La Fortuna, Costa Rica Attractions and Recommendations

Getting to La Fortuna

• La Fortuna, a small town located 4 miles from the active Arenal Volcano, is about a 3 hour drive or 5 hour public bus ride from San José. The public bus ride is scenic, passing fields of sugar cane, pineapples, fruit trees, and cattle. Be advised, there is no air conditioning, no bathroom, and frequent stops to pick up and drop off other passengers along the narrow, winding mountain road.

Attractions

Arenal Volcano

• Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010, La Fortuna, is now the third most active. There are many activities and hikes offered at the Arenal Volcano by Desafio Adventure Company. Unfortunately, due to unsafe conditions near the volcano these excursions are off limits during our visit to La Fortuna.

Los Lagos Hot Springs

• The resort pools are strategically placed for a continuous flow of water directly from the rain forest hot springs. Hidden throughout the tropical gardens are water slides and more than 10 swimming and Jacuzzi pools varying in size and temperature. 

Traveling Gingerbread Tip: Purchase tickets in advance. A day pass purchased through Desafio Adventure Company to Los Logos Hot Springs includes a buffet dinner and free transportation for groups of 6 or more. The cost of a day pass purchased at the resort depends on the amount the employee decides to charge at that time. 

• Lemnos Wet Bar and a large water slide are located at the main pool. It is overcast during our visit, but on a sunny day there is a great view of Arenal Volcano while enjoying an ice-cold drink in the 90 degree Fahrenheit spring water.

Traveling Gingerbread Note: Another popular hot spring is: Baldi Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Our guide advised us Los Largos is less crowded, slightly cheaper, and has the same tropical vibes.

La Fortuna Waterfall

• More touristy than expected, we receive a wrist band after paying a $15 USD admission fee. Walking across a hanging bridge into the rain forest is a breath-taking view of La Fortuna Waterfall and the beginning of the trail to the orchid garden. Visiting in April there are only 3 orchids are in bloom. 

• Visitors must walk down 500 stairs to reach the base of the waterfall. Follow the path at the bottom of the stairs to a rocky area at the edge of the falls scattered with swimmers’ belongings. The rocks are very slippery on the way to the waterfall and the water is cold. Use caution, the undercurrent is strong making it difficult to tread water in one place. 

Explore the Colorful Streets of La Fortuna

• La Fortuna has streets of spas, stores, and hostels with elaborate entrances to alley ways, island themed restaurants, and colorful souvenir shops.

Be on the Lookout for Sloths

• Our taxi driver to Los Lagos Hot Spring asks if we saw a sloth yet. He pulls over, points to a mother and baby sloth in a nearby tree and allows us to take our time snapping photos and enjoying the moment. A more likely opportunity to spot a sloth other than luck is hiking the Bogarin Wildlife Trail. 

Go on an Adventure

• We had a great time on the Lost Canyon Canyoneering Adventure with our G Adventures group. Check out our experience here. Tickets, transportation, and packages to many excursions and nearby attractions can be purchased through Desafio Adventure Company.

Restaurants

Restaurante Nanku

• The open air restaurant offers a menu prepared with locally grown vegetables and purchased meats paired with local Costa Rica craft beer options. Restaurante Nanku was one of our favorite meals while in Costa Rica.

Lava Lounge Bar ‘n Grill

• Lava Lounge Bar ‘n Grill, has open air seating, great people watching, and fun reggae vibes. There is a great cocktail menu and selections of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pizza, and pasta. 

The Corner

• A short walk from Desafio Adventure Company, is the open air restaurant, The Corner. The menu consists of tacos, quesadillas, sushi, and wood fired pizzas.

Accommodations

Hotel Las Cabanitas

• Hotel Las Cabanitas has a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano, an outdoor pool, and fresh breakfast options of fruit and granola. Most cabins comfortably fit 3-4 people. House geckos and a peccary can be found roaming the gardens.

Traveling Gingerbread Tip: If traveling with a larger group, there is limited hot water so shower early.

* For more information on our tour check out: G Adventures Costa Rica on a Shoestring.

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April 2018