El Salto Rope Swing La Fortuna (Tarzan Swing)

How about swinging from a rope and dropping down into a cool, turquoise river below? At El Salto in La Fortuna, you can do just that.

El Salto rope swing (shortened to El Salto) is one of the most fun things you can do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In fact, it was my favourite activity during my stay in the area.

The swing is a long, thick rope tied to a tree growing from the bank above the Rio Fortuna (River Fortune). You swing from rocks before dropping some 4 or 5 metres into the dreamy water below.

On a hot day, the river banks are packed with people chilling out and taking a dip. Skilled locals put on acrobatic shows while tourists look on in awe.

In this quick guide you’ll find out everything you need to know to visit El Salto rope swing in La Fortuna. I’ll cover how to get here, what to bring and where you can jump from into the the Rio Fortuna.

Where is El Salto rope swing?

El Salto rope swing is a 25-min walk or 5-min drive from the centre of La Fortuna de San Carlos (shortened to La Fortuna). From the town centre, it’s around 1.8 km away. While the walk is short, if you take a taxi, expect to pay around $4-$6 US.

A map showing the location of a rope swing called El Salto in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. — El Salto is just outside of La Fortuna.

How to get to El Salto rope swing

You just need to follow the Ruta Nacional Treciaria 702. This is the main road out of La Fortuna heading south.

Not long before arriving at El Salto, you’ll come to a crossroads with La Calle Diag 301. Continue past the crossroads staying on Ruta 702 and on the other side of the bend you’ll see a bridge. The bridge crosses the Rio Fortuna and the rope swing is below.

A man does a backflip from a rope swing at El Salto in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. — Some locals can do insane tricks from the rope swing.

Just before the start of the bridge, there is a steepish muddy path on the left. You’ll see the river as soon as you join the path and looking left you’ll see El Salto rope swing.

I’ve also seen El Salto called the ‘Tarzan Rope Swing’ online. If you ask locals for directions and use this name, they might not know what you’re talking about.

A man swings from a rope tied to a tree over a river. — It’s fun all round at El Salto.

Also, there’s another activity in La Fortuna called Tarzan Swing. It’s a harness swing activity that’s part of a forest canopy tour and nothing like El Salto.

I wouldn’t use the name ‘Tarzan Swing’. Everyone knows the river rope swing as ‘El Salto’ and it’ll avoid any confusion.

How much does El Salto cost?

Nothing! El Salto is absolutely free for everyone to enjoy. You can pass the whole day here and not spend a penny. This is unlike most of the other nature attractions in La Fortuna for which you typically pay a $15 US entry fee.

A man hangs above a river via a rope swing. — Just before I plunged into the Rio Fortuna.

Parking at El Salto

That said, if you drive to El Salto, you will have to pay for parking. Just before the bridge, alongside the road, there’s space for a few cars.

It’s not an official car park, but people wearing waistcoats will help you to park and keep an eye on your vehicle. It’s there guys you pay and as far as I know they charge around 2,000 CRC ($4 US). There aren’t many parking spaces, so if you’re planning on driving, I’d head to El Salto earlier in the day.

A man hangs upside down on a rope swing called El Salto in La Fortuna Costa Rica. — You’ll be amazed by some of the talented locals.

How to swing and where to jump from at El Salto

When swinging, wait until you’ve reached just before the maximum height above the water to let go. It’s deepest at this point and you shouldn’t hit the bottom. I’m 6 ft 2 inch and was fine.

Be patient and don’t let go until you’ve swung at least a few metres away from the tree. The water right below where you swing from is shallow and there are rocks. You could get hurt if you let go too early.

Also, try not to panic. I saw a few people freeze up when the moment came to let go of the rope and they ended up swinging back towards to tree. This isn’t good either.

The point you swing from is atop the tall rocks which line the river. If you swing back towards these, you could hit your legs on the rocks.

A section on a river which looks like a pool. People are swimming here from a rope swing called El Salto. — There are small waterfalls at El salto.

In front of El Salto rope swing, diagonally to the right, there are rocks to jump from too. Pick your spot before you jump and try to jump as far out as possible.

It’s a good idea to look at where other people are jumping from and at which point they let go of the rope swing before you try anything.

