The 13 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
As we planned our honeymoon across Costa Rica, we couldn’t pass up visiting La Fortuna! This magical area offers abundant wildlife, gorgeous green landscapes, towering volcanoes, fantastic food, and plenty to do.
My wife and I visited the first week of February in 2026 and spent four days exploring the region (find my rough itinerary guide below). Many guides list La Fortuna as a must-visit destination, and I highly recommend it too. It’s a gem, and you’ll be stoked to visit.
Enjoy my full guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna, plus tidbits to help you plan a smooth trip, along with places to stay.
Quick Find: See all my recommended La Fortuna Tours here.
The Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
After my trip to Costa Rica, here are 13 fun things to do in La Fortuna that really stood out! You’ll have a blast with each of these and create a well-rounded adventure.
1. Ziplining in the Jungle
What a thrilling time in Costa Rica! We went with Sky Adventures, which seemed to offer the best ziplining in the area. I’m sure some could argue others are great too, but we had a 10/10 experience.
After a 25-minute drive from La Fortuna, we soon pulled on our harnesses and grabbed helmets. Before we knew it, our group was taking the tram to the top, and our Costa Rica ziplining adventure began.
There are seven ziplines, but that’s not really accurate. There are five good ones, one warm-up, and one warm-down. Still a wonderful experience, but don’t expect seven epic, long, fast zips.
2. Whitewater rafting
Holy smokes! This was one wild, adventurous, and thrilling day with Arenal Rafting. With a small side of shock and fear, too.
The day before we went (the same night we booked it), it rained a decent amount, so the river was running high and fast. And the lake released more water downstream. Our trip was a Class 3/4, but thanks to the rain, it was a 4.5. Yikes!
We literally put in at a rapid, and another boat lost its guide within 300 yards.
So, yeah, it was intense. But also, fantastic!
Our raft was phenomenal, navigating some really tough terrain and rapids, with only one of us popping out in the middle. During the calmer parts (which were supposed to be the back half… though it wasn’t calm), we saw some sloths and iguanas and took in the gorgeous views.
This was all until the final 25 yards of our whitewater rafting experience.
Our guide underestimated the water flow rate, and we went straight into a rock wall. On the left side, the raft shot high into the air, sending four of us into the fast-moving river.
When I came up, I found the bottom of the raft. Obviously, that’s a bit terrifying. I pushed the raft away and surfaced to breathe. Eventually, my wife of 7 days, who was also thrown out, helped pull me in.
After a bit of shock and many “holy shits,” I came back to life. But for a few minutes afterward, I simply sat in the boat as oars floated downstream to Nicaragua.
Overall Review:
Highly worth it! This was a BLAST, and if we hadn’t flipped, I wouldn’t have a cool story to tell. There are easier rafting trips, but I think this is a great thing to do in La Fortuna.
3. Visit Arenal National Park and Volcano
If you’re looking to visit the National Park and go hiking, you have a couple of options. There are a few easy and moderate hiking trails, but you can’t summit the volcano or go very high up its slopes.
We actually passed on doing this. Partly because cloudy conditions obscured the top of Arenal, but also because we hike all the time in Colorado anyway, the views didn’t feel very unique. We wanted to do other things in La Fortuna.
Here are the main trails around Arenal:
- El Silencio Viewpoint Loop
- Arenal Volcano Trail
- Mirador Trail
- Rio Fortuna Waterfall (not technically managed by the National Park, but in the same area)
You will have to pay a $15 entrance fee per person to get into the national park.
4. Enjoy Hot Springs
One of the trip’s highlights and one that we splurged on. We spent a day at Tabacon Hot Springs Resorts, enjoying their 20+ pools and tranquil environments. It was incredible. Full stop. My wife and I arrived around noon and didn’t leave until after dinner around 8pm.
It’s not cheap at all, around $180-200 per person, including the meal, which we did. But when it’s your honeymoon, you splurge a few times. If you’re okay spending that money, it’s worth it.
