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La Fortuna is one of those places that sounds fake when you describe it. “So yeah, there’s this town at the foot of a volcano. There are hot springs everywhere. You might see a sloth crossing the road. Slowly.” And yet… it’s real. It’s magical. And it’s very, very Costa Rica.
Why do people keep falling in love with La Fortuna?
Because it’s got everything. A perfectly shaped volcano (Arenal), steaming hot springs you can actually swim in, jungle trails, waterfalls, and activities for every mood—from “I want to nap in nature” to “throw me off a zipline and let’s see what happens.”
Also: it’s easy to get to. Whether you’re flying into San José or Liberia, a few hours in a shuttle or rental car gets you there. Bonus: the roads to La Fortuna are surprisingly smooth by Costa Rican standards. (We see you, potholes of Monteverde.)
What can you actually do in La Fortuna?
Short answer? A lot. Long answer? Waterfalls, hot springs, volcano hikes, ziplining, wildlife watching, chocolate tasting, white water rafting, coffee sipping, rope swinging, frog spotting, and possibly some accidental mud-sliding.
You’ll definitely want to check out La Fortuna Waterfall (yes, it’s worth the 500 steps). Hot springs? Absolutely. Tabacón and The Springs are fancy and fabulous, but even the free El Chollin is a vibe—bring beers and bug spray and you’re golden.
Is La Fortuna good if you’re traveling with kids?
Totally. It’s like a giant outdoor classroom, only with monkeys instead of math. Whether your crew is into butterflies, sloths, frogs, or swimming pools with volcano views, you’ll find something they’ll talk about all year.
My tip? Book a family-friendly night tour—kids love headlamps, and you might spot glowing mushrooms, weird insects, or a frog that looks like it’s smiling at you (they do that, it’s eerie).
Where should you stay in La Fortuna?
Depends. Want volcano views from your pillow? Try Arenal Observatory Lodge or Nayara Gardens if you’re feeling romantic (and flush). Prefer a place with a swim-up bar? Hello, Los Lagos.
On a budget? Selina La Fortuna has co-working, yoga, and hammocks, while Arenal Container Hostel is super fun and super friendly. And there are tons of small, locally run hotels and cabins that feel like home—with better toucan access.
Do you need a car to explore La Fortuna?
Not necessarily. If you’re staying near town and booking tours, most include hotel pickup (bless them). But if you want to explore places like free hot springs, local swimming holes, or stop for impromptu “is that a sloth?” moments, a car definitely helps.
If you’re team no-car, that’s cool too. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and shared shuttles get the job done—just confirm prices beforehand or prepare to negotiate using a mix of Spanish, mime, and interpretive eyebrow movements.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
Dry season (December to April) is your best bet for clear volcano views and dry hiking boots. But I’ve been there in June, got soaked, and still had the time of my life. Rain just makes the jungle greener and the hot springs steamier.
Plan your mornings for adventure and your afternoons for soaking. Trust me. There’s nothing quite like sitting in warm water while rain taps the leaves around you like nature’s ASMR.
Any hidden gems in La Fortuna I shouldn’t miss?
Yes! A few, actually.
- El Salto Rope Swing – local favorite for swimming, jumping, and people-watching.
- Arenal 1968 Trail – awesome views, fewer crowds, and a real lava field vibe.
- Bogarín Trail – underrated little trail near town that almost guarantees you a sloth sighting.
And if you’re into weird local stuff, ask someone about the old volcano hike to Cerro Chato. It’s technically closed now, but the stories live on…
Oh, and don’t miss our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of”. It’s got more places like this, plus tips you won’t find in any influencer reel.
Should you book activities in advance?
Yes, especially in high season or if you’re picky. Hot springs, ziplining, rafting, and good night tours can fill up fast. And nothing kills the mood like showing up and being told “no space, sorry.”
We test all the tours we recommend, so if you want real-deal experiences without the tourist traps, check out what we offer on GoExploreWith.me. It’s all been reviewed, sniffed out, and approved by our very picky, very sunburnt team.
If Costa Rica were a movie, La Fortuna would be the crowd-pleaser blockbuster with a little bit of everything—action, romance, jungle drama, hot steamy scenes (literally). Whether you’re there to chase waterfalls or chase your kids around the pool, it’s a place that sticks with you.
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