Sitting at the foot of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province is La Fortuna de San Carlos, an adventurous destination packed with outdoor fun.
La Fortuna de San Carlos (shortened to La Fortuna) is Costa Rica’s adventure capital and tourists flock here for the outdoor activities and beautiful nature.
Among the most popular attractions are the hiking trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, which lead to viewpoints of the spectacular Arenal Volcano, and the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall.
But that’s not all the area has to offer and, in this complete guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica I’ll share my top recommendations for your trip here. Discover the best things to do, where to stay and where to eat.
Where is La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is around 140 km, or roughly a 4-h drive to the northwest of the capital city San José. It sits just off the centre of Alajuela Province close to Lake Arenal.
Around 200 km to the west of La Fortuna is the popular Nicoya Peninsula with its beautiful beaches and famous destinations such as Tamarinado and Samara.
How to get to La Fortuna
Getting to La Fortuna with private or public transport is pretty straightforward. The town is located in the middle of the country and is connected by highways from all directions.
From San José
If driving from San José, the fastest way is via Ruta 1 Ctra. Interamericana and later Ruta Nacional Treciaria 702. There are tolls on this journey where you’ll need to pay, so have cash ready.
Buses from San Josè leave daily at 8:40 from Terminal 710 and cost 3,850 CRC ($8 US). The journey takes around 4 h 30 min and is direct.
La Fortuna is the most popular destination in Costa Rica, so you’ll need to arrive well in time to join the queue for a bus ticket. I recommend arriving at least 30 min before to guarantee yourself a seat.
From the border with Nicaragua
The main border crossing between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is Peñas Blancas. If driving from the border, you need to take Ruta Nacional Primaria 4 to the small town of El Tanque and then Ruta Nacional Secundario 142 to La Fortuna. The drive is around 190 km and lasts roughly 4 h.
The public transport equivalent of this journey has 2 legs. First you take a bus from Las Peñas to Ciudad Quesada. These leave at 8:00 and 14:00, tickets cost 4,000 CRC ($8 US) and the journey lasts roughly 5 h 30 min. At Ciudad Quesada you’ll then take a bus to La Fortuna for roughly 45 min at a cost of 1,600 CRC ($3 US).
From the Nicoya Peninsula
There are 2 options for driving from the Nicoya Peninsula and both take roughly 4 h 30 min:
- Ruta Nacional Primaria 21 > Ruta Nacional Primaria 18 > Highway Interamericana > Ruta Nacional Secundaria 142
- Ruta Nacional Secundaria 155 > Ruta Nacional Primaria 21 > Highway Interamericana > Ruta Nacional Primaria 6 > Ruta Nacional Primaria > Ruta Nacional Secundaria 142
The journey by public transport depends where exactly on the peninsula you’re coming from, but will likely include at least 4 buses: to Liberia, Cańas, Tilaran and finally La Fortuna. All together the bus fares should come to around 7,000 CRC ($14 US).
Shuttle buses
There are many shuttle bus companies in Costa Rica connecting almost the entire country. These are a good option if you don’t have a vehicle and want to get places faster and more comfortably than with public transport. Granted, shuttle buses are much pricier than regular public transport.
Among the most reputable shuttle bus companies are Caribe Shuttles, Mypinkbus and Interbus. From San José, expect to pay around $60 US for a seat on a shared shuttle bus to La Fortuna and for the journey to take at least 3 h 30 min.
Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
There are a tonne of adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities to get the blood pumping along with natural thermal spas to relax at. Either way, La Fortuna is a great destination to connect with Costa Rica’s tropical nature. These are my top recommendations for the best things to do here.
La Fortuna Waterfall
This has to be the top attraction in La Fortuna. The beautiful cascade crashes from a height of 75 m into a turquoise pool below. You can admire the waterfall from several viewpoints and take the short trail down to the pool for a refreshing dip.
Entry to La Fortuna Waterfall costs $20 US for foreign adults and, while this is steep, swimming in the pool below is worth it.
To get to the waterfall you’ll need to either have your own vehicle, take a taxi or walk – there aren’t buses that go this way. Here’s my complete guide to La Fortuna Waterfall detailing all the information you need to know for your visit.
El Salto Rope Swing
This is my favourite experience in La Fortuna and one not to be missed. At El Salto (the jump) you can sling yourself from rocks into the refreshing Rio Fortuna (Fortuna River) from a long rope tied to a tree above the water.
