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Bienvenido a Costa Rica! Today’s post is an exciting one — it marks the first travel guide I’ve written about Central America. Central America is one of the most vibrant regions in the world, in my opinion. I’ve been to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and a surf camp in Nicaragua so far, but I have snorkeling in Belize and seeing the Panama Canal pretty high up on my list. One day. As for this guide, I’m going to share the best things to do in the town of La Fortuna in the Arenal region of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has quickly become one of my favorite countries in the world (behind the US, Italy, and Australia). La Fortuna, specifically, is one of my favorite places I’ve ever traveled to. Let’s dive into the details of activities in La Fortuna and maybe it will become one of your top travel destinations as well.
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Know Before You Go: Costa Rica Edition
Language
Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, but since gaining popularity among tourists, digital nomads, and adventurous backpackers in recent years, English is also widely spoken as well. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica; it’s also the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Other languages spoken are Creole and some Indian languages.
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Currency
Costa Rica’s national currency is the Colón (plural: Colones), but US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, such as La Fortuna. The colón was named after Christopher Columbus, known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. Whether you choose to carry Colones or USD, be sure to have cash with you in Costa Rica. You’ll need it to tip the guides (at least 10% is standard) of your various La Fortuna activities, and it’s helpful when paying in small, local restaurants called sodas… more on this below.
Weather
Costa Rica has many unique regions, and therefore — the weather differs depending on where you go and the time of year you’re there. Generally speaking, the country has a warm, tropical climate, thanks to its close proximity to the equator in Central America. However, the microclimates differ depending on elevation, along with proximity to the coastline. Costa Rica has a Pacific side and a Caribbean side.
The Caribbean side has warm temperatures year-round (75-88°F), along with consistent rainfall. Similar to the Caribbean islands, the storms pass quickly but you can expect a humid environment here. I personally didn’t visit the Caribbean side during my time in Costa Rica, and many people don’t.
The Pacific side has a northern region (near Guanacaste), a Central Pacific Coast region, and a southern region, where the Osa Peninsula is located. The entire coast can see temperatures ranging from 77-95°F, although the southern area has higher humidity and significantly more rainfall from May to November, which is the rainy season. The dry season in Costa Rica is December – April. I visited during February and thought this was the perfect time of year to go!
The Central Valley + mountainous region of Costa Rica, aka the Arenal Region, has a cooler climate and mild weather year-round. Average temperatures are in the low 70°s F. Lastly, the Monteverde area, also known as the Cloud Forest, sees the coolest climate in the country (65°-70° F). This area is generally misty and cloudy (as the name suggests).
A Brief Packing Guide
This section could be an entire blog post on its own, but here are a few of my best tips when packing for a trip to Costa Rica:
- Pack waterproof clothing — You’ll want a light rain jacket, some water proof sneakers, athletic shorts, and maybe a hat for your time in La Fortuna. It may rain during your trip.
- Sturdy hiking shoes — Whether you have boots or just a solid pair of sneakers, you’ll want them for this trip! Don’t forget extra socks! Also, throw in a pair of sandals for the beaches (and hot springs!).
- Bug spray + sunscreen — Costa Rica is close to the equator so the sun is STRONG here! You will also be spending lots of time in the rainforest and jungle, so pack some bug spray to protect yourself.
- Athleisure — I wore mostly athletic clothes during my trip to Costa Rica. There is no dress code in the country, although you won’t see locals wearing leggings. Stick to sweat-proof shirts, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.
- Backpack + water bottle — Bring a bag for your day adventures. A small hiking bag or backpack is a great idea. Also, bring your reusable water bottle on this trip. The country is so sustainable and eco-friendly, single use plastics are banned in a lot of places. Plus, Costa Rica’s tap water is drinkable!
Transportation
I’ll dive into this in more detail below, but you will definitely be traveling via bus or car quite a bit during your time in Costa Rica if you want to see the various regions. The country isn’t huge — about 20,000 sq. miles (the size of West Virginia!), but since there’s so much to see and so many activities in La Fortuna, you’ll be busy!
I utilized the semi-private transfers offered by the hotels / hostels to get around the country during my trip. I traveled via shuttle from the capital, San Jose, to La Fortuna. You can travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde in just a few hours via Jeep Boat. Some people also opt to rent a car, but remember that locals are speedy!
