La Fortuna is one of the most popular and most visited places in Costa Rica. And we know why. Over the years we have lived in Costa Rica, La Fortuna has been one of our favorite destinations.
It is no wonder La Fortuna is a staple in Costa Rica itineraries, especially if it is your first visit. To capture the essence of this vibrant place, you will want to carve out a well-thought-out La Fortuna itinerary tailored to your interests.
Every trip we make there, we always find some new incredible thing to do in La Fortuna and Arenal.
Whether you are in the mood to kick back and relax, hike through lush forests in search of wildlife and birds, dive into some thrilling adventure activities, or simply gaze up at the majestic Arenal volcano, La Fortuna never disappoints.
Planning ahead is crucial to make the most out of every moment in La Fortuna, particularly when it comes to managing your time well and keeping an eye on your budget, especially during those bustling peak seasons.
Though you could easily fill several days exploring and may still find something to do, we recommend an ideal 3-day La Fortuna itinerary, that ensures you hit all the the highlights of La Fortuna and Arenal.
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Our Top Picks for 3-Day La Fortuna Itinerary
✓ Top Things to Do in the Itinerary – Highlights of La Fortuna
- Volcanic Hot Springs:
- Hiking: Arenal Volcano National Park Hike
- Waterfall: La Fortuna Waterfall
- Hanging Bridges: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Wildlife Watching:
✓ Top Adventure Activities in La Fortuna – Additions for the Adventure Enthusiasts
- Rappelling & Canyoning: Pure Trek’s Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
- White-water Rafting: Balsa River Class II/III White Water Rafting
- Zip-lining: Sky Trek and Sky Tram (Sky Adventures)
✓ Where to Stay in La Fortuna:
- Hotels: Complete Guide to Best Hotels in La Fortuna
- For large families: Book a vacation rental
✓ Best Way to Get Around: Self-drive. Check our Costa Rica Car Rental Deal. ~10% and additional perks.
✓ Packing List Essentials: Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, Microfiber Towel.
How Many Days Do You Need for La Fortuna?
To fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventurous spirit of the place, we recommend allocating at least three to four days in La Fortuna.
The duration that strikes the perfect balance will vary depending on individual preferences and the experience you seek.
However, 3-4 days give a decent window to discover the iconic Arenal Volcano, along with a well-rounded selection of activities without feeling rushed.
Apart from the activities within La Fortuna, the volcano trails, ziplining, waterfalls, hot springs, canyoning, rappelling, rafting, and wildlife, to list a few, you can also venture out for a day trip to Rio Celeste Waterfalls.
La Fortuna 3-Day Itinerary: The Best Highlights
This itinerary is designed to help you experience the highlights of La Fortuna and Arenal over two full days, assuming arrival on the first day. This means you plan for 3 nights of accommodation, before checking out for your next destination on the 4th day.
We cover the most common activities in the itinerary. Adjust the itinerary to fit your interests.
We have also added additional tour options, ranging from adventure tours to coffee/chocolate/food tour options, after the itinerary, to help you pick alternatives.
Related Reading: La Fortuna and Arenal – Things to Do + Destination Guide
Day 1: Sloth Watching Tour, Night Walking Tour
On your first day in La Fortuna, take some time to settle into your accommodation and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. The first thing we always notice, when visiting La Fortuna, is the towering Arenal Volcano.
Since you have traveled, you can do the easier activities on the first day. A sloth-watching tour is a great start to the experience, as watching a sloth is a bucket list for many who travel to Costa Rica.
Sloth and Wildlife Watching
The Sloth Tour or the Bogarin Trail are great options to see the furry animals lazily lounging around their habitat. The trails themselves are comfortable and easy to navigate, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Opting for a guided tour, which typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, can profoundly enhance your experience.
Guides are not only experts in navigating these paths but have a trained eye for spotting sloths and a variety of birds that you might miss on your own. From diverse species of Tanagers and Toucans to Woodpeckers and the vividly colored Red-eyed tree frog, the biodiversity you can encounter is astonishing.
We had done a guided tour as it helped us find the sloths and birds which would have been otherwise difficult. Our local guide had wonderful eyes to spot multiple sloths, birds and colorful frogs, including the iconic Red-eyed tree frog.
The trails are close to La Fortuna town and are part of re-grown farmlands which have become habitats for the animals and various species of birds.
