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This area can’t be missed as it is the perfect destination for all travelers to explore wildlife and mother nature.

To learn more about this beautiful must-see place, read my La Fortuna Costa Rica travel guide further.

 

La Fortuna Costa Rica Travel Guide

Things to Do in La Fortuna

• La Fortuna Mistico Hanging Bridges

These iconic hanging bridges are located in a stunning nature preserve, offering you the chance to connect with nature. While exploring, you might spot some wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the lush surroundings.

 

Some tours are available to explore the area, but if you want to save money, you can pay an entrance fee of $32 for adults and take a self-guided tour (credit cards accepted). Keep in mind that you might not see any animals or birds unless you’re lucky. It’s worth it if you’re interested in seeing different plants, trees, and hanging bridges.

 

NOTE: You might need to make an appointment before you go there. When I arrived, there were only a few people, but they were requesting appointments at that time to avoid the crowd.

Also, remember that if you go there by Uber, it might be difficult to get an Uber for the return trip unless the driver gives you his number so you can call him when you’re ready. Often, you’ll find there are no Ubers available in the area, and your only option will be to get a taxi, which will cost around $25 or more.

2. Birds Watching (Bogarin Trail) in La Fortuna

Bird-watching opportunity sounds so exciting and promising, isn’t it?! But the truth is that the chances to see the birds are minimal as it is hard to predict when they will be there, but as a note, remember that more chances to see them are early morning and late evening.

 

In my opinion, this specific trail is not worth it. The entrance fee is around $18 now (cash only), and even though I went at 8 am, I only saw a few birds. The good thing is that the tickets are valid for the whole day, so you are free to spend as much time as you want or leave and return any time the same day before they close.

 

Also, if you go very early in the morning, you might have a better chance to see the birds, as they are usually fed bananas, and all the birds come to eat. I was surprised that they didn’t do this at 8 a.m. because they said they didn’t have bananas anymore, which is strange, but it is what it is.

 

So, you might consider other places to see the birds.

 

Tip: If you want to do the self-guided tour, I HIGHLY SUGGEST BRINGING BINOCULARS, as, without them, you won’t see any animals or birds at all. I was disappointed that none of the articles I read mentioned this when I searched for tips on visiting Costa Rica, so I spent money for nothing.

 

Also, keep in mind that tours in Costa Rica are quite expensive, and unfortunately, there’s not much to see without them. So, plan ahead and decide on the timing of any tours you want to take if you plan to do multiple.

3. Horseback Riding in La Fortuna

I’ve never ridden a horse before and decided La Fortuna was the best place to give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed at all since some people didn’t show up for the tour, so I ended up having a private tour. I was scared at first, but after a while, I got used to my horse and enjoyed the ride very much.

 

I booked it with a Viator here.

4.  Costa Rican Coffee and Chocolate Crafting Experience in La Fortuna

Omg, I could never have imagined that such a tour could be so entertaining and informative. It was the best investment! The tour was both exciting and educational, and the tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I learned so much about how cacao, coffee, and various fruits are grown.

 

We learned about how chocolate and cacao were made back in the day, the differences between several types of coffee, and much more. I loved, loved, loved this tour! We also tasted organic chocolate and cacao, and at the end, they gave me some treats with the coffee of my choice. *Looks like they do not operate anymore, so I didn’t include the link.

 

5. El Salto Rope Swing in La Fortuna

El Salto Rope Swing is a free swimming hole near La Fortuna that you can easily reach on foot in just 15-20 minutes.

 

While the spot is nice, there isn’t anything particularly special about it. It seemed dangerous as it was full of rocks, and there was no actual walking path. If you’re traveling solo, I wouldn’t recommend going there alone. When I checked it out in the middle of the day, the area was mostly occupied by groups of guys either smoking or just hanging out, which made me feel uncomfortable. I took a quick photo, grabbed an Uber, and left.

 

If you skip it, you won’t miss much.

 

6. La Fortuna Waterfall

I didn’t have the chance to visit it, but the place looks beautiful from the pictures I saw. Unfortunately, there’s an entrance fee of $18, and you’ll need to take an Uber or drive there as it’s not within walking distance from La Fortuna.

 

You can access it through a Visitors’ Center, which is about 10 minutes from downtown. Keep in mind that you might need to walk down 500 steps to reach the falls, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

 

How to Get to La Fortuna From San Jose

How to Get From San Jose Airport to La Fortuna

If you arrive early in the morning, I highly recommend the affordable bus from San José to La Fortuna. It’s very affordable, costing only $3-6 (*prices might be different now), and the trip usually takes between 3 to 5 hours. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to take the San José to La Fortuna bus as I arrived in the afternoon. Instead, I took an Uber from San José Airport to the San Carlos bus terminal ($43) and then a bus to La Fortuna from San Carlos terminal ($3).

