Is La Fortuna worth visiting in Costa Rica?
As I looked out over the rainforest canopy from the Mistico Hanging Bridges, I realised something:
La Fortuna isn’t just another tourist stop — it’s the real deal.
Before I headed to Costa Rica, I’d heard of Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs, and jungle zip-lining adventures…
But I wasn’t sure if La Fortuna was just another overhyped town — or something truly special.
After a few days exploring — hiking the hanging bridges, soaking in free hot springs, and spotting howler monkeys in the wild — I can say without hesitation:
La Fortuna is 100% worth visiting.
It’s one of the best places in Costa Rica to experience volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife — all packed into one accessible jungle town.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what makes La Fortuna so special, share my favourite things to do, budget tips, and how to book the best tours while you’re there.
Let’s dive in.
Such an amazing jungle town.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
My 3 recommended hotels in La Fortuna:
Where to stay:
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa (Most Famous Resort) - My Number One Pick!
Arenal Observatory Lodge (Best views of Arenal).
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa (Resort style).
Highest-rated La Fortuna tour:
La Fortuna: Sloth & Wildlife Nature Walk (Iconic experience in Costa Rica).
Why visit La Fortuna?
My first time in a jungle town, and what an experience…
Tucked into the lush jungles of northern Costa Rica, La Fortuna is one of the country’s most iconic destinations, and as I learned quickly - for good reason.
It’s the gateway to Arenal Volcano, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and a place where you can soak in natural hot springs, hike through wildlife-rich jungle, and chase epic waterfalls — all in a single day (I literally did).
Whether you're planning a full La Fortuna itinerary, a quick stop between beach towns, or a once-in-a-lifetime zip-line tour through the rainforest, La Fortuna delivers the kind of high-energy, high-beauty experiences that make Costa Rica so unforgettable.
👉 Book your top-rated tours in La Fortuna here — from volcano hikes to sloth-spotting river safaris.
Now let’s explore exactly why La Fortuna deserves a top spot on your Costa Rica travel itinerary:
Home to Arenal Volcano.
Costa Rica’s adventure capital.
Abundant wildlife & rainforest trails.
The spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall.
World-famous hot springs to soak in.
(We’ll cover even more amazing things to do in La Fortuna below — including must-see spots like Mistico Hanging Bridges, El Salto swimming hole, and more!)
Awesome shot.
Home to Arenal Volcano.
There is no doubt that the towering Arenal Volcano is what puts La Fortuna on the map, and when I first arrived on the bus from San Jose, I could see why immediately!
Once one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal now stands dormant.
However, it’s still a dramatic backdrop over the small jungle town…
You’ll see it dominating the skyline as soon as you arrive in town, often with clouds curling around its symmetrical cone - Easily my favourite Instagram spot in Costa Rica!
It’s not just for the views though…
There are a bunch of trails you can hike at Arenal Volcano National Park, where you’ll walk over old lava fields, through dense jungle, and past wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and even sloths if you’re lucky.
👉 Looking for an easy way to visit?
Check out this top-rated Arenal Volcano hiking tour with transport, guide, and park entry included.
Quick Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see the summit — the volcano often hides behind clouds during the middle of the day.
Arenal Volcano is also part of many popular La Fortuna tours — so it’s super easy to include in your adventure plans.
An iconic sight from the park n La Fortuna.
It’s Costa Rica’s adventure capital.
When I think of Costa Rica, I always think of action and adventure!
If you’re looking for adrenaline-packed things to do in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is the place to be.
Seriously… This small jungle town is known as Costa Rica’s adventure capital for good reason.
Whether you want to zip-line over rainforest canopies, white-water raft down wild rivers, or abseil down waterfalls, there’s something here for every thrill-seeker.
My whole time in La Fortuna was filled with outdoor fun!
Here are just a few popular adventures:
Zip-lining at Sky Adventures — epic views of Arenal and Lake Arenal.
Waterfall canyoning (aka rappelling!) through the lush jungle.
White-water rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí Rivers.
ATV tours that splash through mud, jungle and back roads.
👉 Want to try it all?
Check out the best adventure tours in La Fortuna with real reviews and fast booking options.
El Salto Swimming Hole.
Book the best La Fortuna adventure tours.
Ready to experience zip-lining, canyoning, white-water rafting, and more?
Here are the top-rated adventure tours in La Fortuna — handpicked for thrill-seekers and nature top-rated adventure tours in La Fortuna lovers:
✅ Zipline + Hanging Bridges Combo Tour (with lunch).
✅ Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling Adventure.
✅ White-Water Rafting on the Balsa River (Class II–III).
✅ ATV Jungle Adventure with Local Guide.
