7 Best Things To Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna was my first stop on the Costa Rica itinerary. It was about a 2-hour drive from the San Jose Airport. If you like being in the jungle, hot springs, hiking, and beautiful resorts then La Fortuna is the spot for you!
LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
This massive waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation, vibrant greenery, and blue waters. You walk down to the waterfall via stairs, it’s a lot of stairs, about a 500-step trek. Swimming is allowed in the waterfall and in the creek. I recommend wearing water shoes because the rocks are extremely slippery. Entrance fees are around $18 USD per adult and parking is free. If you want to miss the tour bus crowds, I would go before 10 AM.
MISTICO ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES PARK
This park is full of suspended bridges nestled within the rainforests offering a unique experience through nature. You can choose a self-guided tour which is what I did but if you want to spot wildlife, it’s recommended to go with a guide. Tickets for adults start at $32 USD.
ARENAL VOLCANO
The Arenal Volcano stands tall as one of the country's most iconic natural wonders. You can hike the base of the volcano and through dense rainforests to catch views of the volcano, soak in the natural hot springs, or zip-line through the canopy, take a boat ride on Lake Arenal or leisurely walks through verdant gardens. Or simply view the volcano through afar like I did!
HOT SPRINGS
A visit to Costa Rica isn’t complete without visiting at least one of the hot springs they are known for. The one above is from Tabacon Resort which is where I visited and stayed. Check out the blog I wrote on the best hot springs to visit!
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Now for all my adventure people. There is a TON of activities to do here and you will never be bored.
Ziplining - Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zipline tour which is one of the top rated things to do here.
White Water Rafting - Navigate the waters of the Balse or Toro rivers on a thrill seeking tour.
Mountain Biking - Take a biking tour through the forest.
Canyoning - Rappel down waterfalls and canyons with experienced guides, this is such an unique adventure.
ATVs - Go off-roading on ATV tours.
Horseback Riding - Ride horses through trails and rivers with a guide.
I personally like to use Viator to book all my tours, I’ve always had good experiences and they offer everything imaginable.
RIO CELESTE WATERFALL
This is about 1.5 hour drive from La Fortuna. The picture says it all about how beautifully blue the water is. You will need to purchase tickets in advance but you don’t need a tour. This walk is about 3-4 miles so dress appropriately. As nice as the water looks, swimming is prohibited.
CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE TOUR
Coffee and chocolate are two of Costa Rica’s biggest exports so it’s recommended to take a tour of the farms. You will be able to taste the final products fresh! I did not have time to do this but really wanted to!
