Free La Fortuna Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your La Fortuna trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
La Fortuna
La Fortuna photo 2
La Fortuna photo 3
All photos

La Fortuna, Costa Rica, pairs Arenal Volcano views with hot springs, rainforest trails, waterfalls and wildlife for immersive nature-focused sightseeing.

Volcanic Landscapes

La Fortuna lies in northern Costa Rica beneath the broad, often cloud-wreathed cone of Arenal Volcano. The town is the principal base for exploring the surrounding rainforest, lava fields, hot springs and waterways, with the volcano providing a dramatic compass point from many roads and viewpoints. Although Arenal has been quiet since 2010, its symmetrical profile and past eruptions remain central to the identity of the area.
Read more about La Fortuna

Town and Countryside

The compact centre is organised around a leafy park and the white-painted Catholic church, while hotels, cafés, tour offices and restaurants extend along the surrounding streets. Beyond the commercial core, pastureland and forest create a distinctly rural setting. Mist rising from the hills, toucans in roadside trees and the sound of fast-flowing streams give everyday journeys between town and trailhead a strong sense of place.

Water, Wildlife and Wellbeing

La Fortuna’s appeal rests on active encounters with its environment. Trails lead through Arenal Volcano National Park and the wider Arenal Conservation Area, while the Fortuna Waterfall plunges through dense vegetation south of town. Guided walks, rafting, canyoning, hanging bridges and wildlife tours reveal different aspects of the landscape, and naturally heated waters provide a slower counterpoint to outdoor activity. The area also reflects Costa Rica’s conservation-minded tourism, with farms, forests and river corridors forming part of the visitor experience.

When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?

Best: January–March · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3168
February (best)3163
March (best)3258
April32131
May32267
June32311
July32238
August33297
September33355
October33381
November33254
December3397

Getting to and around La Fortuna

How to get there

Most international visitors reach La Fortuna by road from Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José, with shared shuttles, private transfers, rental cars and long-distance buses serving the route. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport near Liberia can also be used, although the overland journey from Guanacaste is a substantial regional transfer rather than a direct urban connection. La Fortuna has no large commercial railway or international airport. Intercity buses connect it with San José and other Costa Rican destinations, but services may be less frequent than travellers expect, so checking current schedules locally is sensible. Roads are paved on the main approaches, while routes to rural lodges and attractions can be slower.

Transportation

La Fortuna’s central streets are walkable, particularly around the park, church, shops and restaurants, but many attractions lie several kilometres outside town. Visitors commonly use organised transfers, taxis, rental cars or tour transport to reach the volcano, hot springs, waterfall and adventure sites. Local buses have limited usefulness for sightseeing compared with pre-arranged transport, and road conditions can deteriorate during heavy rain. Cars offer flexibility but require care on winding roads, bridges and unpaved access tracks. Cycling is possible on quieter rural roads, though heat, hills, traffic and changing weather should be taken seriously.

Best attractions in La Fortuna

La Fortuna’s principal sightseeing experiences are spread across the volcanic countryside rather than concentrated in the town centre. Arenal Volcano National Park provides trails through old lava flows and regenerating forest, with viewpoints towards the volcano when cloud permits. The Fortuna Waterfall descends through lush vegetation into a clear pool reached by a steep stairway, while the Arenal Observatory area offers elevated perspectives and forest walks. Hanging-bridge reserves reveal the canopy from suspension walkways, and the Arenal Conservation Area protects habitats where visitors may encounter monkeys, sloths, toucans and other wildlife. The town itself is small but pleasant to explore around its central park, church and cafés. Nearby thermal springs range from informal river bathing to developed resort facilities, giving the region a distinctive way to experience its volcanic geology. Lake Arenal, west of the volcano, adds broad water views and a quieter rural landscape beyond the main excursion circuit.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano is La Fortuna’s defining natural landmark, rising above the town as a near-symmetrical cone whose outline changes with cloud and light. Its significance is geological and historical as well as visual, since the 1968 eruption reshaped settlements and livelihoods across the region. In the town centre, La Fortuna’s Catholic church and park form the modest civic heart, providing a familiar meeting place amid the tourism businesses. The Fortuna Waterfall is another prominent landscape landmark, where the Fortuna River drops through forest below the town. Farther west, Lake Arenal creates a wide, engineered body of water beneath the volcanic skyline, while Cerro Chato, an extinct volcanic cone near Arenal, contributes to the area’s rugged profile. Together these features express La Fortuna’s identity more strongly than monumental urban architecture.

Show more landmarks

Explore La Fortuna on the map

Plan your La Fortuna trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in La Fortuna

La Fortuna’s food scene combines Costa Rican home cooking with an international restaurant culture shaped by decades of nature tourism. Local sodas serve filling plates such as casado, usually built around rice, beans, salad, plantain and meat or fish, as well as gallo pinto, ceviche and soups. Fresh fruit drinks, coffee and sweet plantains are common, while the surrounding agricultural landscape supports plentiful produce. Around the centre, visitors will find pizzerias, burger restaurants, bakeries, cafés and establishments offering vegetarian or international menus alongside traditional dishes. The town’s dining areas are informal, and eating early can suit travellers whose excursions begin at dawn. Food stalls and small family-run businesses offer a closer connection to everyday local life than the larger tourist-oriented venues, while restaurants near hot springs and rural lodges reflect the area’s dispersed geography.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in La Fortuna

La Fortuna’s nightlife is modest and sociable rather than built around large clubs. After dark, activity centres on casual bars, restaurants and small venues around the central streets, where travellers and residents gather over Costa Rican beer, cocktails or music. Some establishments offer dancing or live entertainment, but the town is better known for early-morning excursions and relaxed evenings than for staying out until dawn. Hotels and thermal resorts may provide quieter evening settings, including bars, pools and views towards the volcano when skies are clear. Local music can form part of the atmosphere, though schedules vary and should not be assumed. Outside the centre, roads are poorly suited to walking late at night, so arranged transport is prudent when returning from rural accommodation or hot-spring properties.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in La Fortuna

La Fortuna’s nightlife is modest and sociable rather than built around large clubs. After dark, activity centres on casual bars, restaurants and small venues around the central streets, where travellers and residents gather over Costa Rican beer, cocktails or music. Some establishments offer dancing or live entertainment, but the town is better known for early-morning excursions and relaxed evenings than for staying out until dawn. Hotels and thermal resorts may provide quieter evening settings, including bars, pools and views towards the volcano when skies are clear. Local music can form part of the atmosphere, though schedules vary and should not be assumed. Outside the centre, roads are poorly suited to walking late at night, so arranged transport is prudent when returning from rural accommodation or hot-spring properties.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in La Fortuna

Shopping in La Fortuna is concentrated around the central streets and serves both local residents and visitors heading into the surrounding parks. Small shops sell Costa Rican coffee, chocolate, hot sauces, fruit products, clothing, practical outdoor equipment and souvenirs featuring Arenal Volcano, sloths and rainforest wildlife. Artisan goods may include woodwork, painted objects, jewellery and other craft items, although quality and provenance vary between sellers. Convenience shops and pharmacies are useful for forgotten trail supplies, rain protection and insect repellent, while supermarkets reflect the everyday needs of the local community. The town does not have a major luxury-shopping district or large department-store culture; its retail character is informal and tourism-oriented, with the most distinctive purchases generally linked to Costa Rican food production, nature imagery and locally made crafts.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to La Fortuna, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

La Fortuna essentials

Currency and Payment
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón, with the international code CRC, although United States dollars are widely quoted and may be accepted in parts of the tourism sector. Cards are commonly used at established hotels, restaurants, tour businesses and larger attractions, while smaller cafés, rural businesses and local buses may require cash. Visa and Mastercard are generally practical, but acceptance and connectivity can vary outside the centre. ATMs are available in La Fortuna, though carrying a modest reserve of colones is useful for smaller purchases and transport. Foreign exchange rates and card conversion charges depend on the provider.
Safety
La Fortuna is a busy nature-tourism centre, and ordinary precautions remain appropriate. Keep phones, passports and other valuables secure in crowded areas, on buses and during transfers, and avoid leaving belongings visible in unattended vehicles. Trails, riverbanks and volcanic terrain can be slippery, particularly after rain; use marked routes and follow guides or park instructions. Swimming and rafting conditions vary with weather and water levels, so respect local warnings. At night, use well-lit streets and arranged transport when travelling beyond the central area. Sun, heat, insects and sudden tropical showers can also affect comfort and footing.
Emergency Situations
Costa Rica’s national emergency number is 9-1-1, which connects callers with police, fire and medical assistance. Explain the location clearly, using a hotel, recognised road, attraction or nearby landmark, since rural routes around La Fortuna may have few formal addresses. For serious illness or injury, contact 9-1-1 and ask accommodation staff or tour providers to assist with local arrangements. Travel insurance covering outdoor activities is particularly important for rafting, canyoning, climbing and other higher-risk excursions. Keep identification, insurance details and relevant medical information accessible, and do not enter restricted volcanic or river areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow marked trails, obey signs in protected areas and keep a respectful distance from wildlife; feeding animals damages their health and behaviour. Do carry reusable water protection and dress modestly when visiting community or religious spaces, including the town church. At hot springs, follow each facility’s safety and hygiene rules, and never confuse privately managed pools with natural river bathing areas. Do not remove volcanic rock, plants or wildlife, and do not cross barriers around unstable slopes or waterways. Tipping is not a strict universal obligation, but leaving something for good service from guides, drivers or restaurant staff is appreciated.
Local Tips
The central park is useful for orientation, meeting transport and watching daily life, while the roads south and west of town lead towards most volcano, forest and waterfall experiences. A clear morning can be advantageous for volcano views, but wildlife is often active at different times and weather changes quickly. Ask guides about trail difficulty, footwear and transfer logistics before booking an activity. Rural sodas—casual Costa Rican eateries—offer a practical introduction to dishes such as casado, gallo pinto and plantain-based sides. Bring a dry bag or waterproof phone protection for river activities and sudden downpours.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dee-ohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-see-ahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento[pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[bee-ehn. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glehs]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-lood]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico![yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro[eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kahr-oh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?[pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-see-oh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una en punto[ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
Half past (10)Media (10)[meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kwah-troh]
5Cinco[seen-koh]
6Seis[sehs]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehs]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syohn]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of La Fortuna