Where In The World Is La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
La Fortuna is located centrally within the Arenal Region of the country of Costa Rica. And, Costa Rica is located centrally within Central America, surrounded by Panama to the southeast and Nicaragua to the northwest.
Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country in the world. Not only are there more species of animals and plants here than anywhere else on earth, it is characterized by its dramatically different regions. Costa Rica is known for having the “big four” — the rainforest, the coast, the cloud forest, and the volcanoes. During your trip to Costa Rica, you should plan to travel around to various regions to experience as much of the country as possible.
La Fortuna is the adventure capital of the rainforest / volcano region. Since it’s located centrally, it’s not on the coast. This adventure town and destination is surrounded by rainforest and some of the country’s most active volcanoes (yup, I said active!). There are unlimited activities to enjoy in La Fortuna.
What Makes La Fortuna So Special?
La Fortuna is a fairly small backpacker’s town. In my opinion, it’s the plethora of activities in the La Fortuna area that make this place so special. There are literally unlimited things to do here — I could’ve stayed for 2 weeks, in this region alone. I spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica total and honestly wish I had a full month. There’s very few countries in the world where I would want that (I tend to hop around!), but there’s just so much to do here.
La Fortuna is not only lively and an adventure capital for backpackers seeking an adreline rush and some fun nightlife, it’s also extremely spiritual. I felt so… alive… being here.
Is La Fortuna Costa Rica Worth Visiting?
YES!!!!!! It’s one of my favorite places in the world and has so much to do. I would plan to stay in this region for at least 4-5 nights since there are various excursions to enjoy in the area. The town is quite small, but packed with restaurants and bars so you’ll enjoy strolling the streets each night! I would plan to stay in Costa Rica for at least 10 nights, if not 2 weeks.
How To Get To La Fortuna, Costa Rica
So, I do know some people who rented cars in Costa Rica so that they could explore the various regions. While this would grant the most flexibility, people in Central America drive notoriously fast and aggressively.As a tourist, I personally wouldn’t feel safe.
Instead, take a bus! There are public buses, but also tourist shuttles set up specifically to transport backpackers from region to region. This is where my accommodation recommendation below (Selina) comes into play. Since there are hostels scattered around the country, the hostels offer shuttles to various locations. So, I was easily able to book a shuttle from the Selina San Jose location to La Fortuna and back.
Pro-tip: You don’t have to stay at Selinas to use their shuttle service. You could show up to the Selina San Jose location and book a shuttle to get to your next destination, and then just walk or ask to be dropped off at your own hotel!
The ride from San Jose (the capital city, where you’ll most likely be flying into) to La Fortuna is about 4 hours long in the shuttle. You can expect to make one stop for a bathroom break / snacks.
Where To Stay In La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tourism and hospitality offerings appeal to all budgets and all people.
La Fortuna Resorts ($$$): Hotel Lomos Del Volcan
Of course, there are 5-star, luxury eco-resorts scattered throughout the country. These can be found in La Fortuna too, and typically will feature luxurious spas, wellness centers, and farm-to-table restaurants. Remember the Kardashians’ filmed their annual, exotic international trips? Well they visited a few years ago if that gives any indication into the level of luxury offered here.
If you’re looking for peak luxury in a jungle, check out Hotel Lomos del Volcan. This luxury eco-resort features spacious wooden cabins with terraces overlooking the lush, tropical gardens. Each cabin has a fridge, coffee maker, private bathroom, and complimentary toiletries. The property also features an outdoor pool and hot tub. Guests at Lomos del Volcan can enjoy the one mile private nature trail not the property, in addition to pre-arranged airport shuttles, activities, and excursions.
The property also has two on-site restaurants that serve Costa Rican and international dishes, along with a free daily breakfast. This resort is a top rated hotel in the La Fortuna, Costa Rica area with an average rating of 9.4.
Mid-range ($$): Cabañas Del Rio
There are also tons of mid-range options located in La Fortuna. After extensive research, I would recommend Cabañas del Rio. This hotel is located just 2.9 miles from La Fortuna Waterfall, 4.2 miles from Kalambu Hot Springs, and 5 miles from the Fortuna Airport. The property offers an airport shuttle service.
The accommodations at Cabañas del Rio include a patio and access to the swimming pool, in addition to air-conditioned, condo-style hotel rooms with fully equipped kitchens, a dining area, and a flat screen TV. The property offers free WiFi and on-site parking for guests to enjoy.
