Are you set for an epic adventure? Or you are wondering where you can spend your vacation or weekend away from your office. There are many fun things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for families, kids, couples, adults, and for the weekend!
Have you visited some of the amazing Costa Rican cities to soak up yourself in their natural wonders and unleash your inner adventure?
Just a day in La Fortuna will hint at what we are talking about, as it is one of the best places to have the relaxing break you’ve ever desired. It’s a small city with a calm atmosphere.
La Fortuna features stunning attraction centers, include Venado Caves, Arenal National Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall, and many other breathtaking adventures.
Where is La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
La Fortuna derived its name from the words “The Fortunate” because it famously survived the last major volcanic eruption of its nearby city.
You can also see it as fortunate since it is situated in one of the country’s most attractive parts and sits between rich and fertile farmlands.
La Fortuna is a small city in Costa Rica, northwest of the capital, San Jose. It is commonly known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprised of Active Arenal Volcano and Dormant Chato Volcano.
As long as Active Arenal Volcano goes, it still contains lava flows, with hot springs dotting its foot on the thermal Tabacon River.
Meanwhile, Dormant Chato Volcano features a crater lake and rainforest trails that lead to La Fortuna Waterfall alongside its natural pool.
This town is popular not just for its stunning beaches and spectacular blue waters, but by the time you must have explored the inner parts of the city, you would’ve been greeted with many other fantastic tourist activities and attractions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to unwind or experience Costa Rica’s laid-back side. You’ll indeed find your favorite things to do in La Fortuna.
The city has everything ranging from friendly people to an active town center, tasty meals, beautiful tropical flowers, and great smoothies. You will indeed find it all fun in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
See Also: Things to Do In La Romana
Fun Things to Do In La Fortuna, Costa Rica
1. Arenal National Park
If you are ready to get the best adventure of your vacation in Costa Rica, then you should head to La Fortuna and get familiar with Arenal National Park.
This park is one of the best you’ll find, as it features a live volcano, curious monkeys, a great lake, and over 500 birds.
Arenal National Park is the best place to enjoy the wild and natural beauty of La Fortuna City.
You will find some fun activities to do in this park, so you have to consider either making it the starting point to your adventure or the endpoint. More time in the Arenal will give you a more enjoyable experience.
Address: El Castillo, Alajuela, Costa Rica.
2. Catarata Waterfall
Of all the waterfalls in La Fortuna, the Catarata Waterfall offers the most breathtaking scenery.
To engage in this adventure, you must hike through the rainforest for almost 30 minutes before getting to the waterfall. However, you don’t have to be worried, as it is not as difficult as it seems.
You’ll have to abandon the trail and glide down a staircase, about hundreds of them, before arriving at the base of the falls.
While sliding down the stairs, you will see several breathtaking sceneries, and at the bottom, you’ll find a perfect spot for photos and exploring the waterfall, as well as the beautiful color of the pool and the river.
Address: Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Fortuna de San Carlos
3. Lake Arenal
Another exciting adventure you’ll be looking to have is on offer in Lake Arenal. It is considered Costa Rica’s largest lake and offers the perfect spot for you to get breathtaking views of Lake Arenal National Park.
Lake Arenal lies only 10 miles from La Fortuna and has a capacity of over 33 square miles. With this lake, you’ll find and participate in any water-based activity you want, be it kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or renting a pedal board.
You’ll find the lake adventure great fun.
Address: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
4. Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
Have you ever heard of Mistico Hanging Bridges Park? Indeed! It is a mystery, as you’ll find few bridges as magical as this La Fortuna magical bridge.
If you want to access this bridge, you have to trek along the rainforest trail. These bridges are made up of six suspension bridges, which offer amazing sceneries and a great experience.
Hanging Bridges Park is one of the best attraction sites in the city and has continued to attract visitors from far and near every year, as it gives you a breathtaking view of the six hanging bridges.
