Exploring La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Travel Guide, Top Activities, and Tips.
Why Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
If you are looking for a rainforest getaway in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is the perfect pick for you. Here is the hot spot to see animals like sloths and monkeys, have cool refreshing weather and plenty of hikes to enjoy along the way.
Getting to La Fortuna from Liberia
By Rental Car
All of the roads from Liberia to La Fortuna are paved and easy to drive on and it will take about 3 hours to drive from Liberia to La Fortuna. You will begin on highway one until you reach Cañan, where you will go left onto highway 142. You will then follow highway 142 until you reach La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Private Transportation
There are hundreds of private transportation companies in Costa Rica. You can easily book private transportation that will pick you up at the airport or wherever you are staying and then drop you off in La Fortuna.
By Bus
To get from Liberia, Costa Rica to La Fortuna, Costa Rica you will need to take 3 different buses. An easy way to track this bus route is through the Moovit app. The times are not always perfect on this app but it will let you know which busses you need to go on and how long the trip will take. The trip takes about 5 hours in total. Make sure to have Colones (the local currency) when taking the bus because it is one of the few places in Costa Rica that does not accept USD.
Cañas
The first bus you take will go rom the Terminal de Buses Municipal de Liberia. This bus takes about an hour and 20 minutes and will say Cañas on the front of it. It costs 1,825 Colones which is about $4 USD. You will take the bus to the end of the line and get off at the Cañas bus terminal.
Tilaran
The second bus you will take is the Tilaran bus. It says Tilaran right on the front and takes about an hour and 45 minutes. It costs 615 Colones which is a little over $1 USD and comes numerous times a day. You will also take this bus to the end of the line and get off at the bus terminal.
Ciudad Quesada
The final bus you will need to take is the longest one and it takes a little over 2 hours. This bus will either say Ciudad Quesada on the front or La Fortuna on the front. It fills up fast so make sure to get in line when you see a line forming. This bus also does not come as often so make sure to start your trip earlier in the day so you don’t miss the last one. It costs 3,250 Colones which is about $6.50 USD.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
Hostels
Selina Hostel
This is one of the best hostels I have stayed at in Costa Rica. It is a little more expensive than other hostels but absolutely worth it. If you book here don’t book on hostel world, book directly through them, when you book directly through them you will get better pricing and they include breakfast.
The rooms and facilities were very nice here; rooms with AC, hot water, bar and restaurant, etc. They also had constant activities at the hostel. They had a welcome drink you can join every night to meet new people, free yoga classes, bon fires, and a theme night every night (live music, game night, etc.).
I have sense heard that they are under a new name (Socialtel La Fortuna) and ownership and since this change I have not heard good things about the hostel, so make sure to do your own research before staying.
Pura Vida Hostel
I met several people who stayed here and everyone loved it. It was a very social hostel, clean, well setup and had yoga classes available as well.
Airbnbs
There are multiple Airbnb’s available in La Fortuna. This option offers for you to have your own space while visiting Costa Rica.
Top Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
| Pricing | Distance from City Center | Duration | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arenal Volcano National Park | $15 USD per person | 17 km | 2-6 hours (varies based on how many trails you want to hike) | Click here for directions to Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal |
| Natural Hot Springs | Free | 12 km | around 2 hours (you can stay as long as you would like) | Click here for the directions to the Free Hot Springs |
| La Fortuna Waterfall | $18 USD per person | 5km | 2-3 hours | Click here for directions to Fortuna Waterfall |
| El Salto | Free | 2 km | around 2 hours (you can stay as long as you would like) | Click here for directions to El Salto |
| Coffee and Chocolate Tour | $45 USD per person | 2.5 km (tour includes pickup and drop off) | 2 hours | Click here for directions to North Fields Coffee tour |
| Ciudad Esmeralda | $29 USD per person | 45 km | 3-4 hours | Click here for directions to La Vieja Adventures |
Arenal Volcano National Park
| Hours of Operation | Sectors | Number of Trails | Price | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8am-4pm | Main Sector and Peninsula Sector | 33 trails | $15 USD Adults $5 USD Children | Card only (no cash) |
Arenal National Park is an over 29,000 acre park that is a part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area that was established in 1991. There are 33 different trails here to explore and you can either just go to the main ones for a shorter trip or you can have an entire day of hiking. There are 2 main viewpoints where you can see Arenal Volcano but the visibility will depend on the weather. The park is also divided into 2 sectors, the main sector and the Peninsula sector. Tickets are one time entrance so if you want to visit both sectors you will need to do it in one day.
Natural Hot Springs
| Price | Hours | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 24/7 (not recommend to visit alone after sunset) | Bathing suit, towel, change of clothes (don’t bring any valuables and keep your items close to you) |
Right past all of the man made, paid hot springs is the natural free hot springs. You will park on the side of the road and then will walk down under the bridge (this parking is not monitored or secure so don’t leave any valuables in your car). Walking down the left side is where most people go but if you go to the left it is just as pretty and there area a lot less people. Here you can sit and relax in the warm running water.
