La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Travel Guide

There may be no better place to enjoy some time in nature than La Fortuna. The charming town, tucked away in the northern jungles of Costa Rica and beneath the marvelous Arenal Volcano, is an experience for the senses. Unsurprisingly, this has made it one of the most visited places in the region. “La Fortuna’s spectacular landscapes make it a haven for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike, boasting unique flora and fauna, a variety of lively wildlife, and exciting outdoor adventures,” said Emmanuel Burgio, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Blue Parallel. 

Beyond the exhilarating adventures, in recent years La Fortuna has grown in popularity as a wellness destination. Embodying the pura vida (pure life) spirit the country is known for, its relaxing atmosphere and lush natural surroundings create an ideal setting for nourishing your health.

If you’re ready to embrace the Tico (Costa Rica native) attitude and uncover the secrets to a happier, worry-free way of life, this guide to La Fortuna will point you to the best places to stay, eat, and unwind. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Nayara Tented Camp 

For a luxury stay in the jungle, check out Nayara Tented Camp. T+L readers named it their favorite resort in Central America in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. The cleverly designed glamping experience features a private terrace and plunge pool that’s perfect for unwinding. 

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

With 105 guest rooms and suites surrounded by 900 acres of tropical rain forest, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a tranquil hideaway. In addition to enjoying open-air spa treatments by a volcanic stream, guests can indulge in local flavors at the resort’s many on-site restaurants and bars.

The Springs Resort & Spa

For a combination of relaxation and adventure, stay at The Springs Resort & Spa. The 165-acre property is set on a mountain ridge, providing unobstructed views of the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano and valley below. You won’t be bored here, thanks to multiple natural hot springs, waterfalls, and the resort’s adventure center.

Amor Arenal

You’ll fall in love with La Fortuna at Amor Arenal, a rustic luxury resort that’s perfect for couples. Enjoy the surrounding tropical forest from your private cabin or outside in your own heated whirlpool. Daily yoga, a meditation deck, and jungle trails on the property are some standout amenities.

Nayara Gardens 

Nayara Gardens is a five-star resort with an alfresco spa, several restaurants and bars, and sweeping views of Arenal Volcano. Each charming casita features its own private deck with a plunge pool and outdoor shower. 

Best Things to Do

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall.

With an impressive 230-foot drop, La Fortuna Waterfall is arguably one of the most visited in Costa Rica and shouldn’t be missed. A trek down roughly 530 steps will get you to the waterfall’s base, where you can take a dip in the emerald pools near the powerful cascade. If you want something calmer, check out the nearby riverbank.  

Explore the trails around Arenal Volcano.

La Fortuna has many great trails that can be explored on foot, horseback, or by mountain bike. Burgio told T+L, “Keen hikers will enjoy the 1968 path to the famous Arenal Volcano, a three-mile hike that takes around two hours to complete, with incredible views of the volcano and lava fields.”

Embark on an adventure tour.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Check out Sky Adventures Arenal Park, which has several attractions to choose from, including zip line adventures, hanging bridges, and an aerial tram. Destination experts from TravelLocal told T+L, “The adventure park is a must-visit attraction that will leave you speechless with its views.”

Spot local wildlife on a guided walk.

Costa Rica is home to more than five percent of the world’s biodiversity, making it the ultimate wildlife destination. Guided walks are a popular way to uncover what hides in the lush jungle in the mornings, or you can learn about the nocturnal critters at night. Check out EcoCentro Danaus, a biological reserve known for its tropical birds and frogs. 

Join a coffee and chocolate farm tour.

A farm tour is a delicious way to delve into the rich history of Costa Rica. The cacao bean, where chocolate originates, has been a sacred crop here for generations. In La Fortuna, North Fields is a locally owned plantation offering tours to guide you through its farm-to-table process, complete with tastings of their organic chocolate and coffee.

Best Wellness Experiences

Natural Hot Springs

According to Burgio, “A [trip] to La Fortuna would not be complete without visiting one of the many hot springs in the area, which get their thermal waters directly from the Arenal Volcano.” The mineral-rich waters are great for stress, anxiety, inflammation, and a host of other ailments. The stunning EcoTermales offers several pools in varying temperatures that you’ll want to enjoy the entire day. 

Outdoor Yoga Class

Honor your body with movement while surrounded by nature with an outdoor yoga class. Check out Espacio Intuitivo for a jungle yoga tour—the grounding experience starts with a short hike, followed by a yoga session and meditation practice beside a natural waterfall. 

Spa Treatments 

Kick off your wellness with a restorative full-body massage or cleansing facial. For a luxurious experience, Burgio suggests the spas at Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Gardens. Each property, he says, has an “award-winning spa with treatments incorporating local ingredients like organic coffee, chocolate, and volcanic mud.”

Wellness Retreat Experiences

If you’re looking for a completely transformative experience and a new perspective on life, consider immersing yourself in a full-on wellness retreat. For a tropical reset, check out Essence Arenal, which offers a range of options focused on yoga and detoxing.

Best Restaurants 

Travesía

A casual spot serving elevated dishes, Travesía is best known for its mixed meat platter. The dish includes an assortment of mouthwatering steak, chicken, and shrimp. If you still have room for dessert, try the popular lava cake or croissant bread pudding—or both. 

Soda Víquez 

When in Costa Rica, you should visit a soda, a small cafe serving traditional Tico cuisine. Soda Víquez is one of the best—if not the best—in La Fortuna. Be sure to order the casado, a staple in the local diet. The well-balanced dish is served with beef, chicken, or fish plus sides of rice, beans, plantains, and veggies. 

Don Rufino 

If you want an upscale experience, make a reservation at Don Rufino. Since 2004, the restaurant has earned an outstanding reputation in La Fortuna for serving various cuisines with a Costa Rican flair. The ceviche and roast chicken wrapped in banana leaves are crowd favorites here.

Organica Fortuna 

For a health-conscious meal, check out Organico Fortuna. As its name suggests, the charming cafe only uses organic and locally grown ingredients in its sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Vegans, vegetarians, or those who need gluten-free options will have no trouble finding something here. 

Pollo Fortuneño

Centrally located in the heart of La Fortuna, Pollo Fortuneño is a fun, open-air eatery serving modern Latin American cuisine. It has an extensive menu, and the colorful dishes are a gastronomic experience. Try the rotisserie chicken or the chifrijo, a traditional dish that combines rice, beans, chicharrón (pork belly), and chimichurri sauce.

Best Time to Visit 

La Fortuna is a warm destination year-round. It has two seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. However, this is a tropical climate, so unexpected rain showers are possible any time of year.

While you’ll want to visit in the dry season for the best chance of sun and blue skies, these months also come with higher crowds. If you’d prefer peace and quiet, the shoulder season months of May and November may be a better option. 

How to Get There 

There are two international airports you can fly into: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Both are about the same distance from La Fortuna and accessible by rental car, private transfer, shared shuttle, or public bus. SJO is the biggest of the two, with more airline options, while LIR is typically less crowded and has shorter customs lines. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from each airport, but is very scenic.

How to Get Around 

The attractions in La Fortuna are spread out, which makes having a rental car the most convenient way to get around. If you didn’t reserve one at the airport, renting a car in town is possible. You can also use Uber or red taxis; both are easy to find around town, but the former is usually cheaper. In addition, many tour operators offer shuttle services to and from hotels, so you should have no trouble getting to any excursions.