La Fortuna
Travel Guide
Visit La Fortuna
Where to stay in La Fortuna
Barrio Pilo
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.
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
"Grounds are beautiful . We went with little ones and we did not rent a car so we relied a lot on uber and the hotel’s transportation since the rooms are far away from the lobby and pools/restaurants. One thing I was disappointed it’s that they don’t offer transportation to the volcano viewpoint /mirador ..."
Reviewed on Jun 21, 2026
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
"An absolutely incredible stay, beyond all our expectations. Every single detail was perfect, from the exceptional service and the fresh, delicious breakfast, to the beautiful rooms, luxurious showers, and stunning balconies overlooking the rainforest and the gorgeous pools. The entire staff was kind, ..."
Reviewed on Jun 19, 2026
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
"We stayed at Tabacón to celebrate my husband’s birthday, and it was truly an unforgettable experience for our entire family. From the moment we arrived, everything felt special. We were welcomed with delicious drinks at check-in and escorted to our room, where we found bathrobes prepared for the ..."
Reviewed on Jun 10, 2026
Suwa Villa Arenal
"Rooms were clean,location was convenient to everything . We cooked breakfast one of the days and it was a plus that we were able to wash and dry our clothes ."
Reviewed on Jun 19, 2026
Villa Lapa Villa Romántica con Hidromasaje a 5 min del Centro de la Fortuna
"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
Los Lagos Casas de Campo
"Beautiful property and very charming. This was about 15-20 mins away from the pickup zone for excursions just to keep in mind. We saw beautiful birds and geckos on the property. We would definitely stay here again!!"
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Popular places to visit
Arenal Volcano
Explore Arenal Volcano, a popular spot to commune with nature in La Fortuna, and enjoy the volcano viewpoints. Wander the lush forest or discover the hot springs in this romantic area.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Explore the great outdoors at Tabacon Hot Springs and enjoy the hot springs during your trip to Arenal Hot Springs. Wander the lush forest or discover the volcano viewpoints in this romantic area.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Explore the great outdoors at La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy the hot springs during your trip to La Fortuna. Wander the lush forest or discover the volcano viewpoints in this romantic area.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Enjoy the hot springs and explore Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a lovely green space in La Fortuna. Wander the lush forest or discover the volcano viewpoints in this romantic area.
La Fortuna Park
Explore the great outdoors at La Fortuna Park, a lovely green space in La Fortuna. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and hot springs.
Baldi Hot Springs
Enjoy a trip to Baldi Hot Springs and popular activities like ziplining in Arenal Hot Springs. Wander the lush forest or discover the hot springs in this romantic area.
Things to do
Baldi Hot Springs Resort – Day Pass with One Meal
Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica
Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket
Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica
Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle
Sloths Watching Tour through Sloth's Territory
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 are the top things to do in La Fortuna?
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.
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- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Arenal Volcano
- Tabacon Hot Springs
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Baldi Hot Springs
- Los Lagos Hot Springs
- Costa Rica Sky Adventures
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
- Paradise Hot Springs
- Ecotermales Fortuna
- Kalambu Hot Springs
- Natura Eco Park
- Costa Rica Chocolate Tour
- Termales Los Laureles
- Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
- Titoku Hot Springs
- Arenal Adventure World
- Ecoglide Arenal Park
- Go Adventure Park
- Wellness Park Costa Rica
- Cerro Chato Lake
- El Salto Fortuna River
- Chato Volcano
- Lake Arenal
