Planning the Perfect Trip to La Fortuna: What to Do and How Long to Stay

Costa Rica is a magical country, filled with vast rainforests, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural wonders. One of its must-visit destinations is La Fortuna. Located in the northern highlands of the country, La Fortuna attracts tourists from all over the world. It is famous for its hot springs, picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife and is home to two of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions: Arenal volcano and La Fortuna waterfall. If you’re planning a visit to La Fortuna, here’s everything you need to know to create the perfect stay.

How Long to Stay in La Fortuna?

The ideal length of your stay in La Fortuna depends on the activities you want to do and your travel itinerary. If you only want to visit the main attractions, you can spend as little as three days in the area. If you want to explore further and experience more of the local culture and excursions, consider extending your stay for up to a week or longer. There is so much to do in La Fortuna, you’ll run out of vacation time before you run out of adventure.

A good rule of thumb for La Fortuna is planning to do one adventure per day. If you have a decent window to visit the area, you will want to set aside time for each of the most popular attractions. Plan on spending one day hiking or doing a horseback tour of Arenal Volcano, one day for touring La Fortuna Waterfall, and a third day to enjoy one of the world-famous hot springs resorts in the area. If you’re interested in any of the other excursions that are available in La Fortuna, make sure you include extra days to accommodate these activities. We’ve highlighted a handful of the many possibilities for adventure in the area below.

Things to Do in La Fortuna

1. Visit Arenal Volcano 🌋🌳🚶🚶‍♀️

La Fortuna is home to the striking Arenal Volcano. At over 5,300 feet tall, you’ll see Arenal Volcano looming in the distance from almost anywhere you go in La Fortuna, but to really experience the volcano and its surroundings you’ll want to hike by foot or take a horseback ride along the trails in Arenal Volcano national park. Arenal Volcano is in the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn about the interesting history of Arenal and the impact its eruptions have had on the area. The breathtaking scenery is an experience you won’t soon forget.

2. Explore the La Fortuna Waterfall 🦜🌺

The beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall is known to be one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Central America. Visitors can take a guided hike to get to the waterfall where they can enjoy its impressive 250 foot cascade up close. La Fortuna Waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and exotic wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfall’s natural pool. For those who don't want to hike up and down the 500 steps that you must traverse to get to the the waterfall's base, there is an observation platform where you can still bask in the spectacular sites of La Fortuna Waterfall without the climb.

3. Soak in the Hot Springs 🧖🧘‍♂️🙏

The area surrounding La Fortuna is rich in thermal springs. There are several hot springs resorts where you can relax and unwind in the pools, cascades, rivers and tributaries that are heated by Arenal Volcano. Hot springs provide natural minerals and healing properties that can soothe aching muscles, improve relaxation, increase blood circulation, reduce stress and improve your mood. The beautiful atmosphere of the hot springs is just what you need to find your inner Zen. We know you’ll love the feeling of reconnecting with nature.

4. Take a River Rafting Tour 🚣‍♂️ 🐵🛶

The jungles of La Fortuna are surrounded by white water rivers. You can choose from different rafting tours in the area depending on your level of experience and the time of the year. Some of the most popular rafting adventures in La Fortuna include the Class II Rio Balsa and the Class III Sarapiqui. Both offer a day filled with wild adventure that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Rafting tours are incredibly fun for groups and families staying the La Fortuna area. These rivers twist through the rainforest jungles where you can enjoy spectacular views while you plunge down a series of exciting rapids.

5. Try Ziplining or Hanging Bridges 💯📸

Ziplining is a thrilling excursion and a great way to experience nature from a different perspective. You get the opportunity to soar through the jungle canopy at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour for a bird's-eye view of the rainforest below. If you want the view without the speed, a stroll on the Hanging Brides in La Fortuna is a breathtaking experience. From heights of nearly 250 feet above the ground, the bridges provide a unique experience that nature lovers won’t soon forget. For travelers who want it all, you can opt for a combination tour that includes ziplines, hanging bridges and an open-air gondola ride as an unforgettable one-day adventure.

6. Go Cave Spelunking 🦇🔦🐛

The Venado Caves in La Fortuna are a spectacular natural wonder that formed between 15-20 million years ago. The caves are filled with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites for visitors to explore. Guided tours lead visitors throughout the vast cave system, which includes captivating rock formations, underground waterways, and even a subterranean waterfall. The Venado Caves offer visitors a unique insight into one of the miraculous geological sites of Costa Rica.

La Fortuna is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its natural beauty, spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in the area. With the right planning, an unforgettable trip to La Fortuna is within reach. Contact us for assistance building the perfect vacation to La Fortuna Costa Rica.