La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a small city with a very significant history thanks to the nearby Arenal Volcano. Back on July 29, 1968, after hundreds of years of dormancy, Arenal volcano unexpectedly erupted, destroying 3 surrounding towns.
However, one town called El Burio on the eastern side was incredibly lucky and didn’t receive any damage. El Burio, which already felt very lucky due to its fertile farming soil changed its name to La Fortuna (the fortunate), further indicating how lucky they were to escape any harm.
Fast forward 50 years and La Fortuna is now one of the most touristic destinations in Costa Rica with over a million tourists each year. Nearly every single first time visitor puts La Fortuna on the itinerary because this area offers the ultimate rainforest and volcano experience. It’s easily accessible, very tourist friendly and is the perfect destination for every traveler.
Continue below to read our guide to La Fortuna.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica Guide
This post has been updated March 2021.
Click to skip to the section.
Location
Directions
The Town
Weather
What to Bring
Activities
Where to stay
Where to eat
Shopping
Sample Itineraries/Ideas for Visiting
COVID-19 Testing
Location
La Fortuna, Costa Rica Map
La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela province, 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Arenal Volcano National Park and 140 (87 miles) kilometers from San Jose.
How to Get to La Fortuna
By public bus: There is a bus from San Jose to La Fortuna at 6:15 AM, 8:40AM and 11:30 AM from Ave 7-9, calle 12 and takes 4 hours. From Liberia, you need to take the bus to Canas (one every thirty minutes from 8:30 AM to 3PM), then to Tilaran (one every hour from 5AM to 10AM, 11:30AM, 13:00,15:30 and 17:00) and then to Fortuna (one at 7 AM and 12:30PM).
By shuttle: You can book a private shuttle to La Fortuna from San Jose and Liberia for around $200 USD one way. Shared shuttles from San Jose and Liberia to La Fortuna cost around $59 USD per adult one way with Interbus, Ride CR, Easy Ride and Caribe Shuttle.
Air: La Fortuna has its own local airport. Airlines like Sansa flies into this airport. A flight is around 20 minutes from San Jose and costs around $90 USD one way.
Driving: Driving to Fortuna from Liberia and San Jose takes around 3.5 hours one way. You can read about the Guanacaste to Arenal drive and the driving San Jose to Arenal in these posts. If you’re renting a car, make sure to take advantage of our Costa Rica car rental discount.
Boat: If you are coming from Monteverde, you can take the taxi-boat across Lake Arenal. Costs around $40 USD per person.
Adventure transfers: You can also take a rafting trip as an interconnection. Some rafting companies offers the one day white water rafting Pacuare tours where they can pick up in either San Jose or Puerto Viejo and drop off in La Fortuna (get $10 off this tour here). You can also do it as a 1 day tour from La Fortuna.
Video of Driving from Guanacaste to La Fortuna (from Tamarindo/Playas del Coco)
We made a video of us driving from Tamarindo to La Fortuna including places to stop for food, coffee, drinks and bathroom.
If you want to follow our exact route we took in this video, check the map here!
How to Get Around
You can easily walk around La Fortuna since the town is not big. The main bus station is in downtown next to the Mega Super and you buy bus tickets at the Red Lava stand next to it.
However, the best and easiest way to get around the area is by car since the points of interests all spread out. The public bus doesn’t go to any of the places of interests either. Therefore, you will have to taxi everywhere or book tours with transportation. Booking tours with transportation is completely doable if you don’t want to rent a car however.
You can find plenty of red taxis in La Fortuna. If you plan to taxi around, so you have an idea of prices, town center to Fortuna waterfall is at least $15 USD one way and at least $20 USD to the national park.
There is plenty of street parking in the town center but it can be tight on the weekends. Be aware that there aren’t any parking meters or dedicated secure parking lots, it’s all street parking. There is a gas station in downtown.
You can also rent scooters, there are rentals for $30 USD per 24 hours. We saw a sign by the Hotel Regina that had scooters for rent.
Uber is in La Fortuna and you can find Ubers in downtown. We have known people to even book Uber from La Fortuna to San Jose.
What the Town is Like
You can find pretty much everything in town such as restaurants, supermarkets, souvenir stalls, medical clinics, dentists, bars and tour desks. As one of the most touristic towns in Costa Rica, it has all the services and amenities for tourists.
From wherever you are in town, you can get a view of Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna downtown is one of our favorite local parks in Costa Rica because of how picturesque and cute it is. The best spot is in the park where sit surrounded by the gardens, church and volcano. It is truly an impressive sight to see!
Although there are a lot of tourists, you still get a good local vibe in La Fortuna. One interesting fact about this town is that majority of the businesses in Fortuna are owned by local Costa Ricans which is a rare occurrence in the touristic areas of Costa Rica.
This area is busy all year round since it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica but the months of December – April and July and August are extremely busy. We highly recommend to pre-book your hotels and activities for those months. May, June, September, October and November are much more laid back.
Video of the Town
Here is a walking video of downtown (no editing, ambient sound at night).
