Nestled at the foot of Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna Costa Rica the region's legendary hot springs offer travellers a chance to bathe in natural geothermal waters surrounded by breathtaking rainforest scenery ranging from world-class luxury resorts to hidden jungle pools.
Costa Rica: Alajuela – Ten great things to do in La Fortuna
🌋 La Fortuna: A Town With a Story to Tell
We’d been on the road from San José for a good two and a half hours — which, given Costa Rican road logic, felt entirely reasonable — before La Fortuna finally hove into view. But before we get to what it’s like now, it’s worth knowing how it got here in the first place.
The town was originally known as El Burío, which does have a rather more dramatic ring to it, we think you’d agree. It was founded sometime in the mid-1930s by settlers pushing out from Ciudad Quesada, the canton of Grecia, Alajuela, and the surrounding region — the sort of hardy folk who looked at a dense jungle at the foot of an active volcano and thought, yes, this’ll do nicely. Fast forward to 1968, and the Arenal Volcano — sitting ominously to the west — erupted with what can only be described as considerable enthusiasm. Eighty-two people were killed, whole communities were wiped out, and the geography of the entire region was permanently reshaped. La Fortuna itself was spared, which presumably explains the name. Fate, it seems, has a sense of humour.
That catastrophe, rather ironically, turned the region into one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations. The Arenal Volcano National Park now draws visitors from across the globe, encompassing two volcanoes — the still-active Arenal, with its lava flows, and the dormant Chato, with its crater lake and rainforest trails leading to the rather spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall. The park also takes in Lake Arenal, which at 85 square kilometres is the largest lake in Costa Rica, since apparently Costa Rica doesn’t do things by halves.
La Fortuna itself sits about 2.5 hours from San José and serves as the self-styled adventure capital of the country. Hot springs dot the base of the volcano along the thermal Tabacón River, and the town makes an excellent home base for exploring everything the region has to throw at you.
🗺️ Ten Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
We’ve put together a few ideas for things to do during your stay — because standing in the street staring at a volcano can only keep you entertained for so long.
1. Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano stands at around 1,670 metres and is one of Costa Rica’s most visited natural landmarks. It sits near the town of La Fortuna in the north of the country and forms the centrepiece of Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano was highly active for much of the 20th century but has been in a relatively quiet phase since around 2010, with little visible lava or ash. That said, it remains an active volcano and its status can change. The surrounding area is lush and green, shaped by years of volcanic activity, and the park offers a range of walking trails through rainforest and old lava fields. On clear days the cone is a striking sight, though the summit is frequently hidden by cloud. The nearby hot springs, fed by geothermal heat, are a popular draw for visitors. It is a straightforward place to visit, well set up for tourism, with accommodation, guided tours, and facilities readily available in La Fortuna.
Visitor information
- Location: Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
- Getting there: La Fortuna is roughly 3.5 hours by road from San José. Buses run from San José’s La Coca-Cola terminal, or you can drive or take a shared shuttle. The park entrance is about 4 km west of La Fortuna town centre.
- Website: sinac.go.cr (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación — Costa Rica’s national parks authority)
- Phone: +506 2461-8499 (park rangers’ station)
- Opening hours: 08:00–16:00 daily (last entry 15:00)
- Entry fees: Approximately USD $18 for foreign adults, USD $9 for foreign children (under 12). Costa Rican nationals pay a lower rate. Fees are subject to change — confirm on the SINAC website before visiting.
2. Hot Springs
La Fortuna, a small town at the base of Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica, sits above a network of geothermal activity that heats water as it filters through the earth before rising to the surface. The result is a collection of hot springs spread along the nearby river valleys, ranging from simple natural pools in the jungle to large commercial resorts with multiple pools, restaurants, and changing facilities. Water temperatures vary between pools — some are comfortably warm at around 35°C, others push closer to 40°C and can feel intense after a few minutes. The commercial parks, such as those along the road between La Fortuna and the volcano, charge an entry fee that typically covers access to the pools and sometimes a meal. They tend to be busiest in the evenings and at weekends, when both tourists and local families come to soak. Away from the paid facilities, there are a handful of free or low-cost natural pools accessible on foot, though these are less developed and offer fewer amenities. The whole area is lush and humid, and it is not unusual to hear frogs or see the volcano — when cloud cover allows — rising above the trees while you sit in the water.
