Top 14 Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for an Unforgettable Trip!

Key takeaways

• La Fortuna combines adventure, wildlife, and relaxation in one place.
• Don’t miss the hanging bridges, waterfalls, hot springs, and volcano hikes.
• Mistico Park is a must: easy to reach and rich in rainforest views and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica!

With so much to do in one place, it’s easy to see why this town draws travelers from all over the world. Once you’re here, the only hard thing to do is decide what to do first.

Here’s what you won’t want to miss in La Fortuna:

1. Walk the Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park

At Mistico Park, the Arenal hanging bridges offer one of the most scenic (and peaceful) ways to explore the rainforest. You can go at your own pace or join a guided tour that brings the forest to life with stories, facts, and expert wildlife spotting.

Along the 3.2-kilometer loop, expect to see incredible wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful frogs. You’ll move through different layers of the forest (ground level to canopy), making it one of the most immersive and scenic ways to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views or spot wildlife. What makes this experience stand out is how surreal it feels. Imagine walking above the trees, hearing the calls of birds echo through the forest, and seeing the Arenal Volcano peek out in the distance.

If you only do one thing in La Fortuna, make it this.

2. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

This is a must for nature lovers and anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of La Fortuna up close!

Hidden in the rainforest and fed by the Tenorio River, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls in Central America. The falls drop 70 meters (230 feet) into a bright blue pool surrounded by dense vegetation.

To reach the base, you’ll descend about 500 steps along a well-maintained trail. It usually takes around 10-15 minutes to go down, and a bit more on the way back up, depending on your pace. Once there, you can swim in the river just downstream from the waterfall, take photos from the rocks, or simply sit and enjoy nature all around you.

The entire visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and it’s worth every step. The trail itself gives you plenty of photo-worthy views, and the roar of the waterfall grows louder as you get closer.

3. Relax in Natural Hot Springs

One of the best ways to end a day in La Fortuna is by slipping into its mineral-rich hot springs. Thanks to the geothermal activity from Arenal Volcano, the area is home to natural thermal waters that stay warm year-round.

You’ll find a variety of hot spring experiences in La Fortuna area, including luxurious resorts with landscaped pools and more rustic riverside spots in the forest. Some places offer day passes that include access to multiple pools, waterfalls, swim-up bars, or even dinner under the stars.

A few of the most popular spots include Tabacon Hot Springs, The Springs Resort and Spa, Baldi Hot Springs Hotel, Ecotermales, and Paradise.

Plan to spend 2–3 hours here, especially if you go in the evening when the air cools down, and the atmosphere becomes even more peaceful.

4. Hike Around Arenal Volcano

Standing at 1,670 meters, Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of La Fortuna. And hiking its trails gives you a front-row seat to one of Costa Rica’s most impressive landscapes. While direct access to the summit is restricted, the surrounding national park and nearby reserves offer scenic trails, cooled lava fields, and a deeper look into the area’s volcanic history.

Most hikes take between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the trail. Arenal Volcano National Park has well-marked paths that wind through secondary rainforest and lead to lookout points with views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.

For something a little different, the private Arenal 1968 Reserve offers equally dramatic views, plus a small café where you can grab a drink while taking in the scenery. Along the way, you can expect to see toucans, coatis, and exotic plants growing out of lava rock.

5. Go Ziplining Through the Rainforest Canopy

If you want a thrill with a view, ziplining in La Fortuna delivers. Soaring through the rainforest canopy, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the treetops, rivers, and even Arenal Volcano in the distance, all while feeling the rush of wind as you glide from platform to platform.

Most zipline tours include a mix of short and long cables, some stretching over 800 meters, and are guided by experienced instructors who walk you through the gear and safety basics. Some courses also combine ziplining with activities like rappelling or hanging bridge walks, turning it into a half-day adventure.

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours, including gear-up time, transportation, and the full course. This is a high-energy experience that’s surprisingly beginner-friendly and one of the best ways to see the rainforest from a whole new angle. You can check out the Sky Adventure Zipline Experience for one of the most scenic and exciting rides in La Fortuna.

6. Explore a Coffee or Chocolate Tour

La Fortuna is also a place to slow down and enjoy some of Costa Rica’s most beloved traditions. A coffee or chocolate tour takes you behind the scenes of two products that are deeply tied to the country’s culture and economy.

Led by local guides, these tours walk you through the entire process: from bean or cacao pod to final cup or bar. You’ll see how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted, or how cacao is fermented and ground into rich, smooth chocolate. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the plants, the land, and the people who keep these traditions alive.

Most tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours and often include hands-on elements like grinding cacao, trying traditional brewing methods, or tasting freshly made chocolate and coffee.

It’s educational, sensory, and a great way to connect with the region in a more personal way. And who knows, by the end of it, you might just discover your new favorite chocolate flavor. If that sounds like your kind of experience, check out our coffee and chocolate tour in La Fortuna.

7. Try Canyoning or Waterfall Rappelling

If you want an adrenaline rush, these adventures take you off the typical trails and into the jungle, where you’ll rappel down waterfalls, climb along canyon walls, and splash through river pools, all with expert guides leading the way.