Here are some of the highlights:
- As mentioned, there are 20+ pools with different temperatures. We loved trying different ones out throughout the day.
- The drinks were AMAZING. I’d never drunk out of a pineapple before!
- Food was pretty good – not a fancy dinner, as some people were wearing bathrobes LOL
For cheaper options, other resorts offer more affordable Day Passes to their hot springs. Or you can go to the natural ones in the river (just down the road from Tabacon) and do it that way.
- Baldi Hot Springs: $51 for springs only, $75 with lunch or dinner, $99 with both meals.
- Paradise Hot Springs: $47 for the Classic Day Pass, $81 with a meal.
- Ecotermales Fortuna: $49 entrance, $81 with lunch or dinner.
- The Springs Resort & Spa: $110 in low season, $125 in high season, and $150 in peak season, plus tax. The pass covers two days, but only one day during peak season.
5. Get out onto Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is huge and offers lots of fun activities. We were hoping to go kayaking or paddleboarding, but the cloudy conditions weren’t ideal for being on the water. But on a clear day, this would be pretty dang good.
You’d get fantastic views of the volcano, and it pairs well with ziplining at Sky Adventures, since both spots are close.
Options Include:
- Boating
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Jet Ski
- Fishing
- ATV tour
6. Explore Hanging Bridges
My wife and I added on hanging bridges to our ziplining trip to conserve time. Ideally, I’d suggest another one, like Místico Bridges, for the full experience. (My parents went to Místico and enjoyed it, but they said it felt more like an amusement park, so keep that in mind.)
The hanging bridges take you high into the jungle canopy, making it easier to spot beautiful birds and other animals. Even though it’s crowded, it is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Do you need a guided trip? It’s not necessary, but they know where the smaller animals and reptiles are and will help you spot things you’d 100% miss on your own.
7. See Sloths
You really don’t need to book a tour to see sloths in Costa Rica. They are everywhere!
But if you want great photos, booking a tour may be the best way to do it. We saw sloths on our whitewater rafting trip, in Manuel Antonio National Park, during our wildlife night walk, and on our Catarata del Toro hike.
The most popular place to see them is the Bogarín Trail, squarely in the center of La Fortuna. But you can also see them in many other places. One thing to keep in mind: make sure the sloths are there naturally and aren’t being kept from leaving.
8. Take a Wildlife Night Walk
Guys and gals, this is easily one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. We had a BLAST, and I saw my first red-eyed tree frog. And then we saw another, and another, and like 5 more. So cool!
Our guide at Papa’s Place was super nice and made for an informative experience. These are some of the least expensive tours you can book, so it’s a good use of your money when the only other option is you’d be out to dinner or sitting in your hotel room.
9. Try Local Costa Rican Cuisine
We tried to weave in local Costa Rican cuisine when we could! We ate at Soda spots a couple of times, and at our La Fortuna Airbnb, our host made us local breakfasts each morning.
My biggest tip: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes when vacationing.
10. Get a Massage
Oh man! Costa Rican massages may be the best massages I’ve ever had. My wife and I got one at our wedding venue, Bahia Del Sol, and then did a couples massage in La Fortuna.
I’m not really sure what magic they do, but it’s an incredible experience. In the US, the add-ons are super expensive, but in Costa Rica, they’re usually included at no cost.
Who we went with in La Fortuna, Spa Luz De Luna: The easiest way to contact them is WhatsApp. And they were open to making the massage longer (60 minutes to 75 minutes), which was awesome!
11. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
One of the most famous places in La Fortuna and all of Costa Rica. The 70-meter (approximately 230-foot) waterfall drops into a gorgeous pool at the base of 530 steps, offering a magical view.
We actually skipped this one because we were going to the Blue Falls of Costa Rica and wanted to see other cool parts of the area.
Important things to know:
- Tickets cost $20 for those 9 and older, and kids 8 and under are free
- Open 7am-5pm, with the last entrance at 4pm.
