For great coffee in La Fortuna, visit Red Eye Coffee Roasters for expertly crafted espresso drinks, Arabigos for high-quality local brews, Don Juan Coffee Tour to learn about coffee production and enjoy fresh tastings, and Café Metrópoli for a cozy atmosphere and delicious specialty coffee. [View Full Blog Post]
During heavy rainfall in La Fortuna, you can rest, relax in hot springs, visit a spa, or enjoy a class, such as cooking or salsa dancing. Many people visit indoor exhibits, such as the Butterfly Conservatory during heavy rains. Depending on activity and the intensity of the storm, many tours, like the canyoning & rafting, still operate in the rain!
La Fortuna boasts many hot springs resorts where visitors can relax in naturally heated thermal waters. Notable options include The Springs, Tabacon, Baldi, Paradise, and Titoku Hot Springs. Each of these resorts offers a unique experience, ranging from family-friendly environments to more secluded and intimate settings. Many of the hotels in La Fortuna include hot springs onsite. We recommend choosing a hotel that has them so that you can enjoy them anytime you'd like throughout your stay. Our agents can help you pick a hotel with quality hot springs.
You can’t climb to the summit of Arenal Volcano, as it’s an active volcano and off-limits for safety. However, you can hike Arenal 1968 Trails or Arenal Volcano National Park, which offer incredible views of the volcano, old lava fields, and lush rainforest. Guided tours provide the best experience.
Yes! La Fortuna has a laid-back nightlife with lively bars, cocktail lounges, and a few dance spots. Popular places include Lava Lounge for live music, Volcán Look Disco Club for dancing, and bars with tropical cocktails. While not as wild as Jaco, it’s great for relaxed evening fun. [View Full Blog Post]
Yes! You can swim at La Fortuna Waterfall’s base (though the currents can be strong), Lake Arenal, the El Salto Rope Swing, and the free hot river near Tabacón. Many hot springs resorts also have thermal pools for guests. Always check conditions before swimming for safety. If you are staying at a hotel with a pool, you'll be able to enjoy that amenity as well!
Yes! La Fortuna has a local farmers’ market, Feria Agropecuaria, open on Fridays. It offers fresh fruits, vegetables, local cheeses, and handmade goods. There are also small supermarkets and souvenir shops in town where you can find snacks, groceries, and unique Costa Rican crafts.
In La Fortuna, free activities include visiting El Salto Rope Swing for a refreshing swim, exploring the town’s central park, hiking to the free hot river near Tabacón, and enjoying scenic views of Arenal Volcano.
La Fortuna has plenty of family-friendly activities! Kids and teens can enjoy ziplining, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, hiking hanging bridges, spotting sloths and birds on the Mariolas Trail, rafting the Rio Balsa (Class II-III for beginners), soaking in hot springs, and exploring Tenorio Volcano National Park to see the stunning Rio Celeste Waterfall, or even a Rio Celeste tubing tour, which they are sure to love!
La Fortuna offers incredible adventures! Book a combo tour with a volcano hike, hanging bridges, and La Fortuna Waterfall. Go whitewater rafting on the Rio Balsa or Sarapiquí, take a sloths and birds hike on the Mariolas Trail, explore Rio Celeste at Tenorio Volcano, go ziplining, or ride ATVs through the jungle.