Crowned by the majestic (and very active) Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica's top destinations for both adventure and relaxation. Here, supersized zipline courses and hanging bridges crisscross the lush rainforest, meaning there are plenty of things to do in La Fortuna for thrillseekers and wildlife watchers alike. After a day in the treetops—or a hike to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall—travelers can soak in the mineral-rich waters of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
The best time to visit La Fortuna is during the sunny dry season, which runs from December until early May. The weather is generally sunny this time of year, and there’s less mud and fewer showers, which makes exploring the area much more enjoyable. However, the dry season can be crowded, particularly around Christmas, New Years, Easter, and during spring break in the US.
While you can easily get around the town of La Fortuna on foot, you’ll need a car to get out to key attractions such as the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park or if you want to visit local hot springs. Your best options are to rent a car of your own, hire a taxi, or join a private or group tour that will take you out to area attractions.
Dine on traditional Costa Rican fare at Soda La Hormiga, a budget-friendly open-air spot that attracts locals and visitors with its hearty meals. The traditional casados, (plated meals with beans, rice, meat, plantains, and salad) are big and filling. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the restaurant also offers plenty of smaller—but still substantial—side dishes.
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La Fortuna is famous for its proximity to the Arenal Volcano and attracts travelers looking for adventure and relaxation. Zipline courses and hanging bridges crisscross the area’s lush rainforest, while the mineral-rich waters of the region’s geothermal hot springs offer the ideal spot for a rejuvenating soak. Just outside town, La Fortuna Waterfall is also a top attraction.
...MoreYou should spend two to three days in La Fortuna, although you could easily spend weeks exploring the surrounding area. In this time, you’ll be able to visit the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall—the two most popular attractions—as well as go white-water rafting or river tubing, and spend a day at the hot springs.
...MoreYou can reach La Fortuna Waterfall on foot via a well-paved path. The hike down to the waterfall from the main lookout point takes about 15 minutes. The return trek can take 30-40 minutes, as it climbs up a 500-step staircase. You can also access the waterfall on horseback.
...MoreYes. Adventurous travelers can swim in the jade-colored natural pools formed by the waterfall. But be warned: The water is cold, and the current directly under the falls is strong, so you shouldn’t swim close to the cascade. There are calmer pools further downstream that are better for less experienced swimmers.
...MoreHead to Lake Arenal, the second-largest freshwater lake in Central America, to catch views of the sunset with the Arenal Volcano in the background. Evening cruises are available. You can also go to the Springs Resort & Spa, which boasts an amazing view, thanks to its perch 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the Arenal Valley.
...MoreLa Fortuna is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica, offering a variety of tours and activities, including hiking and biking trails, ziplining, horseback riding, and hot springs attractions. Monteverde offers a lot of activities as well, but they’re mostly geared toward hardcore nature lovers.
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