La Fortuna is a paradise for travelers of all kinds, offering a wide range of activities that suit every budget, from adventurous hikes to relaxing hot springs. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or tranquility, this vibrant destination has something for everyone. Here’s a list of things to do in La Fortuna, based on my personal experiences:
- El Salto
- Arenal Volcano Trail to Cerro Chato
- Angelina Garden
- Cataratas Escondidas (A Hidden Free Waterfall)
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Kalambu Hot Springs
- Free Hot Springs
- Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall
- The Best Ways to Get Around La Fortuna
1
El Salto
El Salto is a free Tarzan-style rope swing over a river, and it was so much fun that I went every day for a week. You might have to wait in line, but the different levels of difficulty make it accessible to everyone. If it’s your first time, don’t worry—everyone is super encouraging!
Best Time to Visit: Around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when it’s warmer, making it ideal to swim in the cold water.
Who Can Do This Activity: Everyone, but it’s especially great for families and solo travelers. Many families bring their kids, who can also jump directly into the water from the rocks without using the rope. It’s also a nice spot for solo travelers to meet new people.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring water shoes for a better grip on the rocks and a microfiber towel to dry yourself faster after swimming.
2
Arenal Volcano Trail to Cerro Chato
This challenging hike is one of the best things you can do in La Fortuna, and it’s completely free. Be cautious, though—locals might try to charge you $20 USD for access, but you don’t need to pay. At the end of the trail, you can swim in the crater of an extinct volcano. Avoid this hike during rainy weather, as the trail becomes slippery and dangerous.
Best Time to Visit: Start around 8-9 a.m. It’s a long hike, so you’ll want plenty of time to go up and down and swim in the crater before sunset.
Who Can Do This Activity: This hike is great for adults and solo travelers. It’s a difficult hike, so it’s best suited for those over 15 years old who are in good physical shape.
Tip: Check out my detailed article for this hike: Travel Guide: Arenal Volcano Trail to Cerro Chato.
3
Angelina Garden
This hidden gem is a beautiful, free garden with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. It took me about 45 minutes to explore, and it was a peaceful experience. The garden relies on donations, so be sure to bring some cash to help maintain this lovely spot.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day, though I recommend going before sunset to enjoy the view of the volcano in the background.
Who Can Do This Activity: This activity is great for everyone. The garden is flat, making it accessible to all.
4
Cataratas Escondidas
If you’re looking for a lesser-known, free waterfall, Cataratas Escondidas is perfect. It’s not crowded, and you can swim right up to the waterfall for an incredible view. It’s a great alternative to the more popular (and expensive) Fortuna Waterfall. Check out my detailed article for this activity: Ultimate Travel Guide: Cataratas Escondidas.
Best Time to Visit: Around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when it’s warmer, making the cold water more enjoyable.
Who Can Do This Activity: This is great for adults and solo travelers. The hike is easy to medium in difficulty, so I recommend it for people over 15 years old who are in good physical shape, as crossing the river can be challenging if the current is strong.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring water shoes for a better grip on the rocks and a microfiber towel to dry yourself faster after swimming.
5
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
This is one of the most popular activities in La Fortuna, and for good reason. The entrance fee is $28 USD, and it took me about two hours to walk the entire trail. I recommend starting your walk at 6 a.m. to avoid the crowds and maximize your chances of spotting wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: Around 6 a.m., as I mentioned. I had the place to myself and got some amazing photos.
Who Can Do This Activity: Everyone. Lots of families were there with their kids. This activity is perfect for nature lovers.
6
Kalambu Hot Springs
Kalambu Hot Springs is a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. For just $10 USD, you get access to natural spas, pools, and two waterslides. The site is spacious, and it wasn’t crowded during my visit. You can even bring your own food and enjoy a picnic. I spent an entire day there with my brothers, and it was one of our favorite experiences in La Fortuna.
Best Time to Visit: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to fully enjoy your day.
Who Can Do This Activity: Everyone, but it’s especially great for families and groups of friends.
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7
Free Hot Springs
The free hot springs came highly recommended by my hostel, but they tend to be very crowded. There’s also no designated picnic area, which made Kalambu Hot Springs a better choice for me.
Best Time to Visit: From 2-3 p.m. to 8 p.m. I was told the hot springs are nicer to enjoy later in the day.
Who Can Do This Activity: Since there’s no regulation or safety measures, I recommend this activity for adults, groups of friends, and solo travelers.
8
Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall
I skipped this waterfall after hearing it wasn’t worth the $20 USD entrance fee. It’s often packed with tourists, and there’s limited space for swimming. My hostel friends didn’t find the waterfall particularly impressive, so I chose to visit Cataratas Escondidas instead.
Best Time to Visit: Around 7 a.m. when it opens. That way, you can have the place to yourself and avoid crowds.
Who Can Do This Activity: Everyone. It’s a very family-friendly activity.
9
How To Get Around
There are mainly three ways to get around La Fortuna since it’s a small village:
- Rent a scooter: To get around La Fortuna, you might need a scooter. I highly recommend Scooter Rental La Fortuna Rentals. Valentina, the owner, is one of the nicest people I’ve met, and they offer the best prices in town.
- By foot: Most activities are within walking distance from the center of La Fortuna. I walked to most places and really enjoyed seeing more of the village and experiencing the local lifestyle this way.
- By car / Uber: If you rent a car for your trip to Costa Rica, that’s great. However, if you don’t have your own transportation, I highly recommend using Uber over local taxis in La Fortuna. Uber prices are fixed and generally better than those offered by local companies.
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