It is no breaking news that Costa Rica is an expensive country. And La Fortuna, the star holiday destination of this country, offers several attractions and tours that can easily set you back by more than a hundred dollars per day.
But what if you are planning to visit La Fortuna on a budget? Is that even possible?
The good news is that you can create an itinerary filled with budget and free things to do in La Fortuna for 20 USD or less, while still enjoying the region’s main highlights.
So, we are going to share with you all the insider insights of how to experience all these pocket-friendly activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.
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Free Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica – Overview
We have put a summary of the free things to do in La Fortuna.
For details on each activity, continue reading the post.
| Types | Free Activities to do in La Fortuna |
|---|---|
| Free Activities to do in La Fortuna | 💦 Take a thrilling dive into the river at El Salto, The Rope Swing ♨ Rejuvenate at the natural volcanic hot springs – El Choyin, the Free Hot Springs of La Fortuna 🏞️ Relax along the tranquil banks of the Fortuna River 🦜 Look for Birds and Sloths in and around La Fortuna and Arenal |
| Free Things to Explore in La Fortuna | 🏘️ Discover the town center of La Fortuna, including its church, park, and various shops. 🌋 Experience breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano from multiple vantage points in the La Fortuna and Arenal regions. 🚤 Get the panoramic views of the Arenal Lake. |
Budget Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica – Overview
Here a summary of the things to do for 20 USD or less. Continue reading the post for details.
| Activities for 20 USD or less | Cost / Adult Person |
|---|---|
| 💦 Enjoy at the thermal pools of Relax Termalitas Hot Springs | 10 USD |
| 🥾 Hike the Arenal Volcano National Park | 15 USD |
| 🦥 Find Sloths and other wildlife in the Bogarin Trail | 20 USD |
| 💧La Fortuna Waterfall and River Beach | 20 USD |
| 💦 Rio Celeste Waterfall – need to arrange the transport or rent a car | 12 USD |
| Local Experiences for 10 USD or less | Cost/ Adult Person |
|---|---|
| 🧸 Get a souvenir from the art and souvenir shops near downtown La Fortuna | 5 USD+ |
| 🥘 Eat at a Soda Restaurant | 8 – 10 USD |
| 🍦 Try the ice-dream and chocolate desserts at Chocolate Fusion | 3 USD or more |
Other Resources for La Fortuna Travel
🚗 How to Get to La Fortuna:
– La Fortuna from San Jose – Read our guide on all transport options.
– La Fortuna from Monteverde – Book your jeep-boat-jeep transfer here.
– La Fortuna from Liberia – Book your shuttle here or rent a car from Liberia at 10% discount.
🏨 Where to stay in La Fortuna:
Here are some budget stays close to the La Fortuna town:
➡️ Read our La Fortuna hotels guide.
🚖 Getting Around: Take app-based cabs or red taxis. Otherwise renting a car is the best way to explore La Fortuna or Costa Rica in general.
🚗 Rent your car with Adobe Rent A Car and get 10% discount and other freebies →
If you are up for shelling out few more bucks, here are some additional budget activities in La Fortuna, that we recommend –
| Activities for a little more | Cost / Adult Person |
|---|---|
| 🚴🏼♂️ Get a rental bike and explore the area | 25 USD+ |
| 🌁 A Self-Guided Walk at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges | 28 USD + taxes |
| 🐸 Nightwalk at Tifakara lodge, a boutique hotel where we stayed during one of our trips | 34 USD |
| ☕️ Craft Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields, La Fortuna | 43 USD |
FREE Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The free things to do in La Fortuna span a wide variety of activities and attractions, from volcano and hot springs to waterfall and river to birds and animals.
La Fortuna Town Center
📍 Where: Parque de La Fortuna and all blocks surrounding it.
💰 Cost: FREE
The first sight you will encounter in La Fortuna and Arenal is the town center.
True to Costa Rican tradition, La Fortuna’s key landmarks include a church and the adjacent park.
This bustling area is home to various restaurants, bars, cafes, vegetable markets, and souvenir shops, all situated around the park and extending into nearby blocks.
Things to do at the La Fortuna Town Center
🏞️ Spend time relaxing in the park that sits in front of the church at the heart of the town center.
It is a great spot for people-watching, enjoying an ice-cream or a snack, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere.
🌃 The town center is lively in the evening teeming with people. Experience the local nightlife by visiting the town’s restaurants, bars and lounges.
