14 Best Things To Do In La Fortuna Costa Rica

If you could paint a perfect picture of Costa Rica, it would likely include charming colonial towns, scenic waterfall hikes, steaming hot springs, and views of lofty Volcanoes in the distance. If this is your idea of paradise, then you’ll fall in love with La Fortuna!

This small town sits below the towering Arenal Volcano in the hidden jungles of northern Costa Rica. Known for its relaxing wellness opportunities and epic outdoor adventures, there are activities for every type of traveler. Here are some of the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

La Fortuna Waterfall

One of the best things to do in La Fortuna is to get out and explore the wild nature that surrounds it. La Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning waterfall that sits inside the Arenal Volcano National Park on the edge of town, making it one of the more accessible ways to experience the great outdoors in this remote area. 

You’ll need to hike down to the waterfall (and then back up when you’re ready to leave), which allows you to see some of the park before you reach your destination. The entrance fee is currently $20, and you can see the waterfall by yourself or with a tour guide. 

Coffee and Chocolate Tour

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without sampling the local coffee and chocolate. La Fortuna offers tours where you can learn about the cultivation and production of these delicious products. 

Visit a local plantation, see the process from bean to cup (or bar), and, of course, enjoy some samples of the products you’re learning about. Coffee and chocolate are some of Costa Rica’s biggest exports, and you’ll find plenty of options for tours in the La Fortuna area.

Take A Sloth Tour

Seeing a sloth in the wild is one of the coolest experiences in Costa Rica. As you make your way through the field and enter the reserve, immediately you are surrounded by the sloths up in the trees. But they are not easily spotted at first so the expert tour guides will point them out to you.

The tour takes you through the path in the forest where you can watch the sloths slowly climb up in their tree. If you get lucky, you will be surrounded by them, get to see baby sloths, and even get to see some other animals like red frogs or toucans. At the end of the tour, fresh fruit is served which is sweet and delicious as the perfect way to end your tour.

Go Riding The ATVs

Coast Rica is all about the adventure so hopping on the ATVs is one of the best ways to explore the area. One of the best ATV experiences is going up on a private trail in the jungle along which you will experience the natural beauty of the country. There are a few stops along the way but the most amazing view is when you get up close to an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano.

This tour is a few hours long and provides the helmets and water for safety. You must have your driver’s license to be able to go on the tour and you have the option of getting your own ATV or sharing one. This is an activity where you should be prepared to get a little dirty because you might be driving through creeks and puddles, hills and valleys, so dress for the occasion.

El Salto Rope Swing

For a hefty dose of adventure, make your way to El Salto rope swing – a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Located near the main road from La Fortuna to the Arenal Volcano, this natural swimming hole is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

You can take a swing from the rope into the refreshing waters of the Rio Fortuna, or simply enjoy the views from one of the large boulders that line the river. Entrance to the rope swing is free, but you may want to bring some colones to tip the parking attendant. Alternatively, you can walk here in about 15 minutes from town. 

Note that the rocks surrounding the river are slippery, so water shoes or tennis shoes are highly recommended.

Ziplining

If you are afraid of heights then ziplining here might make you a little nervous because the lines start out pretty high, but I promise you, it’s worth it. So, don’t miss out on this one because it turned out to be one of our favorite things that we did in Costa Rica.

You get to experience the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view with a ziplining tour. La Fortuna is home to several ziplining companies that offer adrenaline-pumping adventures through the treetops. 

Glide over the lush canopy, with the majestic Arenal Volcano in the background, and enjoy the unique perspective of the forest below. Some tours even include a Tarzan swing or a rappel for added excitement.

Hot Springs

After a day of adventure, nothing beats soaking in the natural hot springs that the area is famous for. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and there are plenty of options to fit every budget. 

The geothermal activity from the Arenal Volcano heats these soothing waters, providing a perfect way to unwind. Whether you choose to visit a luxurious resort like Tabacón or Baldi or opt for a more rustic (and free!) experience at El Choyin, the hot springs are a must-do for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Mistico Hanging Bridges Park

For a unique vantage point of the rainforest, make your way to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. As the name suggests, this park features a series of suspension bridges that allow you to traverse the canopy of the jungle. 

As you walk through the forest, you’ll spot wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow solo, but there are also tours available with local guides if you want more information about the park’s flora and fauna. 

Hike Around Arenal Volcano

For those looking to get up close and personal with the iconic Arenal Volcano, there are several hiking trails that offer fantastic views and insights into the volcanic landscape. 

The Arenal 1968 Trail is a popular trail, named after the volcano’s most significant eruption in 1968. The trail winds through lush forest and old lava fields, providing stunning vistas of the volcano and Lake Arenal. It’s a moderate hike, suitable for most fitness levels, but there are also plenty of easier and harder treks available around the volcano.

Kayak Lake Arenal

Spend an afternoon kayaking around Costa Rica’s largest lake for an unforgettable experience. This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica if you’re looking for adventure AND relaxation in a gorgeous setting. 

Paddle across the calm waters, surrounded by lush greenery, and take in the panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano. This is also a great activity for those who prefer to explore on their own, as no guide is needed for paddling this lake. Simply show up, find a vendor (there are tons around the lake), and get into the water!

White Water Rafting

For thrill-seekers, white water rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí River is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. These rivers offer thrilling rapids that are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The river has class 2 and class 3 rapids but never gets extreme or dangerous.

The lush scenery along the way adds to the adventure, making it an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of the region. As always, there is a guide going along with you that let’s you know when to paddle and when you can relax a bit.

Enjoy The Local Food

The food is always one of the best things about visiting a place and Costa Rica definitely has some incredible restaurants to try. Some of the best restaurants include Tiquicia, Soda La Hormiga, La Parilla de Maria Bonita steakhouse and Don Rufino for a more upscale dining experience.

Also, be sure to always try the fresh local smoothies that are made with local fruits, they are so delicious. They include lots of fruits like pineapple, mango and bananas for the perfect tropical smoothie. Any time you have the chance to get a piña colada, be sure to get one!

Wildlife Float

For a more serene way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, consider taking a wildlife float down the Peñas Blancas River. This peaceful excursion allows you to drift along the river, guided by an expert who will point out various animals and plants. 

Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, and a myriad of bird species. It’s an excellent way to connect with nature without the physical exertion of hiking or rafting. There are several companies offering these types of excursions, some of which include authentic Costa Rican cuisine with a local family!

Rio Celeste Waterfall

If you have a car, you can easily drive to this waterfall from La Fortuna, but if you don’t then taking a tour from La Fortuna to see this waterfall is worth it. It is just as beautiful as the La Fortuna waterfall and perhaps the water colors are even more vibrant. The water is a striking turquoise that is even more impressive in person.

On this full-day tour you will get to hike, swim in the warm river pools, spot wildlife, and enjoy a fresh lunch with local ingredients. The guides will also point out one of the interesting spots along the water where the bright blue river water changes color due to a reaction of volcanic minerals.