La Fortuna is one of the most exciting destinations in Costa Rica. Sitting at the base of the impressive Arenal Volcano, this small jungle town has become famous for its waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. It’s one of those places where you can spend the morning hiking through rainforest, the afternoon swimming under a waterfall, and the evening relaxing in natural hot springs.
When we visited La Fortuna as a family, it quickly became one of our favorite places in Costa Rica. The town is compact and easy to navigate, and almost every activity feels like it’s straight out of a nature documentary. From spotting sloths and toucans to walking across hanging bridges above the forest canopy, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in La Fortuna, including iconic experiences like Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall, plus a few hidden gems and family-friendly adventures.
Quick list of the best activities:
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
Relax in the Arenal hot springs
Walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges
Go ziplining through the rainforest
Hike Arenal Volcano National Park
Take a wildlife safari float
Visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges
Go canyoning and waterfall rappelling
Spot sloths on a wildlife tour
Take a coffee and chocolate tour
Explore the Bogarin Sloth Trail
Kayak on Lake Arenal
Visit El Salto Rope Swing
Go white water rafting
Explore the Arenal 1968 lava trails
Take a night wildlife tour
Go horseback riding near Arenal
Visit the Maleku Indigenous village
Relax in EcoTermales hot springs
⭐ Quick Pick: Our Favorite Experience
Don’t have time to read the full guide?
One of the most memorable experiences in La Fortuna is horseback riding through the rainforest, where trails wind through jungle, rivers, and open views of Arenal Volcano.
It’s one of the best ways to explore beyond the main tourist spots, with a good chance of seeing wildlife like monkeys, tropical birds, and maybe even sloths along the way.
Many visitors book this guided horseback riding tour, where local guides lead you through quieter trails and share insights about the area you’d otherwise miss.
The experience has 100+ five-star reviews — read the reviews here.
Tip: Morning rides are usually the best – cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a better chance of spotting wildlife before the day heats up.
1. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
One of the most famous attractions in the area, La Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning 70-meter waterfall surrounded by dense tropical forest. Reaching the waterfall requires walking down a long staircase, but the effort is well worth it when you arrive at the pool below.
Many visitors swim in the cool water or relax on the rocks while enjoying the view.
For those who want to combine multiple experiences, this La Fortuna waterfall and volcano tour includes transportation and a guide.
This tour has 600+ five-star reviews — read the reviews here.
2. Relax in the Arenal Hot Springs
La Fortuna is famous for its natural hot springs, heated by geothermal activity from Arenal Volcano. Several resorts offer beautiful thermal pools surrounded by rainforest.
Some of the most popular hot spring resorts include Tabacón, EcoTermales, and Baldi.
Many travelers book this hot springs day pass experience, which includes access to multiple pools and dinner.
This experience has 30 of five-star reviews — read the reviews here.
3. Walk the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
The Mistico Hanging Bridges Park offers one of the best rainforest walks in Costa Rica. The trail includes several suspension bridges that allow visitors to walk high above the jungle canopy.
Along the way you may spot monkeys, birds, snakes, and even sloths.
Joining this guided hanging bridges tour significantly increases your chances of spotting wildlife.
This tour has 400+ five-star reviews — read the reviews here.
⭐ Recommended Tour
If you want to see wildlife in La Fortuna, a guided hanging bridges walk with a naturalist guide is one of the best experiences.
Guides know exactly where to look for animals and often spot creatures visitors would completely miss.
4. Go Ziplining Through the Rainforest
Ziplining is one of the most thrilling adventures in La Fortuna. Several canopy tour parks offer long ziplines with incredible views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano.
Many travelers book this Arenal zipline canopy tour, which includes multiple ziplines and suspension bridges.
The experience has 800+ five-star reviews – read the reviews here.
5. Hike Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park offers several hiking trails that pass through lava fields from past eruptions. The views of the volcano are especially impressive on clear days.
One of the most popular routes is the 1968 lava flow trail.
Some visitors join a guided Arenal Volcano hike, which includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide.
6. Take a Wildlife Safari Float
A safari float on the Peñas Blancas River is a relaxing way to see wildlife. While floating down the river, guides help spot monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles along the riverbanks.
This guided safari float tour is especially popular with families.
The tour has 80 five-star reviews – read the reviews here.
⭐ Recommended Tour
A wildlife safari float is one of the easiest ways to see animals in La Fortuna without hiking for hours.
It’s a calm experience and great for families traveling with kids.
7. Go Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
If you’re looking for a real adrenaline rush in La Fortuna, canyoning and waterfall rappelling is one of the most exciting activities you can try. This adventure takes you deep into the rainforest where you descend down cliffs and waterfalls using ropes and harnesses.
Most canyoning tours include several rappels ranging from small drops to dramatic waterfalls surrounded by dense jungle. Even if you’ve never tried rappelling before, experienced guides provide full instruction and safety equipment.
One of the most popular options is this guided canyoning adventure near Arenal, which includes multiple waterfall descents, zip lines, and jungle trails.
The experience has 266+ five-star reviews, read the reviews here.
⭐ Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet — you’ll be climbing through water most of the time.
8. Take a Sloth Spotting Tour
La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths in the wild. These slow-moving animals are surprisingly difficult to spot without help, which is why guided tours are so popular.
Naturalist guides know exactly where sloths tend to rest during the day and can often point them out high in the trees where most visitors would walk right past them.
