La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Is It Worth the Hype?

But with so many popular destinations in Costa Rica, is La Fortuna really worth visiting? Or is it one of those places that has become a little too touristy for its own good?

Having explored this part of Costa Rica, I can definitely see why La Fortuna is on almost everyone's itinerary. There is a lot to do here, the scenery is beautiful, and you can easily spend several days exploring the surrounding area. However, there are a few things I think you should know before adding it to your trip, especially if you are travelling on a budget or prefer getting away from the crowds.

So, is La Fortuna worth visiting? My short answer is yes, absolutely. But whether it’s the right destination for you depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and below I’ll go through all the pros and cons.

Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?

Yes, La Fortuna is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience some of Costa Rica's most beautiful landscapes, see wildlife, visit waterfalls, explore volcanic scenery and relax in natural hot springs.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting La Fortuna is the variety of activities available. You can spend one day hiking around a volcano, another swimming beneath a waterfall, and the next soaking in hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens. There are also some fantastic day trips in the surrounding region, including the famous Rio Celeste and the lesser-known waterfalls around Bajos del Toro.

Another reason La Fortuna is such a convenient stop is that it is well-developed for tourism. You will find plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and tour operators. Whether you are looking for a budget hostel, a comfortable hotel with volcano views or a more luxurious jungle retreat, there is something for most budgets.

However, there is a downside. Since La Fortuna is one of the most popular and touristy destinations in Costa Rica, many of the main attractions are not particularly cheap. You will also need to do quite a bit of driving to explore the area properly, or pay for organised tours and transport if you don't have your own vehicle.

In other words, La Fortuna is not exactly an undiscovered paradise. But there is a reason so many people visit, and I think the natural beauty and variety of things to do make it well worth a stop.

What I Love About Visiting La Fortuna

There are so many incredible things to do

This is probably the biggest reason to visit La Fortuna. You will not run out of things to do, even if you stay for several days.

The area is famous for its volcano, waterfalls and hot springs, but there is much more to it than that. You can walk across hanging bridges in Mistico Park high above the rainforest, go ziplining, explore caves, take a chocolate or coffee tour, visit wildlife sanctuaries, go horseback riding or spend a morning looking for sloths.

And the best part is that many of these experiences are completely different from one another. You can have an adventurous day outdoors and follow it up with a relaxing afternoon in a thermal pool.

If you enjoy being active and exploring nature, La Fortuna is one of those destinations where it is easy to fill your itinerary without getting bored. We spent over a week here and could’ve easily spent much more time.

Want to make the most of your trip to La Fortuna?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

The waterfalls are beautiful

Costa Rica is full of waterfalls, but La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most impressive and accessible ones in the country.

Located just outside town, the waterfall plunges approximately 70 metres into a beautiful natural pool surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. Getting there involves walking down a long staircase, so be prepared for a bit of exercise, particularly on the way back up.

Once you reach the bottom, you can admire the waterfall from the viewing area and, depending on the conditions and designated swimming areas, enjoy a refreshing dip in the river below.

The entrance fee is relatively expensive compared with many natural attractions elsewhere in Central America, but the setting is undeniably beautiful. I would still put it on your list if you are visiting La Fortuna for the first time.

And if you have a little more time, there are plenty of other waterfalls and swimming spots to discover in the wider region. I highly recommend checking out Bajos del Toro as well.

You can relax in natural hot springs

After a few days of exploring Costa Rica, spending an afternoon in the hot springs around La Fortuna is a pretty wonderful way to slow down.

The area is famous for its geothermal activity, thanks to the nearby Arenal Volcano. This means you will find several natural and artificially developed thermal pools, many surrounded by tropical gardens, rivers and lush greenery.

There are options for pretty much every budget. Luxury resorts like Tabacón offer beautiful pools with waterfalls and swim-up bars, and you don’t need to spend a night to come here, you can simply book a daypass.

For something more affordable, Baldi Hot Springs has a large selection of pools and is particularly popular with families. If you'd rather have a quieter and more intimate experience, EcoTermales is another option worth considering.

There's also the free natural hot spring river known as El Choyin, located near the Tabacón area. It's a much more basic experience, but a great alternative if you don't want to spend money on an expensive resort.

