La Fortuna is Costa Rica’s activities’ capital, offering an incredible mix of things to do. Whether you want to soak in Arenal Volcano’s famous hot springs, zip line through the rainforest canopy, or spot sloths on a nature hike, there’s something for everyone. We have visited this epic destination almost a dozen times and even spent a few months living on Lake Arenal. In this post, we’ll share our favorite things to do in La Fortuna. We’ll cover popular attractions and some hidden gems that will take you off the tourist trail.
Quick Guide by Group Type:
- Families with Young Children (Ages 0-6): EcoCentro Danaus, Baldi Hot Springs, Ecoglide zip lining, Cano Negro boat tour
- Families with Older Kids (Ages 7+): Sky Adventures zip lining, waterfall rappelling, Rio Balsa whitewater rafting, hanging bridges, river float to see wildlife, coffee/chocolate tour
- Adventure Seekers: Waterfall rappelling, zip lining, whitewater rafting, ATV tour, the Ultimate Jungle Hike
- Nature Lovers: El Silencio volcano hike, safari float or Cano Negro boat tour, night tour, sloth & bird tour
- Limited Mobility: Cano Negro boat tour, hot springs, coffee/chocolate tour, hanging bridges, sloth and bird tour, EcoCentro Danaus, sunset lake cruise
- Romantic Getaway: Hot springs, sunset lake cruise, La Fortuna Waterfall, Rio Celeste Waterfall
Hiking
We always recommend a guided volcano hike as one of the first things to do in La Fortuna. That way, you’ll learn about the history of the volcano and its eruptions, while gaining an appreciation of the rainforest around you. This knowledge will make you enjoy the rest of your activities even more.
El Silencio Trail Volcano Hike
Our favorite pick for a volcano tour is Mirador El Silencio Trail because it is less crowded.
This hike takes you through pristine rainforest to view old lava flows from past eruptions. At a lookout, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Arenal Volcano in front of you as well as the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal below.
The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, making it perfect for most people.
Ultimate Jungle Hike
This is a challenging and little-known adventure that we recently enjoyed (without the kids).
The Ultimate Jungle Hike climbs through gorgeous primary rainforest to an elevation of about 1,640 feet (500 meters). Along the way, you may spot toucans, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. You’ll also stop at a hidden waterfall and refreshing swimming hole in the middle of the jungle.
The four-mile (6.5 km) trek is rustic and often muddy, but worth it.
After working up an appetite, you’ll head to a local restaurant and make homemade empanadas alongside locals.
Good physical condition is required for this one (we were a bit sore after!)
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Waterfalls
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the main attractions in town. This is an easy activity to pair with something else since it is close to the downtown and you only need an hour or two to visit.
The gorgeous 230-foot (70 meter) waterfall is at the bottom of about 500 well-maintained stairs that cut right through the jungle. Once at the base, you’ll feel the breeze coming off the waterfall and get some great pictures. You also can swim in the natural pool as long as the currents aren’t too powerful.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Located about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, this stunning bright-blue waterfall is well worth the journey.
During the hike, you can visit the main falls, Blue Pool (Pozo Azul), and the spot where the river naturally turns from clear to blue.
The first part of the hike is easy to moderate (with lots of stairs down to the waterfall). The second part is a bit harder and can be muddy/slippery. We recommend sturdy hiking shoes.
Read our post, the Enchanting Rio Celeste, for more information.
Hot Springs
One of La Fortuna’s most unique attractions is the natural hot springs. These are heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity. After trying many hot spring resorts in the area, we have two top recommendations.
Ecotermales Hot Springs
Our favorite choice for a peaceful soak is Ecotermales. This property offers an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation. They limit daily visitors to around 100, ensuring it never feels too crowded.
Seven pools of varying temperatures (90°F to 106°F) are beautifully spread out among tropical gardens. Attentive staff can bring drinks right to you while you unwind. Lunch or dinner is available at the onsite restaurant too.
Baldi Hot Springs
Looking for more action? Baldi Hot Springs Resort is perfect for families and those seeking a livelier atmosphere.
This large property and hotel has 25 thermal pools, including exciting elements like waterslides and sauna caves. Kids love the special children’s area with splash zones and waterslides, while adults can enjoy the swim-up bars.