🛍️ Walk around the town center to find souvenirs for home or some local apparels.
Views of Arenal Volcano
📍 Where: From almost anywhere in town! Weather permitting.
💰 Cost: FREE
You can enjoy spectacular views of the iconic Arenal Volcano from various vantage points around the La Fortuna town.
🌋 The perfect shape of the volcano looks spectacular from all sides.
Since, most of the land in and around La Fortuna are flat, the volcano is visible from faraway.
Tips to get the views of the Arenal Volcano:
🏨 If you are staying in a hotel or resort with volcano views, you will wake up to breathtaking sights of the volcano each morning.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located near the foothills of the Arenal Volcano and offers rooms with volcano views.
Book your stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge →🌋 When you visit Lake Arenal or Arenal Volcano National Park, you will encounter the side of the volcano that remains barren from past eruptions.
🌅 Spend time at various vantage points around the town for unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano, especially during sunset.
El Salto – Rope Swing
📍 Where: Here, off the main road, before the bridge
💰 Cost: FREE
El Salto is a popular local swimming hole featuring a fun rope swing. The rope hangs from a tree that hovers over the Fortuna river.
You can hang from it and dive into the river below, which is deep enough around the center.
When we visited El Salto, Indranil was excited to try the rope swing and ended up doing it 4-5 times!
As it is located just outside the town you can take a taxi or walk to the entrance.
Things to know before you visit El Salto or the Rope Swing of La Fortuna
🚶🏽♂️There is no guard or guide around the rope swing, so if you have any doubts about trying it, it is best to skip it.
Instead, enjoy the scenic views and take a refreshing dip in the river along the forest trail. Sunbathe on the rocks or bring snacks to enjoy by the water.
🏊🏽 If the rope swing is not your thing but you are still looking for some fun, head to the lower platform on the right side. It offers a great alternative for some enjoyable water activities.
🌊 Watch the weather and the water level of the river to be safe.
👙 Bring a towel, swimsuit, and water shoes for comfort.
🌅 Visit in the early hours to avoid crowds.
🦹🏻♂️ Keep you belongings safe, as the place is unsupervised.
Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We recommend:
✈️ Heymondo for short trips or long term travel (no deductibles, 24/7 worldwide support for any kind of medical assistance)
💻 SafetyWing for digital nomads (add-on options: adventure sports, electronics theft)
Exclusive for Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo (discount automatically applied, not applicable for US residents)
By the River Fortuna
📍 Where: Up the river, walk few meters from El Salto
💰 Cost: FREE
This tiny hike can be an extension of your trip to El Salto or the Rope Swing.
As you pass by the rope swing and head downhill, you will find a trail that leads to the riverbank.
Small pools formed by large rocks provide the perfect spots to sit and relax on a warm day.
The surrounding forest creates a beautiful ambiance, offering an ideal setting to immerse yourself in nature.
✅ Take a snack, apply some sunscreen and do not forget insect repellent.
El Choyin – Free Hot Springs La Fortuna
📍 Where: Here, off the main road, what seems inside the jungle
💰 Cost: FREE.
Note that, this place is roughly 10 KM (6 miles) away from La Fortuna town center. So, you will need a ride, if you are not renting a car.
El Choyin is the ‘free hot springs‘, that is a few kilometers away from La Fortuna near the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.
The entrance is not marked and concealed behind trees. But you can find it on the left side of the road, around 200 meters after the Tabacon Resort entrance.
Once you enter, you will find a river winding through the lush rainforest. As you step into the water, you will feel the soothing warmth of the natural volcanic hot springs.
We liked the natural setting and how you can find a comfortable spot among the rocks to sit and relax. The warm water gently flows around you, carrying leaves and twigs that occasionally drift by.
Things to know before you visit El Choyin or the Free Hotsprings of La Fortuna
🚘 If you are driving and need to park your car, there is a cost for that. It is not regulated, but designated persons help with the parking.
They can ask for anything between 3000 to 5000 colones for parking for as long as you wish to stay.
⌚️The place can get crowded during the day. You can still find spots upstream, however, if you want lesser people around you, get there in the morning hours.
🕯️ In the evening hours, people carry candles to the hot springs, which creates a different atmosphere.
🎒 As this is another unsupervised place, keep an eye on your belongings.
For these type of places, we carry water-bags, so that it does not matter if we get in the water with the belongings.
🪨 Be careful on the rocks, they can slippery. It is better to wear water-shoes.
