Top 10 Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica [2026]

La Fortuna is one of those places in Costa Rica that almost everyone includes in their itinerary and for us, it’s a definite must-see. Not only in Costa Rica, but in general. If you don’t already have it on your bucket list, you should seriously consider adding it. It offers a rare combination: volcano views, waterfalls, wildlife, hot springs, and adventure tours. All in one compact area. Most people stay 3–4 nights, but for us three days were not enough. We left feeling like we had only scratched the surface and already thinking about coming back. Here are the 10 best things to do in La Fortuna based on what we genuinely think is worth your time.

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1. Visit Hot Springs, a must when visiting La Fortuna

Spending time in the hot springs is a must when you’re in La Fortuna. It’s one of the things that truly defines the experience here. There are several resorts where you can buy a day pass, but we actually recommend staying at a hotel that includes hot spring access. It usually ends up being better value, and you can use the pools whenever you want. We stayed at Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort, and honestly, the hotel, hot springs, and entire complex felt like an experience on their own. You could easily spend a full day there without ever leaving the property and not get bored. And we have to mention the breakfasts, because they were genuinely amazing.

2. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Everything in town revolves around Arenal Volcano.

It is not possible to climb to the summit, but you can hike through lava fields and rainforest inside Arenal Volcano National Park. The trails are clearly marked and accessible for most fitness levels.

You need to keep in mind that the volcano is not always visible – it often hides behind the clouds. Last time we visited, we spent 3 days in La Fortuna and it only showed itself for few hours. The rest of the trip Arenal Volcano was covered behind the clouds.

3. Take a Day Trip to Río Celeste, one of the best things to do in La Fortuna

If you have an extra day in La Fortuna, we’d seriously consider taking the drive to Río Celeste, located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. It’s about 1.5 hours away, so it works best if you have a rental car and don’t mind an early start. The main reason to go is the unreal turquoise color of the river, which is caused by a natural chemical reaction between volcanic minerals — and yes, it really does look that blue in person (weather permitting).

The hike is moderate and usually takes around 2–3 hours round trip, with sections that can get muddy, especially in the rainy season, so proper shoes are a must. For us, it’s one of the most unique natural sights in Costa Rica and worth the effort if you’re staying more than a couple of nights. If you’re planning to go, we actually have a full detailed guide on the blog about visiting Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park, where we break down everything you need to know before you go.

4. Take a Coffee and Chocolate Tour

If you’re looking for something a bit more cultural and less physically demanding, going for a coffee and cacao tour is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. Costa Rica is known for producing high-quality coffee, and learning about the process — from planting and harvesting to roasting and tasting — gives you a deeper appreciation for what ends up in your cup. Most tours also include a chocolate (cacao) demonstration, where you get to see how the bean is transformed and, of course, taste it at different stages. It’s usually a 2–3 hour experience, easy to fit into your itinerary, and a great option if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities. The coffee and cocoa tour we took combined coffee, chocolate, and even a bit of sugar cane history, and we genuinely enjoyed how interactive and educational it was without feeling overly commercial.

5. Zip-Lining and Canyoning in La Fortuna

If you’re looking for more adrenaline-packed things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, zip-lining and canyoning should be high on your list. La Fortuna is one of the best places in the country for organized adventure tours, and the scenery makes the experience even better. Zip-lining sends you flying above the rainforest canopy, often with views of Arenal Volcanoin the background (if the weather cooperates). It’s fast, fun, and beginner-friendly, making it a great option even if you’ve never done it before. Canyoning, on the other hand, involves rappelling down waterfalls with professional guides — it’s more physical but still very safe and accessible for first-timers.

We think combining both is ideal if you enjoy adventure, especially if you’re traveling with friends or as a couple who likes a bit of excitement mixed into the itinerary. Among all the activities in the area, this is easily one of the most memorable things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica if you want something active and different from the typical hiking experience.

6. Hanging Bridges, one of the top places to visit in La Fortuna

If you’re deciding which nature-focused things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica are actually worth it, the hanging bridges are a solid option. At Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, you walk through rainforest trails and cross several suspended bridges that sit high above the forest floor. It’s not an adrenaline activity — it’s more about perspective. Being at canopy level lets you see parts of the jungle you wouldn’t notice from the ground. The full loop takes around 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace, and the trails are well maintained, so it doesn’t feel difficult.

7. Spot Wildlife in La Fortuna

One of the absolute best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica — and honestly one of the reasons we keep coming back — is simply spotting wildlife. You don’t always need a structured tour; sometimes animals appear when you least expect it. For example, we saw (and heard) howler monkeys during the coffee and cocoa tour.

That said, if seeing animals is high on your list and you want a more guaranteed and educational encounter, we recommend visiting Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rescue center focused on rehabilitation and conservation. The tours explain how animals are rescued and cared for, and it’s a responsible way to see species like sloths and monkeys up close without supporting unethical animal interactions.

8. Go Horse Riding in La Fortuna

Horseback riding is often mentioned as one of the classic things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, especially because of the scenery. We didn’t do it this time since our stay was too short and we had to prioritize other activities, but several of our friends did — and they were genuinely impressed. According to them, La Fortuna is definitely one of the best places to go horse riding in Costa Rica. The trails take you through open fields with views of Arenal Volcano, jungle paths, and small rivers. They even spotted a sloth and a toucan during their ride, which made the experience feel even more special.

We have gone horseback riding near San José before, and while it was also a great experience.

9. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the classic things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica. The waterfall is tall, powerful, and surrounded by jungle, and it really is as beautiful as it looks in photos. To get there, you have to walk down about 500 steps — going down is easy, but coming back up can be tiring, especially in the heat. You can swim in the pool at the bottom, just be careful near the strongest part of the current. We recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds. It’s simple, scenic, and definitely worth the stop while you’re in La Fortuna.

10. Leave Time to Relax

La Fortuna has so many activities that it’s easy to fill every hour of your itinerary. But honestly, one of the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica is to slow down a little. Between volcano hikes, waterfalls, wildlife spotting, and adventure tours, you’ll appreciate having a slower morning or afternoon. Enjoy your hotel pool, sit with a coffee while watching the clouds move around Arenal, make additional stop in that restaurant with the volcano view or spend extra time in the hot springs without rushing. Not every moment needs to be planned — sometimes simply being there is part of the experience.

Final Thoughts on Visiting La Fortuna

La Fortuna truly offers an incredible mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. There’s a reason it’s considered one of the top destinations in the country. In our opinion, the variety is what makes it special – you can be active in the morning and completely relaxed by evening.

If you’re planning your trip and narrowing down the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, focus on the experiences that match your travel style and don’t try to rush everything. Even with a well-planned itinerary, this is the kind of place that leaves you wanting to come back.

Now we’d love to hear from you: what’s your favorite thing to do in Costa Rica? Have you been to La Fortuna, or is it still on your bucket list? Leave a comment below and share your experience or any tips we should try on our next visit!