The ambiance at Baldi is upbeat, especially at night when the pools are lit up and music is playing. While it’s more commercial than Ecotermales, it’s a good choice if you’re visiting with active children or want more excitement.
Free Hot Springs
For a more authentic and rustic experience, locals and adventurous travelers head to the free hot springs across from Tabacon Resort.
Here, you’ll find natural thermal pools right in the riverbed, surrounded by jungle. While these springs lack the amenities of the resorts, they offer a genuine, peaceful soak in nature.
Look for the yellow gate on the right side of the road when heading from La Fortuna towards Lake Arenal.
Epic Adventures
Zip lining
La Fortuna offers several zip-line experiences depending on your comfort level. Two that we love are Sky Adventures and Arenal Ecoglide.
Sky Adventures is perfect for thrill-seekers as it has the area’s fastest (and highest) lines. Starting with a scenic gondola ride to the first platform, you’ll coast down seven cables. The course includes two impressively long runs with panoramic volcano, rainforest, and lake views.
For first-timers or anyone feeling a bit nervous, we recommend Ecoglide instead. Their unique double-cable system prioritizes safety, and patient guides make it perfect for beginners. We’ve had clients go who are in their 80s and kids as young as 2 (tandem with a guide).
Canyoning/Waterfall Rappelling
One of the most popular activities in La Fortuna for thrill seekers is waterfall rappelling.
This tour includes rappels down three waterfalls and a rock wall. They range from 40 to 165 feet (12-50 meters). There’s also an exciting “Monkey Drop” where you zip out before dropping into a refreshing pool. Safety is a priority with guides stationed at both top and bottom of each descent.
Tip: Even if you’ve never rappelled before, this activity is very beginner friendly. The tour is rated for ages 5+.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting down a churning river through the dense rainforest is another must for the adventure bound. From La Fortuna, you can choose from two rivers.
The Rio Balsa (Class II-III) is our top pick for most people, combining just the right mix of excitement and scenery. It’s perfect for families and first-timers. Our son was nervous for his first time rafting, but the guides made the experience both fun and safe.
For more experienced rafters, the Rio Sarapiqui (Class III-IV) delivers an adrenaline-packed ride. This river includes plenty of exciting rapids with some calmer sections to catch your breath and take in the natural beauty.
ATV Tour
ATV tours offer an exciting way to explore La Fortuna’s backroads. You’ll zip through farmland and rainforest trails, enjoying spectacular views of Arenal Volcano along the way.
Some tours include a stop at a river with volcanic clay where you can try a natural mud bath.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife – monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds are commonly spotted.
Hanging Bridges
Hanging bridges or suspension bridges offer a unique way to see the rainforest canopy. There are two main choices in La Fortuna, Mistico Park or Sky Adventures.
Mistico is our top choice. The concrete path offers an easy walk through the thick rainforest. With a little luck, you also can see wildlife. On our visits, we’ve seen monkeys, snakes, birds, and even peccaries (similar to a wild boar). Mistico can get busy so plan accordingly.
Sky Adventures has dirt trails that are easy-to-moderate in difficulty. It’s a good place to do a combo tour since they have ziplines onsite as well.
The bridges at either facility are very sturdy with strong steel cables.
For a more in-depth comparison, read our post, Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica: Where to Go for the Best Experience.
Mistico Hanging Bridges (Economical Tour) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $44.00 +VAT
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Mistico Hanging Bridges (Group Tour) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $65.00 +VAT
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Mistico Hanging Bridges (Private Tour) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $99.00 +VAT
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Mistico Park Hanging Bridges (Self-Guided) – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $32.00 +VAT
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Sky Adventures Zipline-Hanging Bridges Combo – From La Fortuna
Price: From: $120.00 +VAT
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Wildlife Viewing and Nature
River Float
A tranquil alternative to whitewater rafting is a safari float down the Peñas Blancas River. This is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna/Arenal.
By inflatable raft or kayak, you’ll glide along the calm water with an expert nature guide in search of wildlife along the riverbanks. You’re likely to see howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, basilisk lizards (also known as Jesus Christ lizards), and various tropical birds.