Book your guided Sloth Tour offered in small groups here >>
Related Reading: Wildlife in Costa Rica
Night Walking Tour
The tropical ecosystem of La Fortuna and Arenal is home to several nocturnal wildlife species. As dusk falls, the jungle comes alive with the sounds and sights of these creatures.
We have seen the red-eyed tree frogs multiple times that are often sleeping quietly under the green plantain leaves. But they turn active at night and unleash their orange feet and red eyes, moving about in the dark.
The guide helps point out the animals with flashlights. The frogs, snakes, exotic insects, and other nocturnal species are often camouflaged in the dense foliage.
This adventure provides not just the thrill of spotting these creatures but also an immersive experience in the nocturnal ecosystem. Even without visual encounters with the animals, the essence of being in the night’s ambiance offers a unique and memorable perspective of the natural world.
Book this night walking tour that includes transport and dinner, here >>
Alternative Option: Hot Springs in the Evening
We love spending the evenings in the volcanic hot springs. We relax and recuperate with a cool drink after the day’s adventures. The warm, mineral-rich waters, heated naturally by the volcanic activity below, provide an idyllic setting to unwind.
For those not staying at accommodations with direct access to hot springs, purchasing an evening pass to one of the area’s popular hot spring resorts is a fantastic option.
Our pick is Eco Termales for its beautiful thermal pools, set within a natural rainforest environment, and food/drink options. Remember to book in advance.
Day 2: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges
You can plan the second day to get the highlights of La Fortuna and Arenal on this day. Plan to start early as this day is going to be action-packed.
This can be a long day, hiking on Arenal Volcano lava trails, looking for any wildlife on the way, and climbing stairs (~1000 stairs roundtrip) to the La Fortuna waterfalls and the Hanging Bridges in the rainforests in the afternoon.
Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 Trail
The Arenal Volcano National Park or the Arenal 1968 Trail is the perfect place to see the volcano up close, walk on the lava trails, and experience the Costa Rican rainforests.
In Arenal Volcano National Park, you get to walk on the lava rocks from the 1992 eruption, while Arenal 1968, as the name suggests has the lava rocks from the 1968 eruptions.
You will get panoramic views of the surroundings including the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake from the higher altitude points on either trail. Both places are easy to hike without much elevation gain or steep uphill or downhill. So you can enjoy the forest and the views with opportunities to see animals and birds.
This guided tour takes you through the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, learning about the past eruptions and formation of the lava trails. It includes park tickets, fruits as snacks, and transportation from selected hotels.
You can go ahead and book the tour here.
TIP: We liked the Arenal Volcano National Park for its proximity to the Arenal Volcano, but for the most incredible views of the volcano, our pick is Arenal 1968.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Set in the lush tropical rainforest, La Fortuna Waterfall drops 70 meters and gushes into an emerald pool.
You can choose to spend time on the rocks in front of the pool or watch the falls from the observation deck on an elevated platform.
There is a small beach on the other side where the river flows into the forest and fishes swim in the water held between the rocks.
Although the La Fortuna waterfall has a natural lush green setting, it has all the amenities near the entrance – shower rooms, cafeteria, souvenir shop, and even WiFi. You can get the WiFi signal even near the waterfall.
Be prepared to climb the 500 stairs on the way back, so take it slow and easy. There is an orchid garden near the entrance where you also find hummingbirds and butterflies.
TIP: This will be a good time to have lunch. After the hikes, it may get late. So keep some snacks, in case you are hungry.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
The Hanging Bridges of Arenal provide a unique bird’s eye view of the forest canopy.
Mistico Hanging Bridges is a great option to experience the walk, with 16 bridges and 6 long hanging bridges, the longest being 97 meters and the highest at 55 meters.
As you walk above the rainforests, there are chances of finding wildlife, birds, or monkeys while you hear a river flow below. We had seen howler monkeys and various species of birds near the canopies.
The trails are well-marked and the verdant surroundings with the murmurs of distant rivers and waterfalls, make it a pleasant hike. On a clear day, the Arenal Volcano peeks through the dense rainforests of the park.
Get the Mistico Hanging Bridges tickets online. You can do the hike on your own in the park. But a guided tour is better for animal sightings if you do not have trained eyes.
Book a guided tour in the Mistico Park here >>
TIP: The order of the activities for Hanging Bridges and Arenal Volcano Hike can be interchanged. You can choose to start with the Hanging Bridges and keep the volcano hike in the afternoon.
Related Reading: Hanging Bridges of Monteverde
Do You Need a Guide to Visit These Places in La Fortuna?