What I love about this place is that on a hot day it’s packed with both locals, some of whom put on acrobatic displays on the swing, and tourists who look on in awe. The busy atmosphere creates a fun vibe as people hang out on the river banks soaking up the sun and swim in the river.
El Salto is just a 30 min walk outside of La Fortuna. If going by taxi, you’ll get there in just 10 min for around 2,500 CRC or $4-6 US. I’ve got a complete guide to El Salto here to help you plan your visit.
Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park
Along with La Fortuna Waterfall, this is the other major attraction in the area. The national park is split into 2 sectors: the Volcano Sector and Peninsula Sector and within these are trails leading to great views of Arenal Volcano and Lake.
All of the hiking trails are easy to complete and you can explore them without a guide if you prefer doing your own thing. However, a guide will increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Animals in the national park include a range of monkeys, such as white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, and sloths and coatis. The park is also home to a number of birds such as toucans and the resplendent quetzal, as well as snakes and frogs.
Foreign adults must pay 8,500 CRC ($17 US) to enter the park, which gets you access to both sectors, but only if you visit both on the same day.
Check out my complete guide to hiking in Arenal National Park which has all the information you need to plan a day out here.
Cerro Chato hike
Cerro Chato (Flat Hill) is the smaller of the 2 volcanoes in Arenal Volcano National Park. The now extinct peak is covered in thick green forest and is dwarfed by the taller and active Arenal Volcano.
Hiking Cerro Chato is a tough challenge, but one that comes with the reward of swimming in the emerald green lake that fills the crater.
However, before you plan on doing this hike, there’s important legal information to consider. Here’s my full Cerro Chato hike guide with everything you need to know.
Hiking in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal
There are also private reserves in the national park with their own trails. One of the reserves I recommend hiking in is Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal (Arenal Volcano Ecological Park).
There are a few trails here both to a really great viewpoint of Arenal Volcano. I preferred these trails because, unlike the easy official national park trails, they’re challenging and bring you much closer to the volcano.
Entrance to Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal costs 8,500 CRC ($17 US) and only gets you access to this private reserve, not the official national park hiking area too.
El Choyin free hot springs
The Rio Arenal (Arenal River), which runs alongside the main road between the national park and La Fortuna, is heated by Arenal Volcano and there’s a stretch of the river which the locals have turned into a free thermal spa.
The water here is shallow and the gentle current allows you to wade to a comfortable spot and plonk yourself down into the warm water. The water is the perfect temperature – not too hot, not too cold – and is great for soaking the muscles after a day of hiking.
I recommend heading to El Choyin free hot springs either early in the morning or after sundown. Temperatures at these times are cooler making the warm water more enjoyable and there should be less crowds.
If you want a more secluded, higher-class experience, then consider paying for entry to one of the private thermal spring resorts nearby. These start at around $50 US for a day pass and closer to $100 US with a meal included.
My full guide to El Choyin free hot springs explains everything you need to know to get to and enjoy the thermal river.
Other things to do in La Fortuna
While I haven’t done any of these next activities, I met plenty of people who did and who recommended them. If I’d stayed in La Fortuna longer, I would’ve done at least a couple of them.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
If you like the thought of strolling through the canopy of La Fortuna’s lush green forest, then you should head to the hanging bridges at Mistico Park Arenal. In total there are 16 bridges, most of them suspended high up in the treetops, forming part of a 3.2 km trail.
You can visit the hanging bridges on your own or with a guided tour. Entry for a self-guided walk starts at $18 US (it’s cheaper to go in the afternoon) and you can do this from 6:00 to 15:50 every 30 min. The walk takes roughly 2 h.
Wildlife tours
The nature in La Fortuna is incredible and so is the range of wildlife. For the best chances of spotting fauna, you’ll definitely want to pay for a guided wildlife tour.
In La Fortuna you’ll find a bunch of tour agencies offering excursions from bird watching to night time tours to see nocturnal animals. Prices for wildlife tours start at around $40-$50 US.
Waterfall rappelling and ziplining
These are some of the most adventurous activities to do in La Fortuna. Ziplining above the forest or rappelling down a waterfall will get the juices flowing and there are a few places where you can do these.
One of the better-known zipline experiences is Arenal 12 Zipline Cables where you fly over La Fortuna Waterfall. Ziplining and rappel tours start at around $100 US per person. While not cheap, they do look really fun.
