La Fortuna

Travel Guide

La Fortuna
La Fortuna Panoramic and Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Landscape Panorama picture from Volcano Arenal next to the rainforest, Costa Rica. Travel in Central America. San Jose . High quality photo
Volcano Arenal in Central Costa Rica seen from Monteverde
Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal

Where to stay in La Fortuna

Barrio Pilo

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
$139 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$157 total
Jun 18 - Jun 19
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! (1,473 reviews)
"The resort was excellent. The amenities satisfy both kids and adults alike."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2026

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
13 Km Oeste del Centro La Fortuna Alajuela
$631 nightly
The price is $713 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$713 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"nice spa"

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort

4 out of 5
From Fortuna center 7km towards Volcano La Fortuna Alajuela
$310 nightly
The price is $350 total per night from Jun 10 to Jun 11
$350 total
Jun 10 - Jun 11
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. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
"This resort is amazing! We loved the hot springs and pool. All the food options were delicious. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Shout out to David who was always available and ready to for any question or request. The rooms are comfortable, clean and you have a great view of the volcano ..."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 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.
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! (129 reviews)
"Our family of 4 had an absolutely perfect stay in the 1 Bedroom Signature Room at Suwa Villa Arenal. If you are traveling with teenagers, this layout is fantastic—our teenage boys absolutely loved having their own space up in the little loft area. The villa itself is beautiful, and we especially ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2026

Suwa Villa Arenal
Villa Lapa Villa Romántica con Hidromasaje a 5 min del Centro de la Fortuna

Villa Lapa Villa Romántica con Hidromasaje a 5 min del Centro de la Fortuna

la fortuna Alajuela
Stay at this cabin in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Arenal Volcano and Arenal Volcano National Park ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Beautiful house, love thats its tucked into the forest overlooking a stream! Layout was great for my family of five, although the loft never quite cooled down enough so we pulled the mattresses down to the main floor, which was cooled nicely by the AC. Host was fantastic, very helpful, great location ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Villa Lapa Villa Romántica con Hidromasaje a 5 min del Centro de la Fortuna
 Volcano and Lake View, Eco Glam #1.

Volcano and Lake View, Eco Glam #1.

La Fortuna Alajuela Province
Stay at this villa in La Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and concierge services. Popular attractions Arenal Volcano National Park and Tabacon ...
Volcano and Lake View, Eco Glam #1.
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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