I think the hot springs are one of the experiences that make La Fortuna special. You don't have to spend the entire day hiking or driving around to enjoy the area. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing in a warm pool with rainforest views is the best activity of all.

It is one of the best places to spot sloths and wildlife

If seeing wildlife is high on your Costa Rica bucket list, La Fortuna is a fantastic place to visit. The surrounding rainforest is home to sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, frogs, colourful birds and plenty of other animals.

Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and knowing where to look makes a big difference. I personally never saw a sloth in La Fortuna and was quite disappointed, but again I tried to do it on my own and learned the hard way that you really need a guide to help you spot them.

We joined organised tours in other parts of Costa Rica and was alsway surprised at how much wildlife our guides saw that we just waked right past. So if seeing a sloth and other animals is important, I honestly don’t recommend trying to see it on your own.

There are fantastic day trips from La Fortuna

Another big advantage of using La Fortuna as a base for a longer time is that you can explore several other beautiful places in northern Costa Rica. Some of my favourite additions to consider are:

Rio Celeste: Famous for its incredible turquoise-blue river and waterfall, Rio Celeste is located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. The colour of the water looks almost unreal, making it one of the most photogenic natural attractions in Costa Rica. It is a longer day trip from La Fortuna, but absolutely worth considering if you have the time. You can drive there on your own or join this guided full day tour.

Bajos del Toro: If you want to explore somewhere a little less visited, Bajos del Toro is a fantastic option. This mountainous region is known for its spectacular waterfalls, lush green landscapes and beautiful nature. There are several waterfalls to discover, including some impressive blue-water cascades. It is a wonderful alternative to the busier attractions around La Fortuna, although you will need a car to explore properly. This was probably my favourite area in Costa Rica, so if you have some extra time I recommend adding a couple of nights here.

Lake Arenal: The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is a great place to spend a more relaxed day. You can enjoy the views, visit small villages, go kayaking or simply drive along the scenic roads around the lake.

Having these options nearby means La Fortuna can be more than just a quick stop to see the volcano and waterfall. You can use it as a base for exploring a much larger part of Costa Rica.

Need mobile data when you land?

I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

There are plenty of great places to stay and eat

Because La Fortuna is such a popular destination, you will have no problem finding somewhere nice to stay or eat.

There are accommodation options for almost every budget, from simple hostels and guesthouses in town to boutique hotels tucked away in the rainforest. If you have a little more money to spend, you can even find hotels with private hot spring pools, outdoor bathtubs and beautiful views of Arenal Volcano.

The restaurant scene is also surprisingly varied. You will find traditional Costa Rican food, international restaurants, cafés, bakeries and plenty of places to grab breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring.

This is something I appreciate about well-established travel destinations. You don't have to spend hours researching where to eat or worry about having very limited accommodation choices. There is plenty of competition, which makes it relatively easy to find something that suits your preferences.

Looking for the perfect place to stay?

Browse the best hotels, guesthouses, and boutique stays here.

Sign up for my newsletter

Every now and again I'll send you my latest travel updates and guides.

Subscribe

Where Should You Stay in La Fortuna?

If you don’t have a rental car and need a convenient base, your best option is La Fortuna town. You'll be close to restaurants, cafés, shops and tour operators. If you’re looking for a more quiet nature escape where you can enjoy some amazing views and soak up in hot springs, the best area to base yourself is west of La Fortuna, along the road towards the Arenal volcano. And if you head south of La Fortuna you’ll be close to La Fortuna waterfall, which is a good choice if you want to be surrounded by nature but still stay relatively close to the centre.

My personal pick would be to stay outside the town centre, especially if you have a rental car. The nature surrounding La Fortuna is absolutely stunning, and I think waking up surrounded by rainforest and volcano views create some of the best mornings in Costa Rica. That said, staying centrally makes life much easier if you don't have your own transport.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but practical stay in La Fortuna.

Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort

This is a beautiful option if you want a resort experience with plenty of space and lovely views. The rooms and villas are spread across the grounds, and the hotel has natural hot spring pools, a spa and several restaurants. It’s perfect for a combination of exploring and relaxing.