La Fortuna Weather
The weather experiences typical dry and rainy tropical seasons. During dry season (December to April), the temperature is around mid 80s F (30 C) during the day and cools off at night.
Keep in mind that since it is the rainforest areas, this area is very humid and there is a possibility of some rains during dry season. We visited mid-March, normally the driest and hottest month and it rained for about 30 minutes around 5-6 PM. It was completely dry and super sunny during the day and the rain came all of a sudden! It did stop by around 7 PM though.
During rainy season (May to November), the temperature stays in the high 70s and low 80s F (25-28 C). This area does rain a fair amount in rainy season, receiving about 15 feet (4.5 meters) a year. The typical day in rainy season will be sunny in the morning, off and on rains during the day and rainy at night/evening.
The rainiest months are September and October and it can rain quite a bit in May, June, August, November and December too. July tends to dry up a bit and is not quite as rainy as the other months.
What to Pack
Whether you’re visiting in dry or rainy season, it is ideal to pack clothes that dry fast and are moisture wicking. Also make sure to pack the appropriate items if you plan to do any adventures like ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, etc.
Clothes: You can bring shorts, short sleeve shirts and tank tops. You don’t need long sleeve shirts or sweaters but a light jacket for nights is useful.
Shoes: A pair of flip flops, hiking sandals/shoes and casual shoes will be enough. If you plan on doing activities like ziplining, hiking or white water rafting, make sure to bring the appropriate shoes like closed toed hiking sandals or good hiking shoes.
Mosquito repellent: Always a must in Costa Rica.
If you’re visiting in rainy season, you will also need a waterproof rain jacket and a waterproof backpack or rain cover. Read our guide to packing for rainy season in Costa Rica to be prepared. You can also check our Costa Rica packing list for more tips.
Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Fortuna is an excellent home base to explore the surrounding natural attractions and is known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Here are some of our recommended activities.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of our favorite adventure activity in this area. We went with Pure Trek, rappelling down 4 waterfalls deep in the rain forest. Perfect for adventure seekers! Read about canyoning in Arenal.
Hanging bridges hike
There is a very nice private reserve called Mistico Hanging Bridges near Lake Arenal that has several hanging bridges. The bridges let you get high in the rain forest canopy for beautiful views and better wildlife watching opportunities.
Fortuna waterfall
This emerald green waterfall is only 15 minutes from town and you can swim and lay in the refreshing water. Read our guide to visiting Fortuna waterfall here.
Hot springs
You have to go to at least one hot spring in Arenal. The Tabacon river, which got very hot due to the 1968 eruption supplies water to the many hot spring facilities in the area. Tabacon, the Springs, Baldi, Ecotermales and Paradise are just a few. You can read more about Arenal hot springs.
Bogarin Trail
This easy 2 kilometer (1/2 miles) Bogarin trail is the best place to see sloths in La Fortuna. It’s right in town and used to be a cattle farm until a local decided to grow it back into rainforest. In one hour, we saw 6 sloths! Highly recommended to go with a guide.
Horseback riding
Get gorgeous views of the Arenal Volcano and surrounding mountains on an Arenal horseback riding tour. This is one of our favorite places in Costa Rica to go horseback riding because of the unbeatable views and spirited horses!
Volcano Hike
You can hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park or at the several private reserves nearby such as Arenal 1968 for great views of the lake and volcano.
Read our other top picks for things to do in Fortuna and get our tours discount here!
La Fortuna Hotel Recommendations
If you like to be close to services and amenities or are on a budget, stay in town. If you have a car and want to stay in nature, choose a hotel near the volcano.
Recommended hotels and hostels in town (cheap/budget):
Hotel Las Colinas: Charming family run hotel. Great location, comfortable rooms, okay breakfast.
Selina Fortuna: Popular hostel chain in Costa Rica.
Hotel El Secreto: Cute family run hotel a little outside La Fortuna.
La Choza Inn and Hostel: Cheap hotel with dorms and private rooms. Really good for those on a strict budget. They also offer one free shuttle to and from the hostel and free hot spring. Breakfast included.
Airbnb: You can read about the Arenal Airbnb we stayed at here. One of my favorite Airbnb’s we’ve stayed at in Costa Rica. Perfect for big groups or families.
Some hotels near Arenal volcano (mid to high range/luxury):
Hotel Magic Mountain – Great breakfast, super nice pool area and comfortable/spacious rooms. Mid-range prices.
Arenal Kioro – Luxury hotel with spa, exclusive hot springs and restaurant. Also has one of the best and closest view of the volcano!
Hotel Montana de Fuego: Nice hotel with villas and bungalows, has their own hot springs and hiking trails on the property.
Arenal Observatory Lodge – Only lodge actually in the national park and the closest to the volcano. Huge property with tons of trail, hanging bridges and waterfalls.
Nayara Springs: If you’re on a romantic getaway or looking to splurge, head to the adult only Nayara Springs. Each bungalow has their own private plunge pool! The Nayara Hotel is not adult only and is great for families. They also now have the Nayara Tent Camps for glamping.
