La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall is a 246-foot (76-meter) waterfall just outside town, reached by a hike of about 500 steps down into the canyon. Entrance is $18, with proceeds reinvested in local conservation. Once down, you can swim in the pool at its base.
Tickets & entrance fee
Entrance is $18 per person, collected by the local non-profit association that manages the waterfall and reinvests the proceeds into conservation. Guided tours (below) include the entrance fee in their price.
Getting there
La Fortuna Waterfall is a short drive from downtown La Fortuna: see the La Fortuna map for its exact location. You can drive or taxi to the entrance, hike or take a guided tour with transportation included, or ride in most of the way on horseback (see below).
The hike
From the entrance, a paved trail leads to a staircase of about 500 steps down into the canyon: roughly 15 to 20 minutes down, longer coming back up. The trail passes through pasture and rainforest, with a chance to spot toucans, monkeys and other wildlife along the way.
Swimming & safety
Those with a swimsuit and a sense of adventure can swim in the cool water at the base of the falls; others enjoy a picnic on the rocky shoreline or take photos. The current near the base of the falls can be strong, so stay within the marked swimming area.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking shoes for the stairs, a swimsuit, a water bottle and sunblock. Pack a change of clothes if you plan to swim.
Best time to visit
Mornings tend to be quieter and cooler for the hike down. The falls run year-round, though the rainy season (roughly May to January) can make the steps slick; sturdy shoes help either way.
Guided vs. self-guided
Going on your own gives you flexibility on timing. A guided naturalist tour adds context on the surrounding rainforest and helps spot wildlife you might otherwise miss: see our guided tour below.
Guided tour
Our naturalist-guided visit to La Fortuna Waterfall runs about 4 hours, with departures at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and includes the guide and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a water bottle and sunblock.
Tours that include La Fortuna Waterfall
- La Fortuna Waterfall Horseback Ride: ride in through the Maleku reserve, then walk down to swim.
- Arenal 2-in-1 Tours: combine the waterfall with chocolate, hanging bridges or a volcano hike.
- Arenal 3-in-1 Combo Tours: the waterfall plus two more activities in one day.
- Arenal 4-in-1 Combo Tour: a full day that includes the waterfall.
- ATV Adventures: one of the ATV routes passes the waterfall.
- Cooking Class: the kitchen sits close enough to enjoy the view.
Other waterfalls near La Fortuna
- Waterfall Rappelling & Rafting Combo
- Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Hike, with its blue-tinted river and waterfall.
This attraction is about 3 hours from the SJO Costa Rica international airport.
Video: La Fortuna Waterfall
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entrance fee for La Fortuna Waterfall?
$18, administered by the local non-profit that manages the waterfall, with proceeds reinvested in conservation.
How tall is La Fortuna Waterfall?
246 feet (76 meters).
How many steps down is La Fortuna Waterfall?
About 500 steps down into the canyon from the entrance.
Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, in the pool at its base: the water is chilly, so many visitors bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.
How long does the hike take?
Budget around 15 to 20 minutes to walk down the stairs, plus time to swim and enjoy the falls, and longer to climb back up.
Can you visit on horseback?
Yes, see our horseback ride to La Fortuna Waterfall, which rides most of the way in before a short walk down to the water.
Should you go with a guide or on your own?
Either works. A guided tour adds a naturalist's context on the rainforest and wildlife along the trail; going on your own gives you more flexibility on timing.
How far is La Fortuna Waterfall from the SJO airport?
About 3 hours by road from San José's international airport.