Indigenous Northern Lowlands

The landscape around present-day La Fortuna lies within a wider northern Costa Rican region long associated with Indigenous peoples, including communities connected with the Maleku cultural area farther north. Forests, rivers and volcanic soils supported movement, hunting, agriculture and exchange before modern settlement. Arenal itself was known as a prominent volcanic mountain long before the town became a tourism centre. Today, the region’s Indigenous history is sometimes encountered through cultural interpretation and visits beyond La Fortuna, although the town’s visible built heritage largely reflects later rural colonisation and twentieth-century development.

Rural Settlement and El Borio

Modern La Fortuna developed as a small agricultural settlement in the early twentieth century, when families established farms and roads in the sparsely populated foothills of the northern mountains. The settlement was known as El Borio before adopting the name La Fortuna, commonly associated with the good fortune of the community’s fertile land and favourable conditions. Cattle, crops and local commerce shaped the early economy, while the settlement remained modest and relatively isolated compared with Costa Rica’s central highlands. The town’s central park and church still provide the clearest sense of its civic core.

The Arenal Eruption of 1968

On 29 July 1968, Arenal Volcano erupted after a long period of dormancy, destroying the settlements of Pueblo Nuevo, Tabacón and parts of the surrounding countryside. The eruption killed more than 80 people and transformed the region’s geography, livelihoods and collective memory. Lava, ash and volcanic debris altered river courses and covered farmland, while the volcano entered a prolonged period of activity that continued for decades. La Fortuna survived the main disaster and became an important service centre for displaced residents, agricultural communities and, later, visitors drawn to the active volcano.

From Agriculture to Nature Tourism

For much of the twentieth century, La Fortuna’s economy depended on farming, cattle and small-scale commerce. The continuing activity of Arenal, improved roads and the creation of protected areas gradually attracted scientists, adventurous travellers and nature-focused visitors. Local businesses began offering access to hot springs, rivers, forest trails and volcano viewpoints, allowing tourism to develop alongside agriculture rather than replacing every rural activity. The result was a service town whose hotels, restaurants and guides are closely tied to the surrounding landscape and to the memory of the 1968 eruption.

A Quiet Volcano and a Global Destination

Arenal’s eruptive activity declined markedly in 2010, bringing an end to the regular lava displays that had defined the area for many visitors, although the volcano remains an imposing geological presence. La Fortuna continued to grow as a base for exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Conservation Area and nearby river and forest ecosystems. Contemporary tourism now combines adventure activities, wildlife observation, thermal bathing and rural experiences. The town’s identity therefore rests on a layered history: agricultural settlement, volcanic disaster, conservation and carefully managed nature tourism.

La Fortuna in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near La Fortuna

The closest cities to La Fortuna, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Costa Rica
More of the region

Explore more of Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica, where lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife create a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Explore Costa Rica
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Discover La Fortuna like a local with Evendo’s 100% free travel guide app. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more with ease.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica? Make the most of your adventure with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. Free, comprehensive, and easy-to-use.

  • History and travel essentials for La Fortuna.
  • Curated local advice to enrich your travel experience.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature for real-time discovery.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Welcome to La Fortuna, a paradise brimming with breathtaking sights, exhilarating activities, and mouth-watering cuisine. With Evendo, your journey becomes seamless and unforgettable. From the majestic Arenal Volcano to the serene La Fortuna Waterfall, our app provides detailed information on all the must-see attractions. Want to explore the vibrant nightlife? Check out our curated lists of the best bars and nightclubs. Craving for a culinary adventure? Discover top-rated restaurants like Don Rufino and Soda Viquez. Evendo also highlights essential travel tips, making navigation through La Fortuna a breeze. With our 'Near me' feature, you can effortlessly find attractions, shops, and activities around you. Plus, booking hotels, tours, and experiences has never been easier, all within the app. No more hassle of searching multiple sites; Evendo has it all in one place. Download now and unlock the wonders of La Fortuna and beyond.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.