 

Direct buses from San José to La Fortuna leave at 6:15 am, 8:40 am, and 11:30 am from Ave 7-9, Calle 12, and the trip takes about 4 hours.

 

Note that Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, so drivers cannot pick you up directly from the airport. To get an Uber, you’ll need to go inside the airport, turn left from the entrance, cross the street, and walk around the corner. You’ll end up on the main road, where you’ll find a bus stop just after the corner.

 

So Ubers will be picking you up nearby. Also, you can’t sit in the back because Uber is illegal.

On the way to La Fortuna from San Jose Airport, we passed by the Zarcero. So if you plan to visit it, there might be no need anymore if you take the same route. I just asked the driver to stop for a few minutes so that I could take pictures.

The trip from the airport to San Carlos will take about 2 to 2.5 hours and cost around $43. Once you arrive at the bus station, look for the bus to La Fortuna and pay the driver directly. It cost me only $3, and I reached downtown La Fortuna in about an hour.

There are also other options for getting to La Fortuna:

• Private or shared shuttle: Prices start at $54. Shared shuttle services are available with Interbus, Easy Ride, Caribe Shuttle, and Ride CR.
• Rent a car: Prices vary, but you can find rentals starting from around $30 per day.

Check out my post about San Jose, Costa Rica

Where to Eat in La Fortuna

There are around 100 places to eat in La Fortuna, but many are geared toward tourists, which can affect the quality and pricing.

 

I tried Soda Viquez and had a very plain avocado salad, which wasn’t that great. I didn’t try anything else, so I can’t speak for the rest of the menu. However, the place is small and clean, the owner is friendly, and the prices are very affordable. If you’re not too picky, it might be worth a try—perhaps other dishes are better.

 

I also had sushi at Kappa Sushi, where everything was good. I ordered the Volcano Roll, and while the food was enjoyable, keep in mind that the prices are comparable to those in the USA. The ambiance was very nice, too!

I would even suggest eating at the Secreto hotel I stayed in. I ordered a chicken with mashed potato and vegetables, and it was the most delicious meal I had ever eaten.

La Fortuna Restaurants Recommendations

• Rancho Perla – Great food selection and nice views

• Restaurante Tierra Mía – A very casual place with tasty food and good portions

• Restaurante Garra Pata – A family-owned, it offers friendly service and fantastic food

• Organico Fortuna -Offers great vegan and non-vegan options.

• Pizza Ranch Fortuna – A good place with delicious pizza for pizza lovers

• Kappa Sushi – A cute little sushi place with a nice variety of seafood and sushi

Tip: If you need to buy small items that you would typically find at CVS or Walgreens in the States, there are a few small market stores around where you might find what you’re looking for, but there’s no guarantee.

If you need to buy food or other supplies, head to the large supermarket located just across the street from the church and turn right after the bus terminal. It’s a good place to stock up on essentials.

Banks in La Fortuna

There are many banks with 24-hour ATMs in La Fortuna. Additionally, there’s a prominent bank located right across from the town’s central park, making it a central spot for travelers needing banking services.

How to Get Around in La Fortuna

Getting around is very easy. The La Fortuna downtown is small enough so that you can walk there. But to navigate outside the city, I suggest renting a car in La Fortuna. For destinations outside of downtown, such as the Arenal Volcano, hot springs, or the Mistico Hanging Bridges, renting a car is the most flexible and efficient option.

 

The bus station is also in the city, so if you need to use a public bus from La Fortuna to San José, that is your best choice. This is a budget-friendly option, but schedules can be limited, so plan ahead. Taxis in La Fortuna and rideshare services are also available for shorter trips, and many La Fortuna tours offer transportation as part of their packages.

What to Pack to La Fortuna, Costa Rica

1. Always try to travel light (with only a backpack is ideal)
2. Take a few warm clothes (at least one light jacket and one pair of jeans), as evenings in Costa Rica are chilly
3. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip-flops
4. Take at least one swimsuit
5. The hat is good to have as it is very hot and sunny in Costa Rica
6. Pair of sunglasses
7. Light shirts, dresses, and shorts
8. Beach bag or tote
9. Makeup accessories and your usual face cleaning/moisturizing creams
10. Empty water bottle
11. If you have a small sunscreen, take it with you; if not, buy it there.