While walking along the trail, you’ll find the bridges split up, keeping you anticipating the next one.
Meanwhile, the hanging bridges are exciting, as they all offer distinct heights, find their way through the canopy tops, and offer stunning sceneries. The first bridges provide an excellent view of the Arenal Volcano, especially during a brighter day.
Address: 2km este de la represa del Lago Arenal, La Fortuna de, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
5. Venado Caves
If you are looking for something fun in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you must add Venado Caves among your favorite things to do in the city, as it will surely give you the adventure of your life. You must take a short drive if you want to go caving in the Venado Caves.
Meanwhile, before setting off, you’ll be given a brief safety lesson. You’ll also be provided with everything you need for the tour into the cave, including boots, headlamps, hard hats, etc.
Then, proceed for the trip to the cave entrance, where the adventure truly begins.
The real adventure follows when you enter the underground world underneath La Fortuna and Arenal.
There’s a little river under your feet as you find your way to a giant main cavern while discovering smaller caverns in the cave. At first, the entrances of the smaller caverns look narrow and scary.
However, you will surely get over it if you keep pushing through. In a nutshell, you will learn everything about the animals in the cave, including a Stalagmite of more than 6 million years old, during the time you’ll spend underground.
You’ll find it fun crawling via a tunnel half-filled with water.
Address: H63J+FJ6, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
6. EcoTermales Hot Springs
If you are looking for a nice place to relax and unwind during your weekend or vacation in Costa Rica, you should look to immerse yourself in the EcoTermales Hot Springs in La Fortuna.
As long as Costa Rica is concerned, water and volcanoes are two things dominating its landscape.
However, what happens when both elements combine? You guessed correctly! What you’ll get is Hot Springs.
Thanks to EcoTermales offers one of the most incredible hot water and sits right in the best natural setting. Experience moments of pools from various ideal temperatures.
While soaking yourself in the EcoTermales Hot Springs, you can watch monkeys and toucans hop around in the trees over you. You’ll also find two nice bars where you can relax and help yourself with a tropical drink with your soak.
Address: 3.5 Km Este de la Iglesia Católica, La Fortuna, San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica
7. Canyoning La Fortuna
You won’t lack anything fun to do in this great city, as you can for the ultimate adrenaline rush by trying your hand at Canyoning La Fortuna in Costa Rica.
This adventure has to be with steep rappels and incredible zipline rides alongside a scenic 4×4 walk. The Pure Trek Canyoning adventure is one of the best La Fortuna Canyoning experiences.
You should expect to get wet and muddy from this tour; however, after your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to dry your clothes in private change rooms.
Thanks to Canyoning adventures, you will get enjoyable moments, which is why it shouldn’t go missing on your things-to-do itinerary.
Address: Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
8. Selvatura Adventure Park
Have you thought about the fun you will get when you explore the incredible beauty of Costa Rica’s cloud forest when you make a side tour to Selvatura Adventure Park?
Situated close to Monteverde, this park occupies about 850 acres of space.
You will find several kinds of butterfly and hummingbird gardens, hanging bridges, zipline canopy adventures, and others.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the thrills in this adventurous Selvatura Adventure Park. It is truly a must-visit.
Address: Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica
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9. Arenal Baldi Hot Springs
As long as hot springs go, you will find lots of them in Costa Rica, and it provides one of the most exciting adventures you’ll look to find anywhere.
One of the best around will be seen somewhere around La Fortuna and is called Arenal Baldi Hot Springs.
La Fortuna is a city in Costa Rica where you will find various kinds of hot springs, but one of the best in Baldi Hot Springs.
It comprises crystalline waterfalls plunging into 25 warm, clean thermal water pools. A La Fortuna hot springs resort is available for meals, light refreshments, and relaxation after your adventure.
Address: 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Ric
10. Chocolate Tour with Don Olivio
Are you looking to have a great adventure in La Fortuna? The Chocolate Tour with Don Olivio will surely give you the desired experience. Here, apart from chocolates, you’ll also have an opportunity to taste every kind of tropical fruit.