Swimming without swinging or jumping from rocks

If you want to take a dip but don’t fancy swinging from El Salto or jumping from the rocks, then there’s another way to get in the river.

Continue on the trail past El Salto for another minute or so and you come to a small rocky section which you need to climb down. It’s not too challenging, but when wet can be slippery. It’s not a good idea to climb down in flip flops. You can also get up from the river this way.

A man does a backflip from a rope swing into a river. — Impressive locals inspire tourists to try tricks at El Salto.

If you don’t like the idea of scrambling rocks, then stay on the trail bearing left, away from the river, for a few moments longer and you’ll come to a flight of steps.

A rope is in place to help you descend the steps and at the bottom you can enter the river. You can then head upstream through the water for a couple of minutes back to the pool and waterfalls below El Salto.

Less crowded swimming spot

El Salto is usually crowded. But for a quieter swim, head downstream on the trail another minute or so past the flight of steps I mentioned before.

From here you can easily access another section of the river which most people don’t get too. You just have to climb over a few small rocks.

The water here is also turquoise blue and the noise of the main road disappears as the bridge is out of sight. The trail continues past here for another few minutes before becoming too overgrown.

A man hangs from a rope swing with one hand. — On a busy day you’ll meet lots of toursits and locals at El Salto.

When to visit El Salto rope swing

You’ll have the best time at El Salto during the dry season. This typically runs from December – April and the weather is hot and skies clear. It’s the perfect time of year to cool off in the Rio Fortuna.

I recommend going to El Salto when lots of other people are there. A good time to arrive is early afternoon when the sun is high in the sky.

I usually recommend avoiding the crowds, but it’s the buzz of lots of people sharing the rope swing and hanging out on the rocks together that creates a really good vibe here.

A man lets go off a row swing to fall into a river below. He has his arms out in a cross-like fashion. — People get creative when letting go of El Salto.

When I was at El Salto, there were loads of locals and tourists. A few of the locals where amazing on the rope swing and could do slick tricks like backflips and spins. I also got chatting to other backpackers and all-round the atmosphere was laid back and fun.

During the rainy season (May – November), the river will be fuller but the currents faster and more dangerous. I don’t recommend heading to El Salto just after heavy rains unless you’re a strong swimmer. I also can’t imagine it being much fun while raining.

A man playing on a rope swing. — The more goes you have on El Salto the more confident you become.

What to bring to El Salto

Whether you plan to spend the whole afternoon or just an hour at El Salto, bring the following things.

Some cash: this only really matters if you drive here so you can pay the parking attendants. However, there are people selling fresh fruit just before the trail down to the river, which could be a nice snack.

Food: I’d bring some snacks with you too. The rope swing can be tiring, especially if you have a few goes.

A man called Kyle swings on a rope swing before dropping into the river visible below. — Kyle, a friend I made in La Fortuna, was loving El Salto.

Sunscreen: the swing side of the river is shaded by trees, but the rocks on the other side aren’t and neither is the pool. On a sunny day you could get burnt.

Swimming gear: obviously bring your swimming shorts or bikini and a towel. There’s nowhere to change in privacy at El Salto, so I’d put your gear on before arriving.

Final tips for El Salto rope swing

I wouldn’t swing at El Salto if you’re the only person here. If something goes wrong and you get hurt, getting out of the water and back up the rocks without help would be tough.

Also, keep an eye on your things. While I had no issues, you do need to leave your belongings on the rocks, and somebody could steal something.

It’s a good idea to check back on your things now and again. If you’re not in a group, then I recommend asking a group if you can leave your bag with theirs.

A man lets go of a rope swing an falls into a rive below. — It’s just as fun to watch other people swinging at El Salto.

Enjoy El Salto rope swing in La Fortuna

I had loads of fun here and it’s my number 1 recommendation in the La Fortuna area. Spending a few hours crashing into the water and chilling out on the rocks with the people I met was great. To make the most of your day, I’d combine visiting El Salto with La Fortuna Waterfall which is close by.

There’s not a lot more to say about El Salto, so enjoy the experience and try to round up a group of people to go with.

I’ve got plenty of Costa Rica travel guides on A World Over. Check out the following articles for trip inspiration and planning tips.

El Salto Rope Swing La Fortuna