A Traveller’s Guide to La Fortuna
Discover where to eat, sleep, and play in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, plus how to get here and more in this complete travel guide.
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La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most charming towns. It may be a staple on the tourist route, but it’s well worth visiting. From volcano views to spectacular sloth trails, La Fortuna has plenty going on. La Fortuna is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica and is a major tourism hub. If you’re wondering where to sleep, eat, and play in this unique town, we’ve got you covered in this La Fortuna travel guide. We’ve compiled everything you need to know, from the best hotels and restaurants in town to transportation and activities in the town and surrounding area. We’ve also included helpful recommendations and useful tips, from what to pack to weather considerations, to help you plan a fun and stress-free trip.
La Fortuna at a glance
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About La Fortuna
La Fortuna is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica. With a reputation for thrilling adventure activities and stunning natural landmarks, La Fortuna
Many travellers use La Fortuna to visit Arenal Volcano National Park and other natural landmarks in the area.
As infrastructure has developed, adventure parks have also become a staple of La Fortuna’s tourism, with the opportunity to experience adrenaline activities like ziplining, rafting, canyoning, rappelling, and kayaking.
La Fortuna wildlife watching activities like birdwatching and sloth walks also provide some of the best opportunities to see native animals in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna history
Once a small town named El Burío, La Fortuna was founded in the mid-1930s by settlers who came around the Alajuela region.
In 1968, Arenal Volcano violently erupted, decimating a nearby town and the surrounding landscape and causing 82 deaths. However, the eruption did not reach the village of La Fortuna.
Its renaming to ‘La Fortuna’, Spanish for ‘The Fortune’, is rumoured to be because it was spared by the eruption but is actually due to the fertile lands that resulted from the eruption.
While the eruption spared the town, it changed the surrounding geological landscape forever, resulting in a rich volcanic landscape with petrified lava flows, natural hot springs, and tall waterfalls. Owing to this unique landscape, La Fortuna has become one of the most popular tourist hubs in the whole of Costa Rica.
Where is La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a charming town nestled in the north of Costa Rica. It’s located in the subdivision of the Alajuela province known as San Carlos and is surrounded by rainforest and volcanic landscapes due to the nearby Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a 2-hour drive north of the capital, San José.
La Fortuna Map
Use the filter function on the left-hand side to see the best activities and attractions in La Fortuna.
Why visit La Fortuna?
There’s a wide variety of fun things to do in La Fortuna, making it a great destination for a variety of travellers. Here are some of the top experiences in the region:
Natural attractions
La Fortuna is renowned for its stunning natural landmarks, from the towering Arenal Volcano to the gushing La Fortuna Waterfall. Volcanic activity in the area has resulted in a variety of hot springs, where visitors can bathe in the warm geothermal waters. The region is also covered in lush rainforest, which is perfect for hiking in and hosts a plethora of native species. Here are some of the best places to explore La Fortuna’s natural attractions:
Wildlife watching
La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Guided tours and self-guided hikes provide unique opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats. With a variety of native animals and diverse habitats, the town is a popular base for a variety of wildlife-related activities, including:
Adventure activities
For adrenaline junkies, La Fortuna offers an exciting range of adventure activities that take advantage of its rugged terrain, rivers, and rainforests. Thrill-seekers can enjoy:
Cultural experiences
Beyond its natural beauty and adventure activities, La Fortuna offers rich cultural experiences that allow visitors to connect with Costa Rican traditions. Some must-try activities include:
Where to stay in La Fortuna
There’s a large variety of accommodations in La Fortuna from budget hostels to luxury hotels so there’s something for every budget. Many hotels in La Fortuna are set in secluded spots in lush rainforests, have on-site hot spring spas, or offer epic views of Arenal Volcano. We’ve shortlisted the best hotels and hostels below.
The best La Fortuna Hotels
While not expensive in comparison to other countries around the world, Costa Rica is one of the pricier countries in Central America. La Fortuna is also one of the most popular (and therefore expensive) areas in Costa Rica. It’s easy to save some money on your trip by booking cheap accommodation like hostels when staying in La Fortuna.
The best La Fortuna hostels
Camping in La Fortuna
Camping in Costa Rica is a popular way to save money and is also an epic experience. Being able to pitch up wherever you want is incredibly freeing and allows you to truly immerse in the best of Costa Rica’s landscapes and wildlife. There’s a more limited selection of free campsites in La Fortuna but we’ve listed the best below.