- You can opt for lunch in the park
- Swimming is allowed at the base
- 10-15 minutes from downtown La Fortuna
- No guide needed
- Lookout platform for those who don’t want to hike
- Visit at 7am to get it with the least crowds (especially for the photographers)
12. Go Canyoneering
Another one we didn’t opt to do, but it looks like a blast! You rappel down waterfalls and swim through gorgeous canyons during this half-day or full-day adventure.
I wouldn’t recommend this for those afraid of heights or who don’t do well getting wet while on the side of a rock wall. But if you’re a thrill-seeker, this looks so epic!
You definitely won’t forget your first Costa Rican rappel.
13. Spend a Morning Birding
The best time for birding in Costa Rica is right around sunrise. The jungle awakens, and birds come out in the early light. Whether ethical or not, many places put out fruit to attract birds, making it a much easier and more fruitful experience (no pun intended).
Either book a tour with a nature/wildlife company or venture out on your own. While there are plenty of birds in Costa Rica, if you want a great experience with a high likelihood of great photos, I’d suggest a tour.
We saw a huge number of colorful species, including Toucans, motmots, and more!
How Many Days Should You Spend in La Fortuna?
My recommendation (from experience) is at least four nights. There’s so much to do in La Fortuna, and you’ll want to take advantage of being nearby. Plus, no matter what airport you fly into, you’ll have a three-hour drive, so it doesn’t make sense to make it a quick trip.
This will allow you a couple of adventure days, maybe a hot springs day, and another day to meander around town.
4-Day La Fortuna Itinerary
Here’s a rough four-day itinerary for your first visit to La Fortuna. Obviously, it’s not exactly like mine, but I think you’ll really enjoy it if you’re as active as I am.
Day 1: Ziplining and La Fortuna Waterfall
We’ll kick off this La Fortuna trip with a bang! Flying through the air at Sky Adventures (or wherever you want to go) is so much fun and a great way to start your Costa Rican adventure. It should take about 3 hours, so you can still fit in a trip to the La Fortuna waterfall afterward.
We stopped in town for dinner and margaritas at a multi-restaurant, food truck-like spot. (Look up Mexikah Taqueria for the area.)
Day 2: Hot Springs/Spa Day
This was such a peaceful day. We had a slow morning and got our couples massage. Then we headed to Tabacon Hot Springs for the full-day experience. Couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable experience. Sure, it’s pricey, but worth it. Then we ate dinner on-site, and it was yummy!
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting and Night Hike
Hopefully you don’t have the intense day we did! But it was a really fun day on the water, and you’ll get to enjoy the pretty views, tall trees lining the river, and animals along the water. If it hadn’t rained, I’m sure this would’ve been far less stressful, ha!
This usually wraps up (after a complimentary lunch) around 2pm. You’ll have a few hours to relax before your night hike. They start at either 6pm or 8pm. I’d suggest the 6pm one.
We ate at a nearby soda shop after the night hike. It was definitely the cheapest meal, but still tasty. (Though maybe not as healthy in terms of veggies and non-fried foods. But alas, I digress.)
Day 4: Hanging Bridges and Arenal Hike
You’ll want to do the hanging bridges. It’s a great way to see the diversity of Costa Rican landscapes and, hopefully, spot a sloth if you haven’t already. Most of these aren’t too hard, maybe a 2-3 mile walk. Since you’re already in the area, add a short hike to the volcano to cap off your trip.
We took dinner to go from Tierra Mia Resaturante. Absolutely delicious! We were also told that nearby Jungle Bowls is a great spot for breakfast.
Where Should You Stay in La Fortuna?
We stayed at a WONDERFUL Airbnb in La Fortuna, shown below. It was gorgeous, quiet, and so homey. The owner was incredible and even made us breakfast each morning. But if you don’t want an Airbnb for whatever reason, I’ve listed a few hotels and eco-lodges I think you’ll enjoy.