 

TIP: It’s very important to bring a few warm clothes. Yes, you read that right. Despite the hot temperatures during the day in Costa Rica, nights can be quite chilly. I didn’t pack many warm clothes, but I was grateful to have a light jacket with me.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

As La Fortuna accommodation options are centrally located, most places are near each other in the heart of the town. I’ve personally stayed at Secreto La Fortuna, and I must admit that the hotel was perfect.

 

It’s located just outside the center (a short walk through the streets), but it offers a fantastic view of the Arenal Volcano. Every morning, I woke up to a beautiful sight. What more could you ask for before enjoying a delicious breakfast? 😊

 

Speaking of breakfast, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Usually, complimentary breakfasts are quite plain, but here, the plate was heaping with food, and they even offered some local fruits for dessert.

 

Overall, everything—from the location in La Fortuna, the room, and the customer service—was excellent. I highly recommend checking out Secreto La Fortuna the next time you’re visiting Costa Rica.

 

La Fortuna Budget Hotel/Hostel Recommendations

• Selina Fortuna – Very popular hostel chain in Costa Rica with fancy tents and regular rooms
• San Bosco Inn – Located in the center of La Fortuna and offers charming views of Arenal Volcano.
• Secreto La Fortuna – Offering fantastic views of Arenal Volcano, delicious breakfast, and excellent service.

• Mussaenda – Arenal – Offer spacious rooms, garden to walk, and more

• Arenal Volcano Inn– A nice hotel with volcano views

Best Tips for Exploring La Fortuna

• How to Save on Transportation in La Fortuna

Navigating La Fortuna, Costa Rica, can be costly if you rely solely on Uber or taxis, so I highly recommend renting a car. Although I usually don’t rent a car when traveling solo, I regretted not doing so this time.

 

Public transportation isn’t available everywhere, but when it is, it’s very affordable—typically $3 to $5. While Uber can be a cost-effective option within the city, it can get pricey for longer distances. Avoid taxis if you can, as they tend to be even more expensive.

• Save Money on Watter Bottle and Stay Hydrated

Locals say that the tap water is safe to drink. I haven’t tried it myself, but it seems to be true based on their advice. If you want to reduce waste and save money, refill your reusable water bottle with tap water instead of purchasing bottled water.

 

• Learn Basic Spanish

In La Fortuna, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can make a world of difference. While some locals speak English, it’s not common, especially outside of tourist hotspots. Being able to ask for directions, order food, or greet someone in Spanish will make your trip more enjoyable and help you connect better with the local culture.

How Long to Stay in La Fortuna

2-3 days is a perfect amount of time to spend in La Fortuna. This gives you a chance to explore the must-see spots, like the famous Arenal Volcano, the La Fortuna Waterfall, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges. You can also soak in the hot springs or take a dip in the natural pools. For adventure lovers, there’s plenty of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

 

The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela, about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car. Another option is Liberia International Airport (LIR), which is approximately 3 hours away. Depending on where you’re coming from, either of these airports can be a good starting point for your journey to La Fortuna.

3 Days La Fortuna Sample Itinerary

Day 1 (if it is a half-day)

1. Check-in at the Hotel/Hostel
2. Walk around La Fortuna town
3. Eat at some local restaurants
4. Go back to your hotel and relax

Day 2

1. Walk to Bird watching trail (7 min)
2. Head to Mystique National Park and take a self-guided tour of hanging bridges
3. Get lunch
4. Go souvenir shopping in the town
5. Get some rest at your hotel

Day 3

1. Check out some La Fortuna waterfalls
2. Take a coffee & cacao tour
3. Take a horseback riding tour
4. Check out from the hotel and go to your next destination.

 

Bonus Information

What to Do Before You Go to Costa Rica

1. The first and most important thing is to buy insurance. Like always, I purchased it through Insubuy, which cost me less than $20 weekly.
2. Have a valid passport
3. Have a return ticket
4. Proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.
5. Proof of funds for at least $100 per month of proposed stay.
6. That is all you need to go to Costa Rica (unless you need a visa, please find this info upfront)*These were the conditions when I went there, but as you know, the rules are constantly changing, so make sure to check such info upfront.

Final Thoughts

La Fortuna is stunning, with lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and plenty of things to do. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The only downside was not renting a car, which made getting around a bit inconvenient as I had to rely on Uber. Despite this, my time in La Fortuna was fantastic.

 

I hope my La Fortuna, Costa Rica, travel guide has been helpful and made planning your trip easier. Thank you for stopping by!

 

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