La Fortuna Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and things to know before traveling to La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Read our comprehensive travel guide now!


Introduction to La Fortuna

Located in Northern Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure activities. The town is situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The area surrounding the town is home to several hot springs, waterfalls, and nature reserves, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in La Fortuna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arenal Volcano National Park
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • Talleres de Carretas Eloy Alfaro (Oxcart factories)
  • Museo de Arte Arenal
  • Church of La Fortuna de San Carlos

Natural Attractions of La Fortuna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Arenal Hot Springs
  • Cerro Chato hike
  • Venado Caves
  • Arenal Hanging Bridges

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Fortuna

  • Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Cerro Chato hike
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
  • El Silencio Trail
  • Los Perdidos Spring

Best Things to Do in La Fortuna: Activities and Tours

  • White Water Rafting
  • Ziplining
  • Arenal Hot Springs
  • La Fortuna Waterfall
  • ATV Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for La Fortuna

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival + Relax at the Hotel
Day 2 Arenal National Park and Waterfall Tour
Day 3 Venado Caves Tour
Day 4 Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour
Day 5 Hanging Bridges Walk by Mistico Park
Day 6 Visit the Eco Termales Hot Springs
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of La Fortuna

Must-Try Dishes

  • Casado
  • Gallo Pinto
  • Arroz con Pollo
  • Plantain Chips
  • Empanadas

Local Beverages

  • Guaro Sour
  • Imperial Beer
  • Horchata
  • Tamarindo Juice
  • Pipa (Fresh Coconut Water)

Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Nayara Tented Camp
  • Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
  • The Springs Resort & Spa
  • Selina La Fortuna
  • Lava Lodge at Arenal Volcano

What to Buy in La Fortuna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Coffee
  • Locally-made chocolate
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics
  • Oxcart souvenirs
  • Traditional Guaro liquor

Local Culture and Customs of La Fortuna

The local culture of La Fortuna is heavily influenced by the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Visitors are expected to show respect to local customs and beliefs, such as not wearing beachwear in public places and adhering to conservative dress codes when visiting churches and other cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit La Fortuna

The best time to visit La Fortuna is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is the peak tourist season, however, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The rainy season runs from May to November, but this is an excellent time for nature enthusiasts to visit and experience La Fortuna’s lush rainforest landscapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Fortuna

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Take precautions against the sun and heat
  • Practice eco-tourism by reducing your environmental impact
  • Learn some basic Spanish words and phrases

Don’t:

  • Pluck vegetation or disturb wildlife
  • Worry about the language barrier – many locals speak English
  • Forget to bring insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Overly haggle with street vendors

Safety and Health

Safety in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a relatively safe destination for tourists, but it is always important to take necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft or crime. Visitors should keep their valuables locked at all times and avoid walking alone or in unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a relatively safe destination in terms of health and hygiene. Visitors should take care to drink only bottled water and to avoid drinking tap water, which can contain bacteria that could cause stomach upset. It is also important to take precaution against mosquito-borne illness, such as dengue or Zika.

Getting to La Fortuna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Fortuna

The nearest international airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamaria International Airport, which is located in San Jose and approximately 90 miles from La Fortuna. From the airport, visitors can catch a bus or hire a private shuttle to get to La Fortuna.

Bus Stations Near La Fortuna

The easiest way to get to La Fortuna by bus is to catch a bus to San Jose and then transfer to a bus that will take you to La Fortuna directly.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private driver or rent a car to get around and explore La Fortuna and its surrounding areas independently.

How to Get Around in La Fortuna

The most popular way to get around La Fortuna is by taxi. Taxis are readily available and relatively cheap. Visitors can also rent bicycles or motorcycles to get around and explore the town at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from La Fortuna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Rincon de La Vieja National Park
  • Tamarindo Beach

Conclusion

La Fortuna is a must-visit destination when traveling to Costa Rica. It offers a plethora of natural and cultural attractions and outdoor adventure activities that will suit any traveler’s interests. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors will be able to make the most of their time in La Fortuna and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Arenal volcano Arenal volcano Arenal volcano in 2007. As of 2013, the volcano has been inactive for three years and there's no lava flow to see. Arenal volcano in 2007. As of 2013, the volcano has been inactive for three years and there's no lava flow to see.