La Fortuna

Travel Guide

La Fortuna
La Fortuna Panoramic and Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
celestial water fall, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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Every road leads to a new adventure! #Volcano #Arenal #CostaRica #Nature #Adventure

Where to stay in La Fortuna

Views over to the

Barrio Pilo

3/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Pilo and surrounding area, you can visit Puentes Colgantes del Arenal and Arenal Adventure World.

Barrio Pilo
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

3.5 out of 5
6 km oeste del Parque Central La Fortuna
$209 nightly
The price is $236 total per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$236 total
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in La Fortuna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,390 reviews)
Hot springs are amazing. Grounds are beautiful allow at least an hour to walk around. Hotel charged us for someone else’s drink but they fixed it. Highly recommend

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience

4 out of 5
7 Km West From La Fortuna La Fortuna Alajuela
$295 nightly
The price is $333 total per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$333 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly lodge in La Fortuna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Love the property and staff

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

3.5 out of 5
From Fortuna center 7km towards Volcano La Fortuna Alajuela
$445 nightly
The price is $503 total per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
$503 total
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in La Fortuna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
We stayed at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs in a Chato Suite and overall had a wonderful experience. The setting is beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery with views of Arenal volcano (when the clouds clear). The resort feels peaceful and spacious, which adds to its relaxed atmosphere, and it’s ...

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villas Jawara

Villas Jawara

4 out of 5
Fortuna de San Carlos La Fortuna Alajuela
Stay at this villa in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Arenal Volcano National Park and Los Lagos Hot Springs ...
10/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Awesome location; neat and spacious villa right at the foot of Arenal; Highlights are the private hot spring pool, large back yard well maintained, fire pit and finally the unique shower/bathroom in main bedroom :)

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Villas Jawara
Suwa Villa Arenal

Suwa Villa Arenal

3.5 out of 5
Avenue 335 street 468 La Fortuna Provincia de Alajuela
Stay at this villa in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
Clean , great facilities. Outdoor kitchen was well prepared for making meals. Hot tub (not heated) was a nice surprise. Hosts very efficient and responded well to any requests. Coffee making facilities in room as well as kitchen. Close to lots of sodas, restaurants etc. washing and doing facilities ...

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Suwa Villa Arenal
Aparatamentos Arenal Ranas y Ranitas

Aparatamentos Arenal Ranas y Ranitas

3 out of 5
700m East of the Park, Avenida 331 La Fortuna Alajuela
Stay at this apartment in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Arenal Volcano National Park and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Tranquilo y seguro

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

Aparatamentos Arenal Ranas y Ranitas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Frequently asked questions about La Fortuna

Why is La Fortuna worth visiting?

La Fortuna is worth visiting for its stunning Arenal Volcano views, natural hot springs, and incredible biodiversity with rainforest adventures year-round. The town combines activities like waterfall hikes, zip-lining, and wildlife watching with relaxing thermal pools and authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Travelers can pack adventure and relaxation into one destination, with easy access to cloud forests, hanging bridges, and the beautiful Lake Arenal.

What is La Fortuna known for?

La Fortuna, known for its proximity to the iconic Arenal Volcano, boasts natural hot springs, lush rainforest, and adventure activities. It is home to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, world-class zip-lining and white-water rafting, and luxurious thermal spa resorts like Tabacón. The town offers a blend of Costa Rican hospitality, wildlife viewing opportunities including sloths and toucans, and easy access to Lake Arenal.

When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?

The best time to visit La Fortuna is December through April for ideal conditions with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures ranging from 70-85°F, perfect for volcano hikes, hot springs, and adventure activities. Dry season brings clearer views of Arenal Volcano. Green season (May-November) typically offers lower rates and lush landscapes which appeals to budget-conscious travelers, but bear in mind that afternoon rain showers are common.

How many days do you need for La Fortuna?

When visiting La Fortuna, plan on three to four days to see key highlights like Arenal Volcano views, La Fortuna Waterfall, hot springs, and hanging bridges through the rainforest. An extended stay of five to seven days gives you time for day trips to Rio Celeste, additional adventure activities like ziplining or rafting, exploring Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and more relaxation time.

What is the best area to stay in La Fortuna?

The best area to stay in La Fortuna depends on what you want from your trip:

• Town Center offers walkable access to restaurants, tour operators, and the central park with Arenal Volcano views.
• Near Tabacón Hot Springs is popular with travelers looking for luxury resorts and thermal spa experiences.
• La Fortuna Waterfall Area provides nature-focused accommodations with rainforest settings and hiking access.
• West of Town combines quieter locations with stunning volcano views and boutique eco-lodges.

How do you get around La Fortuna?

Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring La Fortuna and reaching various attractions, hot springs, and trailheads at your own pace. Many hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to popular sites like Arenal Volcano viewpoints and La Fortuna Waterfall. Local taxis and shared shuttles connect major attractions, while bicycles offer pleasant alternatives for exploring the compact town center and nearby areas.

What are the top attractions in La Fortuna?

La Fortuna attractions combine volcanic landscapes with rainforest adventures and hot springs:

Arenal Volcano: iconic cone-shaped volcano with hiking trails and viewpoints
La Fortuna Waterfall: spectacular 70-meter cascade with swimming pool
Tabacón Hot Springs: natural thermal pools in lush tropical gardens
Mistico Hanging Bridges: rainforest canopy walkways with wildlife viewing
Lake Arenal: Costa Rica's largest lake for water sports and scenic drives

What food is La Fortuna famous for?

La Fortuna is known for Costa Rican cuisine with fresh tropical ingredients, from casado (traditional plate) and gallo pinto (rice and beans) to ceviche found at local sodas. You'll also find popular regional specialties like arroz con pollo, plantains prepared multiple ways, and fresh tropical fruits including pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit.

How do I plan a trip to La Fortuna?

Search for places to stay in La Fortuna on Expedia and choose a location with Arenal Volcano views or near hot springs for relaxation. During dry season (December-April), book accommodations, rental cars, and tours well in advance. Plan rainforest activities and volcano hikes during morning hours before afternoon rains, and leave evenings free for a visit to the hot springs and wildlife spotting.

Cities near La Fortuna

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