12 bucket list things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica (2024)

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, La Fortuna National Park should definitely be a part of your itinerary. Almost all of the best things to do in La Fortuna are adventurous and thrilling!

Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

And with waterfalls, volcanoes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures like rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, and canyoneering, it’s on many travelers’ Costa Rica itinerary – even if you’re just visiting for a day from San Jose.

In this post, I’ve rounded up a list of the best things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal, from thrilling adventure activities to unique, bucket-list experiences in Costa Rica.

How to get around La Fortuna National Park

La Fortuna is a small town in the national park, and it serves as a gateway to the stunning Arenal Volcano and many other active adventures.

You’ll find lots of tours where you can experience the highlights. I’ve linked to the best ones for each activity below.

You can also rent a car and drive yourself. Making a road trip rather than joining an organized tour allows you to stop for photos anytime you want or head off to explore off the road.

You can rent a car in San José and other major cities in Costa Rica.

Best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica

1. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano is one of the most iconic sights in the La Fortuna area.

It’s dormant now, but still a great sight – especially viewed from inside the Arenal Volcano National Park.

Aside from the Arenal Volcano National Park, you can also hike the Arenal 1968 Reserve.

While the national park has trails and lava views, Arenal 1968 offers tropical rainforest paths, lava fields, and a café. If you’re short on time, I recommend going to Arenal 1968 for fewer crowds and better wildlife.

• Entrance fee: $15/person
• Arenal Volcano National Park Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM daily
• Arenal 1968 Preserve Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily

Book here – Arenal Volcano Hike

2. ATV tours

If hiking is not your thing but you still want to see Arenal’s scenery, try an ATV tour.

The ATV tours are a hit, known as the #1 Arenal Volcano experience. They’re thrilling and a fun way to get up close to the volcano without having to walk all the way.

3. Explore the La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall is near the town center and easy to reach by bike.

Get ready for a 480-step hike down through the rainforest to a towering 70-meter waterfall.

You can swim in the bottom’s strong jade pool or relax in nearby calmer springs. Afterward, make sure to explore the orchid garden and enjoy the views.

• La Fortuna Waterfall Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM daily
• Entrance fee: $18 per person

Book here – Full day Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and Hotsprings

4. Relax in natural hot springs

Another sight La Fortuna is famous for is its hot springs. Many of these springs are in private resorts, so you’ll need a day pass.

You’ve got options from the basic $12 pools at Los Laureles to luxe resorts with man-made waterfalls, costing over $80.

It’s a relaxing experience whichever you choose.

5. Go whitewater rafting

If you’re up for an adventure, La Fortuna is the perfect place!

It has rivers perfect for white water rafting, and you can choose tours with different rapids, from Class I to IV.

Professional guides will be with you all the way, and you’ll see amazing nature along the way. For new rafters, go for the Class II/III rapids tour or relax with a tubing float down Rio Celeste.

For a bigger thrill, try Class III/IV. It’s one of the most fun things to do on a day trip in the park.

Book here – Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna

6. Enjoy a canopy tour

Mistico Hanging Bridges (also known as Arenal hanging bridges) are where you can get up and close to the jungle.

On the canopy tours, you’ll walk a 1.7-mile trail with six suspension bridges high in the treetops while you see the rainforest from up high and down low.

If you’re lucky, you might see howler monkeys and sloths, but the forest sounds are always there. It’s a wild experience, perfect for nature lovers.

• Entrance fee: $26/person
• Opening hours: Daily from 6 AM to 4 PM

Book here – Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Hike

7. Zip lining

Looking for a thrill that’s exciting but not too wild? Zip-lining in La Fortuna is perfect.

You’ll soar high above the rainforest canopy, seeing the jungle from a whole new angle.

There are plenty of zip-lining options here, with some offering views of the volcano and others taking you over the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall. For an extra kick, try a combo of zip-lining and rappelling.

Book here – Arenal Best 12 Zipline cables with La Fortuna Waterfall zip

8. Take a sloth tour

Spotting sloths in Costa Rica, especially around Arenal – La Fortuna, is a must-do. You’ll find plenty of sloth-watching tours in the area.

With a local guide, your chances of seeing these cuties are high. The tours are family-friendly, not too hike-intensive, and often include hotel transfers and snacks.

If you have a car, there’s a great tour at Sloth’s Territory, known for its value and good reviews.

Book here – Sloth Tour in La Fortuna

9. Take a day tour to Rio Celeste waterfall

Rio Celeste is a breathtaking waterfall about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna in Tenorio Volcano National Park.

If you like waterfalls, you’ll love this one.

It’s unique because it’s where two rivers with different minerals meet. This blend makes the water turn a striking milky blue.

You’ll need to walk 3.4 miles to get there, but there’s much more to see in the park – think amazing hot springs, rich rainforest, and wildlife.

It’s remote, so drive or join a tour from La Fortuna.

• Parking fee: $2 at trailhead lots
• Hiking fee: $12 per person
• Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Last entry: 2 PM

Book here – Full-Day Rio Celeste Tour From La Fortuna

10. Join a coffee and chocolate tour

Fun fact: Cacao used to be Costa Rica’s largest crop, and they even used it as money until the 1930s.

And the best place to learn more about cacao beans and their perfect counterpart – the world-class Costa Rican coffee – is La Fortuna.

You can join this coffee and chocolate tour where you’ll taste homegrown fruits, chocolate, and coffee, and might even see some sloths.

If you’re more into chocolate, go for the Eden Chocolate Tour, where you get to make your own chocolate.

Read next: 10 best chocolate tours in La Fortuna you should try

11. Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake. Originally, it was made for hydroelectric power but now it’s all about fun.

These days, you can do sunset boat rides, fishing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, or even boats across to Monteverde.

Plus, you get awesome views of Arenal Volcano while enjoying the water and rain forest.

12. Try canyoning

Canyoning in La Fortuna is intense.

You ride a 4×4 into the jungle with a guide, then it’s all action – rappelling down waterfalls, climbing canyons, cliff jumping, and swimming through tight spots.

It’s for the adventurous who don’t mind a bit of risk. If that’s your thing, there are tours just for you.

Book here – Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tour in La Fortuna

FAQ – Things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica itinerary

Is it better to stay in Monteverde or La Fortuna?

It depends on your interests. Monteverde is better for experiencing the unique cloud forest and quiet nature, while La Fortuna is ideal for volcanic views, hot springs, and adventure sports.

How much time do you need at La Fortuna waterfall?

You’ll typically need about 1.5 to 2 hours to visit La Fortuna Waterfall. This gives you enough time to hike down, enjoy the waterfall, maybe swim, and hike back up.

How many days should I stay in La Fortuna?

I recommend staying in La Fortuna for about 3-4 days.

That’s enough time to see key spots like Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall, and do a couple of extra activities like zip-lining or wildlife tours.

How to spend 3 days in La Fortuna Costa Rica?

In three days in La Fortuna, here’s a straightforward itinerary:

Day 1:

• Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for hiking and great views.
• Relax in the hot springs in the afternoon or evening.

Day 2:

• Explore the La Fortuna Waterfall in the morning.
• Spend the afternoon on a zip-lining or canopy tour.
• Enjoy local cuisine in town for dinner.

Day 3:

• Choose an adventure activity like white water rafting, horseback riding, or a wildlife tour.
• Spend some time in downtown La Fortuna, exploring shops and cafes.

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• 10 days in Costa Rica: The ultimate Costa Rica itinerary
• 12 best waterfalls in Costa Rica you shouldn’t miss

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