Check prices and availability

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

For nature lovers, this is one of the most interesting places to stay in the whole area. Located within the Arenal Volcano National Park area, the lodge has extensive private trails, gardens and impressive views of the volcano and surrounding landscape.

Check prices and availability

Noah's Forest by Tifakara

This is a great option worth considering if you like the idea of staying somewhere surrounded by nature. The property combines comfortable accommodation with tropical gardens and a relaxed atmosphere, and wildlife sightings are part of the appeal.

Check prices and availability

Map of the Best Hotels in La Fortuna

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in La Fortuna to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

The Downsides of Visiting La Fortuna

Of course, La Fortuna isn't perfect. While I think it deserves a place on most Costa Rica itineraries, there are a few disadvantages worth considering before you go.

It is one of the most touristy places in Costa Rica

There is no getting around the fact that La Fortuna is a touristy destination, so if you come looking for hidden gems, this isn’t the place.

It is one of Costa Rica's most famous destinations, and you will notice that almost everything is geared towards visitors. There are tour agencies everywhere, plenty of hotels and restaurants, and some attractions feel more commercialised than you might expect from a destination surrounded by rainforest.

During high season, popular attractions can get busy, particularly La Fortuna Waterfall, the hanging bridges and some of the more famous hot springs.

If you are travelling around Costa Rica hoping to find quiet little villages and places that feel untouched by tourism, La Fortuna might not be what you are looking for.

But I also think it is important to remember that places become popular for a reason. The scenery really is beautiful, there are lots of fantastic activities, and the tourism infrastructure makes exploring the area relatively easy.

Personally, I don't think a destination being popular automatically makes it less worth visiting. You just need to know what to expect.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

You need a car or a decent budget for transport

This is probably the biggest downside, especially for independent travellers and anyone trying to keep their Costa Rica trip affordable.

While La Fortuna town itself is relatively easy to explore on foot, most of the main attractions are spread out across the surrounding countryside. The waterfall, volcano trails, hanging bridges, hot springs and wildlife areas are not within walking distance of the town centre.

If you have your own rental car, this is much less of an issue. You can explore at your own pace, stop wherever you like and combine several attractions in one day.

However, without a car, you will need to rely on organised tours, taxis, shuttles or other transport. These costs can quickly add up, particularly if you are staying for several days and want to visit multiple attractions.

Some tours include transport and entrance fees, which can be convenient, but they are not always cheap. And even attractions that are relatively close to town can become expensive once you factor in getting there and back.

If you are travelling around Costa Rica on a tighter budget, I would seriously consider renting a car for at least part of your stay in La Fortuna.

Many of the main attractions are surprisingly expensive

Another thing to be aware of is that visiting La Fortuna can get expensive, even if you are not booking luxury hotels or expensive adventure tours.

Costa Rica is not the cheapest country in Central America, and La Fortuna is a good example of that. Entrance fees for popular attractions can be surprisingly high, and you may find yourself paying quite a bit just to visit a waterfall, nature reserve or hanging bridge park.

Add a few activities, transport, restaurants and accommodation, and your daily budget can quickly become much higher than expected. We at least spent much more here than any other place we visited in Central America.

Of course, there are ways to save money. You can choose a hotel with its own hot spring pools, explore free viewpoints, enjoy local restaurants and be selective about which attractions you pay to enter.

My advice would be to decide which experiences matter most to you rather than trying to do absolutely everything. There are so many activities in La Fortuna that you could easily spend a small fortune trying to fit them all into one trip. Check out my Guide to Top Things to Do in La Fortuna to figure out which to prioritise.

The weather can be unpredictable

La Fortuna has a tropical climate, which means rain and clouds are part of the experience. Even during the drier months, you can get afternoon showers, and the volcano is frequently hidden behind clouds. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall can make some outdoor activities less enjoyable and occasionally affect trail conditions. We visited in May which is the beginning of the rainy season and we had heavy rainfall every single day. Yes, it was green and beautiful. but it also meant we had to reschedule or plans quite often and I wasn’t able to do all the things I wanted.