You don’t need prior experience to try it. Most tours start with a safety briefing and quick practice session before heading into the canyon. From there, you’ll descend multiple waterfalls, some as high as 50 meters, while surrounded by dense rainforest and the sound of rushing water.

The entire tour might take about 3 to 4 hours, including transport, gearing up, and the time in the canyon. The mix of heart-pounding descents and pure natural beauty makes canyoning one of the most exhilarating things to do in La Fortuna.

8. Take a Wildlife Safari Float

For a quieter kind of adventure, a safari float lets you experience La Fortuna’s wildlife up close, without the adrenaline. These slow-moving river trips are guided by naturalists who help you spot animals in their natural habitat. Be prepared to see sloths, iguanas, caimans, monkeys, and dozens of tropical birds!

Most tours take place on the Peñas Blancas River, known for its calm waters and rich biodiversity. You’ll float downstream in an inflatable raft while your guide points out wildlife and shares insights about the rainforest.

Tours last around 2 to 3 hours and often include round-trip transport, gear, and sometimes a light snack or traditional lunch after the float. Because this activity is peaceful and immersive at the same time, it’s a great choice for travelers of all ages. If that sounds like your kind of day, check out the Wildlife Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River!

9. Enjoy a Night Tour in the Rainforest

If you’re curious about what happens in the jungle after dark, this is your chance to see it!

As the sun sets in La Fortuna, a whole new world wakes up. Night tours give you a chance to experience the jungle after dark when many of the region’s most fascinating creatures become active.

One of the best places to do this is on the night walk at Mistico Park. Guided by trained naturalists with flashlights in hand, you’ll walk through the forest listening to frog calls, spot glowing eyes in the trees, and catch glimpses of nocturnal wildlife like kinkajous, owls, and colorful tree frogs. The tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and is designed to be beginner-friendly.

10. Visit a Local Sloth Sanctuary or Rescue Center

Sloths are a favorite among travelers in Costa Rica, and La Fortuna is one of the best places to see them. While they’re known for being elusive, some spots in the region give you a real chance to observe them without disrupting their natural behavior.

Mistico Park stands out for its sloth-friendly environment. The park’s protected habitat, filled with tall trees and dense canopy, allows sloths to live freely, curled up in branches or slowly moving through the forest. Because the area is carefully maintained and free from heavy development, sloths have everything they need to eat, rest, and roam safely.

You can also visit nearby rescue centers that care for sloths and other native wildlife. These tours often include a look at rehabilitation efforts, along with stories behind some of the animals you’ll meet.

Get to know the sloths of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and see how Mistico Park is working to protect them!

11. Gallop in a horseback riding tour

Horseback riding in La Fortuna offers you a peaceful, scenic way to witness the region’s natural beauty. Many tours are led by local guides who share stories about the land and point out wildlife along the trail.

One of the most popular options in the region is Paco’s Horseback Riding Tour at Mistico Park. The ride lasts about two hours and takes you through forested paths and open clearings, with wide views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal throughout.

The horses are well-trained, and the pace is relaxed, which makes it a great choice for families, couples, or anyone looking to explore La Fortuna from a different perspective.

12. Book a nature tour

La Fortuna is a dream for nature lovers. With its dense rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, guided nature tours are one of the best ways to fully appreciate what the region has to offer.

These tours are led by local naturalists who know where to look and what to listen for. Imagine yourself walking through forest trails at dawn in search of toucans and howler monkeys or slowly scanning the treetops for sloths and tree frogs; every outing is a chance to experience the area’s biodiversity up close.

Most tours last between 2 to 4 hours and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Book one of our nature tours in La Fortuna to experience this in flesh!

13. Enjoy Costa Rican cuisine and culture

In downtown La Fortuna, you’ll find family-run sodas and cozy restaurants serving traditional dishes made with local ingredients. Our recommendation? Try a classic casado with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat, or grab a gallopinto breakfast and fresh juice before a day of exploring.

Many of these spots take pride in using ingredients grown nearby, so the food is fresh, flavorful, and tied to the land around you.

If you want a deeper connection to local life, consider joining a cooking class or cultural tour. These experiences usually last between 1.5 to 3 hours and often include time spent preparing traditional recipes, learning about food customs, and tasting your creations. The Cooking Class Like a Local is a great way to do just that—hands-on, fun, and full of flavor!

14. Visit the Rio Celeste

Located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste is one of those places that doesn’t feel real until you see it. The river’s striking turquoise color comes from a natural chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.

The hike to the river is about 6 kilometers round-trip and usually takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stay at the viewpoints.

Along the way, you’ll walk through jungle trails, hear the calls of howler monkeys, and pass bubbling hot springs and steaming vents. The most popular stop is the Río Celeste Waterfall, where bright blue water crashes down into a pool framed by moss-covered cliffs.

Local tips from our team at Mistico Park:

• Parts of the trail can be steep and muddy, especially after rain, so wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Swimming isn’t allowed inside the park.
• It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from La Fortuna, making it a perfect day trip.
• If you’d rather not worry about the drive or park logistics, you can join a Río Celeste Tour from La Fortuna and let a local guide take care of the details.