Views of Arenal Lake
📍 Where: Near the Arenal Lake Dam
💰 Cost: FREE
Arenal Lake offers spectacular vistas that encapsulate the serene beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscape.
5 ways you can enjoy the views of Arenal Lake, by adding it to other activities or stays:
🚘 Scenic Drives: If you are renting a car, drive along the roads surrounding Arenal Lake for picturesque views of its calm waters with the volcano in the background.
🚗 Rent your car with Adobe Rent A Car and get 10% discount and other freebies →
🥾 Hiking in the National Parks and Reserves: Arenal Volcano National Park or the Arenal 1968 trail have elevated places on their trails which provide panoramic views of the Arenal Lake.
If you visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges, which we recommend, you will get a close look at the Arenal Lake on the way.
🥾 The main trail of the Peninsula sector of the Arenal Volcano National Park takes you to the Arenal Lake
🏡 Stays: Certain hotels or resorts offer views of the Arenal Lake, like the Arenal Observatory Lodge.
🚣🏽 Kayaking: You can go for kayaking in the calm waters of the Arenal Lake. The lush surroundings and the views of the volcano enhance the experience of kayaking.
🚤 Going to Monteverde: If Monteverde is in your itinerary, consider using the jeep-boat-jeep transfer.
This route takes you across the scenic Arenal Lake, making the journey to Monteverde (or vice versa) an exciting adventure rather than just a simple transport option.
➡️ Related Reading: Read about the experience of boat transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde and other options.
Birds and Sloths
📍 Where: Anywhere in La Fortuna and Arenal, where there is vegetation.
💰 Cost: FREE
During all our visits to La Fortuna and Arenal areas, we have always spotted a variety of birds and animals.
And not necessarily paying for any trail or nature reserve.
The biodiversity of the area is such that, you may spot a Toucan or a Sloth or a monkey while walking around your accommodation or in areas with vegetation, even if you are staying close to the La Fortuna downtown.
🏡 Check whether your accommodation have trails which you can explore at no additional cost or take a walk around where there is decent amount of trees.
During one of our visits to La Fortuna, we spotted a Yellow-eared Toucanet in our stay, Tifakara Lodge. The bird is the rarest of the toucan species found in Costa Rica.
🏨 Most resorts in the Arenal area have trails or thick vegetation inside their properties that attract wildlife.
🛣️ If you are staying in La Fortuna, take a walk in the outskirts of the town, the road leading to La Fortuna Waterfall or the Rope Swing, to name a few and you may spot some wildlife.
🚶🏽♀️Go for walks in the early hours when the animals are most active.
Budget Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The activities in Costa Rica cost higher compared to most of the other countries in Latin America.
However, you can find budget activities that can provide some excellent highlights of the area.
Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
📍 Where: Less than 10 minutes drive from La Fortuna town center
💰 Cost: 10 USD per person for general entrance + you can bring your own food and beverages
💰 Relax Termalitas Hot Springs is an excellent budget-friendly option for those not staying at a hot springs resort.
Despite the moderate entrance fee, the amenities provide great value for money. And all of these, just a short drive from the town center.
💦 There are 7 thermal pools, 2 cool water pools and 2 jacuzzis, all set within a lush green environment.
Additionally, there are clean changing rooms and lockers for your convenience. We liked that they allow outside food, in spite of having an onsite restaurant.
Things to know before you visit Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
🎟️ You can buy your entrance tickets at the counter on site, or buy online in advance.
Book entrance tickets to Relax Termalitas Hot Springs →🛝 The largest thermal pool is near the entrance and has a nice slide. If you wish to take your food for a small picnic, get a spot at one of the picnic tables adjacent to the pools.
Hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park
📍 Where: Arenal Volcano National Park Entrance
💰 Cost: 15 USD for foreigner adults and 5 USD for foreigner children
The Arenal Volcano National Park has 2 sectors, the volcano sector and the peninsula sector, that offer incredible views of Arenal Volcano and the Arenal Lake.
The Volcano sector has the Heliconias Trail, Ceibo Trail and the Las Coladas Trail, where each trail has its own highlights.
Heliconias Trail: The trail leads to the Mirador Volcanic Cone viewpoint that provide a panoramic view of the volcano.
Las Coladas Trail: This flat trail takes you to the lava rocks from the 1992 volcanic eruption.
Ceibo Trail: The circular trail with thicker forests, homes a 400 years old Ceibo tree with large human-size roots above the ground.