When to visit La Fortuna
The dry season in Costa Rica typically runs December – April. This is the ideal time to visit La Fortuna as the warmer, drier weather is best for enjoying outdoor activities.
Visiting during the wet season, which runs May – November, isn’t ideal. Hiking trails are in worse condition and can be muddy and slippery. Also, more cloud coverage can obscure Arenal Volcano, which, for many, is the main draw to La Fortuna.
Where to stay in La Fortuna
The accommodations I recommend below and based on either my personal experience or a combination of consistently high ratings across major booking platforms, price and location.
Budget accommodation
Argdivan Hostel – from $13 US/night
This is the hostel I stayed at and I particularly recommend it for the laid back atmosphere and friendly owners. Like any good hostel, there’s a kitchen, free WIFI and common areas, including a big rooftop terrace and bar. The location is great too on a quiet street a 5-min walk from the town centre. Shared dorms start at $13 US per night and private rooms at $53 US per night.
Pura Vibra Hostel – from $11 US/ night
A very nice looking hostel at the top of town, Pura Vibra is great for social people as it boasts a cinema room and table tennis. Facilities include a shared kitchen, free WIFI and plenty of common areas to hang out in. Shared dorms start at $11 US per night and private rooms at $45 US per night.
Ceiba Hostel – from $12 US/night
Ceiba is a higher-end hostel at a budget price. With a rooftop terrace, lounge and coworking space, it’s great for socialising and for digital nomads who need to get work done. Facilities include a shard kitchen, free WIFI and a currency exchange. Shared dorm rooms start at $12 US per night and private rooms at $70 US.
Higher end
Arenal Thiago – from $75 US/night
This 1-bedroom holiday rental home is close to the centre of town and the whole property is yours. The apartment has a kitchen, a living room and a dining area. Guests can hang out on the patio and even eat outside thanks to an outdoor dining area. Best of all is the private jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing at the end of an adventurous day in La Fortuna. Renting Arenal Thiago for 1 night starts at $75 US.
Las Pavitas Cottages – from $90 US/night
This holiday rental home is a few kilometres outside of La Fortuna perched atop hills overlooking Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. The amazing views are the main draw followed by the lovely interior. The property sleeps 4 people, has a great kitchen and plenty of garden space to enjoy the surroundings. You’ll need your own vehicle to get to and from Las Pavitas Cottages and the property has a parking area.
Book Las Pavitas Cottages here.
Where to eat in La Fortuna
There are plenty of sodas (family-run affordable restaurants with set lunches) along with more expensive restaurants offering wider menus in La Fortuna. Here are some of my top picks.
- Soda Hormiga – a traditional soda offering cheap but tasty lunches
- Soda Melania – another traditional soda offering cheap but tasty lunches
- Soda & Restaurante Rodríguez – offers the typical set lunches of a soda as well as a more extensive menu
- Chifa La Familia Feliz – a Costa Rican take on Chinese cuisine
- The Green Spoon Restaurant – good for veggies and vegans
How long should you stay in La Fortuna
I recommend staying at least 3 days in La Fortuna. This gives you time to check out my top recommendations: El Salto, La Fortuna Waterfall and the national park, along with a day to chill out or fit in another activity like ziplining or the hanging bridges.
Getting around La Fortuna
Within the town you can get everywhere on foot. You can also get to El Salto rope swing in just 30 min walking. However the big attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall and the national park are too far away to walk. To visit these you’ll need either your own vehicle or to take a taxi.
A taxi from La Fortuna to the national park Main Visitor Centre costs around $15 US. Uber also operates in the area and can be cheaper. Unfortunately buses don’t run between La Fortuna and the main attractions.
Your final option is to book a 3-day unlimited shuttle pass for $25 US offered by a tour agency called Monteverde ToursCR. With this pass you can visit all the main attractions in the La Fortuna area including:
This pass can save you a lot of money on taxis if you plan on visiting a few of these sites. Get in touch with Monteverde ToursCR directly to sort yours.
Enjoy La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica. With its incredible nature, blissful thermal baths and exotic wildlife, you’re bound to have a great time here.
Your days in La Fortuna are bound to be action packed, so remember to keep yourself fuelled with plenty of food, water and sleep.
I’ve listed all of my La Fortuna travel guides below and you can find all of my Costa Rica adventure travel guides here.