Ultimate Jungle Hike – La Fortuna
This is a lesser-known, more challenging hike just south of La Fortuna. The trek is 6.5 km (4 miles) total and takes you to a private reserve known as El Bosque. You’ll climb 500 meters (1,640 feet) through primary rainforest and get to enjoy some grand rainforest views. The jungle is thick and gorgeous, with many mature trees.
Along the way, your bilingual naturalist guide will teach you about the local plants and animals. They’ll also help you spot wildlife. Birds like toucans and owls can be seen as well as frogs, lizards, and snakes.
The trail leads down to a picturesque swimming hole and waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Be sure to bring a bathing suit to swim in the natural pools.
The trail is rustic and often muddy so be ready for some adventure! Although this hike is more difficult than most others near La Fortuna, it isn’t extreme. Overall, we would consider it moderate in difficulty.
After the hike, you’ll head to a small restaurant and help prepare empanadas alongside locals. You’ll then get to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch cooked over a wood fire. This is a highlight of the tour as the experience is very authentic. Lunch is a casado (usually chicken, rice and beans, fried plantains, and side salads; vegetarian and vegan options also available).
Tour Details:
Minimum Number of People: This tour requires a minimum of 4 people to operate. If you have 2 or 3 people, you can book the experience as a private tour.
Cost of Small Group Tour (up to 12 people max):
2026: $85 per person plus 13% tax
2027: $92 per person plus 13% tax
*This tour is rarely full.
Offered: 8:00 a.m.
Duration: 5.5 hours door to door from your lodging (approximate)
Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental, bilingual naturalist guide with spotting scope, entrance fees, walking stick, towel, water, fruit, lunch with fruit juice and coffee.
*Vegetarian or vegan lunch available upon request.
What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe hiking shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, bathing suit (wear under clothes), insect repellent, raincoat or poncho, snacks, a reusable water bottle to refill, a change of clothes, and binoculars if desired.
Note: Good physical condition is required. Not suitable for pregnant women, people with injuries, or respiratory or cardiac diseases.
Minimum Age: 8
Have a question?
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Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
Emma Sisti (Verified Customer) –
If you want a rain forest adventure this is the one for you! It wasn’t technical, but it was a little tricky, especially given how muddy the trail was. But it was incredible to experience the rainforest up close and personal, to learn about the landscape, the flora, and the fauna, and to enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming hole. The cooking demonstration at El Fogon de Chela was super fun and yummy. They were accommodating of my family’s dietary restrictions, and we came away with a recipe and a technique to make empanadas at home.
Anonymous (Verified Customer) –
Great guide, David. Saw unique birds, toucan, small viper snake! Lots of info given.
Definitely wear hiking shoes/boots. We were in running shoes. Trail was muddy and you need grip. Hiking sticks provided and we needed them.
Making empanadas at the restaurant stop was terrific. Will definitely try at home.