3. Mistico Hanging Bridges
4. Bogarin Trail
Bogarin Trail is a small private nature reserve a short walk from the centre of La Fortuna, in Costa Rica’s Arenal region. The land was once a cattle farm, but in 2000 a local man named Giovanni Bogarin began replanting it with native species, and it has since developed into a regenerated patch of tropical forest supporting sloths, toucans, tree frogs, lizards, and caimans. The flat 2-kilometre loop is accessible for all ages, wheelchairs, and pushchairs. You can visit independently in around an hour, or join a two-hour guided tour with a naturalist who will help you spot animals that are easy to miss on your own.
- Location: Calle 480, La Fortuna, Provincia de Alajuela, 21007, Costa Rica — approximately 1 km west of the La Fortuna central park
- How to get there: Walkable from the town centre; free on-site parking available for those driving; taxis and Uber are readily available in La Fortuna
- Website: bogarintrail.com
- Phone: +506 8420 3661
- Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm (last self-guided entry 4:00 pm)
- Entry fees:
- Self-guided tour: approx. USD $20 per adult; children under 5 free
- Guided tour (2 hours): USD $45 per adult / USD $30 per child (ages 5–11), plus 13% tax
- Costa Rican residents: 3,000 colones
- Walk-in payment is cash only; online booking accepts cards
5. La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall drops about 70 metres into a pool of clear, blue-green water surrounded by dense rainforest. To reach it, you walk down roughly 500 steps, which takes around 15–20 minutes, and the climb back up is more demanding. Swimming is allowed when conditions are safe. The site is managed by a local non-profit organisation called ADIFORT, which puts entrance fee income back into community and conservation projects.
- Location5.5 km south of La Fortuna town, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica (near Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Getting thereBy car or taxi from La Fortuna town (~10–15 min drive); free parking on site. No 4×4 required. Uber also available (~$5 USD one way). No direct public bus.
- Websitewww.cataratalafortuna.com
- Phone+506 2479 8338
- Opening hoursDaily 7:30 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)
- Entry feesAdults ~$18–20 USD; children under 8 free. Verify current prices on the official website before visiting.
6. Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake, sitting at the base of Arenal Volcano in the northern highlands. It was significantly expanded in 1979 as part of a hydroelectric project — two towns were relocated to make way for the water — and it now supplies around 12% of the country’s electricity. The lake is wide and often windy, making it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly from November to April. You can also kayak, fish, or simply walk along the shore and take in the views of the volcano beyond.
- Location La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
- Getting there About 17 km west of La Fortuna town by car (approx. 20 min). Taxis and rental cars are available in La Fortuna. No direct public bus to the lake shore.
- Website sinac.go.cr (Costa Rica national parks authority)
- Phone +506 2461-8499 (Arenal Volcano National Park ranger station)
- Opening hours The lake itself has no formal gate. Arenal Volcano National Park (adjacent) is open daily 08:00–16:00; last entry 14:30.
- Entry fees The lake shoreline is freely accessible. Arenal Volcano National Park entry: $15 USD adults, $5 USD children; free for children under 12.
7. Rio Celeste
Río Celeste is a river inside Tenorio Volcano National Park in northern Costa Rica, roughly two hours from La Fortuna. It is known for its striking turquoise-blue colour, which comes from minerals suspended in the water where two smaller rivers meet. The trail to the waterfall is about 7 km return and passes through dense rainforest. It is a popular place, so going early in the day helps to avoid the busiest periods.
Visitor information
- Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Getting there: About 2 hours from La Fortuna by car — take Route 142 west then Route 6 north towards Bijagua, following signs to the park. Organised tours from La Fortuna also run daily.
