Things To Do
in Fortuna
Fortuna is a small town located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica, near the Arenal Volcano. It is a popular tourist destination known for its hot springs, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, ziplining, and visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall.
The town also offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to eco-friendly lodges.
- "Pura vida" - Pure life
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¡Adiós!" - Goodbye!
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with an exhilarating visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall.
After lunch, embark on a canopy tour through the lush rainforest, ziplining over treetops. Embrace the stunning views and adrenaline rush.
Wrap up your day by soaking in the Tabacón Hot Springs. Enjoy a relaxing evening amidst beautifully lit gardens and warm volcanic waters.
Begin your day at the Arenal Eco Zoo to discover local wildlife like sloths and exotic birds. It's a great chance to learn about Costa Rican fauna.
Visit the Arenal Observatory Lodge for panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding forests. Enjoy a leisurely hike on their trails to spot more wildlife.
Dine at a local restaurant and savor traditional Costa Rican dishes. Go for a walk to admire the volcano illuminated at night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with lush landscapes and diverse wildlife
- Rich biodiversity, making it a great spot for eco-tourism and outdoor activities
- Warm tropical climate year-round, ideal for visitors seeking a getaway
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Variety of adventure activities available, such as zip-lining, hiking, and rafting
- Limited access to certain amenities and services compared to larger towns
- Transportation options may be limited, requiring reliance on personal vehicle or tours
- Potential mosquito and insect issues in tropical climate
- Infrastructure may not be as developed, affecting internet and communication services
- Higher cost of living in tourist areas compared to other regions in Costa Rica
Best Activities in Fortuna
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems around the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy hiking trails, hot springs, and views of the volcano.
Hike down to the picturesque La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool or simply enjoy the view of the 70-meter tall waterfall.
Experience the thrill of ziplining through the canopy of the rainforest, soaring above the treetops and taking in the views of the lush surroundings.
Take on the rapids of the Balsa River with an exciting white water rafting tour. Suitable for all skill levels, it's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty.
Walk across a network of hanging bridges that offer breathtaking views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano, while observing diverse wildlife.
Enjoy a guided horseback ride through beautiful trails leading to the Arenal Volcano, taking in the scenic views along the way.
Unwind in the natural hot springs in the area, such as Tabacon or Baldi, which offer a perfect opportunity to relax amid the tropical surroundings.
Join a guided tour for a chance to see the rich biodiversity of the region, including sloths, monkeys, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitats.
Tours
Uncover the best of Fortuna with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Fortuna
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush tropical forest, great for photography.
Provides panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and Arenal Volcano.
Food in Fortuna
Fortuna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Costa Rican dish made from rice and black beans, often mixed with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It's commonly served with scrambled or fried eggs, plantains, and a side of sour cream.
Must-Try!
A typical lunch dish featuring rice and beans accompanied by plantains, salad, and a choice of protein such as chicken, fish, or beef. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that reflects the essence of Costa Rican home cooking.
Savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, beans, or meat, and then fried to golden perfection. They are a popular snack or appetizer across Costa Rica.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Fortuna better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling La Fortuna Farmers Market to discover an array of fresh produce, tropical fruits, local cheeses, and artisanal crafts. You can also sample delicious street food offerings such as tamales, ceviche, and tropical fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Costa Ricans generally value their personal space. It's important to maintain a comfortable distance during conversations, especially with those you don't know very well.
Always greet people with a friendly 'Hola' (Hello) and utilize 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) in interactions. This shows respect and appreciation for others.
While Costa Ricans are known for their relaxed attitude towards time, being punctual, especially for formal events or meetings, is still appreciated and demonstrates respect for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Fortuna with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Fortuna
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fortuna, Costa Rica, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Common practice is to leave a tip of around 10% to 15% in restaurants if service is satisfactory. In casual dining or bars, rounding up the bill is also common. For guides and drivers in tours, it’s customary to tip based on the level of service provided, typically $5 to $10 per person for a day trip.
In Fortuna, cash is king, particularly in smaller businesses like local eateries and shops. The local currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are available for withdrawing cash, and travelers should notify their bank before traveling to avoid issues with card usage.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Fortuna.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Fortuna, Costa Rica due to lower rainfall and better hiking and outdoor activities.
Expect heavier rainfall, lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates during this season in Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Fortuna at Night
Hiking in Fortuna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park known for its diverse wildlife, volcanic activity, and beautiful trails leading to waterfalls and hot springs.
Home to the famous Rio Celeste, this park offers picturesque hiking trails through rainforest and volcanic landscapes.
Features a variety of trails with views of the iconic Arenal Volcano, as well as opportunities to see wildlife and walk through old lava fields.
A short hike takes you to this stunning waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool at its base.
Costa Rica's highest peak offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the summit.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Fortuna through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Fortuna by plane.
Located in Liberia, this is the largest international airport serving the northwestern region of Costa Rica and is approximately 113 km from Fortuna.
Located in San José, this airport is the largest in Costa Rica and approximately 128 km from Fortuna, serving as the main gateway for international flights.
Also located in San José, this airport is primarily used for domestic flights but also has some limited international service. It is approximately 126 km from Fortuna.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Fortuna speaks Spanish, given it is the official language of Costa Rica.
Costa Ricans, known as Ticos (males) and Ticas (females), form the core demographic group in Fortuna.
A growing community of expatriates from various countries, particularly the United States and Canada, have settled in Fortuna.
Some members of indigenous communities may reside in or near Fortuna, although they represent a smaller percentage of the overall population.
The Soul of Fortuna
Discover the essence of Fortuna through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Fortuna, Costa Rica, with many local teams and a passionate fan base following the national leagues.
Volleyball is widely played in Fortuna, both recreationally and competitively, especially in schools and community events.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Fortuna, with several courts available for public use and local tournaments held regularly.
Cycling is a favored activity due to the scenic routes around Fortuna, attracting both local cyclists and tourists.
Given Fortuna's hot climate and the presence of hot springs, swimming is a popular recreational activity for locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fortuna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Fortuna are attentive to vegetarian and vegan dietary needs, with options like plant-based casado, hearty salads, and vegetable stir-fries readily available.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find suitable alternatives at select eateries, offering gluten-free versions of traditional dishes and gluten-friendly baked goods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Fortuna with these cultural adventures.
