Top 8 Must-Do Activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

December 8, 2023

Are you planning your next getaway? Costa Rica is the ultimate travel destination, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity.

La Fortuna, where the recognizable and well-known Arenal Volcano is located, is awash in lush tropical vegetation. Yet, besides the sights of the majestic volcano, there’s more in this fantastic region waiting for you!

You can be part of many exciting, relaxing, and fun activities. Want to know more? Let us show you the top 8 things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.

The Best Things to Do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna de San Carlos is, without a doubt, a must-see destination. This region is full of architecture and natural wonders. In addition to the pleasant climate, there are national parks, coffee plantations, and active volcanoes to enjoy.

However, since we know you want to make the most of your trip, we’ve selected the top 8 things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. You’ll get a real taste of this lovely city with these activities!

#1 Relaxing in hot springs

Visiting La Fortuna and not going to its hot springs is like visiting Rome and not seeing the Colosseum. Because of its proximity to the Arenal Volcano and geothermal energy, La Fortuna offers breathtaking views and plenty of cozy natural hot springs!

Recently, La Fortuna has made its way to becoming Central America’s first destination for thermal tourism, which is why it’s considered the thermal bath capital.

However, the hot springs in La Fortuna are primarily in private resorts and are available only to hotel guests. To enjoy some of these amazing hot springs, stay at the resorts or buy a day pass.

Regardless, they are totally worth it! Providing a therapeutic retreat and a mystical atmosphere, they transport you to a place of pure relaxation. As you unwind in the warm water, you can listen to the soothing sounds of nature and admire La Fortuna’s stunning natural beauty.

Among the most popular hot springs in the area are:

Baldi Hot Springs Hotel
Tabacon Resort
The Springs Resort & Spa
Paradise Hot Springs
Ecotermales Hot Springs

We also offer a La Fortuna Highlights 4 in 1 with Tabacón Hot Springs Tour, which combines activities into a Full Day tour and concludes with a hot springs visit.

#2 Ziplining and canopy

There’s no better way to get your adrenaline pumping than going on ziplining and canopy tours, especially in La Fortuna. As you fly through the rainforest’s canopy, you’ll see the lush greenery and natural wonders of La Fortuna from a unique perspective, including some spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano.

In our 2.4-hour canopy zipline tour, you’ll begin at a tower 18 meters high and fly over a canyon 120 meters high, which is the highest point in 560 hectares of forest. You’ll witness a spectacular view of the Pino Blanco Waterfall, the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Cerro Chato in the distance.

Then, you’ll ride 12 extreme ziplines over spectacular waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arenal volcano. You’ll feel the rush of adrenaline zipping across cables at speeds up to 40 mph.

#3 Horseback riding

Horseback riding in La Fortuna feels like a movie. The experience is more than just a ride; it’s a chance to explore beautiful landscapes with Arenal Volcano in the background.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve ridden on horseback before, this adventure offers a unique way to take in the stunning views of La Fortuna at a slow pace.

On the 3-Hour Horseback Riding Tour, we’ll outfit you for your ride based on your skill level and the horse’s experience. With panoramic views of Arenal Volcano around every bend, you’ll ride your horse through the foothills of a private reserve. The tour also takes you through rainforests and lava fields and lets you see the outstanding volcanic lagoon.

#4 Canyoning

Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure in La Fortuna! You might be scared at first about canyoning or waterfall rappelling. However, once you start descending through the vibrant sights of the rainforest, all those initial fears will go away.

This adventure is an adrenaline rush unlike any other. Therefore, this is for bold souls who are fearless at jumping. If that sounds like you, our 3.5-hour Pure Trek Canyoning, Waterfall Rappelling, Monkey Drop, and Rock Climb Tour is calling your name.

As our local guide takes you to hidden canyons in 4×4 vehicles to the tropical rainforest just outside La Fortuna, you’ll receive all the equipment and safety guidelines to rappel down waterfalls.

Once you reach the first waterfall, you’ll rappel down into the pristine canyon below. Climb up the side of the cliff, do the Monkey Drop and zip-line across the canyon, and rappel down to the canyon floor. Then, we’ll take a gorgeous tropical trail out of the canyon, jump back in the 4WDs, and head back to the base camp for lunch.