Los Lagos Hotel: Spacious rooms, on-site restaurants and their own hot springs. They have a special view point of Arenal Volcano on their property.
Tabacon: One of the nicest hotels in the area and home to the luxurious Tabacon hot springs.
Amor Arenal: A new-ish luxury adults only (13 and up) with a spa, restaurant, gym, gorgeous rooms and a close view of Arenal Volcano. Highly recommended for couples!
The Springs Resort & Spa: Luxury hotel with on-site restaurants, their own outdoor center, two separate hot springs sections and beautiful rooms with a stunning volcano view. Great high end hotel for families and couples alike.
La Fortuna Restaurants
Soda Coloso #2: Cheap local food. Big portions!
Rainforest cafe: Across from Hotel Las Colinas, delicious empanadas, cake and coffee.
Parada de Bus: Yummy and cheap typical eats.
Snappers Marisqueria: Great place for seafood.
Kappa Sushi: Not a bad place for sushi in town.
Don Rufino: Great place for steak and seafood. On the more expensive side.
Lava Lounge: Fun place for craft beer, bar food and night life.
La Casa de la Hormiga soda: Cheap local restaurant behind Arenal Hostel Resort. Good for typical Costa Rican food.
Restaurante Pollos Fortuenos: If you like roasted chicken, this is the place to go!
Soda Viquez: Another decent local restaurant next to Rainforest Cafe.
Spectacolar Cantina: Mexican food and beer
Soda Garra-Pata: Great place for barbecue and steak, a local favorite and one of ours.
Organico Fortuna: Vegetarian and vegan food. Great coffee, smoothies, desserts and fresh breakfasts!
Soda Nene: One of the best places for local food. Awesome ceviche and coconut flan.
Fortuna Pub: Enjoy craft beer with delicious food. Also has plenty of vegetarian options.
Urbano: Cheap but yummy sandwich truck.
Shopping
There are several souvenir stores in town. We like Green Forest Souvenir next to Arenal Hostel Resort, Souvenir Volcanik, Souvenir Quetzal Art and the Galeria Esudio Art. There is also a handmade art shop next to Hotel Las Colinas.
You can get pre-paid SIM cards at the Kolbi office or the Tecnocell store.
Supermarkets
There is a fruit and veggie stand called Sarchisenos and there are several supermarkets called Super Christian #1 and #2. There is also a Mega Super, Maxi Pali and a Super Rovil grocery store all in town.
Each of these supermarkets carry basic items: food, over the counter medicine, snacks, beer, wine and liquor and home and health (read more about grocery shopping in Costa Rica).
Banks
There are plenty of banks with 24 hour ATMs. There is a Bac San Jose and Banco Nacional by the gas station.
Laundry
Two places called Tuanis and Burbajas in downtown La Fortuna.
Sample Itineraries/Ideas for Visiting
We recommend to spend at least 3 nights in La Fortuna so you can have 2 full days to enjoy the area. If you can stay longer, we recommend that too just because there are so many things to do!
Here are some sample itineraries for your full days in La Fortuna. Remember, you can perfectly visit La Fortuna without a car and book tours with roundtrip transportation.
Nature and wildlife lovers
Day 1: Full day of hiking and wildlife! Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall and Arenal Volcano hike. Then hot springs at night. Best done as a tour or you can go on your own if you have a car.
Day 2: Bogarin Sloth trail in the morning and safari float in the afternoon.
Adventure
Day 1: Canyoning in the morning and white water rafting Class 2 & 3 for a full day of adventure. Hot springs at night
Day 2: Stand up paddle board at Lake Arenal in the morning. Afternoon relax/hot springs. Or if you’re up for more adventure, ziplining at Sky Trek.
Family Activities
Day 1: Wildlife safari float in the morning and chocolate tour in the afternoon. Hot springs at night
Day 2: Volunteering at Proyecto Asis wildlife center if the kids love animals. Other ideas are ziplining or canyoning for adventure in the morning.
La Fortuna COVID-19 Testing
Hotels that offer on-site testing (that we know of so far): Amor Arenal, Nayara, The Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal Kioro, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Tabacon.
Must contact the hotel concierge to make appointment and highly recommend to do so before your arrive. The cost of the COVID test is around $150-$200 USD per test.
There is a medical clinic in La Fortuna offering COVID-19 testing: Unimed Urgent Care. Results in 48 hours, phone number is +506 2479 1903. Must make appointment so contact them ahead of time to schedule.
Why We Love Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna has the perfect balance of touristic and local. With reasonably priced sodas, souvenir stores, hotels and hostels, visitors will have everything they need within walking distance.
Yes it is touristic but like we mentioned earlier, majority of the business owners are Costa Ricans. You can see plenty of local families at the park and around town.
This is one of our favorite places in all of Costa Rica and no matter how many times we’ve visited, we always find something new to fall in love with. There is so much to do and see and you get a wonderful experience of the rainforest and volcano.
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