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Discover the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall through guided hikes, thrilling zipline rides, or comprehensive combo tours that include the Arenal Volcano and hot springs. Most excursions offer convenient hotel pickups and expert bilingual guides for a seamless Costa Rican adventure.
Free Cancellation A full day exploring La Fortuna’s waterfalls, hanging bridges, and lava fields, ending with a soak in hot springs.
Free Cancellation Explore three premier parks on a fast-paced, small-group tour designed to maximize wildlife sightings and avoid crowds.
Free Cancellation Rappel down waterfalls, zip-line over the forest, and explore a hidden canyon followed by lunch at La Roca Bistró.
Free Cancellation Zipline directly over the La Fortuna Waterfall and through the rainforest on this guided half-day Arenal tour.
Free Cancellation Spend a full day exploring La Fortuna’s waterfall, volcano trails, hanging bridges, and natural hot springs.
Free Cancellation Hike through the Arenal rainforest to see the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in its volcanic river pools.
Free Cancellation Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal ecological park before ending the day with a swim in a natural hot river.
Free Cancellation Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall and see Arenal Volcano from above on this guided small-group zipline tour.
Free Cancellation Explore rainforest trails on horseback as you head toward the powerful cascades of La Fortuna Waterfall.
Free Cancellation Hike volcano trails, swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, and explore the rainforest canopy via 15 hanging bridges.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting La Fortuna — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour of La Fortuna Waterfall is an immersive journey into Costa Rica's lush rainforests and geothermal wonders. You will navigate hanging bridges, hike volcanic terrain, and witness the thunderous 230-foot cascade plunging into a brilliant blue pool.
Prepare for a thrilling physical challenge as you descend the 530 concrete steps through a misty rainforest canyon. The roar of the 70-meter waterfall grows louder with every step.
While the main waterfall pool is too dangerous for swimming, designated calm river sections nearby offer a refreshing dip. The cool, clear water is the perfect reward after your hike.
Many combo tours include hikes over solidified lava flows from the 1968 eruption. The trails provide spectacular, up-close views of the majestic 5,358-foot volcanic cone.
Keep your eyes peeled for Costa Rica's famous wildlife. With the help of expert guides, you can spot sloths, monkeys, and colorful toucans hidden high up in the dense canopy.
After a long day of hiking and exploring, most full-day tours wrap up with a relaxing soak. You will unwind in natural, mineral-rich hot springs heated by the nearby volcano.
For adrenaline seekers, some tours feature high-speed zipline cables suspended hundreds of feet above the jungle. You can even find unique courses that fly directly over the waterfall itself.
Planning your La Fortuna adventure requires a bit of foresight, especially since popular combo tours and park entries can sell out. Here is what you need to know before locking in your reservation.
You can choose from quick half-day excursions focusing just on the waterfall and ziplining, to massive 10-11 hour full-day combo tours. These longer trips usually bundle the waterfall, volcano hikes, hanging bridges, and hot springs into one seamless itinerary.
Check your tour inclusions carefully. While most guided combo tours include the $18-$20 USD La Fortuna Waterfall admission and $15 USD National Park fees, cheaper shuttle-only or basic ticket options require you to pay out of pocket.
Visiting the waterfall requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You will need to walk down—and more importantly, climb back up—approximately 530 steep concrete steps, which is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or mobility issues.
Most guided tours operate in small groups, typically capped at 12 to 14 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and makes it much easier to spot wildlife with your guide without feeling crowded on the narrow trails.
If your tour includes adventure activities like ziplining or horseback riding, strict limits apply. Ziplines usually have a maximum weight limit of 240 pounds and require kids to be at least 7 years old to participate.
Free hotel pickup and drop-off are standard for accommodations within a 6-kilometer radius of La Fortuna downtown. If you are staying further out, like at the Lost Iguana or Arenal Observatory Lodge, expect to pay an extra transport fee.
The vast majority of La Fortuna tours offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can usually get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, giving you peace of mind if your travel plans change.
