How to Spend 3 Days Visiting La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Nestled into the base of Arenal Volcano, the small vibrant town of La Fortuna offers endless opportunities to get outside and experience the magic of the lush tropical rainforest. There are so many things to do in this region – everything from whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, bird watching, nature walks, kayaking, tubing, canyoning, wildlife spotting, soaking in hot springs, and so much more. It’s a nature-lover and thrill-seeker’s paradise.
Spending only three days in La Fortuna isn’t nearly enough time, but it will give you a small taste of what this magical place has to offer and have you ready to start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
One of my best friends and I planned a two week trip to Costa Rica back in early January and spent a few days exploring the area around La Fortuna. IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE! This is a place that I can see myself coming back to again and again, with friends, with family — it’s that good.
Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
VISIT ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Visiting Arenal Volcano National Park is an absolute must-do on any La Fortuna itinerary. Arenal is an active stratovolcano that once erupted regularly until 2010. Today, scientists say the volcano is still considered active, but it’s in a resting or “sleeping” phase and is relatively calm.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot puffs of smoke billowing from the top. You may even hear and feel it rumbling! I’ve seen so many great photos of Arenal, but seeing it in person is spectacular. The volcano’s presence dominates the horizon and is truly an impressive sight to behold.
Hiking to the summit of the volcano is not allowed, but there are plenty of trails surrounding the base of Arenal that wind through the rainforest, offering views of the lava fields and the volcano’s peak.
GO ON A NIGHT WALK IN THE RAINFOREST
One of the best ways to experience the Costa Rican rainforest is at night! There’s no denying that the rainforest is stunning during the day, but it’s when the sun goes down and nature’s nocturnal chorus begins that you’ll be truly immersed in what makes the rainforest so special.
As a kid, I grew up in the country playing in and around the wildlife refuge next to my parents’ property, and my brother and I spent our days catching lightning bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes (okay, it was mostly him catching creepy crawlies and me admiring them). So when Candace and I saw that a guided night walk in the rainforest was an activity our eco lodge had on offer, we jumped at the opportunity and decided we HAD to do one.
It did not disappoint! We saw several species of frogs, snakes, tarantulas, some not poisonous and some *extremely* poisonous snakes. Our guide had just been telling us that about 98% of the snakes in Costa Rica are not poisonous, but the are a few so venomous, that if bitten, you could be dead in no time. One of those snakes is the Fer de Lance, which is a pit viper.
Shortly after our guide gave us this insightful bit of information, we were crossing a road and my friend stepped over something. Turning back to shine her flashlight over it, we both realized it was a dead snake! Our guide came over and said, “well you’re lucky it’s dead because that’s a Fer de Lance and if it had been alive, it would’ve bitten you!” Yikes!
Thank goodness it wasn’t. We had been using our flashlights to guide our way the whole time, but for just a few seconds of crossing the road, we stopped looking down at the ground — this could’ve been a huge mistake! So always use caution and make sure to shine a light on every step you take!
While you *could* do a night walk on your own, I highly recommend going with a guide. A knowledgable seasoned guide will, first and foremost, help keep you safe while navigating your nighttime path and keep you away from potentially dangerous wildlife. They’ll possess the skills necessary to spot camouflaged critters you’d most definitely miss on your own.
And a guide isn't just there to lead you; they're a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped. They will share fascinating insights about the flora and fauna, explain the delicate balance of rainforest life, and stress the importance of respect for nature and minimizing human impact.
A rainforest guide will turn a mere walk into an educational and unforgettable adventure.
VISIT LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
La Fortuna waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. It’s located within a biological reserve and part of Arenal Volcano National Park. The waterfall stands at an impressive height of 230 feet (70 meters). Seeing the water cascading down the lush cliffs into a natural pool below is truly breathtaking.
At the visitor center, you’ll pay an entrance fee of $18 USD (~9718 Colones). Here you’ll find a gift shop, restrooms, a small restaurant, and an orchid garden nearby. Then you’ll hike down a well-maintained trail through dense rainforest. The trail is about 530 steps and takes 15-20 minutes to descend. There are multiple viewpoints along the way and benches to rest on if you need a little breather going back up.
Keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys swinging through the trees, fluttering butterflies, tropical birds, and schools of fish in the river below.
At the end of the trail is a large observation deck, perfect for taking a few photos. Descend a little further and once you reach the base of the waterfall, you’ll find a large pool with crystal clear, very cold water. Time to take a dip!
Swimming is allowed here and something you absolutely have to do. The water feels so good and refreshing.
I definitely recommend bringing good water shoes so you can more easily scramble over the huge rocks and boulders and jump in! You’ll also want to bring bug spray, sunscreen, a towel, plenty of water, and snacks.
Costa Rica is deeply committed to sustainable eco-tourism — they take it very seriously! — and La Fortuna waterfall is no exception. The area is carefully managed to protect the environment and make sure visitors leave only footprints and take nothing but memories. With this eco-conscious approach, you’ll be helping preserve the natural beauty of the area and supporting the conservation efforts of the local community.
SOAK IN THE HOT SPRINGS
No trip to La Fortuna would be complete without soaking in its hot springs. Due to the region’s geothermal activity, there are a number of hot springs dotting the area around Arenal and La Fortuna.
One of the most popular places to soak is the Tabacón Hot Springs, which is part of the Tabacón Resort & Spa. For the ultimate rest and relaxation, you could book a room here to fully enjoy the hot springs.