This doesn't mean you should avoid visiting during the rainy season. The surrounding rainforest is particularly lush and green, and waterfalls can be even more impressive after rainfall.

However, I would recommend allowing at least a few days in the area rather than trying to squeeze everything into one night. That gives you a little flexibility if the weather doesn't cooperate.

How Many Days Do You Need in La Fortuna?

I would recommend spending at least three days in La Fortuna, although four or five days would be even better if you want to explore the surrounding region.

With three days, you can visit the main waterfall, explore the Arenal Volcano area, enjoy the hot springs and fit in a wildlife walk or another activity.

If you have four or five days, you can take things a little slower and add a day trip to Rio Celeste or spend some time exploring the beautiful Bajos del Toro region.

I personally think La Fortuna is a destination where having an extra day makes a difference. There are so many things to do, and you don't want to spend your entire visit rushing from one paid attraction to another.

Ready to explore La Fortuna?

Find the highest rated tours and experiences here! Compare prices and book your activities in advance to get the most of your trip!

When Is the Best Time to Visit La Fortuna?

La Fortuna can be visited throughout the year, but the weather does vary depending on the season.

The dry season generally runs from December to April, making this a popular time to visit Costa Rica. You have a better chance of enjoying sunny days and clear views of Arenal Volcano, although it is also the busiest time of year.

The rainy season generally runs from May to November, with September and October often being particularly wet. However, the weather in La Fortuna can be unpredictable throughout the year, and rain is never entirely out of the question.

One thing I would keep in mind is that La Fortuna is surrounded by rainforest. Even during the dry season, you should expect some humidity, clouds and occasional showers.

If getting clear volcano views is important to you, try to plan your outdoor activities for the morning. Clouds often build up later in the day, so an early start can make a difference.

Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting on a Budget?

La Fortuna is not the cheapest destination in Costa Rica, but that doesn't mean you need a huge budget to enjoy it.

The main thing is to be selective. You don't need to book every adventure tour or visit every single nature park. Pick a few experiences that really interest you and leave some time for exploring the area at a slower pace.

Having your own car can also make a significant difference, as you won't have to pay for organised transport every time you want to visit an attraction.

Another tip is to look at accommodation with a swimming pool or hot springs. Some of the more expensive resorts have incredible thermal facilities, but you can also find more affordable places where you can relax after a day of exploring without paying for a separate hot spring entrance.

And don't overlook the local restaurants. Eating at traditional Costa Rican sodas rather than international restaurants every day is a great way to keep your food budget under control.

So, Would I Recommend Visiting La Fortuna?

Absolutely! Despite being one of the most touristy and relatively expensive destinations in Costa Rica, I think La Fortuna deserves its popularity. There is simply so much to see and do, and the combination of volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs and wildlife makes it a really special place.

I also love that you can use La Fortuna as a base for exploring other parts of northern Costa Rica. Whether you want to visit Rio Celeste, discover the waterfalls around Bajos del Toro or simply spend a few days enjoying the beautiful surroundings, there is plenty to keep you busy.

However, I wouldn't recommend La Fortuna if your main priority is finding somewhere secluded and untouched by tourism. It is busy, well-developed and very much on the typical Costa Rica travel route.

I would also make sure to budget properly, especially if you don't have your own car. The combination of entrance fees, tours and transport can make this one of the more expensive stops on your Costa Rica itinerary.

But if you enjoy nature, outdoor adventures and having plenty of activities to choose from, I think you will love it here. And honestly, sometimes there is a good reason why everyone visits the same place.

My advice? Don't skip La Fortuna just because it is touristy. Just plan your visit around what you actually want to experience, allow enough time to explore and don't feel like you need to pay for every attraction.

Plan Your Trip to La Fortuna

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan if visiting La Fortuna is for you. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Costa Rica, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

Find more articles about Costa Rica here...

Costa Rica

Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Best Areas & Hotels

Costa Rica

Costa Rica: The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary

Costa Rica

15 Top Things To Do in La Fortuna

Costa Rica

10 Top Things to Do in Monteverde

Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio - 20+ Best Things To Do

Costa Rica

Bajos del Toro - Guide to Costa Rica’s Hidden Gem