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| Full-Day 4-in-1 Combo Tour | Zipline & Waterfall Adventure | Canyoning & Rappelling Tour | Horseback Riding to Waterfall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10-11 hours | 2.5 - 3 hours | 3 hours | Half-day |
| Best for | First-time visitors wanting to see everything | Adrenaline junkies short on time | Active travelers looking for extreme sports | Nature lovers seeking a relaxed pace |
| Includes | Waterfall, Volcano hike, Hanging bridges, Hot springs, Lunch, Transport | Zipline equipment, Guide, Hotel pickup | Rappelling gear, Lunch, Towels, Transport | Horseback ride, Guide, Helmet, Transport |
| Price from | $145 - $154 USD | $83 - $107 USD | $105 USD | $97 USD |
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La Fortuna Waterfall is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with some sources noting the park clears out by 5:00 PM) throughout the 2026 season. The absolute last entry permitted is at 4:00 PM.
If you are planning to visit the local hot springs after your hike, they typically operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For early risers wanting to spot wildlife, the nearby Bogarin Trail opens daily at 8:00 AM.
La Fortuna is located about 75 miles (120 km) from San José. You have several options to reach the town:
Once in town, the waterfall is 5.5 kilometers from the center. Uber is available for around $4 USD, but cars can be scarce.
The best months to visit La Fortuna are December through April. This is Costa Rica's dry season, offering the clearest water conditions at the waterfall and minimal rainfall for hiking and ziplining.
The rainy 'Green Season' runs from May to November. During these months, heavy afternoon downpours can cause strong river currents, making swimming unsafe and turning trails muddy. If you visit during this time, definitely schedule your waterfall and volcano tours for the early morning.
La Fortuna offers varied accessibility depending on the attraction:
The La Fortuna Waterfall biological reserve is well-equipped for visitors. Facilities include:
If you park in the main La Fortuna town square, secure public parking costs 700 CRC per hour. Always pay for numbered spots to avoid a ticket.
To protect the environment and ensure visitor safety, please observe the following rules:
Basic admission tickets cost $18 to $20 USD for adults. However, guided full-day combo tours that include the waterfall, hanging bridges, volcano hikes, and hot springs typically range from $100 to $154 USD.
The hike involves descending approximately 530 steep concrete steps into the rainforest canyon. While going down takes about 10-20 minutes, the climb back up requires a moderate level of physical fitness and takes 20-30 minutes.
Swimming directly under the 70-meter waterfall is strictly prohibited due to dangerous, violent currents. However, you can swim in the designated, calmer river sections located just a short walk to the left of the main pool.
Most tours offer free pickup and drop-off for hotels within a 6-kilometer radius of La Fortuna's central park. If you are staying further out at places like the Lost Iguana or Arenal Observatory Lodge, you may need to pay an extra transport fee or meet at a central location.
You should wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes or water shoes with good grip, as the rocks near the river are very slippery. Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry clothing, sunblock, and insect repellent.
Yes, children are welcome on most waterfall tours, and kids under 5 enter the park for free. However, parents must use baby carriers instead of strollers on the stairs and exercise extreme caution near the strong river currents.
Tours generally operate rain or shine. However, if heavy rains cause dangerous river currents, swimming at the waterfall may be suspended for safety. It is highly recommended to bring a raincoat, especially during the May to November green season.
No, hiking to the actual crater of Arenal Volcano is illegal and extremely dangerous due to volcanic hazards. Combo tours instead take you on safe, designated trails over the historic 1968 lava flows at the volcano's base.
Yes. For safety reasons, the zipline tours typically have a maximum weight limit of 240 pounds. Additionally, the harness must fit a maximum width of 65 cm on the legs and 110 cm around the hips.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the rainforests around La Fortuna are famous for sloths. Booking a guided tour significantly increases your chances, as professional guides use spotting telescopes to find them hidden in the canopy.
