Costa Rica (Republic of Costa Rica)

Languages: Spanish

Currencies: CRC · Costa Rican colón (₡)

Capitol: San José

Continents: North America

Borders: Nicaragua, Panama

More useful information

Area: 51,100km2

Population: 5,094,114

Traffic/driving side: right

Landlocked country: No

Independent country: Yes

United Nations member: Yes

IDD Prefix: +506

Timezones: UTC-06:00

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Last updated on August 11, 2023

La Fortuna is a really nice and budget-friendly city. Most of people come here to reach Cerro Chato and active Arenal Volcano – the greatest tourist attraction, which is clearly seen from la Fortuna. Volcano hiking is one of the attractions awaiting us in the La Fortuna. 

Most people would be asking for Arenal Volcano hiking trail. You can hike the volcano or take a guided tour to explore the surrounding area and enjoy stunning views of the volcano’s cone and lava fields. Additionally, you can relax in the nearby natural hot springs.

Clearly unless it doesn’t rain. After we got to la Fortuna locals told us it had been raining for 2 weeks. And it wasn’t a drizzle it was a heavy downpour with low hanging cloud. We saw that cloud and got really upset at first that it might be impossible to see the volcano. On the other day the weather was so clear and sunny that we could even see the top of the smoking crater. Best view of Arenal Volcano is from Observatory Lodge Hotel. You can even see the scars of previous lava flows.

What to do in La Fortuna?

One of the nicest things we did was a day walk toward La Fortuna Waterfall (entrance 15$). On the way you can obviously admire amazing nature, rainforest, wildlife and the view of Arenal Volcano but also lots of small, interesting shops and galleries, where people make incredible wooden sculptures and other types of handicraft (hammocks, masks). 

We entered one of these gift shops, the lady invited us on the backyard of their house to show how her husband is making those things. He also asked us if we want to see the tukans. 

At first we didn’t believe the guy but then he pointed a finger to a stand and stuck some fruits to attract the birds. After few minutes we saw small colorful birds coming. At the end some tukans showed up far in the trees.

Top attractions near La Fortuna.

La Fortuna Waterfall: Located in a lush rainforest, the La Fortuna Waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold. You can hike down a trail to reach the base of the waterfall and even take a refreshing swim in the cool waters.

Arenal Hanging Bridges: Walk through the treetops on a network of suspended bridges that offer spectacular views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano. This is a great way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica’s tropical forests.

Ecotermales Fortuna: Experience the healing powers of natural hot springs at Ecotermales Fortuna. These thermal pools are surrounded by rainforest vegetation, creating a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere. The place is a little crowded as the entrance is free. Lots of local young people come there to enjoy the warm bath among candles and a can of cold bear.

Venado Caves: Explore the underground world of Venado Caves, located just outside of La Fortuna. You’ll navigate through labyrinthine tunnels, encounter stalactites and stalagmites, and even have the chance to see bats and other cave-dwelling creatures.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Another popular option for exploring the treetops is Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. This nature reserve offers a guided tour that takes you across a series of suspension bridges, offering breathtaking views of the forest and wildlife.

Lake Arenal: This expansive freshwater lake is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, or fishing on the lake while enjoying views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center: If you’re interested in wildlife conservation, a visit to Proyecto Asis is a must. This rescue center provides care for injured, orphaned, or confiscated animals and offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife protection.

View on Arenal Volcano

Before coming to Costa Rica you will be told that this is bird lover’s paradise. That’s bullshit. First of all the birds are almost inaccessible during the day, at least not tukans. 

Birds hate heat and spend most of the day deep in the forest in chilly places. In Costa Rica you can enjoy bird watching tours to chase unique species through lens. 

Best hiking trails near La Fortuna.

La Fortuna offers several hiking trails that allow you to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. The most soectacular and popular hiking trails in the area:

Bogarin Trail: Located near downtown La Fortuna, this flat and easy trail is perfect for those looking to explore the jungle and see wildlife without venturing deep into the rainforest or navigating difficult terrain.

Cerro Chato: A challenging hike, Cerro Chato offers the opportunity to hike up an extinct volcanic crater located near the Arenal Volcano. The trail takes you through lush rainforest and leads to a beautiful crater lake at the top. Hiking Cerro Chato green lake crater is an incredible adventure! Read step by step giude on how to hike Cerro Chato without a tour guide.

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: This hike takes you to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall where you can enjoy panoramic views and even take a refreshing swim in the pool below. The trail is well-maintained but involves some steep steps.

Arenal Observatory Trail: Located near the Arenal Volcano Observatory Lodge, this trail offers a chance to hike through secondary rainforest and enjoy views of the volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys and toucans along the way. 

View on Arenal Volcano
Sassari Sardinia

Hey - I'm Eva!

Hiker, adventurous traveler and the author of this blog. My biggest joy is mountaineering and writing reportage travel stories here on this blog, to help you create a unique travel experience. Traveling is freedom, allows you seeing the world truly, meet communities, grow. Taste it!
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