LA FORTUNA
La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica, northwest of the capital, San José. It’s known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising 2 volcanoes. Active Arenal Volcano is still laced with lava flows. Hot springs dot the foot of the volcano, on the thermal Tabacón River. Dormant Chato Volcano has a crater lake and rainforest trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall, with its natural pool.
12 exciting things to do
Go caving in the Venado Caves
The tour involves a short drive out to Venado Caves, where you’ll listen to a brief and safety talk, as well as get suited up with your boots, hard hat, and headlamp. Afterward, it’s time to begin the tour by walking to the entrance o the cave. Here is where the fun really starts as you enter the underground world below La Fortuna and Arenal.
With a small river below your feet, you’ll navigate a large main cavern while exploring smaller caverns/rooms within the cave. The entrances to the smaller caverns are small, and if I’m being honest, it’s a little scary at first. However, with your experienced guide, you’ll feel really safe, and if one part seems too scary, there is always an option to skip it. However, push through and try them all – you won’t regret it!
Soak in the Hot Springs
In this area of Costa Rica, there are two elements that dominate the landscape – water and volcanoes. When the two mix, what do we get? That’s right… Hot Springs!
Make an “official” visit – Arenal National Park
This national park is dedicated to one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. The Arenal Volcano had a major eruption as recently as 1968 and until a few years ago it was still possible to see lava burble up from the top! Today, the mountain just smokes from time to time but it is still an impressive sight.
Relax at the free Natural Hot Springs River
There are a ton of paid hot springs in La Fortuna that come with manicured gardens and man-made pools to enjoy the expereince in true luxury. However, the free Natural Hot Springs River is the perfect place to visit for those on a budget or just looking for a free activity in La Fortuna.
Go for a swim at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall
Costa Rica has so many beautiful waterfalls, but this one is right at the top of the list. It is a bit of a trek to get to the bottom but trust me – it is 100% worth it. And this is one of the few waterfalls in the country where there are manmade stairs to make the journey easier.
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the 530 steps you will be looking up at a 230ft waterfall! Watch closely and you’ll even see people zip line over the top of it.
Check out Río Celeste
You may recognize Rio Celeste from pictures online – it’s one of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. The best part is that you can easily visit Rio Celeste from La Fortuna on an organized day tour, or on your own if you have a rental car.
Visit the Hanging Bridges
he hanging bridges are an iconic place to visit in La Fortuna. Located in the gorgeous foothills of Arenal Volcano at Mistico Park, the hanging bridges give visitors the perfect opportunity to explore the lush rainforest along beautiful trails and from hanging bridges above.
Let all your troubles float away – Arenal Tubing
Did I mention there is a lot of water in this area?! If you’re tired of lounging around in hot springs or swimming below an enormous waterfall, how about floating down a tropical river?
Wander the Arenal Observatory and Trails
Arenal Observatory invites visitors to visit and walk any of their five well-maintained trails that traverse their property. Whether you want to look for birds, go to a hidden waterfall, explore the treetops or just wander through the property – this place is a wonderland.
Get dirty on an ATV tour
One of the coolest ways to explore the breathtaking and wild landscapes around La Fortuna is on an ATV tour. Not only will you get to see the countryside, but you’ll also have a ton of fun along the way.
Get a bird’s eye view – Sky Trek
So by now you may have enjoyed a swim, soaked in hot springs, hiked to a waterfall, biked or ridden to a volcano, well, how about flying through the treetops?!
If you’re up for it, zip lining in the rainforest is one of the most unforgettable experiences of a Costa Rican vacation
Horseback ride to the Volcano
Maybe you don’t feel like doing all the work on a bike? How about you get yourself a partner to handle most of the work? Not all locals are people – why not let a friendly horse show you the sights?