Where to eat in La Fortuna
There’s a small local farmers market (feria) on Fridays in La Fortuna, where vendors sell delicious food and drinks.
For fruit and veg, we’d recommend Frutas y verduras del campo, a local greengrocer with an amazing selection including avocados as big as your head! You can buy all sorts including mangoes, pineapples, papayas, coconuts, passionfruit, guanabana (soursop), and pitahaya (dragon fruit). This is where we first tried rambutan (pictured below).
The best La Fortuna restaurants
We’d highly recommend budgeting for at least one meal out whilst you’re in La Fortuna as there is a wide selection of tasty food on offer. We have listed a few of our favourite restaurants and eateries below.
Must-try food in La Fortuna
There are loads of delicious foods to choose from in La Fortuna, from budget breakfasts to boujee brunches, there’s bound to be a meal that takes your fancy. Here’s what we’d recommend trying.
How to get to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is easily accessible by car, bus, taxi, and shuttle services. With various transportation options available, you can choose the one that suits your budget and preferences best.
By plane
The best way to get to La Fortuna is from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, the capital city. Most cheap and direct flights will enter the country this way. From San José, it is possible to connect onto a domestic flight to La Fortuna Airport (FOA) with Sansa Airlines, Nature Air, or Interjet. You can then book a shuttle or taxi from La Fortuna Airport.
By shuttle
From San José, you can book a shuttle to La Fortuna from San José. This has the advantages of being affordable and you can connect with fellow travellers on the journey. However, it is slower than driving directly to your accommodation and you may not be in the mood to make friends after a long flight.
By private transfer
If you’d rather travel by yourself, you can book a private transfer from San José to La Fortuna. While this is a more expensive option, your driver will be waiting for you when you get to San José and you can go straight to your accommodation in comfort.
By bus
The cheapest way to get from San José to La Fortuna is to take the 8:40 public bus from Terminal 7-10 in San Carlos. It costs about ₡2500 (~$5 USD) and will get you into La Fortuna at about 13:00. You can’t pre-book so arrive early to secure your ticket.
Public buses from around the country also stop at La Fortuna, so it would be possible to visit if you’re backpacking to other destinations too. You can find more information on Costa Rica buses on Busbud.
By taxi
It is possible to take a taxi from San José to La Fortuna but it’s incredibly expensive. A taxi will set you back about ₡60,000-₡80,000 (about $90-$120 USD). The journey takes between 3 to 4 hours and is one of the more direct ways to get to La Fortuna.
By car
Renting a car in Costa Rica is by far the most flexible way to travel to La Fortuna. There are lots of different car rental companies in and around San José, as well as in a few of the larger towns throughout the country. We hired a Nomad America 4×4 Camper Car Rental and had the best time driving in Costa Rica and following our own itinerary. Here are the directions if you’re driving yourself to La Fortuna:
From San José
San José to La Fortuna is an easy drive on main roads. You can do it in a standard car. Take Highway 1 and Highway 621. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.
How to get to La Fortuna from Monteverde
We’d highly recommend adding the stunning cloud forests of Monteverde to your itinerary. The journey from Monteverde to La Fortuna is scenic but windy and slow going. The road is unpaved in parts and can be dirty, muddy and wet.
If you’re driving, you’ll likely encounter multiple huge potholes so a 4×4 would be preferable, especially in green and wet seasons. It takes about 3 to 4 hours along Highway 621 and Highway 1, and there are some beautiful lookouts to stop at.
If you’re taking public transport, it’s possible to cut time off your journey by crossing Lake Arenal. This saves you the long journey along the north shore. You can simply book a Monteverde to La Fortuna boat transfer and the company will take care of everything for you. We took the boat transfer when going from Monteverde to La Fortuna and it was super smooth. You also get beautiful views of Arenal Volcano on a clear day and the added bonus of a boat ride on Lake Arenal.
If you’d like to go to Monteverde after your stay in La Fortuna, you can simply follow these directions the other way, or book the La Fortuna to Monteverde boat transfer.
How to get around La Fortuna
Getting around La Fortuna, is easy and convenient, with various transportation options available.
