Planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica? Here’s your perfect La Fortuna itinerary for 3 or 4 days.
La Fortuna is known as the action, adventure, and wellness capital of Costa Rica. The town is a must-visit on any Costa Rica itinerary and is also very popular among locals. Here, you can do just about anything that a nature and adventure travel enthusiast could desire. From waterfalls and rainforest hiking trails to whitewater rafting and ATV tours, as well as hot springs and spectacular hanging bridges, there is something for everyone.
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How Long to Stay in La Fortuna?
I recommend staying at least three to four nights in La Fortuna to fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and participate in various activities. Situated right next to the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, La Fortuna provides the perfect setting to experience the country’s eco-tourism.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, it’s wise to plan an extra day here, as the rain in the interior can sometimes disrupt your plans.
Additionally, I recommend renting a car by the time you reach La Fortuna, as having a vehicle will make it much easier and more flexible to visit the various attractions. Some accommodations are quite secluded and more accessible by car.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna?
During our week in La Fortuna, we stayed in two different accommodations. First, we spent two nights at Arenal Roca Suites. The accommodation is stunningly beautiful and a great place to stay if you want to visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, which is within walking distance.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the place is very remote. It’s best to arrive with a rental car that has four-wheel drive. The last two kilometers to the accommodation are on a rough gravel road, with steep inclines and declines. We were extremely relieved when we finally arrived safely at the small reception hut.
Our apartment, which had not only a private little hot tub but also a terrace with a breathtaking view of the volcano, quickly made us forget the bumpy ride. The pictures online definitely live up to the reality. I recommend stocking up on groceries in advance at a supermarket, as the nearest shopping option is a bit far. And you won’t want to drive that gravel road more than necessary.
For the rest of our stay in La Fortuna, we stayed at the Hotel Arte Natura and were very satisfied. The accommodation is located right next to Soda El Turnito, where you can eat deliciously and affordably.
La Fortuna Itinerary For 3 Days
If you have three or four days, I recommend the following La Fortuna itinerary:
- On the first day, take a walk through the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and relax in one of La Fortuna’s many hot springs in the afternoon.
- On the second day, it’s a great idea to visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, and then either take it easy in the afternoon or explore the Sloth Watching Trail.
- For the third day, you should plan a trip to Lake Arenal and get a closer look at the Arenal Volcano.
- If you have more time and are staying in the area a bit longer, consider a day trip to Rio Celeste National Park on day four.
So, let’s take a look at what you can discover at each stop.
Day 1: Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
Morning: Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
We decided to visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park right on our first day, as it was not far from our accommodation. When we arrived at the entrance, a few tourist buses were already parked there, and a small line had formed at the ticket counter. The woman at the entrance showed us the route on a map That was almost unnecessary — there’s really only one main trail to follow.
The Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is beautifully designed, featuring a roughly 3-kilometer trail, 16 different bridges, and a small waterfall. You walk right through the rainforest, and from the bridges, you can see far into the distance. Looking into the distance is also a better choice for many visitors — if you look down, you’ll notice that through the gaps in the bridge, it’s sometimes over 50 meters to the ground.
Seeing construction workers with harnesses on some of the bridges and more than the recommended 15 people on them didn’t exactly boost our confidence in their stability, but we always made it safely across.
Along the way, we saw many different bird species, a squirrel, and several insects. We really enjoyed the hike and were almost a little sad when we reached the last bridge.
A truly beautiful trip — and a personal recommendation for your La Fortuna itinerary!
Afternoon & Evening: Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
In the afternoon, we headed to the famous hot springs of La Fortuna, where you can take a relaxing soak. We chose Baldi Hot Springs, a resort complex that is truly one of a kind. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and given a brief introduction.
There are a total of 25 thermal pools at Baldi, with water temperatures ranging between 39°C and 45°C. So everything from hot to very hot. Each pool has a unique setting, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and sometimes even with a view of the Arenal Volcano.
We booked the half-day pass, which includes access to all pools and a buffet-style dinner in the evening. The food was surprisingly good and the perfect way to round off a relaxing afternoon.
Baldi is a great choice because it combines a luxurious spa experience with fun. There are even waterslides, secluded romantic pools, and relaxation areas for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a fun family-friendly outing, Baldi offers a perfect mix of both. Plus, it’s one of the largest hot springs resorts in the region, so you never feel crowded, even during busy hours.
Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall & Sloth Watching Trail
Morning: La Fortuna Waterfall
For the second day of our La Fortuna itinerary, we decided to head to La Fortuna Waterfall. The trail to the waterfall isn’t very long, but it’s a steep descent down more than 500 steps until you reach a small viewing platform.