No. A guide is NOT necessary. You can do all the tours yourself.
However, a guide has the best knowledge about the wildlife and birds, which are difficult to spot. So if you wish to discover the Costa Rican wildlife in the best way possible, consider a guided tour.
| Activity | Guide Tour Required? |
|---|---|
| Sloth Watching | Yes – highly recommended |
| Night Walk Tour | Yes – guided walks only. |
| Arenal Volcano Lava Trails | Only if you are looking for animal sightings, otherwise not required. The trails are well-marked. |
| La Fortuna Waterfall | No. |
| Mistico Hanging Bridges | Only if you are looking for animal sightings, otherwise not required. The trails are well-marked. |
Book a Combo Tour for the Highlights
The 3 attractions above are located at 3 different places in La Fortuna and Arenal area. If you are not renting a car, navigating all the activities can be complex and daunting, requiring meticulous planning for each aspect of your day to ensure a seamless experience.
💡 BUDGET TIP: If you plan to use a taxi for activities in multiple destinations throughout the day, relying exclusively on taxi services can be more expensive than renting a car.
Another way to experience all the highlights in one day is to book a combo tour of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Hanging Bridges.
The tour starts in the morning with the volcano or the hanging bridges hike. The transportation is included, so it is hassle-free to move around. Also, lunch is included, so you do not need to worry about planning for a meal. But do not forget to pack some snacks.
Book your 3-in-1 Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Hanging Bridges combo tour here >>
Day 3: Trip to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. Nestled within the lush rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, this iconic gem is a sight to behold.
On a clear day, you can see the waterfalls plunging into a celestial pool. This magical color of Rio Celeste is what draws hundreds of tourists to this place.
The Rio Celeste entrance is an hour away from La Fortuna. So you can keep the day for the tour at a relaxed pace.
There are stairs near the Rio Celeste waterfall and a slight uphill and downhill in the later parts where you can see the secondary volcanic activities. However, overall it is not a difficult hike.
You can also swim in the river outside the national park, but not at the waterfall.
If you have a car, you can do the trip in half a day. There is a designated parking outside the entrance, where you can park your car for a fee. It is safe to park in the designated parking.
Otherwise, we recommend a full-day guided tour that takes care of the transportation and includes meals. Apart from watching the Rio Celeste Waterfall, you can go for a swim in the river that has a similar stunning blue color on a clear day.
Book your day trip to Rio Celeste Waterfall here >>
If you wish to visit a waterfall where you can swim in the blue river or the clear turquoise pool beneath the waterfall, consider adding La Leona Waterfall Hike to your Costa Rica itinerary. Use coupon paradise to avail 5% discount when you book directly online.
If You Have an Extra Day/ Alternative Ideas
La Fortuna embodies the spirit of Costa Rica, a place so rich in experiences that time often feels like something slipping through your fingers. If you have additional day(s), or your passions tilt towards other things, a trove of alternative adventures awaits.
The interests of different people in a group can be different, and believe us when we say that we understand. So, here we put them in different buckets, to make it easier to pick.
Rappelling and Canyoning
Costa Rica is filled with beautiful waterfalls and lush rainforests. The activity that mixes the best of both is Rappelling and Canyoning.
With Pure Trek’s expertly guided excursions, you are whisked away to a hidden canyon. Here, amidst the raw beauty of nature, you will embark on a journey featuring five exhilarating rappels and captivating rock climbing experiences, all the while enveloped by the invigorating rush of waterfall currents cascading around you.
A Costa Rican lunch and pick-up/drop are included in the tour.
Book Pure Trek’s Rappelling and Canyoning Adventure Tour here >>
White Water Rafting in the Balsa River
White Water Rafting on the Balsa River offers an exhilarating rush that goes beyond mere excitement. It is a heart-pounding adventure filled with laughter and thrills around every bend.
If you are a novice or beginner, like us, go for the Class II / III rapids. This includes transportation from La Fortuna hotels and a Costa Rican lunch.
For intermediate or advanced rafters seeking a heart-thumping challenge, the Class III and IV rapids of the Balsa River promise a thrilling escapade that tests skill and courage in the swirl of the churning waters. We can only imagine the adrenaline rush in it and hope to do it someday.
Book the Class II / III rapids tour here >> Book the Class III / IV rapids tour here >>Zip-lining
Zip-lining is one of the top activities in Costa Rica. Should Monteverde be missing from your Costa Rica adventure map, you can capture the essence of zip-lining in the equally majestic setting of Arenal, turning a missed opportunity into an unforgettable aerial escapade.