✅ Full-Day Arenal Adventure Pass (Lunch Included).
👉 Browse All La Fortuna Adventure Tours on Viator.
👉 Compare Prices for La Fortuna Activities on GetYourGuide.
Tip: These tours sell out fast during peak season — especially zip-lining and waterfall rappelling! Book early to avoid missing out.
Hiring an ATV in Costa Rica is fun.
The jungle town is abundant with wildlife.
La Fortuna felt like a hidden world to me… So much life in around the beautiful nature…
The noises in the rainforest are totally surreal!
One minute it’s dead silent, and the next, howler monkeys echo through the jungle like a scene from Jurassic Park.
And the numbers back it up: over 850 species are known to call this region home…
From sloths and toucans to poison dart frogs, coatis, iguanas, and more.
What makes it even more special?
You don’t need to go on a multi-day trek to experience it.
Many of the best wildlife encounters in La Fortuna happen just a short walk or tour from town, or even from your hotel balcony if you're lucky.
👉 Looking for the best all-in-one nature experience?
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is a must.
You’ll walk through the rainforest canopy, hear wildlife all around, and (if you’re lucky) spot monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birds overhead.
🌿 Click here to check tour times and skip-the-line entry for Mistico – an unforgettable jungle experience for all ages.
A colourful frog.
To visit the amazing La Fortuna Waterfall.
I visited several waterfalls during my time in Costa Rica, but La Fortuna Waterfall was the most impressive.
It’s tucked away in the jungle just outside town, and the moment I heard it crashing down through the trees, I knew it was something special.
You can easily pair it with a morning hike or combine it into a full-day adventure around the area.
I’ll share more tips on how to visit, when to go, and what to expect later in this guide.
👉 Planning a visit?
Here’s my full La Fortuna Waterfall guide — with all the info you need including costs, crowds, and how to time your trip just right.
If you’re heading to the coast too, check out my guide to the Montezuma Waterfalls — a totally different vibe, but just as unforgettable.
La Fortuna Waterfall.
Another amazing view.
The perfect spot to enjoy soothing natural hot springs.
La Fortuna is famous for its geothermal activity, thanks to its proximity to the Arenal Volcano, which means steamy hot springs are everywhere.
It’s one of the top reasons people visit the town, and there are options for every budget.
You’ve got upscale resorts like Tabacón and EcoTermales, where you can soak in thermal pools surrounded by lush rainforest, often with a drink or two.
I had an awesome day at Tabacón with fellow solo travellers.
But if you’re travelling on a tighter budget, don’t worry, there are also free natural hot springs along the river just outside of town.
We found a couple of quiet spots where locals were soaking under the stars, completely surrounded by nature… no entry fee, just pure volcanic magic.
There are springs all over La Fortuna.
What Is La Fortuna like?
La Fortuna is a lush, laid-back jungle town tucked in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, and it’s one of the most iconic destinations in the country for a reason.
It just has that magical vibe which needs to be experienced for you to understand… Abundant nature just offers something extra special to these destinations!
What to expect in La Fortuna:
A compact, walkable town with a central plaza, beautiful park, casual restaurants, tour operators, and souvenir shops.
A backdrop of misty volcano peaks and lush greenery in every direction.
A mix of backpackers, couples, and families all drawn here for nature and adrenaline activities.
A strong eco-tourism feel, with most tours and accommodations being built around sustainability and preserving the environment.
Looking for the perfect base? I recommend a small eco-lodge with views of Arenal — check out the best-rated stays in La Fortuna here.
I felt instantly at home in the quirky jungle town as I love:
Nature and wildlife.
Enjoy outdoor adventure.
Prefer a town that caters for both locals and tourists.
It reminds me a bit of Ubud in Bali or Montezuma in Costa Rica… Rustic, green, wellness-focused, but with a buzzing vibe.
Hiking at Rio Celeste.
What to do in La Fortuna.
There’s a reason La Fortuna is often called the adventure capital of Costa Rica…
As it’s packed with epic things to do.
Whether you’re here for adrenaline, nature, or culture, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. I managed to do most of these in just a few days… and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer.
Here are some of the best things to do in La Fortuna.
Including exactly how to book them, what to expect, and some extra insider tips.
A small, but quirky town.
1. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
A must on any La Fortuna itinerary.
This 70-metre waterfall crashes into a deep jungle pool, and the view when you reach the bottom of the 500+ steps is worth every ounce of effort!
Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, and wear good shoes (it gets slippery). Swimming is allowed, but the current is strong. I just stuck to the edges.
👉 Book a combo tour that includes the waterfall + other top sights — See top-rated options here.
An awesome viewpoint.
After a very fun swim.
2. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park.