The La Fortuna Waterfall, with its impressive 70-meter drop, plunges into a natural pool surrounded by dense jungle. It’s a beautiful sight — maybe not quite as dramatic as the Nauyaca Waterfalls we saw in Uvita, but definitely worth a visit.
As we had already guessed from the crowded parking lot, the area around the base of the waterfall was quite busy, with plenty of people taking photos, sitting on the rocks, or cooling off in the river that flows beside the waterfall. Swimming is allowed, although the current near the waterfall itself is strong. It’s best to stay closer to the calmer parts of the stream. If you want to enjoy the view in peace, it’s best to come early in the morning.
Afternoon: Sloth Watching Trail
In the afternoon, we visited the Sloth Watching Trail, a short and easy loop located close to the center of La Fortuna. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for a relaxed walk, even in the heat.
What makes it special is the high chance of spotting sloths in the wild, along with a variety of birds, frogs, and butterflies. Most visitors opt for a guided tour, and we’d recommend that too. Our guide had a great eye and was able to spot two sloths (one active, one napping high in the trees), a toucan, and several blue jean frogs. Without the guide, we would’ve missed most of them.
It’s a great low-effort activity for your La Fortuna itinerary, especially if you’re into wildlife and want to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity up close. Plus, it’s family-friendly and doesn’t take more than 1.5 hours. Perfect for a chilled second half of the day.
Day 3: Lake Arenal & Volcano
There are several great activities to enjoy around Lake Arenal — from kayaking and stand-up paddling to boat tours and fishing. The area is also one of the best spots to get a clear view of the Arenal Volcano, especially on a sunny day when the clouds lift.
We quickly decided that we wanted to explore the region by kayak and followed the large signs that said “Kayak Rental.” Before long, we found the boat rental and were warmly welcomed. In no time, we had our life jackets on and our belongings stowed — some in the car, others in a waterproof bag. After a quick briefing, we walked down to the water, where our orange two-person kayak was already waiting for us.
We were lucky that the clouds lifted just in time, giving us a perfect view of the volcano.
The Arenal Volcano is not only the most active and youngest volcano in Costa Rica, but also one of the most active in the world. And while a volcanic eruption might look spectacular, we were definitely glad that the last major eruption was in 2010, allowing us to enjoy our time at the foot of the volcano in peace.
If you have more time, it’s also worth visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you can hike through old lava fields, walk forest trails, and learn more about the geological history of this fascinating region.
Day 4 – Rio Celeste
We had actually planned to take a trip to Rio Celeste Waterfall during our time in La Fortuna. Although it’s nearly a two-hour drive from here, it’s considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls and national parks in Costa Rica, especially because of its vibrant turquoise-blue color. However, after reading on several websites yesterday that the waterfall often appears muddy brown rather than turquoise during the rainy season, we decided to skip the long drive.
If you’re planning a trip to Rio Celeste and get lucky with the weather, here are a few tips for you:
- Getting There: From La Fortuna, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car to reach Tenorio Volcano National Park, where Rio Celeste is located. The roads are mostly paved, but the last few kilometers can be bumpy — a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
- Guided Tours: There are many organized day tours from La Fortuna that include transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. These usually cost between $70 and $120 USD per person, depending on the provider and what’s included (e.g., lunch, extra stops).
- Entrance Fee: The entrance to the national park is about $12 per person for foreigners. Tickets must now be booked online in advance, especially during the high season.
- Hike: The trail to the waterfall is about 1.5 to 2 km long, mostly well-maintained, but can become very slippery and muddy when it rains. Sturdy footwear is essential, and rubber boots or hiking shoes are highly recommended in wet conditions.
More things to do in La Fortuna
- El Salto Rope Swing: A popular local spot near the town center where you can swing into the river and swim in a natural pool. Fun, free, and refreshing.
- Whitewater Rafting: Head to the Río Balsa or Río Sarapiquí for thrilling class II–IV rapids. A perfect mix of adventure and scenic jungle views.
- ATV Tour: Explore rugged jungle trails and volcanic landscapes on a quad bike. A fun, muddy way to see the countryside.
- Horseback Riding: Ride through lush scenery, farmland, and sometimes to the base of Arenal Volcano. Peaceful and great for nature lovers.
- Ziplining: Soar above the rainforest canopy and waterfalls with stunning views of the volcano. An adrenaline rush with epic scenery.
Don’t forget to save this La Fortuna Itinerary for your next Costa Rica trip!