- Website: sinac.go.cr (official SINAC national parks site — tickets must be booked here in advance)
- Phone: +506 2200-0135 (SINAC Area de Conservación Arenal Tempisque)
- Opening hours: Daily 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entry 2:00 pm)
- Entry fees: Non-residents $12 USD adults, $5 USD children (ages 2–12); Costa Rican nationals and residents approx. $1.20. Children under 2 free. Book online via the SINAC website.
8. Río Frío
Río Frío (Cold River) runs through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in northern Costa Rica, roughly two hours from La Fortuna. The river is best explored by boat, drifting slowly through wetlands and dense forest. Wildlife is genuinely abundant — caimans, monkeys, sloths, herons, and iguanas are commonly spotted along the banks. It is a relaxed, unhurried experience suitable for all ages.
- Location: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, near Los Chiles, ~1 hour 45 minutes north of La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
- How to get there: Most visitors join an organised day tour from La Fortuna with hotel pick-up included; tours depart around 7:30 am and return by mid-afternoon
- Website: www.anywhere.com/costa-rica/attractions/rio-frio-river (general info); tours bookable via Viator and local La Fortuna tour operators
- Phone: No single direct number — contact tour operators in La Fortuna town centre or book online
- Hours: Tours typically run 7:30 am – 3:00 pm (full day)
- Entry fees: Approx. $60–$80 USD per adult (including transport, guide, lunch, and entrance fees); children ages 4–11 around $50 USD; under 3 free (prices vary by operator and may be subject to 13% tax)
9. White Water Rafting
The rivers around La Fortuna offer white water rafting for a range of abilities, from gentle Class II rapids suitable for families to more demanding Class III and IV runs for those wanting a bigger challenge. The Balsa and Sarapiquí rivers are the most popular choices, taking you through rainforest with wildlife along the banks. Tours typically last around five hours including transport, a safety briefing, equipment, and lunch.
- Location: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. Office 100m north of the La Fortuna police station, Avenue 333, Street 460
- How to get there: Most operators offer hotel pick-up within 5km of La Fortuna central park; otherwise drive or take a taxi to the operator’s office
- Website: arenalrafting.com
- Phone: +506 8934 2626 (also WhatsApp)
- Opening hours: 7:00am – 8:00pm (Costa Rica time, GMT-6), daily
- Entry fees: From approximately $62 USD per person; prices vary by tour type and difficulty level
10. Venado Caves
The Venado Caves, known locally as Cavernas de Venado, sit about 45 minutes from La Fortuna in the Arenal region. Formed around 15–20 million years ago, the limestone cave system stretches over 2,700 metres and contains 12 chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. Visits are guided only, and you should expect to get wet and muddy. Bats, small snakes, and insects live inside.
- Location: Venado, San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica — approx. 45 km from La Fortuna
- How to get there: By car or taxi (approx. 45–60 mins from La Fortuna); public bus from La Fortuna at 7:00 am and 14:15, then a short local taxi to the caves; or book an organised tour with transfers included
- Website: fortunawelcome.com/attraction/venado-caves
- Phone: +506 2479 8559
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm daily (guided tours depart at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm)
- Entry fees: Approx. $30–$45 per person for entrance and guide; full tour packages including transport range from $65–$95 per person
Planning Your Visit to La Fortuna
📍 Location
La Fortuna de San Carlos — to use its full name — lies in the Alajuela province of northern Costa Rica, roughly 131 kilometres north-west of the capital, San José, in a region known as the Northern Highlands. The town sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, just 6 kilometres from the crater, and borders the vast Arenal Volcano National Park to the west. Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, stretches away to the west and south. The nearest international airports are Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away by road, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia (Guanacaste), also around 2.5 hours away.
A note on names worth bearing in mind: the terms “Arenal” and “La Fortuna” are often used interchangeably by travellers and tour operators. In practice, “Arenal” refers to the broader region encompassing the national park, the volcano, and the lake, while La Fortuna is the town at its heart and your practical base. When searching for buses, transfers, or accommodation, look specifically for La Fortuna.
✈️ Getting There
By Air
The majority of visitors arrive via Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, which receives international flights from across the Americas and Europe. Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is an equally convenient option if you are coming from certain destinations, and is particularly useful if you plan to combine La Fortuna with the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste.