Zip-lining over the rainforests of Arenal with views of the volcano is as exciting as flying over the cloud forest canopy of Monteverde.
The Sky Trek tour is one of the most popular zip-line experiences in Arenal (also in Monteverde), flying over the rainforests for 800 m, with views of the volcano and Arenal Lake.
They also have a gondola ride, named Sky Tram, and the combined tour gives some of the best panoramic views of Arenal.
Book the Sky Zip-line and Aerial Tram tour here >>
Related Reading: Zip-lining in Monteverde
Wildlife Tours
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is home to several animal and bird species, and a boat trip provides chances to see both the terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
If you are up for a little road trip from La Fortuna (it is a bit of a drive – more than an hour), you can jump on a boat tour down the Rio Frio River.
Since you will spend a good chunk of the day on this adventure, it is smart to book a guided tour in advance. Book this guided day tour to make the most of your experience of watching wildlife in a mixed habitat.
Coffee and Chocolate Tour
There is no denying that Costa Rican coffee is one of the best in the world and you will probably end up getting some of it as souvenir.
Also, the history of Cacao and chocolate-making in Costa Rica is fascinating. And we are not done yet! Sugarcane is another top agricultural product of Costa Rica besides coffee, hence the processing of sugar is another important economic activity.
You learn about the processes of all three products from a family-owned farm in La Fortuna. You will not just learn about the processes but also get to savor the taste of each product.
Related Reading: Chocolate experience with Bribri indigenous community in Caribbean Costa Rica
How Can You Fit the Extra/ Alternative Tours in your La Fortuna Itinerary
Longer Intense Tours or Day Tours
The adventure and wildlife tours take a significant part of the day. In that case, you must include that on the third day of the La Fortuna itinerary. Since the activities on day 2, are the highlights, we do not suggest moving those tours.
If you do not wish to drop Rio Celeste from your itinerary, do it on the 4th day. Leave La Fortuna early in the morning, and move to your next destination. Ensure you the possibility of the tour by calculating the expected driving time to the next destination.
Aim to reach the next destination by evening, assuming 2.5/3 hours in Rio Celeste.
Shorter Tours or Half-Day tours
For the smaller tours, like the Coffee and Chocolate tour, you can include those activities on the first day replacing the Sloth tour, or 4th day before leaving for your next destination.
| Day 1 | Sloth Tour, Night Walking Tour or Hot Springs |
| Day 2 | Arenal Volcano Trails + La Fortuna Waterfall + Arenal Hanging Bridges |
| Day 3 | Trip to Rio Celeste |
| Extra Day/ Alternatives | Adventure Tours – Rappelling and Canyoning/ Whitewater Rafting/ Zip-lining Wildlife Tour – Caño Negro |
| Checkout Day | Coffee and chocolate tour – Transfer to next destination. |
How to Get to La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a 3-4 hours drive from San Jose Airport and 2.5 to 3 hours drive from the Liberia Airport. So you can include La Fortuna in any itinerary, independent of your choice of airport of arrival or departure.
Related Readings:
- 10-day Costa Rica Itinerary from Liberia
- 2-week Costa Rica Itinerary from San Jose
- 5-day Costa Rica Itinerary Ideas from Liberia or San Jose
Self-Drive
If you opt for a rental car to explore Costa Rica, you have the convenience of driving from either San Jose or Liberia airports to La Fortuna.
Road conditions are generally favorable but be prepared for winding routes that may be challenging for first-time drivers in Costa Rica.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it is wise to drive during daylight hours, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roads.
Should you arrive at the airport in the evening, consider booking an overnight stay near the airport and start your drive to La Fortuna the next morning. This will help avoid navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark and start your journey well-rested.
✅ Recommended: Adobe Rent A Car, a 100% Costa Rican company with transparent pricing. Reserve here and get 10% discount and other freebies
🚗 Other options: Compare deals on Rentalcars.com by Booking.com
Read this: Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
Hotel Recommendations near Airports:
You can find these chain hotels, near San Jose or Liberia airports. With well-appointed rooms, good service, nice breakfast and free airport shuttle service, they always make a safe choice to spend a night near the airport.
- Near SJO Airport: Hampton By Hilton San Jose Airport Costa Rica | Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
- Near Liberia Airport: Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport | Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport
Rental cars can also be collected at these hotels near the airport.
