Discover the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from Arenal Volcano hikes to hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure tours.
At the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is where adventure and relaxation meet. Just three hours from San José, this tropical gem blends adrenaline-charged tours with peaceful hot springs and lush rainforest scenery.
Here you can hike volcanic trails, bathe in mineral-rich waters, chase waterfalls, and unwind surrounded by tropical gardens. With its warm climate, welcoming locals, and world-class eco-tourism infrastructure, La Fortuna has earned its reputation as Costa Rica’s most popular nature-tourism hub, and a paradise where adventure seekers and spa lovers find their perfect balance.
Planning Your Visit to La Fortuna
- 🗓️ Seasons: Dry (Dec–Apr) = sunny, best volcano views • Green (May–Nov) = lush, fewer crowds
- 📍 Stay Time: 3–5 days lets you mix adventure + rest
- 🚗 Getting There: 3 hrs from San José; shuttles & tours available
- ☀️ Climate: Tropical 70–85 °F (21–30 °C)
- 🏞️ Style: Intense adventures by day, serene evenings in hot springs
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna
Dry Season (Dec–Apr): clear volcano views, predictable weather, peak prices
Green Season (May–Nov): budget-friendly, verdant scenery, authentic vibe
→ Adventure travelers favor the dry months; wellness or culture travelers love the green season’s calm and reduced crowds.
Getting Around
- 🚐 Organized tours (include transport)
- 🚗 Car rental = max flexibility
- 🚕 Taxis/Uber limited in town
Arenal Volcano Experiences
The dormant Arenal Volcano defines the skyline. Explore lava fields, rainforest trails, and panoramic lookouts.
Arenal Volcano National Park
- 💵 $15 USD + tax (credit only)
- 🕗 8 AM–4 PM Main • 8 AM–5 PM Peninsula
- 🥾 Easy–moderate trails; wildlife, lava flows, lake views
Private Reserves
- Arenal 1968: $19 USD, best lava-trail vistas
- El Silencio: quiet, uncrowded paths
- Arenal Observatory Lodge: premium lodge + volcano trail access
Hot Springs & Thermal Wellness
Mineral-rich waters flow from Arenal’s underground heat, ideal for recovery and romance.
Luxury Resorts
Tabacón ($70–80): Natural river + gardens. Reserve in advance
The Springs: Family-friendly, swim-up bars
EcoTermales: Intimate capacity, peaceful
Baldi: Many pools, good value
Budget Options
Tabacón River: free & local favorite
Los Laureles ($8–10): simple thermal pools
💡 Go at sunset for a magical view of the volcano steam.
Waterfalls & Natural Swimming
La Fortuna Waterfall
75 m drop • $18 USD entry • ≈500 steps • safe swim area • arrive early to avoid crowds
Río Celeste Day Trip
1.5 h away • 7 km trail • $13.50 (card only) • turquoise cascade • combine with Guanacaste route
El Salto Swimming Hole
2 min from town • free • rope swing fun • go mid-week with snacks in hand
Canopy & Forest Adventures
Ziplining
Sky Adventures: up to 70 km/h + tram
Arenal Canopy Adventure: Tarzan swing for families
Combos = canopy + rafting or bridges (3–6 h tours)
Hanging Bridges
Mistico Park: 3.1 km loop • 16 bridges • wildlife galore • guide recommended
Adventure Sports
White-Water Rafting
Pacuare River: Class II–IV • world-class rapids
Balsa River: Class II–III • family-friendly
Full-day with lunch • best after rains
Canyoning & Rappelling
Descend 200-ft waterfalls • swim canyons • book with Pure Trek or Desafío • combine with canopy for a thrill day
Wildlife & Peaceful Nature
Safari Floats
- Caño Negro: remote & rich in fauna (2 h drive)
- Peñas Blancas: 30 min away, great for kids
Spot sloths, monkeys, toucans on 2–3 h floats
Sloth & Bird Tours
Sloth’s Territory guarantees sightings • best at dawn/dusk • bring binoculars
Lake Arenal Activities
Costa Rica’s largest lake = kayaking, SUP, sailing • sunset volcano views • taxi-boat-taxi to Monteverde • best in dry season
Balanced Itineraries
3-Day Plan
Day 1 – Arrive + hot springs
Day 2 – Volcano hike + relax
Day 3 – Safari float + souvenirs
4–5-Day Plan
Add zipline or rafting, Río Celeste, coffee tour, or sloth watching for a complete experience.
Essential Tips
Packing
Repellent • SPF 30 + • rain jacket • swimsuit • quick-dry gear • closed shoes • water shoes • binoculars • power bank
Budget
Free: El Salto, Tabacón River • Budget Tours $30–60 • Premium $80–150 • Save with combo tours + green season travel
Plan Your La Fortuna Adventure with CR Nomads
Turn your dream of Arenal Volcano views and rainforest adventures into a seamless, personalized trip.
CR Nomads helps you craft itineraries that balance adventure and relaxation, connecting you with trusted local operators and authentic experiences.
🌋 Contact us to design your tailor-made La Fortuna getaway.
Explore more: Best 7 Resorts In La Fortuna | La Fortuna Day Tours from San José