3 hour driving from the country’s capital lays La Fortuna. La Fortuna’s claim to fame is undeniably the iconic Arenal Volcano. Though it no longer spews molten lava, Arenal’s grandeur continues to captivate. This region is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking serenity in the midst of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Things to do
Arenal Hiking Trails: Lace up your hiking boots and set off on an adventure to the base of the volcano. Afterward, indulge in a soothing soak in the hot springs.
Canopy Zip-Lining: Soar like a bird above the forest canopy on an zip-lining journey. The vistas of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal from this vantage point are truly breathtaking.
White-Water Rafting: Conquer the raging rapids of nearby rivers for an adrenaline rush like no other.
Tabacon Hot Springs: Indulge in the Tabacon Hot Springs. Surrounded by lush gardens, these natural thermal pools offer serenity and rejuvenation in a tropical paradise. Tip: there is free hot spring just around the corner of Tabacon. It is a stretch to get there, but you will be rewared with some nice hot springs.
For all these things, there are several tour operators with different prices. But generally a tour will set you back for around $100 per person
Things to see
La Fortuna Waterfall: A brief trek through the rainforest reveals the captivating La Fortuna Waterfall. The path is well maintained and the entrance fee is $18.
Arenal Hanging Bridges: Walk over a series of suspended hanging bridges among the treetops of the rainforest. This unique perspective offers glimpses of wildlife and the incredible canopy ecosystem. Costs depend on the operator, but around $90 per person.
Where to eat
As there a lot of western Tourists, there a many restaurants that cater to Western people. However, if you are looking to satisfy your taste buds with Costa Rican flavors, try to eat at local “sodas,” where you can savor traditional dishes such as casado and gallo pinto. Our best recommendation for a soda is Soda Viquez. Trust me you will not be dissapointed!
Where to stay
La Fortuna offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil bungalow, a boutique hotel, or a cozy jungle retreat, Puerto Viejo has something for everyone. Here are the ones we stayed at:
Selina Puerto Viejo. Located in the center of the city lays Selina hostel. It offers private rooms and dorms and sits right next to a river. Selina offers a host of on-site amenities to enhance your stay. Enjoy a dip in the pool, chill out in the communal areas, or unwind in the cozy lounge spaces. The hostel also features a co-working space for digital nomads. Prices range from $15 a night for a dorm to $70 for a private room.
Avocado Treehouse Villa: If you want to spice up your stay, you can sleep in a luxury treehouse. It is located outside of the city, near the edges of the jungle. Here you can enjoy the views, take a bath or listen to the howler monkeys at night. A night costs about $80. Pretty reasonable for such an experience.
How long should you stay?
The ideal length of stay in La Fortuna can vary depending on your interests, travel pace, and the experiences you want to enjoy in the area. However, a general recommendation is to plan for at least 4 to 5 days.
Conclusion
Whether you seek adventure beneath Arenal’s shadow, a tranquil dip in the hot springs, or a taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine, La Fortuna delivers it all.
Our La Fortuna score: 8/10