The wind caressed my hair and the water droplets in the air patted my cheeks as I listened to the roaring stream of water gushing into the turquoise pool. Dancing to its own rhythm, La Fortuna waterfall flowed in full glory.
For its unique geographic positioning near an active volcano and for the diverse set of activities on offer in the region, ranging from relaxing to adventurous, La Fortuna is the most popular travel destination of Costa Rica. The gorgeous Catarata La Fortuna is one of the many attractions of town, but one that can go on your Costa Rica waterfalls bucket list.
In this post, we share the complete guide to visiting La Fortuna waterfall on your own.
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Quick Resources for La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
💦 Guided or Self-Guided Hike? Self-guided hike is fine. Hike down ~500 steps to the waterfall and climb those ~500 steps.
🩱Can You Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall? Yes. Subject to weather conditions. See details.
✅ How to Buy Ticket? Choose from any of these four options:
- At the counter on site
- On the official website (choose specific entry slot)
- Skip-the-line admission ticket on Viator (visit any time during opening hours, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)
- Book this guided combo tour with transportation and lunch (if NOT renting a car)
🚗 Best Way to Get Around in La Fortuna: Rent a car. Check out our Costa Rica Car Rental Deal.
Related Readings:
- 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary from Liberia Airport
- 2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary from SJO Airport
- 5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary Ideas
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
La Fortuna waterfall hike is an enjoyable one that offers a good mix of a light workout and pleasant scenery.
Viewing Platform
Before the start of the trail, there is a viewing platform. Standing here, you can get a glimpse of La Fortuna waterfall from a distance. Tucked in the lush rainforest, the waterfall looks like a white lace swaying down the green slopes.
From this point, the waterfall seems far away, but the trail will lead you to this beauty in almost no time.
Hiking Trail: ~500 Steps
The hiking path to Catarata La Fortuna is a well-laid trail consisting of about 500 concrete steps leading to the base of the waterfall.
Due to the good condition of the trail, the descent is not tiring. But if you need to rest during the hike, there are seating areas at couple of places. We also found a drinking water tap at one spot, in case you need to refill your bottle.
The best part is, almost throughout the hike, you continue to get views of the waterfall from different perspectives, peeping through the rainforest.
To add to the experience, you have the buzzing insects, the chirping birds and the gushing waterfall as your sound effect in the background. So, because of these incredible sights and sounds of the surroundings, the hike down 500 steps feels like a breeze.
For us, it took about 15 minutes from the start of the trail to reach the waterfall. The climb up would have taken a few minutes more.
For the return trip, you do need to climb all those 500 stairs! May not be as much fun, but it is not too difficult either. And when you have the sloth encouraging you with motivating quotes, the climb feels even easier.
Looking for an adventurous and fun waterfall hike? Go for Catarata La Leona.
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Observation Deck
Near the base of the waterfall, you can climb another few stairs to get to an elevated viewing platform. It is a nice spot to hang out before or after you have spent some time at the waterfall.
La Fortuna Waterfall
At the end of the 500-steps hike down, you are rewarded with the close-up views of the gorgeous La Fortuna waterfall.
The 230 feet / 70 meter high waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool with such an incredible force that it forms a white rim at the surface of the water. The water erosion on the surrounding rocky walls add more texture to the site of the waterfall.
Piles of rocks of various shapes and sizes are collected along the periphery of the pool. You can sit on one of the rocks, enjoy the views and feel the water sprinkles on your face.
When in La Fortuna, do not miss visiting the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Can You Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
You can swim in the natural pool of La Fortuna waterfall, but only near the rocks in the front area. Due to the force of the waterfall, it is recommended not to go near it. Be prepared to swim in cold water though.
For a more relaxing swim in calmer waters, you can head to the nearby natural pool of the river.
If the area experienced heavy rainfall prior to or at the time of your visit, swimming at the waterfall pool may remain prohibited.
As you arrive near the waterfall, you will find a guard who will explain to you the dos and don’ts for spending time and swimming at the waterfall.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Orchid Garden
Catarata La Fortuna is not just about the waterfall hike. Near the entrance area and next to the main trail, you will also find an orchid trail and a garden. During one of our visits, apart from the orchids, we had also spotted some hummingbirds and beautiful butterflies.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Visit Hours + How to Buy Tickets
You can visit La Fortuna waterfall any day of the week between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. However, the latest recommended entry time is 4:00 pm, so that you get adequate time for exploring the trail and the waterfall.
