La Fortuna, Costa Rica Travel Guide
La Fortuna is the small town at the base of Arenal Volcano, about 75 miles (120 km), a 2.5- to 3-hour drive, from San José. It's the launch point for the whole Arenal region: hot springs, hanging bridges, a waterfall hike, whitewater rafting and Lake Arenal are all a short drive from its central park and main street.
Getting there
La Fortuna is about 75 miles (120 km), a drive of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, from San José. There are worthwhile stops along the way, including Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens (see our driving map to Arenal). On a clear day, Arenal Volcano looms over the town as you arrive.
La Fortuna was built as the region's central town after the 1968 eruption buried the nearby villages of Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luis. Today the volcano is dormant, and you can explore it up close in Arenal Volcano National Park without the risk that era carried.
Best time to visit
The dry season runs roughly February to April and gives you the best odds of a clear volcano view; the rainy season runs May to January, with showers more common in the afternoon than the morning. Mornings tend to have the clearest views of the volcano in any season.
Top things to do
- Hike Arenal Volcano National Park with a naturalist guide, through lava fields and rainforest trails.
- Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in the pool below it.
- Cross the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, including Mistico Park.
- Soak in one of Arenal's geothermal hot springs.
- Go whitewater rafting on the Balsa River.
- Ride horseback at the base of the volcano.
- Zip-line through the rainforest canopy.
- Explore the backroads by ATV.
- Spot nocturnal wildlife on a night hike.
- Kayak on Lake Arenal.
See the full list of Arenal things to do.
Where to stay, by area
Downtown La Fortuna: the most convenient base, close to restaurants, cafes and the town's shops and services. See La Fortuna hotels.
The volcano road: hotels outside town toward the national park trade a short drive for volcano views and more resort-style amenities, many with their own hot springs. See volcano view hotels.
Lake Arenal: a quieter base with lake views, windsurfing, fishing and boat tours. See Lake Arenal hotels.
A 3-day La Fortuna itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and hike Arenal Volcano National Park in the afternoon light.
Day 2: Cross the hanging bridges in the morning, then unwind at a hot spring in the afternoon or evening.
Day 3: Hike and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, or swap it for whitewater rafting, horseback riding or an ATV tour depending on what your group enjoys.
Costs & tips
Most La Fortuna tours bundle transportation, a guide and entrance fees into one price, which makes budgeting simple: ask what's included when you book. Hotels on the volcano road or with their own hot springs generally cost more than downtown options in exchange for the view and amenities. La Fortuna itself has banks, grocery stores, pharmacies and gift shops, so you don't need to bring everything with you.
Planning your visit? Our local insiders can help you put together an itinerary around what you want to do.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to La Fortuna from San José?
It's about 75 miles (120 km) from San José, typically a 2.5- to 3-hour drive. Many visitors add a stop at Poás Volcano or La Paz Waterfall Gardens along the way.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
Three days covers the highlights comfortably: a volcano/national park day, a hot springs and hanging bridges day, and a waterfall or water-activities day, though you can easily fill a longer stay.
What is there to do in La Fortuna?
Hike Arenal Volcano National Park, hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, cross the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, soak in geothermal hot springs, go whitewater rafting or horseback riding, and explore Lake Arenal by kayak.
Is La Fortuna the same as Arenal?
Not quite. La Fortuna is the town; 'Arenal' usually refers to the wider region around it: the volcano, the national park and Lake Arenal. Since La Fortuna is the region's entry point, staying 'in Arenal' almost always means staying in or near La Fortuna.
Where should you stay in La Fortuna?
Downtown for walkable restaurants and nightlife, along the volcano road for the best volcano views, or near Lake Arenal for a quieter, lake-focused stay. See La Fortuna hotels.
Is La Fortuna good for families?
Yes. Swimming, horseback riding, hanging bridges and hot springs all suit a range of ages, and most tours are set up to welcome first-timers.