La Fortuna, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Volcano & Hot Springs Escape

La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, offering an unbeatable mix of adventure tourism, natural beauty, and hot spring indulgence. Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, this small but vibrant town attracts travelers from all over the world looking for the ultimate balance of excitement and serenity.
 

From ziplining through rainforests to soaking in geothermal hot springs, La Fortuna is the gateway to the Arenal region, a lush area filled with waterfalls, rivers, exotic wildlife, and jaw-dropping views.

📍 Quick Facts About La Fortuna

Province: Alajuela

Famous for: Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, eco-adventures

Distance from San José: ~3 hours (130 km / 80 miles)

Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers

Climate: Tropical rainforest (warm with afternoon showers year-round)

🗺️ How to Get to La Fortuna

✈️ By Air:

Closest airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José

You can also fly into Liberia (LIR) and drive ~2.5 hours to La Fortuna

🚗 By Car or Shuttle:

Most visitors rent a car or use shared/private shuttles from San José, Monteverde, or Liberia

Roads are well-paved and scenic, especially approaching Arenal Volcano

🛏️ Where to Stay in La Fortuna

💎 Luxury:

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – iconic resort with natural hot springs

Nayara Springs & Nayara Gardens – five-star eco-luxury with jungle bungalows

🌿 Mid-Range:

Hotel Los Lagos – hot springs, volcano views, and family-friendly

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa – stunning views and wellness focus

💰 Budget:

Selina La Fortuna – social, modern hostel with coworking space

Arenal Container Hostel – creative design and central location

🌋 Top Things to Do in La Fortuna

1. Arenal Volcano National Park

The star of the show, Arenal Volcano stands at 1,657 meters and is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. Though it hasn’t erupted since 2010, its perfect cone shape and steaming fumaroles remain awe-inspiring.

What to do:

Hike the Lava Flow Trails and Los Tucanes Trail

Visit the Arenal Observatory Lodge for incredible views and wildlife

Guided tours available with expert naturalists

2. Soak in Natural Hot Springs

The geothermal activity beneath Arenal fuels some of Costa Rica’s best hot springs.

Top hot springs in La Fortuna:

Tabacón Hot Springs – luxurious, riverside springs surrounded by jungle

EcoTermales – intimate, serene, and eco-conscious

Baldi Hot Springs – family-friendly with water slides and many pools

Free Hot Spring River (El Choyin) – no-frills, natural experience for budget travelers

3. La Fortuna Waterfall

This stunning 70-meter (230-foot) waterfall plunges into a jade-colored pool, perfect for cooling off after a hike.

Entrance fee: ~$18 USD

Stairs: 500+ steps down (and back up!) – worth the effort

Swim at the base (not under the falls) or relax by the riverside

4. Ziplining & Hanging Bridges

Experience the rainforest from above with canopy tours and suspension bridges.

Sky Adventures Arenal – famous for ziplining and sky tram views

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park – gentle rainforest walk with canopy views and wildlife

5. Whitewater Rafting & Water Sports

Thrill-seekers love rafting the Balsa River (Class II-III) and Sarapiquí River (Class III-IV).

Other fun options:

Canyoning (waterfall rappelling)

Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Arenal

Tubing the Arenal River

6. Wildlife Watching & Eco Tours

Spot sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, tree frogs, and more.

Best places for wildlife:

Bogarin Trail – sloth sanctuary walking trail near town

Ecocentro Danaus – a small nature reserve with guides and educational tours

Night tours – see nocturnal species in their natural habitat

🍽️ Where to Eat in La Fortuna

🥘 Local & Traditional:

Soda Viquez – authentic Costa Rican cuisine at local prices

Soda La Hormiga – hearty casados, gallo pinto, and fresh juices

🌮 International & Upscale:

Don Rufino – upscale fusion of Costa Rican and international dishes

Chifa La Familia Feliz – Peruvian-Chinese food with big portions and flavor

La Parrilla de María Bonita – steaks, Latin fare, and good cocktails

🥗 Healthy & Vegetarian:

Organico Fortuna – smoothies, vegan bowls, fresh coffee

Yellow Bark – creative vegetarian options and chill vibe

🧗 Top Day Trips from La Fortuna

🌄 Lake Arenal

Go windsurfing, paddleboarding, or enjoy a boat cruise with volcano views.

🏞️ Venado Caves

An underground adventure just 45 minutes from town – explore caverns filled with stalactites, bats, and underground rivers.

🌋 Cerro Chato

A dormant volcano next to Arenal. Though hiking is currently restricted, you can admire it from viewpoints near La Fortuna.

🐒 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

One of the most biodiverse wetlands in the country, perfect for birdwatching and boat tours.

🧳 What to Pack for La Fortuna

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing

Hiking shoes or trail sandals

Waterproof jacket (especially in green season)

Swimsuit, water shoes, and towel for hot springs

Bug spray and sunscreen

Binoculars and camera for wildlife spotting

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in La Fortuna

La Fortuna Waterfall from the pool below

Arenal Volcano at sunset or sunrise

Jungle paths with hanging bridges

Natural hot springs at dusk

Aerial shots of Lake Arenal with volcano backdrop

🌦️ Best Time to Visit La Fortuna

Dry Season: December to April – sunny days, high demand, great for hiking and volcano views

Green Season: May to November – lush landscapes, afternoon showers, fewer crowds, and lower prices

Note: Even during rainy season, mornings are often clear and perfect for tours.

❤️ Who Should Visit La Fortuna?

La Fortuna appeals to all types of travelers:

Adventurers – rafting, hiking, ziplining, canyoning

Couples & honeymooners – hot springs, spas, volcano views

Families – wildlife tours, waterfalls, safe activities

Eco-tourists – guided nature walks, sustainability-focused resorts

Wellness seekers – yoga, thermal waters, healthy food

♻️ Sustainability in La Fortuna

Many tour operators and hotels follow eco-certification programs, and the community values sustainable tourism. Support locally-owned businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and book with eco-friendly tour providers.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for good reason. Whether you want to unwind in natural hot springs, trek through rainforest trails, or feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining over the jungle, La Fortuna offers a complete experience for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

With stunning scenery, friendly locals, and an endless list of things to do, La Fortuna is a must-visit for any Costa Rica itinerary.