La Fortuna Waterfall: A Costa Rican Treasure
Discover the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica: a stunning natural wonder offering breathtaking views, refreshing swims, and unforgettable experiences.
Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, La Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning cascade plunging 70-75 meters into an emerald pool below. Fed by the pristine Fortuna River, it's a must-see natural wonder near the Arenal Volcano, offering swimming, hiking, and breathtaking views.
A brief summary to Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall
- C8VM+236, Calle 470, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, 21007, CR
- +50624799515
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking the 500 steps down to the waterfall and back up.
- Bring your swimsuit to enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the magical mist rising from the falls.
- Consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the lines, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Stay hydrated during the hike, as the area can be humid.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown La Fortuna, the waterfall is about a 10-minute drive (approximately 6 kilometers). Take Calle 470, following signs for 'Catarata La Fortuna'. The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles. Free parking is available at the entrance to the waterfall park. Note that there is no public bus directly to the waterfall.
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Taxi/Uber
Taxis and Ubers are available in La Fortuna. A taxi ride from downtown La Fortuna to the waterfall costs around $10-$15 USD. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. Uber may be a cheaper option, but availability can vary.
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Walking
For those who enjoy hiking, it is possible to walk from La Fortuna to the waterfall. The distance is about 5.5 km. Be prepared for a moderately challenging walk, especially on the uphill sections. Follow Calle 470 out of town. Allow approximately 1.5 - 2 hours for the walk. Remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
Discover more about Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Soda Tita Rosa
2.0 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda Tita Rosa in La Fortuna, where delicious fast food meets local charm and hospitality.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows
2.4 km
Experience the tranquility of La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows, a serene retreat surrounded by nature's beauty in Costa Rica's lush rainforest.
La Cava
2.9 km
Experience the delightful fusion of Costa Rican and international cuisine at La Cava, the perfect family-friendly restaurant in San Carlos.
Soda Las Flores
2.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda Las Flores in San Carlos, where delicious cuisine meets warm local hospitality.
Marisquería Delcarajo
3.0 km
Discover the vibrant seafood culture of La Fortuna at Marisquería Delcarajo, where fresh ingredients meet authentic Costa Rican flavors.
Arenal History Inn
3.0 km
Discover cozy comfort and volcano views at Arenal History Inn, your gateway to La Fortuna's natural wonders and thrilling adventures.
El Coloso Arenal
3.0 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at El Coloso Arenal, a top-rated restaurant in La Fortuna known for its delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
Mirador el Nido del Arenal
3.0 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica at Mirador el Nido del Arenal, where stunning views meet delicious local cuisine.
Parqueo Poza El Salto
3.2 km
Discover the delightful flavors of Costa Rica at Parqueo Poza El Salto, a fast-food gem in La Fortuna, perfect for a quick meal amidst stunning natural scenery.
Yellow Bark
3.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Yellow Bark, a must-visit restaurant in La Fortuna offering fresh, local dishes in a tropical setting.
Tiquicia Restaurant
3.4 km
Discover the authentic taste of Costa Rica at Tiquicia Restaurant, serving traditional dishes in a picturesque setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
Voodoo Bar & Cocktails
3.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of La Fortuna at Voodoo Bar & Cocktails, where innovative cocktails meet a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Mercadito Arenal
3.5 km
Discover the diverse flavors of Costa Rica at Mercadito Arenal, a lively restaurant in La Fortuna offering everything from grilled dishes to sushi and cocktails.
Arenal Secret Garden
3.6 km
Experience the beauty of Costa Rica at Arenal Secret Garden, a serene hotel surrounded by nature and stunning views of Arenal Volcano.
India Curry House
3.7 km
Experience the vibrant and authentic flavors of Indian, Nepalese, and Pakistani cuisine at India Curry House in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fortuna Waterfall
0.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fortuna Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Restaurante Rio Lounge
0.1 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica in a stunning setting at Restaurante Rio Lounge, La Fortuna's premier dining destination.
Chato Volcano Trailhead
0.6 km
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Chato Volcano Trailhead, a must-visit hiking area in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cataratas Escondidas
1.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Cataratas Escondidas in San Ramón, Alajuela - a hidden waterfall paradise rich in natural beauty and adventure.
Wood & Art Gallery
1.2 km
Explore unique handcrafted art and sculptures at Wood & Art Gallery in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, where creativity meets the beauty of nature.
Papa's Place
1.2 km
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica at Papa's Place, a premier bird watching, hiking, and farmstay destination in Alajuela Province.
Arenal River Tubing & Hiking
1.6 km
Experience the thrill of Arenal River tubing and the beauty of hiking in La Fortuna, Costa Rica's lush paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Ecoterra Costa Rica - Tours & Transfers
2.0 km
Explore La Fortuna with Ecoterra Costa Rica—your ultimate travel agency for eco-friendly tours and unforgettable adventures in paradise.
Green Vacations Costa Rica
2.1 km
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica with Green Vacations, your eco-friendly tour agency in La Fortuna, offering unforgettable nature experiences.
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge
2.2 km
Explore the beauty of Costa Rica at Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge, your gateway to nature and adventure.
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
2.3 km
Experience the magic of chocolate in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest with the Rainforest Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna, a must-visit for all tourists.
North Fields Coffee Tour
2.5 km
Explore the North Fields Coffee Tour in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, and immerse yourself in the rich world of coffee cultivation and tastings.
Chato Volcano
2.5 km
Discover the natural beauty of Chato Volcano, a serene crater lake surrounded by lush landscapes in the heart of Costa Rica's Alajuela Province.
La Fortuna Wellness
2.9 km
Discover tranquility and rejuvenation at La Fortuna Wellness, a premier yoga retreat center nestled in Costa Rica's stunning Alajuela Province.
Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura
3.0 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and adventure of Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura, a premier ecological park in Costa Rica's Arenal region.
Essential places to dine
Yellow Tree Restaurant
1.4 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine surrounded by nature's beauty at Yellow Tree Restaurant in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Restaurante Hojarasca
2.1 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante Hojarasca amidst the breathtaking landscapes of La Fortuna.
La Finquita from Farm to Table
2.7 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at La Finquita, where every meal is a celebration of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
El Chante Verde
2.7 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at El Chante Verde in La Fortuna - a must-visit restaurant for every traveler.
SODA El Turnito
2.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at SODA El Turnito in La Fortuna - a must-visit eatery for every traveler.
La Tipica
2.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at La Tipica in La Fortuna – a must-visit restaurant for every traveler seeking local cuisine.
SAFFRON INDIAN FOOD BAR AND GRILL
2.9 km
Discover authentic Indian cuisine at Saffron Indian Food Bar and Grill in San Carlos—where every dish tells a flavorful story.
Rana Roja
3.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Rana Roja - where authentic cuisine meets warm hospitality in La Fortuna.
Sunny's Indian Restaurant
3.0 km
Discover authentic Indian flavors at Sunny's Indian Restaurant in La Fortuna – a culinary gem amidst Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.
Soda Monkey's Place
3.1 km
Discover the authentic taste of Costa Rica at Soda Monkey's Place in La Fortuna, where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Hunters & Gatherers Costa Rica
3.2 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Hunters & Gatherers, where farm-fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity in La Fortuna.
Restaurant Garra Pata
3.2 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurant Garra Pata in La Fortuna - a must-visit for food lovers exploring beautiful landscapes.
Restaurant El Perezoso
3.3 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurant El Perezoso in La Fortuna - where local ingredients meet breathtaking views.
Casa Fortuna, Restaurante Familiar.
3.4 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Casa Fortuna in La Fortuna - where every meal is a celebration of local cuisine.
Restaurant Pura Vida
3.5 km
Discover the exquisite fusion of Chinese cuisine and Costa Rican flavors at Restaurant Pura Vida in La Fortuna.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Neptune's House of Hammocks
1.1 km
Explore the vibrant world of handcrafted hammocks at Neptune's House of Hammocks in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and take home a piece of paradise.
Manus cr tienda online
1.6 km
Explore Manus CR in La Fortuna for exquisite swimwear and custom clothing that embodies Costa Rican charm and style.
Biosfera Skincare (Experience Store)
1.7 km
Explore sustainable beauty at Biosfera Skincare, where Costa Rican nature meets skincare innovation for an eco-friendly experience.
Howler Monkey Store
2.4 km
Explore La Fortuna's Howler Monkey Store for unique custom t-shirts and stylish fashion accessories celebrating Costa Rican culture.
Arte Natura, Boutique Hotel in La Fortuna - Costa Rica Vacations, Book it Now
2.9 km
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and nature at Arte Natura Boutique Hotel in La Fortuna, your gateway to Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes.
Red Frog Coffee Roasters
2.9 km
Discover the rich flavors of Costa Rican coffee at Red Frog Coffee Roasters, a charming espresso bar in La Fortuna, perfect for every coffee lover.
Original Grand Gallery
2.9 km
Explore authentic Costa Rican art and unique souvenirs at Original Grand Gallery in La Fortuna, a cultural haven for every visitor.
Souvenir store
3.1 km
Explore the vibrant culture of Costa Rica at this charming souvenir store in San Carlos, where unique treasures await every traveler.
Súper Rosvil La Fortuna
3.7 km
Experience the convenience of Súper Rosvil La Fortuna, your one-stop supermarket for groceries and local products in the heart of Costa Rica's adventure capital.
Centro Comercial La Fortuna
3.8 km
Discover the lively Centro Comercial La Fortuna, a premier shopping destination in La Fortuna with diverse shops, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Cristian Supermarket 1
3.8 km
Discover the vibrant offerings of Cristian Supermarket in La Fortuna, where local culture meets convenience for tourists seeking a true taste of Costa Rica.
Everything Adventures
3.8 km
Discover Everything Adventures in La Fortuna for top-notch camping gear and unforgettable outdoor experiences in Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.
Sarahlu boutique
3.8 km
Explore Sarahlu Boutique in La Fortuna for unique women's clothing that reflects Costa Rican culture and craftsmanship.
Malibú Clothes
3.9 km
Explore vintage fashion in La Fortuna at Malibú Clothes, where each piece tells a unique story amid Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.
Cianikal
3.9 km
Explore unique Costa Rican handicrafts and support local artisans at Cianikal, the vibrant art studio in La Fortuna.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
MAGIC SPORT BAR, Magic Mountain Hotel
2.9 km
Discover the lively Magic Sport Bar at Magic Mountain Hotel, where great drinks and vibrant atmosphere meet in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Cha
3.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere at Cha, La Fortuna's beloved bar, perfect for unwinding after exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Tamarindo Chill
3.4 km
Discover the serene vibe of Tamarindo Chill in La Fortuna, offering refreshing cocktails and a perfect escape in Costa Rica's lush landscapes.
Bar Patrón Costa Rica
3.5 km
Experience a vibrant cocktail bar in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with exotic flavors, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Chicha's Restaurant & Lounge Bar
3.6 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Chicha's Restaurant & Lounge Bar in La Fortuna, where vibrant cuisine meets stunning views.
La Fortuna Pub
3.7 km
Discover La Fortuna Pub, a lively destination for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an unforgettable atmosphere in the heart of Costa Rica.
Tropical Lounge Bar
3.9 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Tropical Lounge Bar, a vibrant grill bar in La Fortuna offering delicious food and refreshing tropical drinks.
Restaurante Relax
4.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Relax, a charming bar in La Fortuna offering local cuisine and stunning views.
Sander’s Bar & Restaurante
4.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Sander's Bar & Restaurante in La Fortuna, a must-visit for every traveler.
Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar Lazy Twins
4.0 km
Experience vibrant dining and stunning views of Arenal Volcano at Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar, La Fortuna's culinary gem.
The Pool Bar & Restaurant
4.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxing atmosphere of The Pool Bar & Restaurant, a top destination for food and drinks in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Wine O’clock
4.1 km
Experience a delightful evening at Wine O’clock, La Fortuna’s premier wine bar offering a curated selection of global wines in a charming setting.
Don Rufino
4.1 km
Experience the flavors of Latin America at Don Rufino, La Fortuna's premier fine dining restaurant offering exquisite culinary creations.
Nanku Restaurant - Tropical Bar and Grill
4.2 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at Nanku Restaurant - a tropical bar and grill with live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
BEERLAND CR
4.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse craft beers at Beerland CR, a premier gastropub in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