Shuttles
An alternative to renting a car is utilizing shuttle services. There are both private and shared shuttles from Liberia and San Jose, including the airports, making them a hassle-free option for reaching La Fortuna.
Opting for a shuttle can be a comfortable and stress-free way to travel, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views without the concern of navigating the winding roads yourself.
- San Jose to La Fortuna – ideal for solo or couple travelers: Book this Shared Shuttle
- San Jose to La Fortuna – ideal for larger groups: Book this Private Shuttle
- Liberia to La Fortuna – Book this Private Shuttle
- Monteverde to La Fortuna – Book the van-boat-van transfer from Monteverde to La Fortuna
Monteverde is another top travel destination close to La Fortuna. Read the details on transfer between the destinations here.
Public Transport
Public transport in Costa Rica is NOT spread out as deep and efficient as in the other countries of the zone. We recommend the public bus, only from San Jose, as it is direct.
All other prominent destinations including Liberia, require changing of buses from different bus stations.
It will be easier to find a shuttle or rent a car, without compromising on the time spent in transit.
For details on how best to avail the public transport and also other means of commute, read our detailed guide on how to get to La Fortuna from San Jose.
How to Get around in La Fortuna?
Rental Cars
Public transportation options in and around La Fortuna are limited, which is why, having a rental car is often considered the best choice to get around La Fortuna and the Arenal region. A rental car provides the flexibility to visit attractions at your own pace.
Pick and Drop by Hotels/Tours
If you choose not to have a rental car, the best option is to check with your hotel/resort if they can arrange pick-up and drop-off services.
Additionally, most guided tours in the area include pick-up and drop-off in their packages from the accommodations.
Be aware that NOT ALL accommodations are included in the transportation services offered by tour operators, especially those that are in more remote locations. It is important to confirm if transportation to your hotel is part of your tour to ensure smooth travel arrangements. If not, request this add-on to ensure seamless travel to and from your activities.
If staying in a vacation rental: Not all tours include transportation from vacation rentals – VRBO or Airbnb. A tour provider may provide transport for an extra price. Or, book a taxi to the tour operator’s office.
Taxi
For those staying near La Fortuna without a rental car and preferring not to depend solely on hotel or resort transportation services, local taxi services offer a convenient alternative.
Taxis in the area are familiar with all the popular tourist spots, including hot springs, waterfalls, and the Arenal Volcano National Park, making them a reliable choice for getting around.
We advise you to ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you, as they often have contacts of the drivers.
Additionally, discussing and agreeing on the fare before beginning your journey can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Related Reading: Should You Rent a Car in Costa Rica? + Car Rental Discount
Hotel Recommendations for 3 Days in La Fortuna
The top factors for deciding a hotel/resort in La Fortuna and Arenal area, are proximity to La Fortuna town (it matters if you are NOT renting a car), and availability of onsite hot springs.
Here are some recommendations for your La Fortuna itinerary:
- Los Lagos Spa and Thermal Resort & Experience – Value for money resort with onsite hot springs
- Hotel Lomas del Volcan – Romantic Hotel with private hot tub
- Arenal Observatory Lodge – Volcano views, watch tower on property, trails and wildlife sightings
For more details and ideas about where to stay, read our La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels guide.
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna & Arenal
The best time to visit La Fortuna is the dry season from mid-December to April.
But as we say, Costa Rica, not just La Fortuna, is a year-round destination. In the rainy season, the rainforests of La Fortuna turn lush green, the waterfalls and rivers are full, and the crowd is lesser compared to the high season.
But even during the rainy season, expect a pattern of sunny mornings shifting into afternoon showers.
Now, here is the twist – even the dry season can surprise you with a downpour, sometimes completely blocking the peak of Arenal volcano with clouds and mists. Happened with us many times!
So, the key is to embrace spontaneity. Do not let the weather dampen your spirits or your travel plans. Can you imagine how romantic it is soak in a volcanic hot spring on a rainy night?
Related Reading: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Where Next?
With a well-planned three-day itinerary, you can capture the essence of La Fortuna, from its breathtaking landscapes to its exhilarating adventures and rejuvenating hot springs.
Monteverde is the closest popular destination to La Fortuna. Read our Monteverde destination guide here.
How to reach Monteverde from La Fortuna? These are the ways to do it.
Plan Your Costa Rica Trip:
- Packing List for Costa Rica, with FREE checklist
- Things to Do in Costa Rica – Your Trip Planning Guide
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