Things to Do in La Fortuna
50 curated spots from La Fortuna itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Walk a well-marked loop through dense rainforest over multiple suspension bridges, spotting birds, monkeys, and maybe sloths; choose a morning guided tour for better wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.
3h · $30-40 entry (more with guide)
La Fortuna Waterfall
Descend the staircase to the main falls, swim in the pool if conditions allow, and enjoy the jungle setting from the lower viewing area.
2h 30m · $18-20
Ecotermales Hot Springs
Pre-book an evening slot and take a taxi 10–15 minutes from town; soak in multiple terraced thermal pools tucked into dense foliage and relax to jungle sounds. Lockers, showers, and towel rentals are available.
2h 30m · $46-70 (depending on package, without dinner)
La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata La Fortuna)
Walk down the long staircase through dense greenery to reach the base of the powerful waterfall; swim where it’s calm and let the kids play in the gentler downstream pools.
2h 30m · $18-20 per adult, $5-7 per child
La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
Take a short taxi or tour shuttle from town, descend the steep steps (200+ each way) into a lush canyon, and swim in the cool river below the waterfall; bring water shoes and light clothes.
2h 30m · $20 entrance + transport
Arenal 1968 Trail
Walk scenic lava-trail loops with open volcano views and dense forest edges.
2h 30m · $15-20
Arenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails
In the same general area as Mistico, walk well-marked lava and forest trails with wide, open views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
2h · $20-25 entry (plus transport)
Arenal Mundo Aventura Night Walk
Guided after-dark rainforest walk focused on frogs, insects, and nocturnal animals. Bring closed shoes and be ready for humid, muddy paths.
1h 30m · $35-45 per person
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
Walk through a compact, lush park with naturalistic enclosures and ponds where guides help you see frogs, reptiles, and other wildlife up close in a jungle‑like setting.
2h · $35-45 (with guide)
Arenal Natura Ecological Park Night Walk
Join a guided night walk through a private jungle reserve to spot frogs, reptiles, insects, and possibly sloths and other nocturnal animals; pick-up is typically available from La Fortuna hotels.
2h · $40-60
Arenal Volcano Hike
Take a guided hike on the volcanic slopes and forest trails for viewpoints, geology, and wildlife spotting.
3h · $45-70
Arenal Volcano National Park – Main Sector
Explore easy trails over old lava fields and through secondary forest with viewpoints facing the volcano and Arenal Lake; go slow, take photos, and enjoy the feeling of walking on old lava flows.
2h 30m · $17-20
Arenal Volcano National Park – Short Trails
After the waterfall, head to the national park’s main entrance and walk one of the short lava or viewpoint loops with clear volcano vistas and lava rock fields.
2h · $15-20 per adult, $5-10 per child
Arenal Volcano National Park (Main Sectors)
Walk well-marked trails through secondary forest and across old lava fields with frequent volcano viewpoints; choose easier loops suitable for kids and bring water, hats, and rain gear.
2h 30m · $15-20 entry
Arenal Volcano National Park (Sector Arenal 1968-style Trails)
Spend the afternoon on well-marked trails crossing old lava flows and secondary forest with multiple miradors facing the volcano and Lake Arenal; trails like Arenal 1968’s lava loop are moderately challenging but manageable.
2h 30m · $17-25 (park or private reserve entry; more with guided tour)
Arenal Volcano National Park (Sendero Las Coladas Sector)
Walk easy to moderate trails through secondary forest and old lava flows with clearings that open to wide volcano views; stop at miradores (viewpoints) for photos and quiet time.
2h 30m · $17-20 entry plus taxi
Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 Trails
Spend the afternoon on well-marked trails through former lava fields and secondary forest with periodic miradors facing the perfectly conical volcano. Choose the official national park or the nearby Arenal 1968 reserve; both offer a mix of open lava rock sections and shaded jungle paths.
2h 30m · $17-25 entry + $20-30 taxi or included in combo tour
Baldi Hot Springs (Afternoon & Evening)
Spend the late afternoon soaking in multiple temperature-controlled pools, kid-friendly slides, and lushly landscaped hot springs with volcano views; shower and relax between pools.
3h · $45-60 (day pass, no dinner)
Best of La Fortuna Combo Tour (Volcano, Waterfall & Hanging Bridges)
Join a small-group tour that includes Arenal 1968 or similar volcano trails, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Mistico Hanging Bridges with hotel pickup, guide, and lunch; you’ll hike, swim, and walk canopy bridges in one full day.
8h · $120-150
Bogarin Trail
Stroll a flat loop trail through secondary rainforest known for frequent sloth, bird, and frog sightings; consider a late-morning guided walk for better wildlife spotting and bring a light rain jacket and insect repellent.[1]
2h · $20-35 per person (more with guide)
Bogarín Trail
A gentle, wildlife-focused trail that is often good for sloths, birds, and other jungle creatures. This is your calmer, less crowded nature stop.
2h · $20-25 per person
Bogarin Trail Night Walk
Join a guided night walk on a flat jungle trail known for sloths, frogs, birds, and insects; guides provide flashlights and help you spot wildlife safely. It’s a short taxi or even walk from town depending on where you stay.
2h · $30-45 (guided, with equipment)
Downtown La Fortuna Free Explore
Use a flexible block to browse the central streets, look for clean geometric storefronts, framed volcano views down side streets, and a relaxed café-break rhythm; this is also a good backup if rain arrives. For indoor shelter, focus on coffee shops, small stores, and covered viewpoints rather than long outdoor walks.
2h 30m · Free or $5-10 per person
Eco Termales Hot Springs
Spend the afternoon soaking in lush, smaller-scale thermal pools with a more relaxed atmosphere.
3h · $45-65
Ecocentro Danaus Twilight Visit
Take a taxi 10 minutes from town to this small private reserve with dense vegetation to spot sloths, birds, and frogs at the edge of night (join their guided early-evening walk).
2h · $30-40 including guide
Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Springs
Reserve a late-afternoon/early-evening session at this smaller hot springs complex surrounded by dense foliage and softly lit pools.
3h · $46-70 per person (with or without buffet; skip buffet if unsure about halal)
El Salto La Fortuna (Rope Swing & River Pools)
Head to the local-favorite swimming spot on the La Fortuna River for a refreshing dip; watch or try the rope swing if you’re feeling brave, or just relax on the rocks and enjoy the mini waterfall and jungle backdrop.[1]
1h 30m · Free (small taxi cost if not walking)
El Salto Rope Swing & River Spot (Viewpoint Only)
Visit the riverside area where locals swim and use a rope swing; even if you don’t jump in, you can enjoy the jungle river scenery and take photos from the rocks.
1h · Free
Evening at EcoTermales Hot Springs
Soak in beautifully landscaped, river-style hot spring pools surrounded by dense foliage and soft lighting; there are family-friendly pools and cooler options for kids.
2h 30m · $45-60 per adult, $25-35 per child (entrance only)
Evening Hot Springs (Baldi, EcoTermales, or Similar)
Spend the evening soaking in multiple thermal pools surrounded by lush landscaping, rocks, and jungle plants; move between hotter and cooler pools and relax on loungers between dips.
3h · $40-75 depending on resort and meal optionsRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Soda La Hormiga
Order vegetarian-friendly Costa Rican staples such as gallo pinto, eggs, fried plantains, fresh fruit, or a simple casado sin carne if available early.
1h · $10-15 per person
Organico Fortuna
Casual, leafy café with lots of plants and a relaxed jungle-feel patio. Halal-friendly options include smoothie bowls with fruit and granola, avocado toast without bacon, veggie wraps, salads, and fresh juices; confirm no alcohol or pork in sauces and stick to vegetarian/seafood options.
1h · $10-18 per person
Soda Viquez
Homey local soda with plants and wooden decor; order vegetarian gallo pinto or a veggie casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains, eggs or cheese) and specify no meat or pork for a straightforward halal‑friendly breakfast.
45m · $7-10 per person
Muslim Friendly Food Arenal
Small, simple spot very close to the main park offering halal-friendly breakfasts like gallo pinto (without meat), eggs, fresh fruit, and smoothies; confirm halal preparation and avoid any non-halal meats.
