Discover the adventurous heart of Costa Rica at the foot of the Arenal volcano. From azure blue waterfalls and hanging bridges through the jungle to natural hot springs and unforgettable biodiversity: La Fortuna is the destination for adventurous nature lovers.
Why Visit La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is one of the most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica that you absolutely can’t miss. Tucked away in the north of the country, at the foot of the imposing Arenal volcano, this small town offers the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
We hiked through the jungle over hanging bridges, spotted wild animals, and admired spectacular waterfalls. Or do you want to relax in natural hot springs? In La Fortuna, it’s all possible. It’s the ideal base for those seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience, away from mass tourism but with all the comfort and facilities within reach.
The village got its name (which means “happiness” in Spanish) after the eruption of the Arenal volcano in 1968, when it was the only village in the area to remain completely intact while nearby villages were destroyed. This history makes La Fortuna a special place with a fascinating background.
How to Get to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is about a 3 to 4-hour drive from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The journey there is an adventure in itself, especially if you stop at some attractions along the way.
By Car
The most flexible option is to rent a car. The roads around La Fortuna can be challenging with unpaved sections, potholes, and rocks. A 4×4 isn’t strictly necessary, but a car with good ground clearance and a strong engine is definitely recommended for the steep sections.
Insider tip: Leave very early in the morning or later in the morning from San José to avoid the worst traffic around the capital.
By Bus
Local buses depart twice daily from San José to La Fortuna. The trip takes 4 to 6 hours and costs about $8 per person. This is the cheapest option, but also the most basic. For more comfort, you can book a shuttle bus, which is much more luxurious but also more expensive. Expect to pay $50 to $100 per person.
Check your options for public transport in Costa Rica
Want to stay online during your visit to Costa Rica? Order an E-SIM for your phone and easily set it up on your mobile.
Top Attractions in La Fortuna
1. Mistico Hanging Bridges Park – A Must-Visit!
Our first national park in Costa Rica was the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, ideally visited from La Fortuna. It’s about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna and absolutely worth it. This beautiful park offers a network of 16 hanging bridges that soar high above the rainforest and give you a unique perspective on the jungle. The well-maintained trails make it accessible, while you still have the feeling that you’re in the middle of the wilderness.
We booked a walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with a guide. He told us all the ins and outs of the park as well as the wildlife we got to see. Meanwhile, we walked over the hanging bridges and got spectacular views over the jungle. You have a chance to spot sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.
We saw some beautiful snakes (because the guide pointed them out to us). We also saw the Great Curassow sitting in the tree. I just managed to capture a beautiful white/black crest in my photo.
We were also given an explanation about the industrious ants that walk back to their tunnel systems with leaves on their backs. Did you know they were blind and that’s why they walked in a line one behind the other? They leave a scent and that’s how they know where to go. These ants are real farmers, they compost the leaves and then use the compost to live on. How ingenious, right?
The hanging bridges themselves are an experience in themselves: they float high above the rainforest and give you the feeling that you’re walking through the treetops.
Practical Information:
- A tour (possibly with guide) over the hanging bridges in Mistico Park costs around $35
- The park is open daily
- Bring good hiking shoes, because although the paths are well maintained, it can be slippery after rain
- My tip: go early for better chances of spotting animals
Want to explore Mistico Park on your own and walk the hanging bridges at your own pace? The costs are around $25; it’s slightly more expensive in the morning than in the afternoon. Check the Mistico Park website for all options.
2. Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste
About an hour and a half’s drive from La Fortuna lies one of the most magical places in Costa Rica: Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The river has a spectacular azure blue color that occurs because two different rivers come together with volcanic mineral in the water, causing a unique chemical reaction.
