Plizio Visual Lab
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is undoubtedly the adventure capital of Costa Rica, drawing travelers from all over the world with its lush rainforests, thrilling activities, and the majestic silhouette of the Arenal Volcano towering over the landscape. Though the volcano is currently in a resting phase and no longer spews visible lava, its geothermal activity continues to heat the region's famous natural hot springs. Visitors flock here to soak in luxurious thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens, offering the first-rate relaxation after a day of exploration. The town itself serves as a bustling hub, packed with pleasant sodas (local eateries) serving traditional gallo pinto, as well as international restaurants and lively cafes. Just outside the town, nature lovers can hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park to walk across old lava flows, visit the striking La Fortuna Waterfall plunging into an emerald pool, or take canopy zipline tours through the rainforest canopy. The biodiversity here is phenomenal, with frequent sightings of sloths, toucans, and monkeys. La Fortuna is highly accessible, located about a three-hour drive from both San José and Liberia international airports. The roads are well-maintained, and tourist infrastructure is excellent. The dry season, from December to April, features the highest chance of clear, sunny days to see the volcano's peak entirely unobscured, making it the most popular time to visit.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Nearby: Esparza (5 km)
- Population: ~3.010 (2016)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 34 | 22 | 26 | 60 | 195 | 183 | 153 | 177 | 233 | 283 | 179 | 60 |
Geography
Facts
- Base for Arenal Volcano National Park
- Famous for geothermal hot springs
- Features the 70m La Fortuna Waterfall
- Renowned canopy and zipline tours
- Great spot to see sloths and toucans
- Accessible via Route 142
- Agricultural area growing papaya and roots
- High concentration of eco-resorts
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Fortuna (1)
Frequently asked questions
La Fortuna: where is it located?
La Fortuna: when is the best time to visit?
La Fortuna: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