A small domestic airport, Aerotortuguero (FortunasAirstrip), operates near La Fortuna, served by regional carriers flying short hops from San José. These flights take around 30 to 40 minutes and offer a spectacular aerial view of the landscape, though schedules are limited and weather delays are not uncommon.
By Road — Private Shuttle
The most convenient and widely recommended option for most visitors is a pre-booked tourist shuttle from San José or either airport. Reputable shuttle companies offer shared and private services, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. Drivers are typically English-speaking and knowledgeable about the region. Always use a licensed operator — unlicensed taxis and informal transfer services are best avoided.
By Road — Self-Drive
Driving yourself from San José takes roughly 3 to 4 hours via Route 1 and Route 702, passing through attractive highland scenery. The main roads are in generally good condition and a standard car is adequate for the journey to La Fortuna itself, though an SUV or 4WD is advisable if you plan to venture onto unpaved roads in the surrounding area. Do not leave any belongings in your vehicle when parked, and always use supervised car parks where possible.
By Public Bus
For those on a tight budget, public buses cover the route from San José, though there is no direct service. You take a bus from Terminal 7-10 in San José to Ciudad Quesada (also known as San Carlos), then a connecting bus onwards to La Fortuna — a total journey of around 5 to 6 hours. Buses are generally clean and safe, though they can be crowded during peak hours. Keep valuables and bags within sight at all times.
🚗 Getting Around
La Fortuna’s town centre is compact and walkable. The central park, church, restaurants, shops, and many tour operators are all within easy reach on foot. However, most of the region’s major attractions — the national park, the hot springs resorts, the La Fortuna Waterfall, the hanging bridges, and Lake Arenal — lie along the road leading west from town towards the volcano, spread over several kilometres.
Having your own hire car or taking organised tours with transport included are the most practical ways to get around. Taxis are available in town and reasonably priced for shorter journeys. Quad bike and ATV hire is also popular. There is no reliable local bus network connecting the outlying attractions, so relying solely on public transport beyond the town centre is not straightforward.
Tour operators throughout La Fortuna offer packages that bundle activities with transport, which can be good value and removes the logistical headaches of reaching more remote spots.
The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna
☀️ Dry Season: December to April
The dry season is widely regarded as the most popular time to visit La Fortuna, and for good reason. Rainfall is minimal, skies are clearer, and the roads, trails, and hanging bridges of the Arenal Volcano National Park are at their most accessible. Temperatures hover between 24°C and 30°C, making outdoor activities comfortable and predictable. This is the best window for hiking to the lava fields, white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí and Balsa rivers, zip-lining through the forest canopy, and soaking in the La Fortuna Waterfall without the risk of trail closures.
December and January are peak holiday months, meaning accommodation prices rise and popular hotspots such as Baldi Hot Springs can feel crowded. February and March are considered the sweet spot — still dry, but slightly calmer in terms of visitor numbers. April begins the transition into the wet season; rain showers become more frequent towards the end of the month, but mornings are often still clear.
One note of caution: Arenal Volcano’s summit is almost permanently shrouded in cloud, regardless of season. Clear views of the cone are a treat at any time of year, but you are marginally more likely to glimpse it during the dry season, particularly at dawn.
What to pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics), a wide-brimmed sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a light rain jacket for afternoon showers in April, sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes, a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, and a swimsuit for hot springs and the waterfall.
🌧️ Green (Rainy) Season: May to November
Costa Rica’s rainy season, often marketed as the “green season,” runs from May through November, with September and October bringing the heaviest rainfall. The landscape transforms dramatically — the jungle deepens to an almost electric green, waterfalls surge with power, and rivers run high. La Fortuna Waterfall is at its most dramatic during this period. Fewer tourists visit, which means lower hotel rates, quieter trails, and a more authentic experience in the town itself.
Rainfall typically arrives in the afternoon, leaving mornings bright and warm. This pattern allows for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting in the early hours before retreating indoors during the downpours. The wet season is excellent for wildlife observation; frogs, toucans, and howler monkeys are highly active, and the lush vegetation makes the region’s biodiversity feel especially vivid.
