Things To Do
in Fortuna
Fortuna, Costa Rica sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano, enveloped by lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. La Fortuna town serves as a compact hub of tour operators, sodas, and hot springs, making it easy to combine adventure with relaxation. The scenery ranges from waterfalls and cloud forests to dramatic volcano views, all just a short drive from the town center.
Visitors come to explore outdoor adventures, soak in natural pools, and experience the pura vida vibe.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and take a scenic drive to La Fortuna, admiring the lush landscapes along the way. Check into your accommodation, where you can soak in the beautiful surroundings and get settled. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a local café before starting your adventure.
Explore the vibrant town of La Fortuna, visiting local shops and markets to discover artisanal crafts and souvenirs. Stop by the La Fortuna Waterfall, where a short hike leads you to one of the most breathtaking sights in Costa Rica. Take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall before heading back to town.
Dine at a local restaurant known for its authentic Costa Rican cuisine, sampling dishes like 'casado' or fresh ceviche. After dinner, unwind at your hotel or enjoy a lively night in town, perhaps catching some live music. If you're up for it, consider attending a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife in the area.
Head early to Arenal Volcano National Park for refreshing outdoor activities. Begin with a guided hike through lush rainforest trails that offer stunning views of the iconic volcano. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and sloths.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature before embarking on a thrilling zip-lining adventure over the treetops. Experience the rush as you soar above the landscape and witness the beauty of the rainforest from a bird's-eye view. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the natural hot springs, allowing the warmth to soothe your muscles after a day of excitement.
Savor a casual dinner at one of the hot spring resorts, where you can dine while enjoying views of the volcano. Share stories about your day’s adventures and plan for tomorrow’s activities. As night falls, enjoy the serene atmosphere of the hot springs, perhaps taking a final dip under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🛏️Hostel bed | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer in bar | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Arenal Volcano and Mistico Park
- Friendly locals and safe, walkable town center
- Wide range of outdoor adventures
- Good value for money and accessible from San José
- Limited big-city amenities
- Hilly terrain and long drives to some attractions
- Busy peak seasons can mean crowded hot springs and tours
- "Pura vida" - Pure life; a versatile greeting and expression of appreciation.
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Fortuna
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of the cone-shaped volcano with steam vents and lava trails visible on clear days.
A tiered waterfall set in a lush green canyon; a popular spot for long exposure shots and swims.
A network of suspension bridges weaving through the rainforest canopy with opportunities for macro and wide-angle shots.
Tranquil water, windsurfers, and cloud reflections; best at dawn or dusk.
Crater lookout on the Cerro Chato path offering a remote vantage of the valley and volcano.
Food in Fortuna
Fortuna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple breakfast of rice and beans, often served with eggs, plantains, and tortillas.
Must-Try!
A balanced plate with meat, rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a fried egg, commonly found in sodas.
Grilled trout from nearby rivers, a regional specialty in La Fortuna.
Black bean soup often served with rice and a squeeze of lime.
Plantain tostones served with a tangy seafood or fish ceviche.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, colorful market where you can taste local produce, street snacks, and fruit shakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use the phrase as a friendly greeting and to signal appreciation; locals value a relaxed, positive attitude.
A friendly handshake; a brief bow or nod is common in more formal settings; avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public.
Always say gracias; good manners go a long way in small establishments.
Time should be flexible; be prepared for casual schedules, especially in rural areas.
Safety
Tipping in Fortuna
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and tour operators, a 10-15% tip is customary if service is not included. Small sodas may not expect tips, but rounding up is appreciated.
Cash (Costa Rican colón or USD) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators; many places add a small surcharge for card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm, sunny days with lower humidity and minimal rain; ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, though afternoons can be hot.
Afternoon showers are common; lush greenery is at its peak, but trails can be slippery; mornings can be misty and cooler.
Fortuna at Night
Hiking in Fortuna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate to challenging hikes around the volcano with lava fields and viewpoints.
Steep, challenging hike to a crater lake with rewarding views.
Short but steep hike to a powerful waterfall and pool.
Airports
How to reach Fortuna by plane.
Main international gateway near San Jose, about 2.5-3.5 hours by car to La Fortuna depending on traffic and weather.
Alternative international airport in the Guanacaste region, about 4-6 hours by road to La Fortuna.
Small domestic airport offering charter flights and limited domestic arrivals; schedules vary; often used for quick hops to San Jose.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of the area; mix of farmers, service workers, and families.
Visitors from around the world seeking volcano views, nature, and adrenaline activities.
Some foreigners choose Fortuna as a seasonal residence due to the climate and accessibility to nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local teams and informal games can be found in the town.
With access to Arenal and rainforest trails, outdoor enthusiasts frequently hike.
Popular on nearby rivers for adventurous visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fortuna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose gallo pinto, salads, plantains, grilled vegetables; ask for no cheese or sour cream. Many sodas can accommodate vegetarian requests.