La Fortuna
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Costa Rica
Did you know?
- Río Toro rafting includes class 3–4 rapids.
- Arenal's eruptive activity paused in 2010.
- Local sodas serve plates of rice, beans, salad and meat.
See also
10.30°N 84.82°W · 1,534 m
Overview
La Fortuna is a gateway town for Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica. Hot springs, waterfalls, rafting and hiking shape the area's outdoor appeal.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
La Fortuna, known as 'the fortunate', is a small town in northern Costa Rica that serves as the main gateway to Arenal Volcano. Despite the volcano being inactive since 2010, the area offers hot springs, waterfalls, rafting, and hiking. It's a budget-friendly base for adventure activities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
La Fortuna town is compact and walkable. Public buses serve nearby destinations, and hitch-hiking is possible. Taxis are available for short trips.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit for clear volcano views and outdoor activities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Local sodas offer large plates of rice, beans, salad, meat, and a drink for ₡3,000–4,000. Popular restaurants include Lava Rocks Café (casado de pollo ₡2,950) and Don Rufino (international cuisine US$15–60). La Choza de Laurel and Los Nenes are also good options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See and do
Key attractions include Arenal Volcano tours (from US$10 to $64), Fortuna Waterfall (US$20), hot springs like Tabacon (US$89) and Baldi (US$47) or free Tabaconcito. Adventure activities: canyoneering, whitewater rafting on Río Toro (class 3–4), horseback riding to Monteverde (US$75), and Arenal Butterfly Conservatory (US$12).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Beware of a scam at the 8AM bus to Tilarán: a man shouts 'Parque Ecológico' and lures tourists to a fake park that charges US$15 for a one-hour walk. The real national park is 4 km further. In general, touts are common near the bus station; be cautious and don't believe everything.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
There are two internet cafes on the main street by the park. Destinytours offers photo download and CD burning. WiFi is available at many hotels.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget can be around US$30–50: dorm accommodation from US$9 (La Roca Virgen), local meals for ₡3,000–4,000 (~US$5–7), and using public transport or hitching. Hot springs and tours cost extra.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From La Fortuna you can go to Monteverde via jeep-boat-horse or bus to Tilarán and then to Santa Elena. Other options: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Los Chiles, Ciudad Quesada, and direct bus to San José (~US$6.50).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Arenal Backpackers
Air-conditioned rooms, hot water, restaurant and a really nice pool.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Country Inn
In the foothills of the Arenal volcano, it has 20 rooms with view of the volcano. The rooms have air conditioning, safety deposit boxes, hot water, flat screen cable TV, phone and private terraces. The hotel has swimming pool, beautiful gardens, restaurant service and conference room. Tropical breakfast included in the room rate.
Recorded price: US$100-114
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Kioro
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hotel Resort
Volcano views from all rooms. The hotel includes a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a nice restaurant. Also, free farm tour. Spa service.
Recorded price: From US$135 a night.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano and managed by a local family. Rooms are rustic fancy cabins in the woods. The lodge has its own wildlife refuge where you can walk in flat trails inside the rain forest, visit a butterfly garden, frog ponds and terrariums with local reptiles, insects and poison dart frogs.
Recorded price: US$75 double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Rabfer
Family-run, decent, very modern, tiny but comfortable double room with balcony & bath & breakfast, friendly hosts, good view of volcano from landing, occasional iguanas.
Recorded price: Single US$63, double $75, triple $88, quad $103
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Arenal Volcano Inn
15 rooms. The deluxe rooms feature two queen size beds, mini fridge, a/c, private bathroom with hot water, coffee maker and safety deposit box. Every room has its own private terrace with direct view to the volcano. The hotel has swimming pool, a small spa for body treatments and a very good Italian/international restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chachagua Rain Forest Hotel
One of the most biologically diverse in the entire country, the Chachagua's 50 acres (20 hectares) spread nestles up against the Children's International Rain Forest which has great potential for bird and wildlife viewing. Chachagua is fairly self-sustaining: it grows its own fruit and other produce is grown on the ranch. Overall the hotel provides nature guides, nature tours, walks, breakfast, dinner, and a transfer to or from San José. The best times to visit are November through March.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet cafes on main street. WiFi at hotels.
Food
Sodas offer cheap meals for ₡3,000–4,000.
Money
Local currency is Costa Rican colón (₡). US dollars are widely accepted. Bargaining is not common.
Safety
Beware of bus scam to fake 'Parque Ecológico'. Touts at bus station.
Transport
Town walkable. Buses and taxis available. Hitch-hiking possible.