1h · $8-15 per person
Restaurante Tierra Mía
Popular Costa Rican restaurant with lots of wood and greenery in the décor. Go for fish casado, grilled fish platters, or vegetarian casado and pasta; confirm your dish is cooked separately from pork and that no alcohol is used in sauces or marinades.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
My Coffee La Fortuna
Coffee shop and light-meal café with sandwiches, pastries, and desserts; focus on vegetarian sandwiches (e.g., cheese and vegetables) and cakes, verifying there is no gelatin from pork and no alcohol in any desserts.
1h · $8-14 per person
Restaurante Don Rufino
Upscale-casual Costa Rican spot with jungle greenery and wood decor; while they serve alcohol and pork, you can stick to seafood and vegetarian dishes like grilled fish, ceviche, salads, and veggie sides.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Restaurante Nene's
Greenery-filled restaurant on a quiet side street; focus on vegetarian pasta, vegetable rice, salads, and sides like patacones (fried plantains). Clearly tell staff you only eat halal and will choose vegetarian dishes—no meat stock, lard, or alcohol-based sauces.
1h · $12-22 per person
Soda La Parada
Busy, central soda near the main crossroads; choose vegetarian plates, grilled fish, or plain chicken and ask specifically for no alcohol in cooking and no pork products—rice, beans, salads, and fried yucca are safe picks.
1h · $10-18 per person
Soda Mima
Return for a last Costa Rican meal—vegetarian casado, grilled fish, or chicken with clear instructions: no alcohol and no pork or lard.
1h · $10-18 per person
Soda Víquez
Order gallo pinto, eggs, fresh fruit, and black coffee; ask for a simple vegetarian plate if preferred. Halal-friendly options: rice, beans, eggs, fruit, plantains, and vegetable plates with no pork or alcohol-based ingredients.
1h · $8-15 per person
Tierra Mia
Cozy restaurant with lots of greenery; choose vegetarian pasta, veggie fajitas, grilled fish with rice and salad, or vegetarian casado, and clearly ask for no pork, no lard, and no alcohol in sauces.
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
Anch’io Pizzeria
Leafy, romantic pizzeria with garden atmosphere; order vegetarian pizzas (e.g., Margherita, veggie) and salads, requesting no meat, no alcohol-based sauces, and confirming the dough and cheese contain no pork or lard.
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
Cafe Mediterraneo
Italian restaurant with big windows over greenery; skip the meat toppings and choose vegetarian pizzas, pastas, salads, and seafood dishes, all easy to keep alcohol-free on request.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Chifa La Familia
Choose vegetable stir-fries, chicken dishes, or rice plates; confirm no pork, no lard, and no alcohol in sauces or marinades.
1h · $12-25 per personChifa La Familia Feliz
Peruvian‑Chinese fusion with lots of plants and wood; for halal‑friendly options choose seafood stir‑fries (like shrimp dishes), veggie fried rice, and sautéed vegetables, asking staff to avoid pork and alcohol in sauces.
1h · $15-22 per person
Don Rufino
Choose seafood, chicken, or vegetarian dishes; request halal-compatible preparation and avoid pork, wine reductions, and any non-halal meats.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
El Coloso Arenal Restaurante
Simple roadside spot surrounded by greenery and volcano views; order vegetarian casado, rice with vegetables, fresh salads, fries, and natural juices. Confirm your meal is cooked in vegetable oil with no meat stock or lard, and avoid any alcohol-based sauces.
1h · $10-18 per person
Halal-Friendly Picnic from Super Cristian 4
Shop at Super Cristian 4 supermarket in town for bread, cheese, canned tuna, hummus (if available), fresh fruit, biscuits, and juices, verifying labels for pork or alcohol ingredients, then eat back at your hotel or a nearby park.
45m · $6-10 per person
India Curry House La Fortuna
Indian restaurant near the main road; offers clearly labeled vegetarian dishes like chana masala, dal tadka, mixed vegetable curry, and can prepare meals without alcohol and pork—confirm you need halal-friendly, and focus on vegetarian options unless they explicitly confirm halal meat.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person