Make sure you come with an empty stomach, as you won’t leave without getting filled. Meanwhile, Don Olivio is a family-run farm grown just for tours and teaching tourists.
But it won’t stop you from getting a truly intimate, original feeling adventure. They deal in handmade goods and freshly produced cocoa powder from their farm.
You’ll be offered the chance to taste their fresh, tasty fruits, as they produce a wide variety, which includes mango, apple, bananas, pineapple, starfruit, guanabana, and even freshly squeezed oranges.
Another option to try is cocoa beans in the various stages of their production, from raw beans to chocolate.
This family produces picks and provides fresh coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon. Through the guides, you’ll be shown any excellent plants and animals around.
You’ll likely see a strange caterpillar/slug, hummingbird babies, a giant iguana, a tattoo plant, and pink non-fresh bananas.
Address: Unnamed Rd, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
11. El Salto Costa Rica Rope Swing
Suppose you are looking for a fun thing to do while away in the city of La Fortuna.
You should look to El Salto Costa Rica Rope Swing. It is a low-key yet fun-filled activity close to the Fortuna River.
You’ll find a pool-like area in the river featuring a rope swing from a cliff’s edge.
At the other end of the road, you’ll find a little pullout area meant for parking cars of about 6 or 7. You’ll also find a parking attendant that watches the cars. Meanwhile, this parking area is just in front of a curve, thus showing several blind spots.
Address: F954+5QQ, Alajuela Province, Río Fortuna, Costa Rica
12. Free Natural Hot Springs River
It is called free Natural Hot Springs River because you won’t have to pay a dime to participate in the fun on offer.
As far as La Fortuna goes, there are many hot springs you will have to pay some amount of money to access, and they all offer manicured gardens and manmade pools to experience in real luxury.
However, if you are on a budget and you are looking to have a wonderful time in La Fortuna, you can visit the free Natural Hot Springs River, as it is one of just a few things to activities you can enjoy for free in Costa Rica.
Situated just a 15-minute drive from town, you can visit this incredible natural attraction by parking at one end of the road and trekking towards the river.
There’s a parking space for you to park as a group of residents will charge you to watch your vehicle.
Address: In front of Tabacon Hot Springs, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
13. Baldi Hot Spring Resort & Spa
One interesting thing about La Fortuna is that despite the many thrilling adventures and enjoyable activities, it still offers great relaxing centers where tourists can rest their nerves or chill out before opting to continue or go home.
One of the best places you can look to relax and unwind, especially after immersing yourself in the Hot Springs, is Baldi Hot Spring Resort & Spa, featuring resort rooms that you can also rent.
You’ll also find swim-up bars, pool lounges, a huge screen television site, and a play area for kids.
Address: 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
14. ATV Tour
Are you looking for a place to have fun with your free time off work? It would be best if you considered joining ATV Tour, which will transport you via their secret trail to enjoy different terrains and viewpoints.
You will be guided via the rainforest, sail over streams, and cruise beneath the volcano shadow.
This adventure will enlighten you about wildlife, the residents, and the localities within the city. There are experienced guides that are hospitable, cheerful, and entertaining.
During the forest tour, you will witness some breathtaking views of Arenal. It’s enjoyable out there with the ATV Tours.
Address: C. 474, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
15. Tabacon Thermal Spa & Resort
If you want to enjoy a luxury experience, then the perfect place to visit is Tabacon Thermal Spa & Resort. If you want to pamper yourself or give yourself the best treat of your life, this luxury center is the sure plug.
Even if you don’t want to spend the whole day there, you can book day passes ranging from just access to the hot pools to exploring and lunch or dinner.
Sure, it is expensive, but it will be worth every penny. So, if you want to feel like a pampered adult, you will indeed have that here.