The best part? Night frog and bird watching walking tours are INCLUDED at this hotel!
Budget ($): Selina La Fortuna
Above all, I think Costa Rica is a PERFECT destination for budget travelers and backpackers. La Fortuna is scattered with various hostels, some nicer than others. I’m sure there are some very bare bones hostels in town, with just bunk beds. Instead, I would recommend one of the fun eco-hostels in La Fortuna! Selina La Fortuna is my personal rec for you! They offer some unique “glamping” accommodations on site, and amenities such as a pool, excursions desk, and a DJ / trivia / nightlife. These are the best places to meet other travelers!
I personally stayed at the Selina in La Fortuna and couldn’t recommend it more. I’ve stayed at a few other Selinas, including in Mexico City, and wasn’t impressed. This one, however, was awesome. The rooms, although I stayed in a co-ed mixed dorm, were clean and spacious with several private bathrooms located throughout the property.
There was a kitchen on-site to cook at, in addition to a delicious local restaurant (that served the BEST breakfast every morning!), and a fun bar. There was a pool, movie room, games to play, daily yoga classes, and nightly entertainment. I also loved the fact that Selina offered a welcome drink to the newcomers each night. Not only was the local cocktail delicious, but we went around in a circle and introduced our names and country. I met several friends from this night who I ended up grabbing dinner with every night of my trip.
Selina Hostels are also great for remote workers. I worked remote during my time in Costa Rica and loved the co-working space at this hostel. There was plenty of desk space, 24/7 WiFi, and even meeting rooms to rent out for important calls.
Where To Eat: Best Food In La Fortuna
If you stay at one of the hostels or mid-range hotels I recommended above, you’ll be within walking distance of the town of La Fortuna. The town is only a few blocks large — it’s not massive. It sits at the base of the La Fortuna volcano, and again — most of the best excursions are in the surrounding area.
Casadas From Local Sodas
However, there are several incredible restaurants located within the town. If you’re on a budget or are craving a local dining experience, be sure to try some “sodas” during your time in Costa Rica! No, I don’t mean Pepsi or Diet Sprite. I mean locally owned, typically family-run, small restaurants.
These places have pretty limited menus, but you’ll always find a delicious “casada”. This is Costa Rica’s national dish and is a plate that consists of rice, beans, pulled chicken, pork, or some fish, pico de gallo or some sort of salad, and fried plantains. I didn’t expect to love this dish so much, but I literally ate it every day for two weeks straight. It was so fresh and such great fuel! One of my friends was on a mission to try every soda in La Fortuna and after joining him for 2-3, here are my recommendations: Soda Viquez, Soda El Turnito, and Soda Las Flores. Soda Viquez is by far the most popular restaurant in La Fortuna!
Another option that is a MUST for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (I came for dinner) is Organico Fortuna. This organic café is a bit pricier than the local sodas (it was giving Bali café vibes), but it was delicious so I highly recommend it.
For my last night of the trip, me and 3 new friends went to Restaurante Fortuneño in town. This place was PACKED so expect to wait. It’s definitely a little touristy, but the whole restaurant is covered in cool lights, live plants, and murals. Plus, their menu offers everything from chicken fingers to burgers to local dishes to pasta, so there’s something for everyone here. I would go for dinner. They have fun drinks and desserts too!
Activities In La Fortuna
And now for the final section of the travel guide, and the most fun! The activities in La Fortuna are what makes this area so special. There are DOZENS of outdoor excursions to choose from — and something for every type of traveler.
Go Canyoning
Love adventure? Consider a canyoning tour at Gravity Falls where you can head deep into the Costa Rican countryside and rappel down an impressive 150-ft tropical waterfall. Drop into a deep crystalline pool before swimming your way to shore and continuing through the canyon. Jump from a continuous series of 10 to 40ft waterfalls and cliffs into deep canyon pools with the help of your professional and experienced guides.
Pro-tip: Want a similar, miniature version of this experience? That’s free?! Check out El Salto, which is the rope swing and swimming hole located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. This spot is loved by both locals and tourists alike, so get there early! The rope swing is located just outside of downtown. From the main street, it’s only around 1.5km away, so you can walk easily if you don’t have a car. The swing is marked on Google Maps.