Arenal Volcano is the main draw in La Fortuna, and hiking the lava fields is an unreal experience.
There are two main sectors to explore: Arenal 1968 and the official national park trails.
Both offer panoramic views of the volcano, plus hikes through old lava flows and rainforest.
The trails are easy-to-moderate and can be done in half a day.
Many tours combine a hike with other awesome La Fortuna activities.
No matter how long you are in La Fortuna, exploring Arenal National Park should be a priority for you!
👉 Book a guided Arenal Volcano tour for the best wildlife insights and volcano views.
👉 Want to unwind afterwards? Pair it with a soak in the best hot springs in La Fortuna.
It is like being in Jurassic Park.
3. Walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges.
This was one of my favourite experiences in Costa Rica… And where I really felt the rainforest come alive.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offers a 3.2km loop trail through jungle canopy, with 16 bridges (6 of them hanging). I spotted toucans, monkeys, and even a tiny viper.
Early morning is best for wildlife, and it’s manageable solo or with a guide…
But the locals are experts, and really do add a fun and educational dimension to your rainforest experience.
👉 Book the best Mistico Hanging Bridges guided tour here – it’s popular, so advance booking is essential in peak season.
👉 I talk more about this in my Best La Fortuna Tours roundup.
My favourite tour in La Fortuna.
4. Go Ziplining or White-Water Rafting.
If you’re craving adrenaline, then La Fortuna is one of the best places in the world for it.
Ziplining through the rainforest was one of the best buzzes I had in Costa Rica. Travelling at high-speed over the famous waterfall and canyons with insane views of Arenal.
White-water rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí River is also epic, with class II-IV rapids, great for beginners or more advanced travellers.
👉 Compare the best zipline & rafting tours in La Fortuna here – many include lunch and hotel pickup.
👉 Wondering what to wear for ziplining? Here’s my packing guide for Costa Rica zipline adventures.
5. Take a Night Wildlife Tour.
La Fortuna is a different world, and the rainforest truly comes alive after dark.
I joined a guided night walk just outside La Fortuna town and saw frogs, snakes, sloths, and glowing insects.
The guides were brilliant, as they spotted camouflaged creatures I would’ve walked straight past.
I recommend wearing closed shoes and if you bring a decent torch or headlamp with you, your experience will be even better.
👉 Book a night tour with expert local guides — See availability here.
👉 If you're heading to the coast too, check out my fun things to do in Montezuma… Also rich in jungle wildlife.
The forest comes alive at night time.
6. Enjoy Chocolate or Coffee Tours.
Costa Rica grows some of the best cacao and coffee in the world… Trust me, you want to try a lot of it!
You can learn how it all goes from bean to bar (or brew!).
I visited a cacao plantation just 10 minutes from town, where I roasted beans and made my own chocolate from scratch.
Most day tours also pair it with a coffee tour, so you get the best of both worlds.
👉 Browse the best chocolate and coffee tours in La Fortuna – Book here.
👉 Want to learn more about the country? Don’t miss my 15 fun facts about Costa Rica post — perfect pre-trip reading!
Is La Fortuna too touristy?
I’ll be honest… La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most visited destinations, so yes, there are definitely touristy parts.
It was a bit of a give away as I explored the centre of town: restaurants with English menus, tour desks on every corner, and plenty of backpackers.
A complete contrast to my time in San Jose, where it was a lot more raw, and local feeling!
But here’s the thing — It didn’t feel ‘too touristy’ in a bad way.
Once I stepped away from the town centre, the magic kicked in.
I hiked trails at Mistico Hanging Bridges with howler monkeys echoing in the distance.
I soaked in free hot springs under a canopy of jungle trees, with barely anyone else around.
And I ate in a local soda where nobody spoke English — and the food was incredible.
So yes, La Fortuna is popular…. But it’s popular for a reason… It is awesome!
It’s still easy to find authentic, quiet corners if you’re willing to go a little beyond the beaten path.
Even as a solo traveller, I felt totally safe and welcome in La Fortuna, and Costa Rica in general is super solo-travel friendly. 👉 Here are some of my tips for solo travel in Costa Rica.
El Salto is good fun.
How long to stay in La Fortuna?
I’d say 3 to 4 days in La Fortuna is the sweet spot.
That gives you enough time to explore the top highlights, without rushing from one adventure to the next. My last 3 day trip ran very smoothly, and never once felt rushed - Yet I had had a full itinerary.
Here’s how I’d break it down:
1 Day in La Fortuna (too short).
You could technically visit Arenal Volcano and one hot spring on a tight 1-day La Fortuna itinerary — but you’d miss out on what makes the town truly special. This could potentially work if you are heading through the jungle town and just want a taste of it.