The heaviest weeks — mid-September to mid-October — can see persistent rain that lasts all day, and dirt roads to more remote areas may become impassable. Some outdoor operators reduce their schedules or suspend certain activities during peak rainy months. July and August benefit from a brief dry spell known as the “veranillo” or little summer, making them surprisingly pleasant within the green season.
What to pack: Quick-dry clothing, a waterproof rain poncho or jacket, waterproof hiking boots, dry bags or waterproof pouches for electronics, a lightweight packable umbrella, insect repellent (mosquito activity increases in the wet season), anti-humidity bags for cameras, and a swimsuit for hot springs, which are especially enjoyable in the rain.
🌤️ Shoulder Season: November and Late April
The brief shoulder periods between the two main seasons — late April into early May, and October into November — offer a compelling balance. Prices begin to drop from dry-season highs, visitor numbers thin out, and the landscape retains much of its greenery without the relentless rain of peak wet months. November in particular is often underrated; rainfall decreases noticeably, the forest remains lush, and accommodation deals are still available before the December surge.
These transition periods suit travellers who want a quieter experience without fully committing to the unpredictability of the deep rainy season. Some flexibility in your itinerary is advisable, as weather can shift quickly.
What to pack: A mix of lightweight layers, a versatile waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes or light trail shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a swimsuit. Pack for both sunshine and sudden showers, as conditions can change within the same afternoon.
📊 Season at a Glance
🌺 Overall Best Time to Visit
For most travellers, February and March represent the ideal time to visit La Fortuna. The dry season is in full swing, activity operators are running full schedules, and the humidity — while always present in a tropical rainforest — is at its most manageable. The post-Christmas rush has subsided, prices are somewhat more reasonable than December and January, and the trails, waterfall, and national park are in excellent condition. That said, La Fortuna genuinely rewards visitors at any time of year. If budget and smaller crowds matter more to you than guaranteed sunshine, the green season — particularly June, July, and the veranillo window — offers exceptional value and a richly immersive jungle experience. The key is to arrive with realistic expectations about the weather and an itinerary flexible enough to adapt to it.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
1. Hotel Arenal Xilopalo
Perched on the edge of La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano region, Hotel Arenal Xilopalo is a charming, authentic lodge that delivers genuine pura vida vibes without the hefty price tag. The rooms are set within a lush garden filled with vibrant plants and flowers, making it a small paradise for bird watchers — toucans and parakeets make regular appearances, drawn in by fresh fruit left out by the attentive staff. Guests can take a dip in the year-round outdoor pool, dine at the on-site restaurant serving international and Latin American cuisine, and wake up to volcano views that are nothing short of phenomenal. Ideally positioned close to La Fortuna’s restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, it’s also a superb base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders — all while keeping your wallet happy.
2. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Rising dramatically from the rainforest floor at the base of Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary destinations. Naturally heated by geothermal activity deep beneath the earth, its rivers and pools reach temperatures of up to 40°C, winding through lush tropical gardens thick with heliconias and tree ferns. Guests drift between cascading thermal waterfalls, open-air hot springs, and the award-winning Gran Spa, where treatments draw on indigenous botanical traditions. With Arenal looming dramatically overhead — and occasionally rumbling — the setting borders on cinematic. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in a steaming poolside bar at dusk or simply letting the warm current carry you downstream, Tabacón delivers an immersion in nature that’s genuinely hard to forget.
3. Arenal Backpackers Resort
Sitting at the foot of the iconic Arenal Volcano in the lively town of La Fortuna, Arenal Backpackers Resort is a favourite stop for travellers exploring Costa Rica’s adventure heartland. The resort blends the social buzz of a classic hostel with genuine resort-style perks — including a stunning volcano-view pool that has become something of a legend on the backpacker circuit. Guests choose from dorm beds or private rooms, making it a solid pick whether you’re watching your budget or just want a bed that’s easy on the wallet. With zip-lining, hot springs, white-water rafting, and jungle hikes all on the doorstep, the resort serves as the perfect base for throwing yourself headlong into everything the Arenal region has to offer.
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