➡️ Read our Arenal Volcano National Park hiking guide for the details.
The Peninsula sector provides a closer look at the Arenal Lake, as the main trail meets the lake at its end.
There is a watch tower that offer a higher perspective panoramic view of the Arenal Volcano from a distance.
🎟️ Book your entrance tickets to Arenal Volcano National Park on the official SINAC portal →
Finding Sloths while hiking the Bogarin Trail self-guided
📍 Where: 10 minutes walk from the La Fortuna town center
💰 Cost: 20 USD for self-guided walk and 45 USD for a guided tour
Close to the La Fortuna town center, the Bogarin Trail is a peaceful retreat. It provides easy trails and access to Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Trail Overview: The well-maintained flat trails are perfect for exploring the forest and spotting animals and birds. Midway on the trail, there is a pond, where you can find aquatic birds like Boat-billed Heron.
During our visit, we spotted several sloths lounging among the trees.
➡️ Check our post on Bogarin Trail, to plan your visit.
Also, we found several species of birds like Kingfisher, Jacamar, tanagers, to name a few.
🕖 Try for an early morning visit for higher chances of finding animals and birds.
La Fortuna Waterfall
📍 Where: La Fortuna Waterfall Entrance
💰 Cost: USD 20 for adults (foreign) and free for kids under 8 years
La Fortuna Waterfall offers stunning views and a refreshing experience, located just a few kilometers from the town of La Fortuna.
Hiking: The pathway includes a steep descent with around 500 steps. On the way, you will be surrounded by lush rainforest and might spot some wildlife.
➡️ Read our detailed post on visiting La Fortuna Waterfall.
The Waterfall: Plunging about 70 meters (230 feet) into a pool, the waterfall is a breathtaking sight. The mist created by the falling water adds to the atmosphere, whether you are near the river or at the upper viewing deck.
Swimming: Visitors can swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. The cool water offers a respite, especially after the hike down. However, this is not advisable during the wet season.
💦 You can go to the other side, away from the waterfall to take a dip in the river. The water is calmer near the small river beach.
Picnic and Relaxation: There are rocks that form natural seating areas where you can relax, enjoy a snack, or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings.
🏊🏽 Wear comfortable shoes for the hike, and bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
📍 Where: Rio Celeste Waterfall, 1.5 hours drive from La Fortuna.
💰 Cost: Rio Celeste Waterfall Entrance Fee is USD 12 for foreign adults.
Note that, you need a ride or a tour as it is 1.5 hour from La Fortuna, with no option of public transport.
The Rio Celeste Waterfall, along with its pools in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica.
Since the National Park entrance is 1.5 hours drive from La Fortuna, you will need a transport.
If you are driving a car, it is mostly a smooth ride. There is a safe parking area right outside the entrance, where you can park for a reasonable fee.
👨👩👧👦 For a family or a group of people traveling together, renting a car is a more economic way of visiting Rio Celeste independently than booking a tour.
🚗 Rent your car with Adobe Rent A Car and get 10% discount and other freebies →
If you are not renting a car, consider booking a guided tour to visit Rio Celeste.
🚐 This tour includes transport and lunch fora day trip to the Rio Celeste Waterfall →
Hiking: The main hiking trail leads to a series of stairs that take you to the Rio Celeste Waterfall. The stairs are not as steep as those of La Fortuna Waterfall, and all along the way, you can watch the gushing Rio Celeste and the pool.
☀️ On a bright sunny day, you can see the incredible sky blue colors of the Rio Celeste waterfall pool.
The main trail also takes you further into the national park to the Laguna Azul and El Teñidero, where you come across more blue pools.
➡️ Read our detailed post about visiting the Rio Celeste Waterfall and the reasons behind the color of the water.
Little Treats at Chocolate Fusion
📍 Where: Next to Parque de La Fortuna
💰 Cost: ~7 USD for cappuccino + cake/ ice-cream/ chocolate
We like this family-run cafe-cum-chocolate shop next to the park in the town center of La Fortuna.
We have been visiting them for years and have seen them grow from a small corner shop to a larger fancier cafe.
They serve delicious chocolate and chocolate products, ice-cream and local coffee.
This is how we enjoy our time at the Chocolate Fusion:
🍫 Taste different chocolates, truffles, and confections made from local cacao.
🍪 Buy a small selection to enjoy during your stay or as souvenirs for friends and family.