On foot
La Fortuna’s town centre is compact and easily walkable. If you have accommodation in town, it’s easy to get to all the major bars, restaurants, and shops on foot. There are even a couple of sloth trails on the outskirts of the town that are walkable. You only need to consider transportation if you want to go further into the Arenal area or explore the stunning natural landscape around the town.
By car
There are a couple of car rental agencies in town, making it easy to rent a car in La Fortuna. If you’ve already rented a car in Costa Rica, this is by far the quickest and easiest way to get around the town if you’re going further than you’d like to walk on foot.
By shuttle
There are several shuttle companies in La Fortuna that will be able to take you to major attractions around the town, including in the Arenal area. EasyHop runs a hop-on-hop-off service that makes it super easy to get to places like Arenal Volcano waterfalls, and hot springs, and is super affordable too.
By bus
While there are public buses in La Fortuna they’re infrequent and don’t really run to the main tourist destinations. You can find them at Terminal de Autobuses La Fortuna.
By taxi
Taxis can be called from any accommodation or found around the main square in the centre of town. They’re a more expensive option but will get you to where you need to go swiftly.
Is there Uber in La Fortuna?
Uber operates in La Fortuna and can be a useful way to get around the town.
When to visit La Fortuna
There’s no bad time to visit La Fortuna but there are a few things to consider when booking your trip, including weather, tourism, and wildlife.
Generally, the best weather occurs between December and April. This period is perfect for outdoor activities.
We visited in May and June. This period is perfect for lush landscapes. You can take advantage of cheaper prices and fewer crowds but it is a gamble with the weather.
July to November are wetter months but see fewer crowds. This period is favoured by budget travellers seeking off-peak deals.
La Fortuna weather
La Fortuna experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The region has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy (wet) season. A third season – the green season – occurs briefly in the transition period between the dry and wet seasons.
La Fortuna is generally humid, with levels averaging around 70–90%, particularly in the green season.
What is the rainiest month in La Fortuna?
The rainiest month in La Fortuna is July, which is the start of the wet season. September and October are also wet months.
How long to spend in La Fortuna
How long to spend in La Fortuna is down to personal preference, but many people choose to stay between 2 and 4 days. It would be possible to spend the entirety of your 1 or 2-week holiday in La Fortuna, but we’d recommend adding a few more destinations to your itinerary and seeing more of the country.
Is 2 days enough in La Fortuna?
Two days are enough to get a flavour of what La Fortuna and Arenal has to offer but, in our opinion, is slightly too short. In two days, you’re not going to have enough time to properly explore Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, hike in nature, spot sloths on the sloth trails, relax in hot springs, visit waterfalls, and sample authentic local foods in the fun bars and restaurants.
How many days is enough in La Fortuna?
Two to three days is enough to see the main sights in La Fortuna but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. Four or five days is ideal to really explore all that La Fortuna has to offer. We’d recommend a minimum of three days in La Fortuna, and four or five if you can stretch to it. If you want to spend longer in La Fortuna, you can enjoy additional leisure activities and spend more time at your accommodation, which makes for a perfect vacation.
Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
Absolutely, La Fortuna is worth visiting! Offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural landmarks, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and rewarding destinations.
With Arenal Volcano right on the doorstep, La Fortuna offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, ziplining, and birdwatching in a variety of reserves and parks.
The luscious landscapes are full of life, and the vibrant local culture makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Is La Fortuna expensive?
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, so prices for food, accommodation, and activities tend to be higher than in less-visited areas. The town may be a popular tourist hub, but it’s easy to experience the highlights of the region on a budget.
La Fortuna costs
Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
Accommodation:
Food & Drinks:
Activities & Tours:
Transportation:
How to Save Money in La Fortuna
While Costa Rica is considered expensive in comparison to its cheaper Central American neighbours, there’s no need to miss out on the fun in La Fortuna. Here are some money-saving tips to help you plan your visit on a budget:
Is La Fortuna safe?
Yes, La Fortuna is considered very safe for travellers. The town is a popular tourist destination and is one of the safest parts of the country. We felt very safe during our visit to La Fortuna and were always met with friendly and welcoming faces.
As with any destination, it is important to keep an eye on your personal belongings and exercise caution especially when travelling around at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in dark, secluded places after dark.
Is it safe to walk around La Fortuna?