Airbnbs We Loved While Exploring Costa Rica
** Where we stayed** Perfect villa with private pool, quiet, and fantastic hosts
La Fortuna: Super unique ogre/tree hut
La Fortuna: Gorgeous luxury villa with volcano view
La Fortuna: Cozy Volcano View Stay- A-Frame w/Hot Tub & Deck
La Fortuna: Affordable Farm Stay Airbnb
San Ramon: Affordable modern villa with hot tub
La Fortuna Hotels
Budget-Friendly: Eco Arenal Hotel | Hotel Arenal Lodge | Hotel Campo Verde
Mid Tier: Arenal Observatory Lodge | Baldi Hot Springs | The Royal Corin
Luxury Stays: Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa | Amor Arenal | The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal
How to keep costs down in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not a cheap country to visit. You can find inexpensive lodging, but you can also pay $900 per night. Same for food. You can ball out at a nice spot, or visit a Soda shop and get a fine meal for $12.
Avoid massages at hotels
The spas at the luxury hotels are WILDLY overpriced. At Tabacon, for instance, we could have paid $180 for each massage. We found a couples massage in town for $120, and it was phenomenal (and we even added extra time).
Don’t be afraid to branch out and get a massage or spa service in town.
Airbnb or Eco-Lodges
Instead of luxury hotels, we chose an Airbnb, since our entire stay in La Fortuna was only a smidge more than one night at a nice hotel. (This was busy season.) As tourism continues to grow in Costa Rica, Airbnbs keep getting better and better. I was so impressed with where we stayed and highly recommend it!
Groceries or Soda’s
If you go to a restaurant geared towards Americans, you will pay major metro prices. It’s honestly pretty insane how similar prices are to Denver or Seattle. We only did that a couple of times (it was our honeymoon, after all). To keep costs manageable, cook a couple of meals yourself or visit a Soda spot.
Things to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica
Best Season to Visit La Fortuna
La Fortuna doesn’t have a traditional rainy/dry season because of its location and mountainous terrain. The winter months are less rainy, but you can still get cloudy conditions, as we did. (We never got to see the top of the volcano for more than two minutes.)
The driest months are typically February through April, with December and January also dry, but you can still get rain/clouds. On the flip side, June through November is traditionally green season, so expect precipitation.
My best suggestion: pack a rain jacket and sweater, just in case temperatures are a bit wonky when you visit. Otherwise, a little rain never hurt anyone!
₡500:$1 Currency Exchange
While it technically fluctuates around ₡500:$1, it’s really a 1:2 ratio when you are on the ground. Whatever number you see, double it and remove three zeros. (Just double the main numbers and forget the zeroes exist.)
So, if you see ₡10,000 Costa Rican colones, that’s $20 USD. Don’t hesitate to clarify whether it is in USD or CR Colones.
You can drink the tap water
You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica. My tip: start slow and build up over a few days. Guanacaste apparently has really hard water, and even locals won’t drink from the tap (per my wife’s makeup person). I drank it and didn’t have any big issues, but my stomach felt a tiny bit weird for a day or so. (I then went back to bottled water until after the wedding.)
Otherwise, for the rest of our road trip in Costa Rica, we had no stomach issues.
Roads aren’t as bad as people say
Driving in Costa Rica is honestly nothing to worry about. Yes, the drives are slow, and yes, the mountain roads can be gnarly, but they won’t kill you. If you’ve ever driven in a major metro area, or taken a mountain road trip, you’ll be fine.
I suggest checking your wiper blades and headlights before you leave the rental place. If it rains or you drive at night, you’ll want everything to work well. Also, if you do drive at night, watch for bikes. People ride in the dark with no lights or reflectors (incredibly dumb to me).
Final Thoughts on the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
You are going to freaking love La Fortuna. I had a blast. The landscapes are so green, it’ll blow your mind. And as someone who likes to be doing activities all the time, I found the things to do in La Fortuna right up my alley.
This is a wonderful home base for anyone who wants a stunning landscape and a bunch of really cool, memorable things to do. If you put La Fortuna on your trip list, you’ll be thoroughly impressed.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube