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Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, ranging from lush rainforests to beautiful beaches. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, with La Fortuna hosting over 100,000 visitors a year. Due to its breathtaking beauty and proximity to Arenal Volcano, there are many things to do, from visiting waterfalls to discovering wildlife. Read this guide to find the top things to do in La Fortuna!
When is the best time to visit?
Generally, the dry season from late December to early April is ideal for visiting Costa Rica. The region receives a large amount of rainfall (especially near Arenal) from May to November, with July to October being the wettest.
I recommend booking in May or November if you plan to visit during the rainy season. I did my trip in late May and experienced no rainfall besides one drizzle. Remember that weather forecasts for the area are highly inaccurate and change on a whim. Our forecast showed rain the entire week, but we didn’t experience any! I also recommend booking your activities for the morning since many thunderstorms occur in the afternoon/evening.
Is it safe for solo travelers?
Traveling can be daunting, especially for solo travelers. Costa Rica is relatively safe if you stay aware of your surroundings, don’t walk around areas you don’t know at night, and stick to populated areas. As a female traveler, I felt safe throughout my entire trip and had no issues, but I also stuck to the well-lit tourist areas.
Generally, crime in Costa Rica is limited to petty theft and pickpocketing. I recommend buying useful travel accessories such as an anti-theft bag or a scrunchie with a hidden pocket to store emergency money. You can also use Geosure and these other useful apps for solo travelers to check the safety rating of any city before you go!
How do I get to La Fortuna?
There are a couple of options to get to La Fortuna, whether you are flying into San Jose Airport or Liberia Airport.
Public Bus
It is possible to get to La Fortuna from both airports via public bus. The bus is the cheapest way to travel and is best for those on a budget. If you choose the bus, I recommend flying into San Jose, since there are three direct busses to La Fortuna every morning at 6:15 AM, 8:40 AM, and 11:30 AM.
Tickets are approximately $5 a person and cannot be bought in advance. The journey takes four hours. There is no direct bus from Liberia Airport, and the trip requires at least three transfers, resulting in a seven-hour journey.
Shared Shuttle
A shared shuttle is generally the best of both worlds in cost and comfort. Prices fluctuate around $50 per person, making it a good option for San Jose and Liberia. A shuttle is the best option for those traveling from the Liberia airport, and you can book it in advance.
Private Shuttle
A private shuttle is also a convenient option from both airports but is generally very expensive, costing approximately $200 per trip. However, this may be a great option if you are traveling with a group and can split the cost or have budgeting extra for transportation.
Car Rental
Renting a car from the airport is one of the most convenient travel methods and makes the most sense if you visit multiple destinations in Costa Rica. I used this option since I was road-tripping. If you book in advance, car rentals can be as low as $20-$30 daily. The road out of San Jose can be scary due to steep turns and drop-offs, but driving is generally easy once you get past San Jose.
Tip: I recommend renting a car that is higher off the ground, as you will encounter many gravelly roads in Costa Rica.
Top Ten Things to Do in La Fortuna
1) Go Ziplining
For those who like a little bit of a thrill, ziplining through the rainforest is one of the most fun activities out of La Fortuna. There are a few competing options for this activity.
My favorite is Sky Adventures because it is one of the only ziplining experiences that goes over the canopy, so you can see both the rainforest and gorgeous views of Arenal Volcano, making it feel like you are flying in the sky. The last zip line also goes into the rainforest! The company also prioritizes safety with multiple demonstrations, a practice zip line, and up-to-date equipment.
2) ATV Ride
Zoom through the roads on an ATV for the ultimate adventure! Riding and ATV is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna. I was a little nervous since I had never ridden one before, but the controls were straightforward, and I felt like a pro in no time. Most of the ATV tours take you around the Arenal River and Volcano. Though this is still fun, you’ll already see a lot of the Volcano from your other activities and in general (it’s tough to miss).
Instead, I recommend this ATV tour that takes you to a local natural hot spring you can’t find on maps! It is devoid of tourists and gorgeous. Nobody else was there when I went on my tour, making the experience very special.
3) Hot Springs
Speaking of hot springs, this is one activity that you do not want to miss in La Fortuna! The surrounding area has some of the most beautiful natural hot springs I’ve seen. Two of the most famous include Tabacon and The Springs Resort and Spa.
The Tabacon hot springs are among the most popular, with their luxurious spa treatments and cascading waterfalls drawing locals and tourists alike. Meanwhile, The Springs Resort and Spa has been made famous through celebrity appearances and for being on The Bachelor. It is a high-end paradise and provides a relaxing experience.
4) Sloth Tour
No trip to Costa Rica is complete without seeing wildlife! I recommend taking a sloth tour to examine these adorable animals. To enjoy this experience, avoid more prominent tour companies. They often remove sloths from their natural habitats unethically. Instead, book with an independent local tour guide.
My favorite experience in Costa Rica was this sloth-watching tour with a local guide named Gerald. His wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. With his expertise, we were able to see two different types of sloths (including a mother and baby), red-eyed tree frogs, toucans, monkeys, and more! We also got up close thanks to his telescope, which most other tours do not have.
At the end of the tour, he brings you to his home on the edge of the rainforest. His wife will cook you an authentic Costa Rican meal from the produce grown in their backyard. This meal was the most delicious food I had in Costa Rica. Though he describes it as a snack, it was very filling, and I recommend you come hungry! Out of all the top things to do in La Fortuna, this experience was one of the most authentic.
5) Learn to Cook
Another authentic experience is taking a cooking class with a local family. As we left the sloth tour, another couple arrived to take a cooking class with Gerald’s wife, Priscilla. Though I sadly missed out on this experience, I would 100% book it if I ever return to La Fortuna.
Priscilla’s knowledge of food, local ingredients, and their link to Costa Rican heritage makes this class informative and a wonderful cultural experience. On top of that, her food is divine, and you will enjoy every part of this 4-course meal and local beverages! This cooking class is an especially great activity for couples and foodies.
6) Rainforest Tour
No trip to La Fortuna is complete without walking through the jungle. Sky Adventures offers a great rainforest walk with a local guide, and it can be booked along with your ziplining experience! The trek is approximately 2.5 miles long and takes 1.5 hours as you stop at various spots to learn about the local fauna and wildlife. You also get to walk across hanging bridges, making this a truly unique experience. We saw bats, tarantulas, snakes, and bats on our walk, though no two days are the same!
7) See Wildlife at Night
Consider taking a twilight safari on the water for a more unique look at the wildlife! This experience will take you up close and personal with nocturnal wildlife from a raft on the water. With the help of a powerful flashlight, this is a one-of-a-kind experience. Animal sightings include sloths, howler monkeys, owls, and more as you drift peacefully on the water, listening to the sounds of the jungle. After the tour, you can enjoy local coffee and Costa Rican snacks!
8) Chocolate Tour
Did you know Costa Rica has some of the world’s highest-grade chocolate? This fame is because of their Trinitario and Criollo cacao beans, which produce a complex and unique flavor. These beans comprise only 10% of the world’s market. They are highly sought after worldwide, particularly for fine European chocolate.
This tour includes a guided walk of the farm where you can view the cacao trees, a look into the process of making chocolate, and a delicious sampling of the chocolate! Meanwhile, this tour combines chocolate, coffee, and honey tasting as you learn about the indigenous plants and stingless bees!
9) Thrilling Sports (Rafting, canyoning, climbing)
For those who love adventure, Costa Rica offers a variety of thrilling activities! I did not partake because I am a wimp with these kinds of activities, but it is one of the top things to do in La Fortuna for thrill seekers.
You can go whitewater rafting down the Balsa River or waterfall rappelling down a canyon! Or, if you are looking for a little bit of everything, try the Sky Adventures’ challenge course. This course includes high ropes, canyoning, rappelling, zip lines, Tarzan swing, and more! Keep in mind that this activity is very weather-dependent.
10) La Fortuna Waterfall
Finally, take advantage of the La Fortuna Waterfall! Located just a 10-minute drive from the town, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. You can easily take a taxi or Uber if you don’t have a car.
It is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily and costs approximately $18 for adults and $5 for children. I recommend going as early as possible to enjoy the falls with fewer visitors. Once there, it is only a 15-minute walk to the falls, where you can swim near the base. Before you hop in, ensure the current is not too strong, and don’t venture too close to the falls! There is also a calmer pool area, perfect for those lacking confidence in their swimming abilities (like me!).
Overall, there are so many things to do in La Fortuna, whether you are an adventurer, animal lover, or foodie! As a final tip, book your tours in advance and as early in the day as possible to avoid getting rained out. If it does rain, don’t let it deter you. Many of the activities can still be enjoyable, rain or shine. I also recommend booking any adventurous tours earlier in your trip. This way, you have time to reschedule if there are any cancellations. With these tips and activities, I am sure your time in Costa Rica will be a fantastic experience!
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