La Fortuna town centre is compact and quite safe to walk around. Most of the action happens on a few main streets and you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions that are easily accessible on foot. As always, just use your common sense—avoid wandering too far from the main areas at night.
Is the water safe to drink in La Fortuna?
Yes, the tap water in La Fortuna is generally safe to drink. The town sources its water from nearby springs and has a good water filtration system in place. That being said, if you’re staying in more remote areas or in rustic accommodations, it’s always a good idea to check with the host about the water quality. If you’re unsure or prefer extra caution, don’t forget your reusable filter water bottle.
What to pack for La Fortuna
Try to pack lightweight clothes that you can layer as the weather can change quite quickly in La Fortuna. Here are a few things not ot forget:
Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for spotting wildlife. We use Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Waterproof: Browse UK | Browse US.
Our experience in La Fortuna
We visited La Fortuna at the beginning of our trip to Costa Rica, having crossed the border from Nicaragua and stopped off in Monteverde. Where Monteverde gave us remote cloud forests, monkeys, and ziplining, La Fortuna gave us hanging bridges, hiking, and sloths.
We had the best time in La Fortuna and really enjoyed exploring the town, eating in local restaurants, and taking in views of our Arenal Volcano. Highlights included hiking in La Fortuna and Arenal, exploring lava trails in private reserves, and wandering sloth trails and spotting slots for the first time.
While La Fortuna is more touristy than other parts of Costa Rica that we visited, with hot springs and its famous waterfall, it’s a great introduction to the country and should not be missed off of Costa Rica itinerary.
La Fortuna Travel Tips
to make the most of your trip, it’s helpful to plan ahead and keep a few important travel tips in mind. Here are some key suggestions to help ensure you have a smooth and memorable experience in this Costa Rican gem:
La Fortuna FAQs
To help you plan a stress-free trip, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions about La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Why is La Fortuna so popular?
Yes, and with superb views of the breathtaking Arenal Volcano, as well as a plethora of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why La Fortuna is so popular.
What wildlife can you see in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a birder’s paradise with many colourful species such as toucans, motmots and hummingbirds on the doorstep. There are also many other animals in abundance such as butterflies, iguanas, frogs, snakes, monkeys and sloths.
Can you see sloths in La Fortuna?
Yes! La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wild sloths. Be sure to check out Trails like the Bogarin Trail for the best chance to see these adorable animals.
Where can I see sloths and monkeys in La Fortuna?
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and Arenal Volcano National Park are some of the best places to see both sloths and monkeys in Costa Rica. To maximise your chances, take a guided wildlife tour in La Fortuna and learn all the tips and tricks you need to start spotting wildlife.
Can you see the volcano in La Fortuna?
Yes, you can often see Arenal Volcano from various points around La Fortuna, especially on clear days. The town itself is located near the base of the volcano, offering stunning views from many parts of the area. There are even some hotels in La Fortuna that actually have volcano views! Bear this in mind when choosing your La Fortuna accommodation.
Can you swim in La Fortuna?
There are many popular swimming spots in La Fortuna that are not to be missed. Cool off in La Fortuna waterfall or relax in one of the many natural hot pools. Just be sure to check the safety guidelines and be prepared for the weather to change!
Do you need a car in La Fortuna?
No, you don’t necessarily need to hire a car to get around La Fortuna as many of the town’s attractions are walkable. That being said, hiring a car is a game-changer for travelling Costa Rica in general as you can make your own schedule and you don’t have to rely on public transport or paying out for taxis or shuttles.
How far is La Fortuna from the beach?
La Fortuna is at least 2.5 hours from the beaches on the Pacific Coast. In a car, you could reach Lake Arenal in about 30 minutes which promises stunning views of the water and also the volcano on a clear day.
Which is better: Monteverde or La Fortuna?
Both Monteverde and La Fortuna offer a diverse environment of wildlife and amazing outdoor activities. The cloud forests of Monteverde are perfect for birders as many rare tropical birds make use of their unique climate. La Fortuna on the other hand has unprecedented and unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano and amazing hot springs. Both of these destinates have a lot to offer depending on your personal interests. If you have the time, we’d recommend visiting both!
Read next:
20 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
20 Best Places to See Sloths in La Fortuna
A Complete Guide to Arenal Volcano National Park
The Best Hikes in La Fortuna and Arenal
How to Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Sloth Spotting on the Bogarin Trail
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