White Water Rafting In La Fortuna
This top-rated white water rafting tour begins in La Fortuna with a pick up at your accommodation, before heading over to the beautiful Balsa River. After a quick orientation and safety instructions, climb aboard your raft to begin your wet adventure. Begin your 2.5-hour rafting tour as you navigate thrilling class 2 and 3 rapids. As you paddle downstream keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife including sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, and a lot more. Halfway through the trip, take a well-earned rest stop on the riverbank. Here, you can freshen up with a swim or enjoy some fresh Costa Rican fruit as a light snack.
Arenal Volcano National Park & Suspension Bridges
Aside from the countless waterfalls in the area, you can’t miss the crown jewel of Costa Rica and one of the best activities in La Fortuna — Arenal Volcano National Park! If you’re looking to see a lot in just one day (instead of booking several tours over the course of several days), I would recommend this full-day tour to the volcano, waterfalls, and suspension bridge. I personally went on this tour during my time in La Fortuna and loved it!
After exploring the waterfall and bridges in the morning, this full-day tour includes a local lunch and guided nature walk, where you’ll see a variety of birds, monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and reach the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.
Arenal Volcano was dormant until a major, unexpected eruption occurred in 1968. It is now considered an active volcano although it hasn’t erupted again since 2010. The main hike here is called the 1968 hike. It takes about 2 hours to do, and will bring you to a view of the summit! You can see smoke from it everyday, making it one of the “most active volcanoes in the world”! Scientists predict another big eruption in 500 years or so.
Pro-tip: If you’re looking for a dedicated jungle tour (if you did waterfalls another day, for example!), Mistico Park is the place to go. This park is filled entirely with hanging bridges, and is home to most of the wildlife in the area.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The waterfall is known for its vibrant turquoise color. Although you can’t swim in the water hole here, it is one of the best spots for hiking and photos in the area. Several of the friends I met on my trip did this day trip and LOVED IT!
Rio Celeste is located about 1.5 hours northwest of La Fortuna, so this would be its own dedicated day trip. Enjoy a guided hike around Tenorio Volcano National Park, learning about the rich biodiversity of the region before visiting the waterfall, where you’ll be stunned by the majestic cascade of turquoise-hued water tumbling dramatically into a tranquil pool below. Stand in awe of this natural spectacle, feeling the cool mist and the sheer power of nature. Take your time to savor this moment, capturing photographs of this unique hidden gem from various angles.
La Fortuna Hot Springs
La Fortuna is full of natural hot springs that flow down from the nearby Arenal Volcano. It naturally heats many of the rivers in the area. Because of this, there are dozens of “local” hot springs that are free. Basically, you can show up in a bathing suit with some drinks, and sit among the rocks in the heated current. Just ask your hotel for directions to walk / drive here.
If you’re looking for a more upscale activity in La Fortuna, I recommend paying a small admission to enjoy a resort’s hot springs! By doing this, you will gain access to restrooms, changing rooms, a robe, champagne, and other amenities. If I was on a romantic trip, I would’ve paid for this in an INSTANT and stayed all day! Here’s an example of a popular hot spring that you can reserve access to online and in advance.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls scattered around the La Fortuna area. When you visit the hot springs or go white water rafting, you’ll see several mini ones. Plus, if you go canyoning, you’ll come face to face with Gravity Falls. As mentioned above, Rio Celeste is probably the most beautiful waterfall in the area.
The most popular, and most visited waterfall in La Fortuna, however, is La Fortuna Waterfall, also known as Catarata Fortuna. It’s a 75 meter high waterfall in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. To reach the waterfall, you’ll have to pay about $20 at the entrance (there is a parking lot, water refill station, and restrooms here!), and hike 500 steps down. Don’t worry — the walk is beautiful, and you can take it at your own pace.
At the bottom, there are various overlooks, swimming spots, and creeks to enjoy. I spent about 1-2 hours here.
Those are the main adventurous activities I would recommend in the area! Other ideas include horseback riding, kayaking, and of course — shopping in downtown La Fortuna. I wish I had more time here to do everything.
That brings us to the end of this (very) complete guide for visiting La Fortuna, Costa Rica! This place holds a special place in my heart and I’m already looking forward to my next visit back. Check out my complete guide to the Pacific Coast if you want more Costa Rica content!
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