Address: Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km, Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
16. Sloth Watching Trail
If you are good at socializing, this should be among your list of things to do in La Fortuna, as you will meet some new exotic friends. Who says sloths are not the cutest? Hence your tour around this great city will not be complete without sloths.
You’ll be marveled at the classy sloths you’ll find in the rainforest. The Sloth Watching Trail is situated not too far from La Fortuna. Never mind the name, as the trail is also a tour company.
There are several kinds of adventures on offer, including sloth watching, chocolate tours, and bird watching.
These activities are carried out in a 30-acre protected area and are ideal for every hiking level. You can hike around the area for free.
However, this adventure is incredible and worth the admission cost. The Sloth Watching Trail makes for a thrilling experience.
Address: 600 east of the Central Park, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
17. Tortuguero National Park
With Tortuguero National Park, you are assured of exciting exhibits and the adventure of your life.
Plan to make a side trip to this park and get unforgettable wildlife experiences. For a fun-filled journey, you must add this park to your things to do in the La Fortuna itinerary.
Thanks to Tortuguero National Park, you will see welcoming sloths, nonchalant monkeys, beautiful toucans, and crocodiles, amongst other numerous creatures awaiting your arrival.
You’ll likely witness sea turtles living on the park’s pristine beaches, especially when you visit between July & October.
Address: Limón Province, Costa Rica
18. Arenal Observatory & Trails
You will find so many fun things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. However, you’ll need to be prepared financially to undertake most of these adventures, save about a few of them, one of which is Arenal Observatory & Trails.
You have the opportunity to join others on a free observatory adventure on this 800-acre trail, where you are welcome to walk any of its five properly maintained trails traversing its property.
You can enjoy hunting for birds, visiting a secret waterfall, exploring the treetops, or only wandering through the property free of charge.
Address: Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
19. The Butterfly Conservatory
Have you heard of El Castillo in La Fortuna? Locating is not challenging as long as you are in the city. You only need to follow the La Fortuna, El Castillo road on the shores of Lake Arenal before reaching this little mountain city.
Despite its small nature, it still features many places and things to do. For instance, there is a cool hostel and a high-end bed and breakfast to ensure your adventure is a fun-filled one.
The Butterfly Conservatory is the largest and the most special butterfly garden in Costa Rica.
Apart from being home to numerous butterflies, it also houses frogs, turtles, and snakes.
When it was purchased, the land was initially surrounded by unrepairable vehicles and other debris. However, it has been returned to its natural condition in recent years.
Address: La Fortuna Alajuela El Castillo, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
20. La Ventanita
La Ventanita makes for a stunning view. On your way to the Butterfly Conservatory, you will pass by La Ventanita, which lies on the volcano part of the road.
You can stop by this fantastic spot to enjoy a burrito, a pineapple smoothie, or even a strawberry milkshake. They are all tasty and friendly.
It also offers tasty meals and excellent customer service. From the patio, you will get to witness the most incredible views of the Arenal area and a breathtaking view of the volcano in every of its elegance and moods.
Stopping by La Ventanita should be a must-do for you to complete your adventurous moments in La Fortuna.
Address: Calle Real el Castillo, Alajuela Province, El Castillo, Costa Rica
21. Gacilana Permaculture
Gacilana Permaculture is a small shop located atop the mountain from La Ventanita and the Butterfly Conservatory operated by a couple called Tomas and Hannah and their son Noah.
They aim to teach people how to live sustainably off the provisions of Costa Rica’s wealth.
Here, you’ll be taken on an adventure into their gardens or go on a long-distance walk via the virgin areas of the Arenal rain and cloud forests.
You can breeze in to explore their long list of services and immerse yourself in their culture.
Suppose you are looking to experience something a little more formal. In that case, you can contact them to discover classes and workshops on offer during your brief stay in the Arenal area or La Fortuna city.
If you also want to equip yourself with the skills of fermenting, Gacilana Permaculture is a must-visit.
Address: El Castillo, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, 21007, Costa Rica