The trail through the park is about 6 kilometers long and takes you about 3 hours round trip. The walk takes you past several highlights:
- The Rio Celeste waterfall: the absolute highlight and labeled by many Costa Ricans as the most beautiful waterfall in the country (note: the stairs down are broken, so you can’t go all the way down anymore. They’re building a new platform)
- Viewpoint: beautiful view of the Tenorio volcano (if you’re lucky)
- Laguna Azul: a bright blue lagoon with an intense blue color
- Los Teñideros: the place where the two rivers come together and the water gets its magical blue color
- Los Borbollones: where bubbles and hot springs come to the surface
The walk has some elevation differences and can be muddy, so good hiking shoes are essential. During heavy rainfall, the river can temporarily turn brown instead of blue, and swimming is not allowed in the park.
- Entry $12 for non-residents
- The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 2:00 PM
Don’t have a rental car in Costa Rica? Book this beautiful Rio Celeste day trip with transport from La Fortuna.
Want some adventure on the Rio Celeste? Check out this Rio Celeste Tubing trip!
3. Catarata del Toro – A Hidden Gem
This impressive waterfall is located on the route from San José to La Fortuna and is a perfect stopover. What’s special about Catarata del Toro is not only the beautiful waterfall in a jungle setting, but especially the multitude of hummingbirds that you can spot in their cafe.
We were so impressed by these fascinating little birds that we saw in large numbers. The birds are lured in by feeding sweetened water, which they naturally flock to. They’re lightning fast and I couldn’t get a good photo of them.
We visited this waterfall on our first day in Costa Rica, immediately a rainy day. We had only just started driving through this beautiful country in our rental van. The waterfall itself is less touristy than other waterfalls in the region, which makes it extra special. It’s a great place for photography, both of the waterfall and of the many hummingbirds.
Be sure to bring a good camera, because the hummingbirds are really worth capturing!
4. Arenal Volcano
The imposing Arenal volcano (1,633 meters high) is the icon of the region. Although climbing is not allowed, there are beautiful walks around the volcano. The two most popular routes are the 1968 Trail and the Las Coladas Trail, both through Arenal National Park. These walks take you over old lava flows and offer spectacular views of the volcano, at least in clear weather. During the walks, you have a great chance of spotting monkeys and tropical birds.
Practical Information:
- Entry to the national park costs about $15 per person
- The top of the volcano is often shrouded in clouds, so go early in the morning for the best chance of clear sight
- A guide can help you spot more animals that you’d otherwise easily overlook
The weather in La Fortuna is changeable, so always bring a rain jacket and dress in layers. You may need long pants and a sweater in the morning, while half an hour later you’re already in your swimwear in the hot springs!
Where to Eat in La Fortuna
Soda Rodriguez – An Authentic Experience
This restaurant is a real recommendation for a fun and authentic Costa Rican experience. The entire restaurant is covered with small signs with sayings, and the best part is that you can also make a saying yourself that will then be hung up there. This personal touch makes the visit truly memorable.
Here you taste authentic Costa Rican dishes in a cozy, local atmosphere. The service is friendly and the prices are reasonable. It’s exactly the kind of place where you experience the real ‘Pura Vida’ atmosphere of Costa Rica, without tourist crowds or high prices.
Chocolate Fusion – For Coffee Lovers
If you like a good cup of coffee, Chocolate Fusion is the place to sit down. They serve delicious Costa Rican coffee in a cozy restaurant with a shop where all kinds of nice souvenirs are sold. In addition to the various coffee specialties, you can also try chocolate products there.
La Principal Bakery
For on the road or as breakfast, the bakery La Principal is an excellent choice. They sell freshly baked goodies perfect for a hike or day trip.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Princesa de la Luna Ecolodge – My Recommendation
This ecolodge is located a bit outside the village of La Fortuna and offers an authentic nature experience that you won’t soon forget. What made this hotel so special for me was especially the breakfast. You sit here at a beautiful panorama where you can see and hear many birds while you enjoy a delicious and extensive breakfast (fried eggs & toast, rice with beans but also delicious pancakes).
It’s that combination of good food, the view, and the sounds of nature that starts your day perfectly.
From the ecolodge, you can also take beautiful walks directly in the area, which is ideal for quietly exploring nature without having to drive somewhere first. They have various trails on the property, for example the toucan trail. This takes you to a small waterfall down in the valley. Very nice walk and we certainly heard the toucan but didn’t see it at that time.
After active days full of adventure, it’s wonderful to return to the peace and authentic atmosphere of this ecolodge. This is a real Costa Rican experience, away from the tourist crowds.
The hotel is outside the center, so you need your own transport. But that distance is exactly what makes it so quiet and natural. For nature lovers, this is the perfect base.
Book your stay at Princesa de la Luna Ecolodge
Would you rather stay in the bustling town of La Fortuna itself? Then choose La Fortuna Lodge. Every room has a beautiful balcony with a view of the Arenal volcano. You walk into town and stand directly in the green heart of La Fortuna.
Do you want a garden to relax in and a lovely pool at your accommodation? Then La Casona is the place for you.
What I Still Wanted to Do
Cooking Workshop in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for this, but a cooking workshop is a fantastic way to get to know Costa Rican cuisine better. How fun is it to learn the cooking skills from the Costa Ricans themselves. Here you can learn how to make traditional dishes and learn more about local ingredients. You learn to prepare authentic Costa Rican dishes and discover local ingredients and techniques that you can apply at home.
It’s important to book in advance. You probably also only have 2 or 3 evenings in La Fortuna to plan the cooking workshop with the Costa Rican family.
Other Attractions in the Area
Catarata La Fortuna (La Fortuna Waterfall)
One of the most visited attractions in the region. You reach this 70-meter high waterfall via a staircase of 530 steps through the rainforest. Because we had just visited the Catarata del Toro waterfall, we didn’t go to this waterfall.
There’s a beautiful viewpoint where you can take beautiful photos. The walk down is said not to be difficult, but the climb up requires some energy, so take your time and use the rest points.
Practical Information:
- Entry costs $18 per person (children under 8 free)
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM
- Swimming is allowed in the natural pool at the waterfall
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, book this Canyoning and Abseiling trip at La Fortuna waterfall.
Hot Springs in the La Fortuna Area
Although there are many luxury resorts with hot springs and thermal baths, there are also free alternatives. The most famous free hot springs (GPS) are located opposite Tabacón Hot Springs on the other side of the road, by the river. From the center of La Fortuna, it’s about 15 kilometers driving towards the Arenal volcano. You park along the road where they charge you money for security and walk a bit through nature to the river where the warm volcanic water mixes with the cooler river water.
Arenal Lake
This large lake offers beautiful views of the volcano and is definitely worth a visit. We encountered a group of coatis along the road, an unexpected but fantastic encounter! These curious animals are fascinating to observe.
Further on during our drive along the lake, we stopped at the beautiful Mirador Tilaran (GPS). A wonderful break at a viewpoint with spectacular panorama over the lake and the Arenal volcano. Here you can also buy some souvenirs and have a cup of coffee or a small snack.
Arenal Lake is perfect for various activities. You can walk along the shores, with the light being particularly beautiful for photography at sunset. For experienced water sports enthusiasts, windsurfing is an option, and there are places to spot wildlife everywhere along the lake. The combination of the view of the volcano and the natural surroundings makes a stop at Arenal Lake worthwhile.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The dry season runs from December to April, with January to April being the best months to visit. The green season from May to November brings more rain, but also more chances to spot wildlife. The temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year between 21° and 28°C (70-82°F). Note that it gets a bit warmer at the coast with highs up to 30°C+ (86°F+).
In the Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park, we also saw the two snakes shown above. They are really tiny and were quite a distance away, so I couldn’t get a very sharp photo, but what beautiful creatures!
Warning: The first snake we saw during our visit was lying at arm’s length and just a small step off the path. So don’t pick up branches, leaves or other fauna, as there may be an insect or even a reptile on or lying on them.
What to Bring
For a comfortable trip to La Fortuna, it’s handy to bring the following:
- Good hiking shoes
- Rain jacket
- Swimwear for hot springs and waterfalls
- Camera with good zoom for wildlife
- Sunscreen and insect spray
- 1-liter water bottle
- Waterproof backpack
I personally have the waterproof backpack from Osprey but I can’t find it for a decent price anymore. So I would now choose the Nomad backpack. This also keeps all your stuff dry during the hikes in Costa Rica, ideal. Because in the cloud forests it can get wet and it can also start raining just like that. What’s ideal about this one, and also my Osprey backpack, is that when you don’t need it, you can fold it into a small package.
Budget for La Fortuna
- Costa Rica is generally not cheap. A tour with guide over the hanging bridges in Mistico Park costs around $37. If you’d rather explore Mistico park on your own and walk the hanging bridges at your own pace, the costs are around $25; it’s slightly more expensive in the morning than in the afternoon. Check the Mistico Park website for all options.
- A guided walk like we did at Rio Celeste in Tenorio NP costs at least $60. For the guide you pay $30 and the entry too. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s better to book the guide at the park and discuss a price per group instead of per person.
In short: A restaurant meal ranges from $10-$25, accommodation from $30-$150+ per night, and tours with guide usually cost between $40-$80 per person.
How Many Days to Plan?
I recommend staying in La Fortuna for at least 2-3 days. This gives you enough time for the Mistico Hanging Bridges combined with a visit to the hot springs on day 1, a day trip to Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste on day 2, and a walk around the Arenal volcano plus the La Fortuna waterfall on day 3.
Local Transport
Taxis are widely available in the center of La Fortuna. If you rent a car, it gives you the most flexibility to visit all the attractions. Many tours also offer pickup service from your hotel. The center itself is small enough to explore on foot.
See which car you will rent for your Costa Rica road trip.
Insider Tips
The Arenal volcano is often shrouded in clouds, so timing is important. Stay a few days in the region to have a better chance of clear views. For wildlife spotting, it’s smart to head out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as many animals are more active during the cooler hours of the day.
La Fortuna is also popular with Costa Ricans themselves, especially on weekends. If you have the opportunity, visit during the week for a quieter experience. The weather remains unpredictable; even in the dry season it can rain. Always be prepared with a rain jacket and spare clothing.
Did you know that in Costa Rica, a soda is not a drink but a restaurant? For the best food at the best prices, head to the sodas. These local restaurants are often tastier and much cheaper than the tourist restaurants.
Money in Costa Rica: In Costa Rica they pay with the Costa Rican Colon; for 1 US dollar you get around 500-550 Colon (CRC). Bring a little bit of cash, because there are sometimes places where you can’t pay contactless or with your credit card. For the most part, we were able to arrange everything without cash, but you don’t want to be stuck somewhere nice and not be able to pay the bill.
Suggested Route: A Perfect Weekend in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Day 1: Leave early from San José, stop at Catarata del Toro, arrival in La Fortuna. Explore the center and relax in the free hot springs in the late afternoon (before it gets dark around 6:00 PM). Dinner at Soda Rodriguez.
Day 2: Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in the morning, short walk around the Arenal volcano in the afternoon, coffee at Chocolate Fusion. Possibly a night tour in the evening.
Day 3: Very early departure to Tenorio Volcano National Park for the Rio Celeste trail. On the way back possibly the La Fortuna waterfall.
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a destination you can’t miss during your road trip through Costa Rica. The combination of volcanoes, waterfalls, hanging bridges, wildlife, and hot springs makes it a unique outdoor paradise. Yes, it’s touristy and not the cheapest place, but the natural beauty and the many activities make every dollar worth it.
My personal favorites were the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and the spectacular Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The authentic atmosphere at Soda Rodriguez and the beautiful view during breakfast at Princesa de la Luna made the experience complete.
Most important lesson: The weather in La Fortuna is unpredictable. We never got to see the top of the volcano completely, but that didn’t make the experience any less magical. The jungle is at its most beautiful in the mist, and the biodiversity is overwhelming, regardless of the weather.
Be flexible, enjoy nature, and let the ‘Pura Vida’ atmosphere of Costa Rica wash over you. La Fortuna is a place where adventure and relaxation come together perfectly!
This article contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.