Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

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The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

La Fortuna is a dream destination for travelers looking to experience the magic of Costa Rica. With beautiful views or the Arenal Volcano and so much wildlife, it’s one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. We spent the first 3 days of our Costa Rica trip here, and it was amazing.

You can check out my full 8-day Costa Rica travel itinerary to see everything we did on that trip, including where we stayed. Or check out this complete La Fortuna guide, with recommendations on where to stay as well.

La Fortuna is a vibrant mix of lush rainforests, steamy hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and adrenaline-packed adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just looking to soak in a jungle paradise, La Fortuna has something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do while you’re there.

1. Soak in the Hot Springs – One of the best things to do in La Fortuna

Let’s start with one of La Fortuna’s most iconic experiences: the hot springs. Thanks to the geothermal activity from the nearby volcano, La Fortuna is blessed with many natural hot springs. These are pure bliss after a day of exploring.

Many hotels in La Fortuna have hot springs on site. But you can also purchase day passes to some of the most popular hot springs resorts. Places like Tabacón Thermal Resort, EcoTermales, and Baldi Hot Springs offer beautifully landscaped pools ranging from warm to piping hot, often surrounded by lush gardens. Some springs are family-friendly, while others offer a more intimate, romantic vibe perfect for couples.

We spent an afternoon at the Baldi Hot Springs, which is a beautiful property with so many hot springs. And, we all had a blast going down all the waterslides. They were fast!

2. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

No trip to La Fortuna is complete without a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s a steep hike down (and back up!) about 500 steps, but the reward is a breathtaking 230-foot waterfall crashing into a crystal-clear pool. Pack a swimsuit if you want to take a dip at the bottom — the water’s chilly but refreshing. Pro tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Pro Tip: After you leave the waterfall, make the short drive to El Salto. This is a local hangout spot with a rope swing and places to jump into the water. We had so much fun there, and my kids could have stayed all day. Best part? It’s free!

3. Zipline Through the Rainforest

Zip-lining is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. And, La Fortuna is home to some of Costa Rica’s best canopy tours, where you can soar above the treetops and take in stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and lush rainforest below.

Sky Adventures Park and Ecoglide Park are two popular operators that offer thrilling rides with professional guides. We went with Ecoglide Park since we had a younger kid with us. It’s one of the few places that offer the Tarzan swing experience–which was exhilarating! It’s an adrenaline rush like no other!

4. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano, once one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is the backdrop for countless adventures in La Fortuna. Hike the trails through old lava fields, spot wildlife, and take in panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. The park is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate, with trails suitable for families and casual hikers.

5. Take a Wildlife Tour – One of our favorite things to do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is teeming with wildlife, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a guided animal tour. Look for sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs on a rainforest night walk or a guided river safari. Tours like the Sloth Watching Trail or Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offer incredible opportunities to see Costa Rica’s famous creatures up close.

We did the night walk and everyone in our group truly enjoyed it. The guides are so knowledgeable, and we saw so many snakes and reptiles.

6. Go on a Hanging Bridges Walk

For a more leisurely adventure (but still packed with “wow” moments), check out the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. You’ll stroll through the rainforest on a series of suspended bridges, giving you a unique vantage point of the canopy. It’s a magical way to experience the lush biodiversity of the area and snap some stunning photos.

7. Try Whitewater Rafting or Canyoning

Feeling daring? La Fortuna is a launchpad for outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River or canyoning down waterfalls. These heart-pounding activities are led by experienced guides and are suitable for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Just be prepared to get wet!

8. Visit Local Farms and Chocolate Tours

For something a little different (and delicious), dive into Costa Rica’s agricultural side with a chocolate or coffee tour. Learn how cacao is transformed into chocolate (with plenty of tastings, of course) and see how traditional Costa Rican coffee is grown and roasted. It’s a fun and tasty way to experience the local culture. Many tours, like this one, combine both coffee and chocolate tours.

Best Things to do in Costa Rica: Final Thoughts

• Pack for rain — even in the dry season, La Fortuna’s rainforest climate means showers are common.
• Bring water shoes for waterfall visits and river adventures.
• Book tours in advance if you’re visiting during high season (December – April).

La Fortuna truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, flying through the treetops, or simply soaking in a hot spring under the stars, La Fortuna will capture your heart. And you really don’t need to pay a ton of money to find wildlife–we found monkeys and sloths hanging out in the trees across from our hotel.

For more Costa Rica resources, check out this list of the best family resorts in Costa Rica.

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