Spend a Week in La Fortuna - a 7 Day Itinerary

Are you looking for the ultimate tropical getaway? Look no further than La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush rainforests, this charming town offers a plethora of activities and sights to explore. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to soothing natural hot springs, La Fortuna has something for everyone. In this 7-day itinerary, we will guide you through the must-see attractions of La Fortuna, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this enchanting paradise. If you like this itinerary as it is, give us a call and we will create a package for you based on this exact adventure! Read on for our inside tips on how to spend a perfect week in La Fortuna.

Day One - Get settled

Whether you fly into LIR in Liberia, or SJO in San Jose, your drive to La Fortuna after your arrival will take around 3-3.5 hours. While that doesn’t sound like much longer than a two-way commute from the suburbs to work for many people, you’ll need to keep in mind that road travel in Costa Rica can be a little more challenging. La Fortuna is in the Alajuela province, and is located in the highlands of the region. Heading from the airport to the mountains, you will be traveling along winding mountain roads with undulating terrain and steep inclines. When planning an itinerary in Costa Rica, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is that you want to give yourself time in between activities so that you don’t run the risk of packing your schedule too tightly.

On the day of your arrival, perhaps the best course of action is just to simply get settled into your hotel, explore the available amenities and hotel grounds, and give yourself time to relax from your travels white you bask in your picturesque surroundings. If your hotel has an onsite restaurant, this may be a perfect way to unwind without expending too much energy by heading into town to explore the local restaurants. The key to every successful itinerary is to be mindful of your limitations. Trust us, you’ll want to pace yourself on the day of your arrival so that you have plenty of energy for the exciting adventures to come!

Day Two - Hike the Volcano

On day two, rise early feeling rested and have a healthy breakfast. Most 4-5 star accommodations in La Fortuna include morning meals in the cost of your stay. Avail yourself sensibly so as to provide the nourishment needed for a morning hike without overindulging.

Once you're fed and appropriately dressed for your adventure, meet your friendly tour driver at the hotel lobby. From the moment you arrive in La Fortuna, the ever-present Arenal Volcano looming in the distance is unmissable. Day two of your adventure is all about learning more, getting closer, and enjoying the wildlife and stunning scenery that surround Arenal Volcano.

Arriving at the basecamp, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the lush rainforest, sharing fascinating insights about the volcano's history, geology, and the diverse flora and fauna that call this place home. As you ascend to higher altitudes, be prepared to witness stunning panoramic views of Lake Arenal and the rolling hills of La Fortuna. On this 3-hour tour, you will find many incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in nature while learning about the powerful forces shaping the region. Don’t forget to wear hiking shoes or sneakers and bring your cameras with you.

Day Three - Horseback to La Fortuna Waterfall

Day three in La Fortuna promises another unforgettable experience as you embark on a guided horseback tour to the renowned La Fortuna Waterfall. Following breakfast and pickup at your hotel, you'll saddle up and set off on a scenic ride through the picturesque countryside. As you traverse lush trails and winding paths, you'll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest. Upon reaching the world-famous La Fortuna Waterfall, be prepared to be awed by its sheer splendor. Take a refreshing dip in the cool, crystalline waters or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Capture the moment with stunning photos and create memories that will last a lifetime. This guided horseback tour to La Fortuna Waterfall is a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Day Four - Sloth Territory Hike, Cooking with Locals, Salsa Lessons!

On day four, get ready for a unique and enchanting experience as you embark on a guided hike through the La Fortuna Sloth Territory. This guided tour takes you deep into the heart of the rainforest, where these adorable creatures reside. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll have the opportunity to spot and learn about the fascinating sloths in their natural habitat. As you trek through the lush greenery, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, such as colorful birds and monkeys swinging through the trees. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the rainforest as you listen to the symphony of nature surrounding you. This extraordinary hike through the La Fortuna Sloth Territory provides a rare and unforgettable encounter with these charming creatures, making it a day filled with awe and wonder.

As the sun sets on day four in La Fortuna, the excitement continues with a delightful evening filled with cooking and salsa dancing lessons. Following pickup from your hotel at 5:00pm, prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. Begin with a cooking lesson, where you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Under the guidance of local chefs, you'll gain valuable insights into Costa Rican culinary traditions and techniques. After satisfying your taste buds with your delicious creations, it's time to put on your dancing shoes! Learn the sultry steps of salsa dancing from skilled instructors who will guide you through the rhythms and movements of this passionate Latin dance. Let the music transport you as you twirl and sway, embracing the lively atmosphere and meeting fellow travelers along the way. This combination of cooking and salsa dancing lessons promises an enjoyable and immersive experience, allowing you to truly connect with the rich culture of La Fortuna and enjoy a delicious meal you helped create.

Day Five - Rafting & Rappelling

Day five in La Fortuna is all about adrenaline-pumping adventure as you embark on the thrilling La Fortuna Rafting & Rappelling tour that will leave you exhilarated and amazed. Start with an exciting white-water rafting excursion along the scenic Balsa River. Paddle through Class II-III rapids, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest as you navigate the twists and turns of the river with your trusty guide. After the adrenaline rush of rafting, get ready for a heart-pounding rappelling experience down the stunning waterfalls of La Fortuna. With the guidance of skilled instructors, descend down the vertical walls of cascading water, immersing yourself in the sheer beauty and power of nature. On this 8-hour adventure, you’ll enjoy a snack and a delicious lunch to keep you fueled up and ready for more.

Day Six - Canopy Zipline, Tram & Hanging Bridges

On day six, get ready to explore the wonders of the rainforest from a whole new perspective with the Canopy, Tram, and Hanging Bridges combo tour. Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of La Fortuna's tropical paradise, learn interesting facts and see things from a unique vantage point. Begin your day with a thrilling canopy tour, soaring through the treetops on zip lines that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide above the canopy, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest below. Afterward, hop on a tram and leisurely make your way through the dense vegetation, learning about the amazing biodiversity in La Fortuna from your knowledgeable bilingual guides. Take a walk on the hanging bridges, suspended high above the forest floor, and marvel at the intricate ecosystems that thrive in this environment. Search for canopy dwellers, like sloths and howler monkeys, hidden within the treetops. Make sure you bring a camera to share the experience with your friends and family back home. This combo tour perfectly balances the rush of adrenaline with the splendor of nature in all of the best ways possible.

Day Seven - Bon Voyage!

On day seven, it's time to bid farewell to the beautiful paradise of La Fortuna and begin your journey back home. It's important to plan your departure carefully, taking into consideration the travel distance and airport check-in times. International departing flyers should aim to arrive at the airport no less than 2 hours ahead of their scheduled flight time. Since the drive from La Fortuna to the airport typically takes 3-3.5 hours, it's crucial to book your return flight accordingly, allowing for ample travel time.

As you pack up your memories and souvenirs, take a moment to reflect on the amazing experiences and adventures you've had during your week in La Fortuna. From the breathtaking landscapes to the warm, local hospitality, we know you will want to return. And the good news is - there is still so much more to do on your next vacation to La Fortuna!

Inside Tip:

By choosing a hotel that includes breakfast, a hot springs resort, and an onsite restaurant, you will be able to fit more time for adventure and exploration into your itinerary. Since Arenal Volcano is such a big part of the La Fortuna experience, you’ll want to make sure your hotel has a Volcano view. Some resorts may sit so close to the base of the volcano that your view may be obscured.

If you need help planning a full itinerary to include any or all of the adventures outlined above and a hotel that will meet all of these requirements, contact us!