El Salto: A Refreshing Escape into Nature
Experience the thrill of El Salto: La Fortuna's favorite free swimming hole with a Tarzan rope swing and refreshing natural pools.
El Salto, located just outside La Fortuna, is a popular free swimming spot on the Río Fortuna, where visitors can swing from a rope into the cool waters below. With its natural beauty and opportunities for adventure, it's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
A brief summary to El Salto - Río Fortuna
- F954+4RQ, Río, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, CR
Local tips
- Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the best weather and clearest water.
- Arrive early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Bring water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp volcanic rocks.
- Be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim and swing at your own risk.
- Consider visiting the second, lesser-known swimming hole downriver for a quieter experience.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of La Fortuna, head south on Avenida 1 towards the main road. Continue until you reach Route 142. Turn left onto Route 142 and walk for about 1.5 kilometers. Look for a small trail on the right side leading towards the river. Follow this trail for about 20 minutes to reach El Salto. There is no cost for walking.
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Taxi
Hail a taxi in La Fortuna and provide the driver with the destination address: F954+4RQ, Río, Provincia de Alajuela. The taxi ride will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Expect to pay around $4-$6 USD.
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Public Transport
Take a local bus from La Fortuna heading towards Arenal Volcano. Ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop for El Salto, around 5 km from the town center. From there, walk approximately 1 km along the dirt road to reach El Salto. Bus fare is typically less than $1 USD.
Discover more about El Salto - Río Fortuna
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Parqueo Poza El Salto
0.1 km
Experience the thrill of a natural rope swing and refreshing waters at this free swimming hole near La Fortuna.
Tiquicia Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Tiquicia Restaurant in San Carlos. A family-run gem serving traditional flavors.
Arenal volcano guide hostel
0.9 km
Discover adventure and nature at Arenal Volcano Guide Hostel in La Fortuna, a perfect base for exploring Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and exhilarating activities.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows
0.9 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall, a natural wonder in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest.
Costa rica
1.1 km
Explore Costa Rica's adventure capital: La Fortuna, home to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and stunning natural beauty.
Wildlife Tours Costa Rica
1.4 km
Discover the breathtaking wildlife and natural beauty of Costa Rica with immersive tours and expert guides at Wildlife Tours Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Insider
1.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of Costa Rica with expert guidance from Costa Rica Insider, your ultimate travel companion.
Soda la Hormiga
1.4 km
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El Río
1.4 km
Savor authentic Costa Rican cuisine at El Río Restaurant in La Fortuna, a local favorite offering delicious meals at moderate prices.
ADIFORT Shopping Center
1.4 km
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Red Lava TSC
1.4 km
Explore the breathtaking adventures of La Fortuna with Red Lava TSC, your premier tour operator and gateway to Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Caribbean Winds Costa Rica - Tours & Activities in Arenal Volcano
1.5 km
Discover the stunning Arenal Volcano and lush rainforests with Caribbean Winds Costa Rica - your gateway to unforgettable tours and activities.
Rain Forest
1.5 km
Experience Costa Rican flavors at Rain Forest Cafe in La Fortuna. Fresh ingredients, rainforest views, and a relaxed atmosphere await!
Voodoo Bar & Cocktails
1.5 km
Experience La Fortuna's vibrant nightlife at Voodoo Bar & Cocktails, where unique mixology meets a bewitching Costa Rican atmosphere.
Voodoo Mixology
1.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
El Salto (Rope Swing)
0.0 km
Discover El Salto in Río Fortuna, where thrilling rope swings meet breathtaking views of Costa Rica's lush landscapes.
Desafio Adventure Centre
0.1 km
Experience thrilling adventures at Desafio Adventure Centre in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, where outdoor excitement meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Horseback Riding Costa Rica
0.2 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of La Fortuna while horseback riding through Costa Rica's lush rainforests and scenic valleys.
Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura
0.2 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and adventure of Parque Arenal Mundo Aventura, a premier ecological park in Costa Rica's Arenal region.
Rafting Costa Rica
0.5 km
Embark on an unforgettable white-water rafting adventure in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and guided by expert instructors.
Alberto's Horses
0.9 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of La Fortuna with unforgettable horseback riding adventures at Alberto's Horses, Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano Rain forest Reserve Hostel ; Apartments and private villa
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting Arenal Volcano Rainforest Reserve, a haven of biodiversity and adventure in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Arenal Safari - Kayak tours La Fortuna
1.0 km
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Rainforest Chocolate Tour
1.0 km
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VOLCAN ARENAL
1.1 km
Explore Arenal Volcano, a stunning natural wonder in Costa Rica, where adventure meets tranquility amidst breathtaking landscapes.
