10 Best Things To Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano is the undeniable star of La Fortuna. This perfectly cone shaped volcano towers over the entire town and surrounding jungle, creating one of the most dramatic backdrops you will ever see. The national park offers well maintained trails where you walk over old lava flows from past eruptions, surrounded by lush tropical forest. Along the way, keep your eyes open for toucans, monkeys, and coatis. Even on cloudy days when the peak hides behind the mist, the atmosphere is really magical.

Go early in the morning for the best chance of clear volcano views. Clouds tend to roll in by midday and can hide the summit completely. But a sunset hike is beautiful too!

Arenal Volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica, with ongoing activity since its major eruption in 1968. While that might sound intense, the area is carefully monitored, and any unsafe trails are closed to keep visitors protected. Located just 30 minutes from La Fortuna, this National Park is a great spot to go for a hike and experience the country’s incredible nature up close.

This Waterfall is one of those sights that genuinely takes your breath away. A powerful 70 meter cascade crashes into a turquoise pool surrounded by towering jungle walls. Getting there requires walking down for around 30 minutes roughly 500 steps, which is beautiful but definitely a workout on the way back up.

Bring water and start early to beat the crowds. The hike back up those 500 steps in the midday heat is no joke!

You can swim in the pool at the base, and the water is refreshingly cold after the hike down. However, keep in mind that the current here can be quite strong, while calmer spots for swimming can be found further downstream.

One of the most special things about La Fortuna is the variety of natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity underground. You have options ranging from luxurious resort settings like Tabacón Resort, where thermal rivers wind through lush gardens, to more intimate spots like Ecotermales Fortuna with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. For those on a budget, there are also completely free natural hot springs along the river! There is nothing quite like soaking in warm volcanic waters surrounded by jungle.

If you’re looking to save money, head to El Choyin, the free hot springs located right next to Tabacón Resort. Don’t expect any facilities like restrooms, changing areas, or lockers, but that’s part of what makes the experience feel more raw and untouched. Since it’s free, it can get quite crowded, but it’s also a great spot to connect with locals and fellow travelers in La Fortuna.

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges offer one of the most unique perspectives of the Costa Rican rainforest. You walk along a network of trails and suspension bridges that stretch high above the jungle canopy, giving you incredible views of the forest layers, waterfalls, and even Arenal Volcano in the distance. The park is very well organized and the bridges feel safe, even though some of them sway a bit. If you go with a guide, they are incredibly good at spotting wildlife that you would never notice on your own.

Try to go early in the day, as it’s usually quieter and the weather tends to be better. I would also recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.

Stepping into the rainforest, this trail gives you a whole new perspective from above. As you walk across the hanging bridges, you’ll find yourself up to 45 meters (148 feet!) high, looking down over the dense jungle below. The trail is about 3 km long and features 16 bridges in total, including 6 hanging bridges and 10 regular ones, with the highest reaching that impressive height.

From La Fortuna, the hanging bridges are about a 30-minute drive away. Head towards Arenal Volcano National Park on the main road. The road is fully paved and easy to drive, making it accessible with any type of car. We had a rental car and drove there ourselves.

If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a taxi or Uber, which is a quick and convenient option. Many hotels and hostels in La Fortuna also offer shuttle services or guided tours that include transportation to the park.

El Salto is one of those places that the locals absolutely love and it has become a favorite among travelers too. It is a natural swimming hole in the river with a rope swing that you can use to launch yourself into the water below. The best part? It is completely free. The vibe here is super relaxed and fun. You will see locals and visitors alike hanging out, jumping in, and enjoying the afternoon.

Fun Fact: The name El Salto Rope Swing actually says it all: “salto” means “jump” in Spanish, which perfectly describes what this spot is all about.

Ziplining in La Fortuna is a must for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush. Several operators offer canopy tours with multiple lines that send you floating above the treetops, some with views of Arenal Volcano in the background. The feeling of flying through the misty jungle canopy with birds and butterflies around you is hard to describe. Many tours also include a Tarzan swing and rappelling, making it a full adventure package.

Sometimes the best thing you can do in a place is simply slow down and explore on foot. La Fortuna’s town center is small and charming, with colorful buildings, friendly locals, and a laid back atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. Grab a fresh fruit smoothie, browse the little souvenir shops, or just sit in the central park and take in the view of the volcano rising behind the church. It is a wonderful way to feel the real pulse of this community.

The jungle comes alive in a completely different way after dark, and a guided night walk is one of the coolest things you can do in La Fortuna. With flashlights and a knowledgeable guide, you will spot creatures that are impossible to see during the day: red eyed tree frogs, sleeping toucans, tarantulas, kinkajous, and all kinds of insects you never knew existed. It is a genuinely great (and a bit scary haha) experience that gives you a whole new appreciation for the biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Wear long pants and closed shoes. And bring bug spray, the mosquitoes definitely come out at night.

For the thrill seekers, La Fortuna offers some seriously exciting white water rafting on rivers like the Balsa and Toro. The rapids range from class II to IV, so there are options for beginners and experienced rafters alike. Canyoning (or waterfall rappelling) is another option where you literally rappel down the face of waterfalls in the middle of the jungle. Both activities let you experience the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes in the most exhilarating way possible.

Rio Celeste is often described as one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Costa Rica, and after seeing it in person, I do agree. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, the river gets its almost unreal turquoise-blue color (and yes, it really is this blue!) from a natural chemical reaction where two rivers meet. The hike to the waterfall takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.

Wear proper hiking shoes because the trail gets extremely muddy, especially in the rainy season. There is no swimming allowed at the waterfall, but the views are more than enough.

When we visited, the path down to the main waterfall was unfortunately closed. As of late 2025, the trail and staircase leading to the base of the main Río Celeste waterfall remain closed due to damage from a landslide and heavy rains. This is considered a long-term closure, and there is currently no confirmed reopening date.

That said, visiting is still worth it if you’re okay with seeing the waterfall only from above. You can hike through lush jungle trails, enjoy beautiful viewpoints, and explore nearby highlights like the Blue Lagoon.

It’s best to check official park updates before your visit for the latest information.