Top 10 Places to Visit in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna was one of the destinations I was most excited to visit in Costa Rica, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Even though I only spent one full day here, I managed to experience the three things that were at the top of my list: hiking around Arenal Volcano, relaxing in the natural hot springs, and spotting sloths in the wild. I probably could have stayed another day or two, but I left feeling like I had accomplished everything I came for. If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, La Fortuna deserves a spot near the top of your itinerary.
1. Arenal Volcano National Park 🌟 Did This
Arenal Volcano is the iconic landmark of La Fortuna, and hiking through the national park was the main reason I visited. While you can't climb to the summit, the lava fields and rainforest trails offer incredible views of one of Costa Rica's most famous volcanoes. Walking across the old lava flows really gives you an appreciation for the power of nature. Even if the volcano is hiding behind clouds, it's still an unforgettable experience.
💡 JD's Tip: Visit early in the morning for the clearest views before the clouds roll in.
The iconic Arenal Volcano was the highlight of my visit to La Fortuna—and seeing it emerge from the clouds made the hike even more memorable.
2. Relax in the Natural Hot Springs 🌟 Did This
After hiking around the volcano, soaking in the hot springs was exactly what my legs needed. The naturally heated mineral water comes from Arenal's geothermal activity, and there are options ranging from luxury resorts to free river hot springs. It's one of the most relaxing experiences in Costa Rica. Watching the surrounding rainforest while sitting in warm water was the perfect way to end the day.
💡 JD's Tip: Bring a waterproof bag and arrive later in the afternoon so you can enjoy the pools into the evening.
Relaxing in one of La Fortuna's natural hot springs after a day exploring Arenal Volcano—there's no better way to end an adventure.
3. Bogarin Trail (Sloth Walking Tour) 🌟 Did This
This ended up being one of my favourite wildlife experiences in Costa Rica. I highly recommend hiring a guide, because I would have walked straight past almost every sloth without one. My guide not only spotted sloths, but also birds, frogs, insects, and explained Costa Rica's incredible conservation efforts, reforestation projects, and even why the country doesn't have an army. It was worth every penny and turned a simple walk into one of the most educational tours of my trip.
💡 JD's Tip: Don't skip the guide—it completely changes the experience.
Without my guide's spotting scope, I never would have seen this sloth high in the rainforest canopy. It was one of the highlights of my time in La Fortuna.
4. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park ❌ Missed This
This network of suspension bridges takes you high into the rainforest canopy, offering a completely different perspective of the jungle. It's one of the best places to spot monkeys, birds, snakes, and tropical plants. The trails are well maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. It's especially popular with photographers and wildlife lovers.
💡 JD's Tip: Book an early morning guided walk for your best chance at seeing wildlife.
5. La Fortuna Waterfall 🌟 Did This
La Fortuna Waterfall is every bit as beautiful as the photos make it look. After making the long walk down the stairs, you're rewarded with a stunning waterfall crashing into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush rainforest. The highlight for me, though, was spotting toucans while exploring the area—I was absolutely ecstatic! Seeing the toucans became my second favourite wildlife experience in La Fortuna, only behind spotting the sloths on the Bogarin Trail.
💡 JD's Tip: Take your time before heading back up the stairs—you never know what wildlife you might spot in the surrounding trees.
Cooling off at La Fortuna Waterfall after the long walk down the stairs. The waterfall is stunning on its own, but spotting toucans nearby made the visit even more memorable.
6. White Water Rafting ❌ Missed This
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica's best places for white water rafting, with rivers suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Expect exciting rapids, beautiful rainforest scenery, and plenty of wildlife along the riverbanks. Many tours include lunch and transportation from town. It's an adrenaline-filled way to experience the region.
💡 JD's Tip: Choose Class II-III rapids for a fun introduction or Class III-IV if you're looking for more excitement.
7. Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour ❌ Missed This
These tours are a great way to learn about three of Costa Rica's most famous exports while tasting plenty along the way. You'll see how chocolate is made from cacao beans, sample fresh coffee, and even try sugar cane products. The tours are interactive and fun for all ages. Plus, there's usually lots of delicious food involved.
💡 JD's Tip: Don't eat a huge meal beforehand—you'll be sampling plenty throughout the tour.
8. Venado Caves ❌ Missed This
For something completely different, explore one of Costa Rica's largest cave systems. Guided tours take you underground through tunnels, rivers, and impressive limestone formations while explaining the caves' geology and history. It's muddy, adventurous, and unlike anything else in the region. Expect to get wet and dirty.
💡 JD's Tip: Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
9. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails ❌ Missed This
Originally built as a scientific observation station, this property now offers some of the best volcano viewpoints in the area. The extensive trail network passes waterfalls, suspension bridges, and rainforest full of wildlife. Even if you're not staying overnight, day passes allow visitors to explore the grounds. It's a quieter alternative to the national park.
💡 JD's Tip: Bring binoculars—this is one of the best birdwatching spots around La Fortuna.
10. Night Wildlife Tour ❌ Missed This
Almost every traveller I met raved about La Fortuna's night wildlife tours, saying they were one of the highlights of their trip. I decided to skip it for a few reasons, mainly because I'd already spent weeks living in Cabuya and often walked the beach at night, so I'd had plenty of opportunities to experience Costa Rica after dark. That said, looking back, I think doing one guided night tour would have been worth it. Having an expert point out frogs, snakes, insects, and other nocturnal creatures is a completely different experience than exploring on your own.
💡 JD's Tip: Even if you've spent time in Costa Rica already, I'd still recommend doing at least one guided night walk somewhere—you'll almost certainly see things you would have walked right past.
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna ended up being exactly what I hoped it would be. Even with just one full day, I managed to hike around Arenal Volcano, unwind in the hot springs, spot toucans at La Fortuna Waterfall, and have one of the best wildlife experiences of my entire Costa Rica trip on the Bogarin Trail. Looking back, I probably would have added another day to experience some of the attractions I missed, but I never felt disappointed with how I spent my time.
If you love volcanoes, wildlife, waterfalls, and rainforest adventures, La Fortuna is one of those places that truly deserves the hype. It's an easy destination to fill several days, and I'd happily return someday to cross a few more experiences off my list.
No matter how many photos you take, nothing quite compares to seeing Arenal Volcano standing above the rainforest in person.
