So you're planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering about the absolute must-do things in La Fortuna? Smart move. Having explored this area multiple times since 2018, I can tell you it's packed with more adventures than you can shake a stick at. From steaming hot springs to thundering waterfalls and that iconic volcano watching over everything, this place is special. Let me break down exactly what's worth your time and what tourist traps to avoid.
Conquering Arenal Volcano National Park
You can't talk about things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica without starting with Arenal Volcano. That near-perfect cone dominates the skyline, though it's been quiet since 2010. Don't let that fool you – the park still feels alive with geothermal energy.
Hiking Trails Worth Your Sweat
The main trailhead is along Route 142, about 15 minutes west of town. Open 8am-4pm daily, $17 entry. Bring rain gear – I learned that the hard way when a downpour hit halfway through my hike last March. The Las Coladas trail (2.9 miles) takes you over actual 1968 lava flows. You'll feel the residual heat through your shoes if you touch the rocks. Crazy experience. The shorter Heliconias trail has better volcano views though.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Coladas | 2.9 miles | Moderate | 1968 lava fields, secondary forest |
| Heliconias | 1.2 miles | Easy | Best volcano viewpoints, orchid garden |
| El Ceibo | 3.4 miles | Challenging | Ancient ceiba tree, lake views |
Pro Tip: Go right when they open at 8am. By 10am the parking lot gets packed with tour buses carrying cruise ship crowds. Trust me, you want that peaceful morning vibe with howler monkeys as your soundtrack.
Hot Springs Heaven
After hiking, nothing beats soaking in natural thermal waters. La Fortuna has options for every budget:
- Free option: Behind Tabacón Resort along the roadside river. Look for steam rising from the water. Bring towels and watch your belongings.
- Mid-range: Baldi Hot Springs ($45/person). Massive complex with 25 pools and wild water slides. Fun but can feel like a water park. Open 9am-10pm.
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort ($85/day pass). Natural river-flow springs surrounded by jungle. My personal favorite – felt like paradise after a muddy hike.
Honestly? The free springs are great if you're watching colones, but Tabacón's gardens and waterfall massages justify the splurge. Avoid weekends when locals pack the free spots.
Oh, and don't wear jewelry in any springs. The minerals will turn silver black in minutes. Ruined my favorite bracelet back in '19.
La Fortuna Waterfall: More Than Just a Photo Op
That iconic 230-foot cascade you've seen on Instagram? Located just 3 miles southeast of town. Easy drive or $5 taxi ride. Open 7am-5pm daily, $18 entry includes parking and lockers.
Here's what most blogs don't tell you: It's 500+ steep steps down to the base. Fantastic workout coming back up. Bring water shoes – the rocks are slippery. And that gorgeous swimming hole? Frigid year-round from mountain runoff. Takes your breath away literally.
Timing Secret: Arrive right at opening to have the place to yourself. By 10am, tour groups descend like hungry howler monkeys. I once saw three people drop phones trying to take selfies on wet rocks. Don't be that person.
Adrenaline Rush Central
If you're hunting pulse-pounding things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, you've hit the jackpot:
Ziplining Through Canopies
Sky Adventures runs the longest line (almost 1 mile!) with volcano views. $65 includes 7 cables and gear. Their safety record is impeccable – saw them reject a guy for wearing flip-flops. Opens 7am-4pm. Book online for 10% discount.
Hanging Bridges Exploration
Mistico Park has the most impressive network. $32 entry, 6am-4pm. Six miles of trails connecting sixteen bridges, some suspended 150 feet up. Saw a toucan family from Bridge 9 last rainy season. Go before 8am when wildlife is most active.
| Adventure Company | Activity | Price Range | Duration | Kid Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Adventures | Ziplining | $59-79 | 2.5 hours | Ages 5+ |
| Desafío Adventure | Whitewater Rafting | $85-95 | 4 hours | Ages 12+ |
| Pure Trek Canyoning | Waterfall Rappelling | $99 | 4 hours | Ages 10+ |
Seriously consider the combo tours. Many operators bundle ziplining with bridge walks for about $20 savings. Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy – that red volcanic soil stains forever.
Wildlife Encounters You Won't Forget
Beyond volcano adventures, La Fortuna serves incredible wildlife watching:
Bogarin Trail Sloth Sanctuary
Five minutes from downtown ($15 entry, guided walk $25). Don't skip the guide – Hector spotted six sloths I walked right past. Open 6am-5pm. Their two-toed sloth rescue program is heartwarming.
Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue
$30 tour includes feeding monkeys and toucans. More educational than zoo-like. Book the 8am tour when animals are most active. Support their rehabilitation work – they rescued three poisoned howler monkeys last monsoon season.
Early birds win here. Wildlife hides when temperatures rise. Saw a family of coatimundis rummaging near the parking lot at Bogarin at 6:30am once – magical moment before crowds arrived.
Feasting Like a Tico
After all that activity, you'll need fuel. La Fortuna's food scene punches above its weight:
- Soda Viquez (Calle 468) - Hole-in-wall serving massive casados (typical plates) for $7. Try the chicharrones. Closes at 8pm.
- SpecTACOlar (Main Street) - Creative fusion tacos. Their volcano taco (spicy pulled pork) lives up to the name. $4-6 each. Open until 10pm.
- Don Rufino (Across from church) - Upscale Costa Rican. Perfect for anniversary dinners. Their sea bass in plantain crust? *chef's kiss* $25-35 entrees.
Pro tip: Eat where locals line up. Avoid restaurants with touts outside waving menus – usually overpriced and mediocre. Learned that lesson at "El Tourist Trap" back in 2017.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
Want to escape the crowds? Try these:
Rio Celeste Waterfall
90-minute drive but worth it. That insane turquoise color comes from volcanic minerals mixing. $12 entry, strenuous hike. Go midweek when fewer tour buses make the trek.
El Salto Rope Swing
Free swimming hole just west of town. Locals jump from 25-foot ledges into the river. Super fun but check depth first – water levels change seasonally. Saw a tourist sprain an ankle here last summer.
Venado Caves
Underground limestone caves ($25 guided tour). Crawl through tunnels, see bats, and feel like Indiana Jones. Bring change of clothes – you'll get muddy. Not for claustrophobics.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
Got extra time? Consider:
- Rio Frio Safari Float (1.5 hours north) - Gentle paddle through Caño Negro wetlands. Saw three crocodiles sunning last April tour. $65 includes transport.
- Tenorio Volcano National Park (2 hours) - Home to Rio Celeste. Requires full day but that blue water is unreal. Pack lunch – no facilities inside.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest (3.5 hours) - Famous for suspended bridges and quetzal birds. Rough road but doable with 4x4. Stay overnight if possible.
Practical Stuff That Matters
From my hard-earned experience:
Getting Around
Renting a car? Get full insurance – those gravel backroads eat tires. I blew two on Cerro Chato road. Uber doesn't exist here. Use official red taxis or book shuttles through reputable companies like Interbus.
When to Visit
Dry season (Dec-Apr) means clear volcano views but higher prices. Green season (May-Nov) brings afternoon showers but lush landscapes and 30% cheaper rates. September is rainiest but emptiest. I'll take mud over crowds any day.
Safety Tips
- Don't leave valuables in rental cars – smash-and-grabs happen near trailheads
- Carry small colones for roadside fruit stands and restrooms
- Tap water is drinkable but tastes sulfuric near hot springs
- Get travel insurance covering volcano evacuation – seriously
FAQs: Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica
How many days do I need? Minimum three full days. Five lets you breathe and explore hidden gems.
Best combo volcano-view/hot springs? Tabacón's gardens frame Arenal perfectly during sunset soaks. Worth every colon.
Can kids do adventure activities? Most ziplines allow ages 5+. Avoid rafting/canyoning if under 10. Bogarin Trail is great for all ages.
Is La Fortuna wheelchair accessible? Honestly? Not really. Uneven terrain dominates. Some hot springs have ramps but trails are challenging.
What should I skip? The butterfly gardens feel dated. And that "volcano view" restaurant charging $25 for average pasta? Tourist trap.
Essential packing items? Quick-dry clothes, waterproof hiking shoes, insect repellent with DEET, and waterproof phone case. Forgot mine last trip and killed a phone in waterfall spray.
At the end of the day, the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica involve embracing both adventure and pura vida slowness. Don't try cramming everything – pick three must-dos per day max. Some of my favorite memories came from sitting at a roadside soda watching the volcano peek through clouds with a cold Imperial beer. Slow down. Soak it in. That's the real magic.