Cano Negro Boat Tour
Located about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers one of Costa Rica’s best wetland experiences.
On a comfortable pontoon boat, you’ll cruise through this rich ecosystem spotting countless water birds like herons, kingfishers, anhinga, and occasionally roseate spoonbills. The calm waters are also home to caimans, turtles, monkeys, and sloths.
The tour is on a sturdy pontoon boat so perfect for babies, young kids, or anyone with limited mobility.
Sloth and Bird Tour
Perfect for all ages and abilities, the Mariolas Trail is a flat, easy-to-navigate path just outside downtown La Fortuna. It is one of the best places to see sloths in their natural environment.
We highly recommend a guided tour. A guide will have a scope to help you see sloths, which are usually high in the trees.
This is a responsible sloth tour, which is important to keep in mind in La Fortuna/Arenal.
For more information, read our post about our experience, A Sloth and Bird Tour in La Fortuna.
EcoCentro Danaus Reserve
Perfect for families with young kids (our youngest son walked the trail at age 3), this small reserve near downtown La Fortuna offers an easy 600-meter (0.37 mile) trail through lush forest.
The well-maintained path at EcoCentro Danaus leads past frog ponds, a butterfly garden, and a lagoon. You may spot sloths, poison dart frogs, lizards, and various birds. The reserve also features a traditional Maleku indigenous house with local artwork. We recommend a guide to help spot wildlife.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Proyecto Asis
This wildlife rehabilitation center provides a meaningful way to learn about Costa Rica’s animals while supporting conservation.
Located about 30 minutes from La Fortuna, Proyecto Asis helps injured wildlife return to their natural habitat. On a tour, you’ll see various animals in their sanctuary, like monkeys, sloths, parrots, and toucans. The enthusiastic guides share stories about each animal’s recovery. Volunteering opportunities are also available.
Night Tour
Exploring the rainforest after dark offers a completely different perspective. With a naturalist guide and flashlight in hand, you’ll discover the nocturnal side of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Frogs are especially easy to see on night tours in La Fortuna, but you may also spot snakes, interesting insects, and nocturnal mammals or sleeping birds.
Night tours start around 5:30 p.m. just as the sun goes down over the jungle.
Coffee and Chocolate Tours
North Fields Cafe
One of our favorite cultural experiences in La Fortuna so far was the tour at North Fields Café.
Here, you’ll walk through the family’s coffee fields, learning about the entire process from bean to cup. The tour also includes a hands-on chocolate-making demonstration where you’ll get to create and taste chocolate from the raw cacao (our sons loved this).
To round out the experience, you’ll sip fresh coffee brewed in a traditional chorreador. Non-coffee drinks are available too.
Rainforest Chocolate
For a fun, family-friendly chocolate experience, this tour is hard to beat. The entertaining guides keep everyone engaged while teaching about chocolate’s journey from bean to bar. The interactive demonstrations let you participate in making chocolate, and the unlimited tastings at the end are always a highlight.
This is an excellent activity for families with children.
Sunset Lake Cruise
Finally, for a romantic evening, nothing beats watching the sunset over Lake Arenal by boat. On this tour, you’ll enjoy waterfront views of the volcano while sipping wine and sampling a gourmet cheese plate.
As your guide navigates to different viewpoints around the lake, keep an eye out for wildlife along the shore – herons, anhingas, and occasionally monkeys can be spotted. The late afternoon light showcases the mighty volcano and makes for a memorable evening.
For more about this tour, read our post, Lake Arenal Sunset Cruise: Wine, Cheese & Views.
Conclusion
While La Fortuna’s hot springs and volcano views are the main attractions, the area offers so much more. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful nature walks and cultural experiences, La Fortuna/Arenal has a little bit of everything. We recommend staying at least 3-4 days to fully experience what the area has to offer.
Pin It for Later
Have a question about things to do in La Fortuna? Leave us a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
La Fortuna: What to Expect – Get even more info about La Fortuna. Town set up, best restaurants, and other essential tips.
La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Best places to stay for every budget.
Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – La Fortuna/Arenal is best explored with a rental car since it’s more spread out. Learn about the quirks of driving in Costa Rica.
Tour Bookings – For more tours in La Fortuna and other popular destinations, browse our online tour bookings page.