Top Things To Do In La Fortuna Costa Rica

Geographically located within the lush and vibrant Arenal Region of Costa Rica, La Fortuna has steadily grown worldwide prominence among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. A much needed escape from an otherwise maniacal urban lifestyle some are too familiar with. It is nature overload, but in a soothing way that is quite revitalizing. In essence, it is “Pura Vida”, or Pure Life as the locals call it.

By day, La Fortuna is your average town where there are places to eat, boutiques and shops to check out, and a few attractions worth visiting. Tour groups offering various excursions from volcano hikes and horseback riding, to ATV tours and zip lining. At night, the city livens up as weary thrill seekers indulge on an evening of awesome eats, live music and cocktails.

Whether you’re looking for thrills, or just a good place to relax and chill, here are some of our favorite things to do when we visited La Fortuna in Costa Rica.

#1 Go on a Food Trip

Besides the quintessential local staples of rice, beans and plantains, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of eateries and restaurants La Fortuna has to offer.

Sodas (small eateries, not just a store selling soft drinks as I thought), sushi restaurants (might be worth a try but we skipped it this time), steakhouses, fresh seafood, pizza, and even a few restaurants serving American fare with some local fusion. You can also try some refreshing “batidos” or fresh fruit smoothies to cool yourself on a hot and humid day in the tropics.

Here are some food spots we tried and would personally recommend:

#2 Visit the Chocolate Museum

Chocolate lovers all around the world, this is the stop you wouldn’t want to miss. There are so many interesting things you can learn about this sweet indulgent decadence. From the way it’s grown, and processed through centuries-old artisanal techniques, to the myriad of products made out of organic Costs Rican chocolate, it’s an informative journey that incites much appreciation for this tempting treat.

You can enjoy samples of chocolate tea, hot cocoa and sweets, as well as shop for chocolate truffles, bars, cookies, jams and chocolate liqueurs. Everything is made with deliciously distinct high quality Costa Rican cocoa beans. What we love about Costa Rican chocolate is the bold chocolate flavor accompanied by a subtle sweetness.

#3 Visit the Iglesia de La Fortuna de San Carlos

The city of La Fortuna is said to have been built around this small Catholic church. It is an iconic landmark with a single-block city park adorned with beautiful flowers and a gorgeous backdrop of the Arenal Volcano. Around its perimeter are several restaurants and shops, and don’t forget this is also where the taxi stand is if you need to get around town.

#4 Spend a Day Pass at the Springs Resort

This gorgeous 5-star resort is anything but mediocre. Blessed with an elegant view of the Arena Volcano, it is one of the most beautiful resorts we’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. Ultra luxurious rooms with private jacuzzis, relaxing pools filled with revitalizing hot springs water, body-rejuvenating spa treatments, 5 restaurants and bars, and for those seeking a little more action, let’s not forget Club Rio complete with a list of activities and excursions you can enjoy with your group.

At the time of our visit, The Springs Day Pass was priced $68 per person, which is a phenomenal value for what you get to experience at the resort. The pass includes access to all the hot springs and pools. For an additional $31 per person, you can enjoy a meal at Tres Cascadas Restaurant (Three Waterfalls) where you can enjoy a three-course meal of steak & seafood, an appetizer and a dessert, while enjoying a great view of the volcano. Spa and massage treatments are available but comes with an additional fee. With the pass, you can visit Club Rio and take a dip at the hot springs and rivers, but activities and excursions come with additional cost.

#5 Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall

Pack up your most comfortable pair of hiking shoes for this adventure. You’re going to need it.

Explore the La Fortuna Waterfall, a hidden treasure lurked within the belly of the Arenal jungle. All is takes is over 500 steps of rugged terrain to get to this sightworthy wonder, and another 500 upwards to head back. A demanding physical feat to say the least but well worth the experience. It’s a nature hike where you can immerse in a journey deep into the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.

#6 Spend an Afternoon Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an amazing way to experience the naturesque vibe of the Costa Rican landscape. I’m also glad to have it checked off my bucket list. However, I do admit feeling a bit anxious when I rode my horse. It feels like you’re so high up and have to constantly engage your core to keep your balance. The next day, my left arm felt sore from holding on to the saddle’s horn like my life depended on it.

Otherwise, the experience was quite nice. The views are stunning and the horses such amazing creatures especially when you get up close and personal with them. If you haven’t ridden horses before, this is your chance to make this an experience to ponder.

#7 Marvel at Extensive Costa Rican Wildlife

Costa Rica is naturally endowed with lush greeneries, photogenic landscapes and of course, the most vibrant wildlife to roam this garden paradise on Earth. After all, it is home to over 500,000 species of God’s creations and easily revered as one of the most biodiverse countries on this planet. Check out our wild friends in their natural habitat and witness their exhilarating freedom thriving within the Arenal jungle. Here you’ll find sloths, rare species of beetles, frogs, birds, Ocelots, Pumas, monkeys, and many more.

There are several tour companies around La Fortuna that offer this rare opportunity of experiencing Costa Rica’s wild side. Our favorite was the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which you can go in with a small entrance fee. You can check out their Arenal Bird Watching Tour or the Mistico Night Walk because some of these animals are nocturnal and love to roam at night.

#8 Get a Dose of Adrenaline Pumping Excursions

Costa Rica’s rugged terrain makes for a perfect playground for those who yearn to live life on the edge. Put on your wild side and test your limits with adrenaline pumping excursions like zip lining, white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling and many more. Plus, you’ll get to enjoying amazing views and unique perspectives that you can’t otherwise get by just hiking on the trail below.

#9 Pamper Yourself With A Full Body Massage

After having spent the day on vigorous heart-pumping pursuits, the time has come to lay back, relax, and enjoy a relaxing full body massage at the hands of an expert masseuse.

Even though it isn’t exactly cheap ($55 for an hour-long couple’s massage), getting your massage in downtown La Fortuna costs just a fraction of what it would at one of the uptown spa resorts. It’s always an option for those on a tighter budget.

Please check out other articles we have on our Costa Rica Trip:
1. 16 Delectable Foods and Drinks to Savor When in Costa Rica
2. Fun Facts About Costa Rica Before You Travel