#5 Visiting national parks

There’s no better place to explore nature than La Fortuna, Costa Rica. That’s why exploring its national parks is essential for anyone visiting the area.

As previously mentioned, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to the celestial blue Rio Celeste, a setting worthy of a fairy tale. At the same time, Arenal Volcano National Park features the iconic Arenal Volcano as its centerpiece for thrilling adventures.

There’s no better way to explore these national parks than on a guided tour. You’ll get knowledgeable guides to lead you through an adventurous but educational journey into the region’s culture and environment.

With them by your side, you’ll discover amazing natural wonders, local flora, and exotic wildlife. Typically, there’s a small entrance fee to the park and a tour booking fee, but the experience is worth it, fostering an appreciation for Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation.

If you’d like to know more about this or other national parks in the country, we invite you to read our blog, “10 Must-Visit National Parks in Costa Rica.“

#6 Hanging bridges

There’s something extraordinary about seeing the rainforest from above. Visiting Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, you get a fascinating look at the rainforest’s heart and a close-up view of its vibrant ecosystem. La Fortuna Center is only 31 minutes away from this amazing park, which is only 20.4 km away.

Our 6-Hour Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. With our naturalist guide, you’ll learn about the area’s flora and fauna and spot wildlife you might not see on your own. If you want a one-of-a-kind adventure, this is it.

#7 Bird watching and wildlife tours

Bird and sloth-watching tours are a great experience you can’t miss. The La Fortuna area is a bird enthusiast’s paradise, with colorful toucans, majestic hummingbirds, and other exotic birds. Similarly, the many sloth tours available add a charming touch to your trip since these cute creatures stroll through the trees.

You’ll love our 3-4 Hour Sloth Nature Hike Tour if seeing sloths is on your Costa Rica vacation bucket list. You’ll walk through sloth territory for two hours with one of our local experts. Once you spot this slow-moving loved animal, you’ll get lots of views of them as they move in slow motion from branch to branch.

We also have a 3-Hour Nature Wildlife Safari Float, where you float down to the Peñas Blancas River, where you can see spotted sloths, monkeys, caimans, iguanas, and many birds! With these tours, you’ll not only spot these fascinating creatures but also gain a better understanding of La Fortuna’s diverse ecosystems.

If you’re looking for an original perspective, you can choose tours or night services where other species can be viewed, such as our 2.5 Hour Twilight & Night Jungle Tour.

When to visit La Fortuna for these activities

Planning your visit to La Fortuna, Costa Rica, according to the weather, is wise, especially if you’re looking for a particular experience. Generally, the weather is warm all year, with more rain in May, September, and October. We recommend the months of January, February, March, April, and December if you want to avoid the rain.

For a more in-depth look at La Fortuna’s weather, check out our blog, “The Costa Rica Weather & Temperature By Month.” You can find all the information you need to plan your trip here. Remember that La Fortuna is part of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, so be sure to check the weather in that area.

In Costa Rica, La Fortuna town offers some of the most exciting activities to do in the country!

Exciting Adventures Await In La Fortuna!

La Fortuna, often referred to as Costa Rica’s adventure capital, offers straightforward, action-packed adventures for everyone! Besides the mentioned activities, you can also visit downtown La Fortuna, take on a chocolate tour, swim in the El Salto rope swing, and more!

If you’re ready for an adrenaline-filled trip, contact Find My Costa Rica now and let us plan your exciting getaway! With the help of our local guides, we can put together an itinerary to make sure you have a blast!

FAQ:

1. Are these activities suitable for all age groups and fitness levels?

Some activities in La Fortuna may require a certain level of fitness and age. The good news is that there is always more than one adventure you can enjoy that perfectly suits your fitness level, age, and desire to have a blast!

2. Do I need to book these activities in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular activities like hot spring pools. Reserving your spot ensures availability and a seamless experience at the many attractions in La Fortuna.

3. Can I experience these activities if I don't speak Spanish?

Absolutely! Most attractions and tours in Costa Rica, including those in La Fortuna, have English-speaking guides and staff. Language won’t be a barrier to enjoying your visit to Costa Rica.

4. Which airport in Costa Rica is closer to La Fortuna?

Liberia Airport is generally closer to La Fortuna, providing convenient access to the region’s adventures and attractions. However, San Jose Airport also offers access with a slightly longer travel time. Choose the airport that best fits your travel plans and preferences.