La Fortuna Waterfall
| Price | Hours of Operation | Can you swim in La Fortuna Waterfall? |
|---|---|---|
| 7am-5pm (last entrance is at 4pm) | $18 USD for adults $5 USD for children | Yes, you can swim but be aware the water is cold and there is a strong current. |
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Costa Rica. It is known for its height and beauty. The walk to get to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes and once you arrive you can swim in the waterfall as long at the water levels permit.
El Salto Rope Swing
| Price | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| Free | It is open 24/7 but there are security guards monitoring the area from 8am-6pm |
El Salto (aka the jump) is a hidden gem in La Fortuna. It is about a 30 minute walk from the downtown area of La Fortuna. Once you arrive you will walk under the bridge to the giant rope swing. Here you can swing into the water below right next to a small waterfall. There are also usually vendors down by the rope swing as well selling traditional Costa Rican foods.
North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour
While in La Fortuna you don’t want to miss out on the Coffee and Chocolate tour. There are a variety of different companies that do Coffee and Chocolate tours but the one that I did is with North Fields and I would highly recommend them.
This tour will pick you up where you are staying and take you to the tour location. You will then go through the process of how coffee and chocolate are made in Costa Rica from start to finish. Along the way you will also try a large variety of different coffees and chocolates, learning how different processes lead to different tastes.
Ciudad Esmeralda
| Group Tour | Private Tour | Day Pass |
|---|---|---|
| $29 USD per person | $39 USD per person | $59 USD per person |
Ciudad Esmeralda is a hidden gem just outside of La Fortuna. It is a 3-4 hours hike that will take you to a beautiful waterfall. This hike is certainly an adventure hike and you will spend the entire time climbing ladders and rocks and in the river. Make sure to come prepared because the water is very cold but the hike is super fun and one of the most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica.
Seasonal Considerations for Visiting La Fortuna
Dry Season
Even in the dry season La Fortuna is located further inland so you get more rain. You will also experience cooler weather and less sun. This makes it a great place for hiking and embracing the rainforest. During the dry season you will see more crowds in the area and it is a lot busier.
Rainy Season
Just like it sounds in the rainy season you will get a lot more rain. During this time of year it is best to book activities in the morning to avoid the rain. As long as you come prepared you can still enjoy pretty much all activities in the rain. If you are looking to avoid crowds this is the perfect time to come because it’s the low season in Costa Rica so you will see a lot less people and have a lot smaller groups on tours.
Helpful Tips for Visiting La Fortuna
What to Pack
Regardless of the time of year it is best to pack with rain and cooler weather in mind when visiting La Fortuna.
- Rain jacket, umbrella, and dry bag are all super helpful so you can still enjoy all your adventures despite the rain.
- Make sure to bring bug spray because there are a lot of mosquitoes at night.
- Jackets and pants are good to have along with all your typical clothes.
- Shoes you can comfortably walk in since La Fortuna is a very walkable town but some of the walks will be 30 minutes plus.
Currency
You can use both USD and the local currency Colones in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Also pretty much everywhere here also takes card as well.
Budget
La Fortuna is a touristy area so you can expect some higher prices but nothing too out of the ordinary for Costa Rica.
Safety
La Fortuna is a very safe town and you can easily walk around both day and night without any issues or concerns for your safety.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an trip with hiking, waterfalls and the rainforest experience La Fortuna is just for you. La Fortuna is one of my favorite towns in Costa Rica and I would recommend everyone to visit it while they are here. It is a town that it is very helpful to have a car in but it is not necessary because you can always Uber or Taxi to the locations outside of the main town.
FAQs
What is the best way to get around La Fortuna?
It is a town that it is very helpful to have a car in but it is not necessary because you can always Uber or Taxi to the locations outside of the main town. When you are staying in the main town you can easily walk and explore.
Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
La Fortuna is absolutely worth visiting. There are a variety of both free and paid things to experience and it is filled with beautiful nature and a lot of wildlife.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
If you have the time 5-7 days is perfect. There are endless things to do in La Fortuna so if you are wanting to see everything you will want a week to do it all.
Does it rain a lot in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a lot rainier than other parts of Costa Rica. Even in the dry season you will experience some rain unlike most of Costa Rica. Though it rains more you can still do almost every activity in the rain just come prepared.
Can you walk around La Fortuna easily?
You can easily walk around the main town of La Fortuna and it is very safe.
Where is La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. It is located in northern Costa Rica about half way in between Liberia and San Jose.
What volcano is in La Fortuna?
Arenal Volcano is located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
What waterfall is in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna Waterfall is the main waterfall to visit in La Fortuna.
Is it safe to walk around La Fortuna at night?
Yes, you can walk around and are unlikely to have any issues or concerns for your safety. As always be aware of your surroundings.
Can you drink the water in Fortuna Costa Rica?
Yes, just like the rest of Costa Rica it is safe to drink tap water and you will not have any issues.
Does La Fortuna have nightlife?
If you are looking for a party town La Fortuna is not one of the main ones in Costa Rica but there is still plenty of nightlife. You can easily find events happening every night and there are bar crawls through La Fortuna on the weekends.
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