Upon getting the entrance ticket, you get a wristband which allows you exit and re-entry during the opening hours.
You can purchase your La Fortuna waterfall tickets online from their official website, as well as at the counter.
If you book the entry tickets online from the website, you need to choose an entry slot. The available options are 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm.
However, if you buy this La Fortuna waterfall skip-the-line entry ticket on Viator (same price), you can visit the waterfall any time during the day during the opening hours. This option also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
If you are not planning to rent a car, and wish to make the most of your day by visiting multiple attractions, we recommend you to book a tour. Check this highly rated guided tour that takes you to three star attractions of La Fortuna and Arenal area: La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park and Natural Hot Springs.
It is an activities-packed day that starts before 8:00 in the morning. The tour cost includes transportation including hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and cocktails, beverages, all entrance fees and the services of a local bilingual (English & Spanish) guide.
La Fortuna Waterfall Entrance Fees
La Fortuna Waterfall entry fee for foreigners is 20 USD per person, and children below 8 years get free entry.
The entry fees for Costa Rican citizens and residents are as follows, varying by age:
- 8 years and below: Free
- 9 to 18 years: 5 USD
- 19 to 64 years: 10 USD
- 65 years and above: 5 USD
Facilities at La Fortuna Waterfall
Catarata La Fortuna is an established tourist spot with a lot of organized facilities that allow the visitor to enjoy a hassle-free day at the waterfall.
- Parking: Free and secure parking available on site.
- Restaurant: Yes, near the entrance.
- Restrooms: Near the entrance, not available anywhere else on the trail.
- Showers: Near the entrance only.
- Lockers: Near the entrance only.
- WiFi: Free WiFi available throughout the property.
How to Get to La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall is located about 5 km /3.1 miles from the town center of La Fortuna. You can take a taxi or Uber from the center of the town or drive down yourself. It takes about 10 minutes.
From San Jose airport, La Fortuna town lies at a distance of 114 km /71 miles. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.
From Liberia airport, La Fortuna town lies at a distance of 143 km/ 89 mile. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.
You can find La Fortuna waterfall reserve on Google Maps.
Not just for visiting Catarata La Fortuna, for the entire La Fortuna itinerary, and in fact your whole Costa Rica trip, we recommend renting a car. It gives you flexibility and convenience of exploring Costa Rica on your own.
✅ 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?
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: What to Wear + What to Carry
For visiting Catarata La Fortuna, wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen. For your Costa Rica trip that is likely to include beach activities, pack a reef safe sunscreen. Check this twin pack of 2 tubes of travel size, kids friendly, water resistant sunscreen with SPF50.
Although we did not apply any for our La Fortuna waterfall hike, insect repellent is recommended.
If you wish to take a dip in the emerald pool and river, wear/bring swimwear.
For all our water activity based day outings, we personally use microfiber towels and recommend the same. They are fast absorbent, quick dry, lightweight and easy to pack.
Carry drinking water. You may need it while hiking up 500 stairs on a hot and humid day.
Do not forget camera of your choice. Catarata La Fortuna is beautiful!
Related Readings:
- Our Photography Gear
- Costa Rica Packing List + FREE Checklist
- 15 Essentials for Rainy Season in Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall YouTube Video
For a more visual experience, check out our YouTube video of La Fortuna waterfall here.
Final Thoughts
Although it is a highly popular and touristy place, La Fortuna waterfall is worth a visit. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica. Due to ease of access, good on-site facilities, well-structured trail and the gorgeous waterfall itself, we recommend adding Catarata La Fortuna your La Fortuna and Arenal travel plan.
Plan Your La Fortuna Trip
For planning your La Fortuna and Arenal trip, check out our other articles about the attractions in the area.
- 20+ Things to Do in La Fortuna and Arenal
- Free and Budget Things to Do in La Fortuna
- 3 Days in La Fortuna Itinerary
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Arenal 1968 Trail
- Eco Termales Hot Springs
- Relax Termalitas Hot Springs
- Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Visit Other Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Check out our travel guides to other wonderful waterfalls in Costa Rica:
- La Leona Waterfall Hike
- Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Oropendola Waterfall
- La Cangreja Waterfall
- Rio Negro Waterfalls and Hot Springs
- Llanos del Cortes Waterfall
- El Tigre Waterfalls Hike, Monteverde
- Catarata Del Toro
- Nauyaca Waterfalls, Dominical
- Uvita Waterfall
- Montezuma Waterfalls, Nicoya
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Cascada el Pavon, Ojochal
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