night
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa 5-star · USD 400 to USD 650 per night
- Nayara Gardens 5-star · USD 600 to USD 1,200 per night
- Baldi Hot Springs Hotel 4-star · USD 150 to USD 260 per night
- Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails 3-star · USD 130 to USD 220 per night
Where to eat
- Don Rufino Costa Rican, Grill · about USD 35 per person
- La Choza de Laurel Costa Rican · about USD 22 per person
- Soda Víquez Costa Rican · about USD 10 per person
- Orgánico Fortuna Healthy, Vegetarian · about USD 14 per person
- Lava Lounge International, Tex-Mex · about USD 18 per person
- Restaurante Nene's Costa Rican, Seafood · about USD 20 per person
Getting to La Fortuna
Airport: La Fortuna (FON)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Shuttle
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions about La Fortuna
- What are the top-rated places to visit in La Fortuna?
- The highest-rated places in our La Fortuna guide are Venado Caves (Cavernas del Venado), Ecocentro Danaus, Lake Arenal, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Central Park.
- Where should I stay in La Fortuna?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in La Fortuna: La Fortuna Town Center, Hot Springs Corridor (Rte 142).
- How do I get around La Fortuna?
- Ways to get around La Fortuna covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Shuttle, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to La Fortuna?
- The nearest airport to La Fortuna has the code FON.