IGLESIA CATÓLICA LA FORTUNA.
1.1 km
Explore the architectural charm and serene atmosphere of Iglesia Católica La Fortuna, a cultural gem in Costa Rica's beautiful La Fortuna.
Green Vacations Costa Rica
1.2 km
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica with Green Vacations, your eco-friendly tour agency in La Fortuna, offering unforgettable nature experiences.
Arenal Canopy
1.2 km
Discover the thrill of zip-lining through lush rainforests at Arenal Canopy in La Fortuna, Costa Rica – an unforgettable adventure awaits!
Area 360 canyoning arenal, Rappelling Waterfall Near Arenal
1.2 km
Dive into adventure at Area 360 Canyoning near Arenal, where unforgettable waterfall rappelling and stunning landscapes await you.
Costa Rica Descents Adventure Company
1.2 km
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting and the beauty of organic farming at Costa Rica Descents in La Fortuna, where adventure meets sustainability.
Essential places to dine
Hunters & Gatherers Costa Rica
0.1 km
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El Chante Verde
0.5 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at El Chante Verde in La Fortuna - a must-visit restaurant for every traveler.
La Finquita from Farm to Table
0.5 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at La Finquita, where every meal is a celebration of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
HARMONY FOOD RESTAURANT
0.8 km
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Restaurante Café Mediterráneo
1.0 km
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Bamboo Gardens Restaurant
1.4 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors in a serene garden setting at Bamboo Gardens Restaurant in La Fortuna.
Restaurante Las Palmas
1.4 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurante Las Palmas in La Fortuna - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Soda Víquez
1.4 km
Experience the authentic taste of Costa Rica at Soda Víquez - where delicious meets affordable!
Jungle Bowls
1.5 km
Discover vibrant flavors at Jungle Bowls in La Fortuna—your go-to health food haven featuring fresh bowls and smoothies crafted from local ingredients.
Restaurante The Green Spoon
1.5 km
Experience vibrant vegan and vegetarian cuisine at Restaurante The Green Spoon in La Fortuna – where fresh ingredients meet flavorful creativity.
Tierra Mia Restaurante
1.5 km
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La Parrilla de María Bonita
1.5 km
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Chipotle's Tex-Mex
1.5 km
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Chifa La Familia Feliz
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Restaurante La Parada
1.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Howler Monkey Store
0.9 km
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Arenal Souvenirs
1.1 km
Explore Arenal Souvenirs in La Fortuna for unique gifts and local treasures that embody the spirit of Costa Rica.
Súper Rosvil La Fortuna
1.2 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.
Romero´s Boutique
1.3 km
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Sarahlu boutique
1.4 km
Explore Sarahlu Boutique in La Fortuna for unique women's clothing that reflects Costa Rican culture and craftsmanship.
Everything Adventures
1.4 km
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Cristian Supermarket 1
1.4 km
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PEREZOSO STORE
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Mega Súper • La Fortuna
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Bisutería Bariloche
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Premium Boutique American
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Lava Collective Travel Gifts shop
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the Burio Mall
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Rincón Arenal
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Suveni Lavas
1.5 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Pool Bar & Restaurant
1.4 km
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Sander’s Bar & Restaurante
1.4 km
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Wine O’clock
1.4 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.
Cha
1.4 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.
Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar Lazy Twins
1.5 km
Experience vibrant dining and stunning views of Arenal Volcano at Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar, La Fortuna's culinary gem.
Tropical Lounge Bar
1.5 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.
Bar Patrón Costa Rica
1.6 km
Experience a vibrant cocktail bar in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with exotic flavors, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
La Fortuna Pub
1.6 km
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Tamarindo Chill
1.6 km
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BEERLAND CR
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse craft beers at Beerland CR, a premier gastropub in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
BEERLAND
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant craft beer culture at Beerland, La Fortuna's top brewpub with exceptional local brews and lively atmosphere.
The Open Kitchen - La Fortuna
1.8 km
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Chicha's Restaurant & Lounge Bar
2.1 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Chicha's Restaurant & Lounge Bar in La Fortuna, where vibrant cuisine meets stunning views.
Mondragon
2.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Mondragon in La Fortuna, a bar where local culture meets delicious drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Bar Valentin's
2.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing cocktails at Bar Valentin's in La Fortuna, a must-visit for every traveler's itinerary.