🍦Try their ‘artesanal’ ice-cream, we like the orange-chocolate mixed flavor.
☕️ If you are working remotely, you can use some coffee and cookies and their cozy corner to get some work done.
Typical Costa Rican Lunch at a Soda Restaurant
📍 Where: Costa Rican soda restaurants in and around town
💰 Cost: 8-10 USD for a casado
The Soda restaurants are what a Costa Rican will say “Bueno, Bonito, Barrato” (Good, Nice, Cheap).
La Fortuna has several Soda restaurants spread across the town that offer local food and fusion as well.
Try the ‘Casado‘ dish which typically includes rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or vegetarian option and club it with a beer or ‘batidos‘ (juices).
We liked the food at these restaurants and recommend them for typical dishes –
📌 Restaurant Tiquicia – Located outside the town center. Apart from savoring hearty meals, we also find toucans on trees next to the restaurant.
📌 Soda La Hormiga and Soda Viquez – Both are conveniently located near the La Fortuna bus station. These restaurants serve a variety of local dishes at great prices.
📌 Soda Tita Rosa – A small family run restaurant offering delicious dishes and drinks.
Buy Souvenir
📍 Where: Shops, in and around La Fortuna town center
💰 Cost: Small souvenirs from 5 USD
There are several souvenir and art shops around the park at the La Fortuna downtown. You can visit the souvenir shops and browse the art galleries.
Pick up small fridge magnets or keychains with Costa Rican wildlife, symbols or art, which are widely available at reasonable prices.
Woodwork is common in Costa Rica and you will find wooden utensils – cups, plates, along with other artwork hand-painted with vibrant colors.
Apart from the works of local artisans, you can find the common souvenirs like t-shirts, jackets, cards, and artworks bearing the Costa Rican symbols and catch words like Pura Vida!
How to Get Around in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Before you start planning how to go visit all the free attractions of La Fortuna and indulge in the budget activities, you need to figure out how you can get around in town.
Thankfully, for such a popular destination, there are quite a few options for this.
🚗 Uber is easily available in La Fortuna. We have availed this quite a few times and never faced any issue.
If you have fixed plans, ask for a taxi from your accommodation or book a tour that includes transportation.
The other option, which is also the most convenient option to get to all the places of interest, is to have a vehicle at your disposal.
So, if you are willing to spare some bucks on one thing for your Costa Rica trip, we suggest renting a car.
✅ 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?
Plan Your La Fortuna Trip
Told you, you can make a whole La Fortuna itinerary just with this list of free and budget things to do for less than 20 USD.
However, if you wish to explore more options and need more ideas, check out all these articles related to La Fortuna travel planning.
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Arenal 1968 Trail
- Eco Termales Hot Springs
- Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
- Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Travel Planning Logistics
✨ We use these companies for our own travels, and can recommend them.
🏨 Accommodation:
✅ Booking.com – Our preferred choice for hotel bookings. On continued use, keep unlocking their Genius benefits.
✅ Airbnb – Where we find our “homes” for long term travel as digital nomads.
✅ Hostelworld – Our search for hostels begins here. Check reviews and join chats for that hostel community feel.
🏝️ Tours: Plan and book your tours in advance. We check –
- Viator for large collection of activities
- Get Your Guide for diverse tour choices
➡️ Check our Travel Resources Page for recommendations on local travel companies.
💼 Travel Insurance: Do not forget travel insurance.
- SafetyWing for digital nomads
- Heymondo for short trips or long term travel
Exclusive for Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo (discount automatically applied, not applicable for US residents)
🚘 Rental Cars:
🇨🇷 For Costa Rica, we recommend Adobe Rent A Car – book here to get 10% discount and other freebies.
🌎 For all countries, compare deals and reserve your rental car on Rentalcars.com by Booking.com
🚐 Ground Transportation: Find minivans – shared transfers and private, buses and ferries, on Bookaway.
📶 e-SIM: Stay connected while traveling. Use Airalo e-SIM. Use promo codes (valid till end of the year) –
- NEWTOAIRALO15 to get 15% discount for new users
- AIRALOESIM10 to get 10% discount for existing users
✈️ Flights: We always start our flight searches from these aggregators:
✅ Skyscanner – Put “Everywhere” as your destination and find the best flight deals.
✅ Momondo – Check prices with your luggage inclusion options.
✅ Google Flights – Set price drop alerts for your dates and destination.
🧳 Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
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