Many travelers join a guided sloth spotting tour near La Fortuna, which focuses specifically on finding sloths and other wildlife like toucans and frogs.
⭐ Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom camera lens, sloths are usually high in the canopy.
9. Explore the Bogarin Sloth Trail
The Bogarin Trail is another fantastic place to see wildlife around La Fortuna. This privately protected nature reserve has well-maintained walking trails that wind through rainforest habitat where sloths, birds, and reptiles are often spotted.
Unlike larger national parks, the trails here are quieter and easier to explore, making it a good option for families or travelers who prefer a relaxed wildlife walk.
Many visitors join this guided Bogarin Trail wildlife tour, which includes a naturalist guide to help locate animals hidden in the trees.
The experience has 123 of five-star reviews read the reviews here.
⭐ Tip: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see wildlife.
⭐ Recommended Tour
If seeing wildlife is a priority during your visit, a guided sloth and wildlife tour in La Fortuna is one of the best experiences you can book.
Guides use spotting scopes and know exactly where animals tend to hide, which makes a huge difference compared to exploring alone.
10. Kayak on Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and offers incredible views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. Kayaking here is a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery while exploring the shoreline and spotting birds.
Several tours offer guided kayaking trips on Lake Arenal, which are suitable even for beginners.
This guided Lake Arenal kayaking tour includes equipment, transportation, and a guide who points out wildlife along the way.
The experience has hundreds of five-star reviews — read the reviews here.
⭐ Tip: Morning tours often have calmer water and clearer volcano views.
11. Visit El Salto Rope Swing
One of the most fun free activities in La Fortuna is visiting the El Salto rope swing. Locals and travelers gather here to jump from a rope into a natural swimming hole beneath a bridge.
It’s a simple but fun way to cool off after a day of exploring the area.
The spot is located just outside town and is popular with backpackers and adventurous travelers.
⭐ Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you want to avoid crowds.
12. Go White Water Rafting
Costa Rica is famous for its white water rafting, and La Fortuna is a great base for several rafting rivers nearby.
The Balsa River offers exciting but manageable rapids, making it perfect for first-time rafters and families with older kids.
Many visitors choose a Balsa River white water rafting tour, which includes transport, safety equipment, and lunch.
⭐ Tip: The rainy season usually brings the strongest rapids.
13. Explore the Arenal 1968 Lava Trails
The Arenal 1968 Trails offer one of the best hiking experiences near La Fortuna. These trails cross lava fields created by the dramatic 1968 eruption that reshaped the landscape around the volcano.
Along the hike you’ll see solidified lava flows, rainforest, and incredible views of Arenal Volcano.
Many visitors explore the park independently, but this guided Arenal volcano hiking tour provides additional insight into the geology and history of the eruption.
14. Take a Night Wildlife Tour
Rainforests come alive at night, which makes night wildlife tours one of the most unique experiences in La Fortuna.
With a guide and flashlight, you’ll walk through forest trails searching for creatures like frogs, snakes, insects, and nocturnal mammals.
⭐ Tip: Night tours are especially exciting for kids who enjoy spotting animals.
15. Go Horseback Riding Near Arenal
Horseback riding is a classic way to explore the countryside around Arenal Volcano.
Several tours take riders through farmland, jungle trails, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the volcano.
This guided horseback riding tour near La Fortuna includes transportation and experienced guides.
The tour has hundreds of five-star reviews – read the reviews here.
16. Visit the Maleku Indigenous Village
The Maleku Indigenous Village offers visitors a chance to learn about one of Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures.
During the experience you’ll learn about traditional customs, crafts, and stories from the Maleku people.
Some tours include demonstrations of traditional cooking and crafts.
17. Relax at EcoTermales Hot Springs
EcoTermales is one of the most relaxing hot spring experiences in La Fortuna. Unlike larger resorts, it limits visitor numbers, which makes the pools feel much quieter and more natural.
The thermal pools are surrounded by jungle and offer a peaceful atmosphere after a day of adventure.
Many travelers book this EcoTermales hot springs experience, which includes dinner and access to several pools.
18. Take a Coffee and Chocolate Tour
A coffee and chocolate tour is a great way to learn about two of Costa Rica’s most important exports.
These tours explain how coffee beans and cacao are grown, harvested, and turned into the drinks and chocolate we enjoy.
Most tours include tastings along the way.
19. Explore La Fortuna Town
Finally, take some time to simply explore La Fortuna town itself. The small center has restaurants, souvenir shops, and views of Arenal Volcano on clear days.
It’s a great place to grab a coffee, try traditional Costa Rican food, or browse local craft stores.
⭐ Tip: Sunset views of Arenal from town can be spectacular when the sky is clear.
FAQ
Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica thanks to its volcano views, waterfalls, wildlife, and hot springs.
How many days should you spend in La Fortuna?
Most travelers spend 2–4 days exploring the area.
Is La Fortuna safe for travelers?
Yes, La Fortuna is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Costa Rica.
What is the best time of year to visit La Fortuna?
December through April is the driest period, but the region is beautiful year-round.
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna is one of the most exciting places to visit in Costa Rica. With waterfalls, volcano hikes, wildlife tours, and relaxing hot springs, it offers an incredible mix of adventure and nature.
Whether you’re exploring the rainforest canopy, spotting sloths, or soaking in natural hot springs, La Fortuna is a destination that truly lives up to the hype.