Oftentimes though, the resort is fully booked or maybe it’s just not quite in your price range. For this reason, Tabacón has made the hot springs available for day use, which is what we did. You can purchase a day pass for about $80 USD, which gives you access to the hot springs, cold plunge pools, a swim-up bar, and a welcome drink.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience and don’t want to pay for access to the hot springs, simply park down the road from the resort and wander down to the steamy river. Be sure to go early if you want to avoid the crowds. There are other free hot springs in the area as well, but just remember to use caution when entering as you won’t know how hot they are and always practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying these natural springs. Let’s keep them safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Although the waterfalls at Tabacón are man-made, the springs are heated by volcanic activity and are soooooo relaxing! The hot springs are fed by the geothermal activity of the nearby Arenal Volcano. As rainwater seeps deep into the earth, it is heated by volcanic magma, creating a network of underground rivers filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. These waters resurface at Tabacon, creating a series of cascading hot spring pools with varying temperatures.
What sets Tabacon Hot Springs apart is its natural and beautifully landscaped setting. The pools are surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, creating a secluded and tranquil environment.
As day pass guests, we were allowed to access the hot springs from 10am – 10pm. We decided to be there right at 10am and planned to stay for about 4 hours or so. Then we would go find something else to do for the second half of the day.
Except Candace and I ended up staying for 10 HOURS! We were so relaxed and just did not want to leave, haha.
We soaked. We swam. We took pictures. We sipped on margaritas and piña coladas at the swim-up bar. We ate a delicious dinner. We soaked in the springs some more. Finally around 8pm, all pruny and fully rejuvenated, we dragged ourselves back to our hotel to shower and get ready for another early start the next day.
WORTH EVERY PENNY.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Photos of Arenal Observatory Lodge just don’t do it justice. The property is STUNNING! I just couldn’t get over how beautiful our room was and the fact that there was a literal volcano right outside my sliding glass door. I could see Arenal from my bed!
The lodge is the only hotel located within Arenal Volcano National Park; no other hotel is as close. You’re quite literally at the base of Arenal. The property boasts 870 acres to explore, including 270 acres of natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, 400 acres of reforested land and tropical gardens, and 200 acres of pastureland.
There’s also an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds, nearly 7 miles of walking trails, waterfalls, a wildlife observation deck and tower, hanging bridges, a museum, spa, pool, hot tub, and restaurant.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails was originally built in 1987 as a scientific research station for the world-famous Smithsonian Institution. After Arenal Volcano’s sudden and dramatic explosion into life in 1968, Smithsonian Institution scientists began frequenting the area and would camp on the land because of its strategic location. The landowners built cabins and a small hotel to take care of those scientists and have since expanded over the years to include several rooms and two villas.
Since we were in the rainforest, we decided to sleep with the sliding glass door open (and screen shut, of course) so that we could listen to the light rain and the sounds of all the rainforest critters as we fell asleep. The most memorable, magical experience of my life was waking up the next morning at dawn to the sunlight gently creeping in, the chorus of howler monkeys and tropical birds filling the room, and a family of coatis running down the hill right outside our room. Core memory made!
Other Places to Stay
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
If a truly luxurious stay is what you’re after then Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is where you want to be! You’ll be surrounded by 900 acres of verdant rainforest and all the amenities a spa resort includes. It is one of the most iconic and sought-after destinations for travelers seeking a combination of relaxation and adventure.
The highlight of Tabacon Resort is its natural hot springs, which are heated by the geothermal activity of the nearby Arenal Volcano. The mineral-rich waters are are known for their mineral-rich properties and are believed to have therapeutic benefits.
The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs is another 5-star luxury resort that offers spectacular views of Arenal, 18 on-site thermal hot springs, an outdoor adventure center, and a world-class spa facility.
For adventure seekers, the resort offers an array of activities such as zip-lining through the treetops, guided hikes in the rainforest, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting in the nearby rivers. Nature enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to spot exotic wildlife and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Casa Luna is a more budget-friendly, but still very beautiful option located near La Fortuna waterfall. This eco-friendly hotel offers an outdoor pool and spa surrounded by lush tropical gardens and is an ideal spot for bird-watching. The rooms have views of Arenal volcano and the rainforest. Casa Luna’s rustic Luna Grill is an on-site restaurant with a menu that features fresh produce and high-quality ingredients grown in its very own organic garden. They even produce their own honey and cultivate medicinal plants and species.
How to Get to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
So now that I’ve convinced you to book a trip to La Fortuna, here’s how you can get there.
FLY
The most convenient way to get to La Fortuna is to fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. This is the largest international airport in Costa Rica and serves as the main entry point for most travelers. Another option is Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
After flying in, there are several options for getting to La Fortuna.
RENT A CAR
The best way to get around Costa Rica, in general, is with your own set of wheels. Renting a car and driving yourself is pretty straightforward and it means you’ll be able to go where you want, when you want, saving you precious travel time and maximizing your vacation time.
Since there is so much to do in this area, being able to have independence and flexibility is key. The drive takes about 3-4 hours from SJO airport and about 2.5 hours from LIR airport.
HIRE A PRIVATE SHUTTLE
Many tour companies and hotels offer private shuttle services that can take you directly from the airport to La Fortuna. This is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you're traveling with a large group, but once you’re in La Fortuna you’ll either need to use a taxi service because all of the attractions are quite spread out (this could add up quickly) or rent car in town.
TAKE A BUS
The cheapest way to get to La Fortuna is to take a public bus but keep in mind this isn’t the easiest option as there is one departure per day. The other downside is that you can’t purchase bus tickets online; they are only sold at the terminal and on a “first come, first serve” basis. And again, once you’re in La Fortuna there aren’t any bus routes to the places you’ll likely want to visit. So even though it is very inexpensive, it’s definitely not the most convenient way to get around.
RIDE SHARING
Uber is available in La Fortuna, but not as reliable the further away you move from the town itself, which is why renting a car is the most ideal option.
