La Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning waterfall that cascades just under 230 feet into a bright turquoise pool. If you’re a nature-lover, La Fortuna (the town) is a must-visit because of its close proximity to two volcanoes, the cloud forest and Arenal Lake. Of the nature we experienced, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the natural highlights of our time in that town. This powerful waterfall is a force of nature and worth enjoying.
QUICK INFO ABOUT LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
» PRICE OF ADMISSION: It’s $18 for foreigners, $9 for locals, $0 for children 8 and under
» GETTING DOWN TO LA FORTUNA WATERFALL: To get to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall, you must go down (and back up) just over 500 steps. Luckily, there are seats and platforms where you can catch your breath on the way up.
» CAN YOU SWIM IN THIS WATERFALL? Absolutely! In fact, there are even changing rooms + showers near the entrance.
» HOURS OF ADMISSION: The waterfall is open daily from 7am to 5pm.
» IS THERE MORE THAN JUST THE WATERFALL? Yes and no. There is an orchid garden at the top of the path. However, it isn’t something that I would come to see if you aren’t able to make it down the stairs to the waterfall.
» GETTING TO LA FORTUNA WATERFALL ECOLOGICAL PARK: There are multiple ways to get to La Fortuna Waterfall. By Taxi: Locals tell us this should only cost around $10 from La Fortuna town. Hike: This is about a 3 mile/5km hike. I recommend doing this with a guide just because of all the creatures in Costa Rica. Take a Tour: You can ride an ATV, a horse or work it into a guided package. These vary in price.
OUR VISIT TO LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
Upon arriving to La Fortuna Waterfall, our guide got our tickets for us – don’t worry it’s easy to find even without a guide. Then we set off down the 500+ stairs that zig-zag down through the jungle. There are motivational quotes on signs along the way from “guru sloth” telling you to take your time and enjoy the beauty around you. It was super cute. Also, on signs sprinkled beside the path, they’ve posted facts and tips about what you might find in the forest around you.
Continuing down that path, you start to hear the roar of the waterfall as you get near the base of the stairs. Just be ready to be blown away by the power and the beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall. There is an upper viewing area that they have built a small set of stairs (I know, the last thing you want to see after doing 500+ stairs), but it’s so worth those extra steps because that’s where you get the best, unobstructed view of La Fortuna Waterfall.
I often find myself unprepared for situations like this – this being one – because I decided not to wear my swimsuit to the waterfall. So many locals had told us the water was so cold. Also, we arrived on horseback, but more on that later. However, in hindsight, I would’ve loved to take a dip. There are two different places that you can swim. One, is in the turquoise pool just below the waterfall. However, there are signs posted, but just to reiterate do not swim directly under the waterfall – it’s far too powerful and dangerous! The other place to swim is across a small strip of land from the waterfall. The river that flows downstream from the waterfall is also vivid turquoise and another beautiful spot to take a dip!
GETTING TO LA FORTUNA WATERFALL ON HORSEBACK
A BRIEF NOTE ON MY INTERNAL STRUGGLE WITH HORSEBACK RIDING
I briefly mentioned above that we went to La Fortuna Waterfall on horseback. I wanted to address this in a paragraph all on its own. I struggle a lot with animal ethics. Sometimes, I can’t decide if I think something is ethical or not. Growing up, I had a horse and greatly enjoyed trail rides with her. So, an activity like horseback riding is something that I hold dear to my heart. That said, since becoming aware of unethical animal activities I had taken part in, I struggle with most interactions with animals, and domesticated animals are also an area I find to be gray. That said, I rode to La Fortuna Waterfall on horseback and it was quite the experience. I’m still undecided on how I feel about the ethics of it, but maybe y’all can help me out in the comments and tell me what you think!
OUR HORSEBACK RIDING EXPERIENCE
Stacey and I booked this tour before leaving for Costa Rica. It sounded like something different and Stacey was really wanting to redeem some less exciting horseback experiences she had done on other recent trips. We were picked up from our hotel and dropped off at a local farm. We were in a corral as they were rounding up cattle to be branded – I know that this is a normal farming practice, but this was really uncomfortable for me to watch as they put them in a gate. Luckily, we all got the heck out of there before they were actually branding them. So, we started off on a rocky note, but once we got going it felt good to be back in the saddle again. That is, for the most part…
The ride was about an hour each way and was scenic for about 3/4 of the trip. We rode over some farmland and fields, crossed a couple of streams and ended on a paved rode for about 10 minutes at the end of the ride. The most beautiful part was the middle stretch where it opened up a bit. You could see the base of the volcano for most of the trip and on a clear day I bet the view is just stellar. Even with all that beauty, there were a few issues I had on this ride.
First of all, our guide was telling everyone the names of their horses. My horse was, of course, Loco. While it could’ve been worse than it was, the loco characteristic of this horse was the fact that he bit all the other horses if he wasn’t at the front of the pack. Secondly, the tack wasn’t adjusted for me. The stirrups were a bit too short, as were my reins, which meant my stirrups rubbed the skin off my leg and I had to lean forward/have my arms outstretched the whole time. The last thing I didn’t love was the guides lack of, well, guiding. He was very nice and all, but he just followed at the rear of the pack and didn’t point out any notable things or tell stories or anything along the way. I missed having the more personal element that typically comes with a good guided tour.
WHERE TO STAY ON ANY BUDGET
So, you’re convinced a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall is a must on your Costa Rica wanderlist, now you have to figure out where to stay! Luckily the town of La Fortuna, and the surrounding area, is packed with options for accommodations. That’s perfect because that means there’s something for every budget and level of luxury.
HEIGHT OF LUXURY: Tabacón Thermal Resort + Spa – This is hands-down the most luxurious place I’ve ever stayed. Stacey and I spent our two nights in, well near, La Fortuna. Tabacón has a natural hot spring river flowing through the property that you can soak in, in addition to a spa on site. Some areas are adults-only, most are the natural river and there are also two pools with the hot spring water in them as well! The rooms are beautiful and the service is beyond impeccable. Rooms start at $345 per night.
A LITTLE LUX, BUT NOT BREAKING THE BANK: Arenal Observatory Lodge + Spa – This is one of those places that looks like it has it all: pools, stunning view, on-site spa and bird observatory! Their property is massive and has hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails! This seems like the perfect marriage of luxury and nature-lovers. This seems like something my hubby would love! Rooms start at $126 per night.
LESS THAN MIDDLE BUDGET: Casse Torre Eco-Lodge – These rooms are less-than luxurious, but they do have everything a person would need. However, they a view of the volcano that anyone would want! This is a great location for natural sites including La Fortuna Waterfall! This eco-lodge gets a 9.4-rating on Booking.com! Rooms start at $41 per night.
SHOESTRING BUDGET: Arenal Container Hostel – This hostel sits right in the heart of La Fortuna town and is just a couple of miles from several stunning natural sites. They have something for everyone from family rooms to dorm rooms. This cozy and clean-looking hostel gets a 9.2 rating on booking.com. The best part? Rooms start at $24 per night.
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