Things To Do In La Fortuna — Central Costa Rica

Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Hike around Arenal Volcano or see it closer by Sky Tram. Zip-Line or Sky Walk through the lush rainforest canopy. Bike the surrounding area with an experienced local guide. Read TIPS at the bottom of the page.

Things To Do In La Fortuna, Costa Rica

1. La Fortuna Waterfall
2. Sky Tram
3. Zip-lining
4. Sky Walk
5. Mountain Bike Riding
6. Hiking
7. Walk through La Fortuna Town

1. La Fortuna Waterfall

The entrance to the waterfall is 3.4 miles/5.5 km south of town. It is an uphill drive and best to drive or cab there although many people do walk up. Once there, it is 500 steps down and up of climbing (I counted them). The steps are easily spaced but it is A CLIMB. You could also horseback-ride to the falls. You can swim in the pool and small rapids below the falls, there is a lifeguard on duty. Restrooms and showers are provided in the guest facilities at the entrance, along with a restaurant and gift shop.

2. Sky Tram

Located 13.5 miles/22 kms on the other side of the volcano from the town of La Fortuna. The Sky Tram is a cable car that seats 6 plus an expert Costa Rican guide. It takes you to a platform located 0.77 mile/1.25 km high that offers a clear view of the volcano.

Arenal Volcano is infamous for being covered with clouds in the afternoon, head out early for the best views. On the way up, you get a panoramic view of the rainforest below and lake Arenal. There is a short trail for exploring the rainforest on foot at the platform site. You can ride the tram back down or zipline. To see more pictures, click here.

3. Zip Lining

From the Observation platform of the Sky Tram, you could choose the gentle tram ride down or a Zip-line. Sky Trek gets you down at top speed, the longest cable being 0.47 mile/0.76 km long. There are a total of 7 zip-lines.

4. Sky Walk

A spectacular guided tour that combines suspension bridges and trails. At times, heights exceed the rainforest canopy. During the tour, a naturalist guide will point out intriguing plant and animal life. Trails include some uneven surfaces and several ascents and descents.

5. Mountain Bike Riding

From Lake Arenal Dam to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park and end near the base of the volcano. Enjoy magnificent views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano along the way. Pass nearby towns and learn local history about the Volcano and its surroundings. A professional, bilingual guide will educate you and provide any necessary assistance during your trip. You will also cross rivers where you can cool-down a bit, freshen up and take-in the scenic beauty of this place.

6. Hiking

It is prohibited to climb Arenal Volcano. Numerous hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park allow you to walk around the base, along old lava fields, and through the rainforest. For more details, click here.

7. Walk through La Fortuna Town

La Fortuna is a very small town with a few souvenir shops, grocery stores, gas stations and plenty of restaurants. Everything is located around the Church of St. John Bosco on Hwy. 142. There also are some health conscious restaurants offering delicious fare.

For most activities, if you have your own conveyance, it is better to drive and book tickets at the entrance. If you do not have wheels, it is good to book a tour online. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.

You should also consider visiting:

• The East Coast
• The West Coast

To see more pictures, click here.

TIPS:

• If you do not go on the guided tour, you will have more time to do your own stuff. The tours are rushed.
• Carry adequate drinking water.
• Check the weather forecast, if it is raining, try to do trips when it isn’t.
• Carry a rain-coat, just-in-case.
• Wear hiking/running shoes (comfortable and enclosed).
• Wear comfortable and light clothes, better if they are breathable.
• Use coral safe sunscreen (mineral based).
• Use Insect repellent.