2 Days in La Fortuna (rushed).
This is doable if you’re short on time:
Day 1: Hike Arenal or Mistico Hanging Bridges, then soak in a hot spring.
Day 2: Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a zip-line or rafting tour.
👉 Read my full La Fortuna itinerary for ideas.
You’ll have to be selective, but you can still hit a few bucket list spots.
3–4 Days in La Fortuna (ideal).
This is where the magic happens.
You’ll have time to:
Hike Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano Park
👉 (See my full guide to Rio Celeste).Soak in free hot springs like El Salto.
Explore Mistico Hanging Bridges without rushing
Enjoy multiple tours — like canyoning, rafting, or chocolate making
Relax in a rooftop bar or jungle-view Airbnb
And the best part? It won’t feel hectic.
👉 Check my full 10 Days in Costa Rica itinerary to see how La Fortuna fits into a bigger trip.
Planning your trip to La Fortuna?
A more local spot in town.
Is La Fortuna expensive?
I found La Fortuna to be pricey, but there are ways to reduce your spending.
It’s one of Costa Rica’s most visited destinations, and yes, tour prices and hot spring resorts can add up fast…
It felt like USA prices at times.
But with a bit of planning, it’s totally doable on a budget… Especially for backpackers, or savvy travellers.
You can find:
Budget-friendly hostels from around £10–15 a night.
Local sodas serving local dishes for £3–5.
Free experiences like El Salto swimming hole or soaking in natural hot springs.
Tour bundles that combine Arenal, the waterfall, and hanging bridges to save money.
Spotting more sloths.
A very exciting spot in the rainforest.
Frequently asked questions about visiting La Fortuna.
Before heading to the jungle, I had many questions, and I soon learned the answers through personal experience. Here are some common ones:
How many days should I spend in La Fortuna?
3 to 4 days is the sweet spot for most travellers.
That gives you time to visit Arenal Volcano, hike the Mistico Hanging Bridges, swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, relax in a few hot springs, and squeeze in one or two epic day trips (like Rio Celeste).
If you’re short on time, you can still get a great taste of La Fortuna in just 2 days — I cover this in my La Fortuna itinerary.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a year-round destination, but weather can impact your experience — especially during the rainy season. 👉 Here’s when NOT to go: worst times to visit Costa Rica.
What is La Fortuna known for?
La Fortuna is best known for:
Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sights.
Its incredible natural hot springs (many of them free!).
Adventure tours like zip-lining, rafting, and canyoning.
Lush rainforests filled with wildlife.
The famous La Fortuna Waterfall.
It’s basically the adventure capital of Costa Rica.
Is La Fortuna better than destinations in Panama?
Both countries offer epic adventure — but for volcanoes, wildlife, and hot springs all in one place, La Fortuna is hard to beat. 👉 Here’s my full Costa Rica vs Panama comparison.
Is La Fortuna expensive?
It can be — but it doesn’t have to be.
You’ll find everything from £10–£15 hostels to £150+ luxury eco-resorts, depending on your style.
Local meals in sodas (small family-run restaurants) are super affordable — usually £2.50–£4, while a nicer dinner out can cost around £15–£25.
Tours and activities do add up, but there are loads of free or budget-friendly things to do in La Fortuna, like El Salto swimming hole, wandering around town, or soaking in natural hot springs (completely free).
👉 Check out my full guide to the best La Fortuna tours — with prices, tips, and options for every budget.
What’s the best way to get to La Fortuna?
The easiest way is by shuttle or private transfer from San José or Monteverde.
There are also direct buses from San José to La Fortuna (cheap but slow), or you can rent a car for more flexibility.
I cover the full breakdown in this post: How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna by bus.
Another rare bird spotted.
So… is La Fortuna worth visiting?
Absolutely.
La Fortuna completely lived up to the hype… With many more surprises…
Usually in the rainforests!
Where else can you hike across hanging bridges, soak in natural hot springs, spot sloths in the wild, and stare up at an active volcano, all in the space of a day?
Whether you’re into adventure tours, waterfall hikes, or just relaxing in nature — La Fortuna offers the best of Costa Rica in one place.
I found it to be the perfect contrast to the pacific surf towns!
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, make sure La Fortuna is on your itinerary — even if you’re short on time.
It’s a destination that I will never forget!
👉 Ready to plan your own La Fortuna adventure?
Check out my full guide to the Best Tours in La Fortuna or browse my La Fortuna itinerary to see exactly how to spend your time.
If you’re heading to the coast after La Fortuna, don’t miss Tamarindo — Costa Rica’s most popular beach town. 👉 Here’s what to do in Tamarindo.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.