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This comprehensive tour covers the diverse landscapes surrounding the Arenal Volcano. You will navigate a variety of terrain, including mountain trails, jungle staircases, and high hanging bridges. The route stops at the La Fortuna waterfall, a giant tree forest, and the unique El Lago Verde. Along the way, you will visit a butterfly garden and a Maleku Indian village to learn about local indigenous culture. The experience continues through lava rock fields to reach the highest scenic viewpoint in the area for a direct look at the volcano. After a day of hiking and wildlife spotting, the tour concludes at a hot spring resort where you can soak in natural mineral water. Your booking includes all entrance fees and the services of an expert guide. For meals and refreshments, we provide a traditional warm lunch, fresh fruit, a coffee break, and a local Cacique cocktail.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Designed for active travelers with limited time, this tour covers the three most significant parks in the region in a single efficient trip. We begin our activities early in the morning to ensure we arrive before the largest tourist groups, allowing for a more peaceful experience in the wilderness. Moving in small groups makes it easier to navigate the trails and increases our chances of spotting local wildlife. Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to photograph monkeys, sloths, and various species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The itinerary balances hiking through diverse landscapes with stops for high-quality local food. It is a practical choice for nature enthusiasts who want to see the area's highlights without spending multiple days in transit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located near the Arenal Volcano, this canyoning trip involves rappelling down waterfalls and natural rock faces. The course features several descents, optional jumps into clear pools, and two zip-lines that run above the forest canopy. You will spend the morning navigating the canyon floor and riverbanks on foot. No prior climbing or rappelling experience is necessary. Certified guides provide all professional equipment and a full safety induction before heading into the canyon, staying with the group throughout the entire tour. The outing concludes with a walk along the Arenal River and a lunch at La Roca Bistró, offering a practical way to explore the La Fortuna landscape through a mix of hiking and technical descents.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided half-day tour takes you through the canyons and primary forests surrounding the Arenal Volcano. As the only zipline experience that crosses directly over the La Fortuna Waterfall, it offers a distinct view of one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks from high above the canopy. The course is designed to highlight the local landscape, moving between platforms that overlook deep canyons and cascading water. Along the way, you will have clear vantage points of the Arenal Volcano while traveling through the dense forest environment with our professional guides.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This shared group tour covers La Fortuna’s four main landmarks in a single day, starting with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel. You will spend two hours at the La Fortuna Waterfall, which includes roughly 40 minutes for swimming if river conditions allow. Afterward, the group heads to the Arenal Volcano for a 2.5-hour hike across moderate terrain, followed by a 30-minute break for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges for a 2.5-hour walk through the rainforest canopy to observe local wildlife. The day concludes with a 40-minute soak in the natural warm waters of El Choyín on the Tabacón River. Transport, all entrance fees, and lunch are included in the price, so you do not need to worry about separate bookings or driving between locations.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
La Fortuna Waterfall is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park, where the tropical climate stays between 18° and 35° Celsius. These warm, humid conditions sustain the thick vegetation and diverse wildlife surrounding the falls. Every year, more than 100,000 people visit the site to see the river drop from the mountain forest into the basin below. The falls are fed by the Fortuna River and smaller tributaries that start in the park’s high elevations. The local geography is defined by ancient rocky bases and peaks like Cerro de los Perdidos, Placas de Mayo, and Cerro Chato. These geological features create the steep terrain that allows the river to form such a prominent drop in the middle of the rainforest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour visits three highlights of the Arenal area: La Fortuna Waterfall, the ecological park, and a natural hot river. We begin with a walk down to the waterfall's base, where you can swim in the pool beneath the falls. Afterward, we move to the Arenal ecological park for a relaxed hike through the forest with clear views of the volcano. The final stop is a natural warm river where you can soak and relax in the water. Throughout the day, our guides help spot local wildlife like sloths and tropical birds while explaining the natural history of the region. The hikes are designed to be accessible and steady, focusing on the scenery rather than intense physical exertion.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This half-day guided tour takes you through the rainforest canopy near the Arenal Volcano. Moving in a small group, you will navigate a series of ziplines that run through primary forests and over deep canyons. The course features a unique crossing directly over the La Fortuna Waterfall. As the only zipline operator with a line spanning this specific landmark, we offer a view of the falls and the surrounding cliffs that you cannot get from the hiking trails below. Between cables, you will have multiple vantage points of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding valley. The experience focuses on the local landscape, giving you an active way to explore the natural environment of the La Fortuna area.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided tour leads you through the dense tropical forest surrounding the Arenal area. As you ride along the trails, you will pass through diverse habitats home to local wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and various tropical birds. The route offers a steady pace that allows you to observe the native flora and changing landscape up close. Upon reaching the La Fortuna Waterfall park, you will disembark and head down the forest stairs to the base of the 70-meter falls. There is time to swim in the cool waters of the natural pool or photograph the canyon before beginning the return ride through the forest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour covers the main landmarks around La Fortuna, starting with a 3.5 km hike through El Silencio Reserve. The trail crosses old lava fields and primary forest, leading to a viewpoint with views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lagoon. Following the hike, you will visit the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall to swim in the river or photograph the drop from the observation deck. After a break for an à la carte lunch with five different meal options at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This section involves walking through the rainforest canopy across 15 different bridges, including both hanging and stationary structures, to observe the plants and animals from above.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish