La Fortuna City Guide (Costa Rica, 2026)

Backpacking in La Fortuna
🏆 Top picktown ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Arenal Volcano sits at the end of the main street, so you can walk out of your hostel and see it without a tour or a bus. La Fortuna is in the north of Costa Rica, in the lowlands of the San Carlos region, and it works as an activity base more than a town to wander. The streets are a few blocks of tour offices, sodas and supermarkets, with the cone looming over the rooftops when clouds allow. Rain drums on tin roofs most afternoons, and the air smells of wet earth and fried plantain. I asked a soda cook what to order, and she pointed me to the casado with fresh-squeezed juice. Hostels are small and social, with easy chatter over breakfast, and evenings are mellow rather than rowdy. Getting here is simple by shuttle or public bus. Tours cost real money, but waterfalls and hot springs reward it. Unlike Monteverde, which is cool and misty, La Fortuna is hot, flat and wide open.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Costa Rica Travel Guide.

Best time to go: October - May
Population: 15,000 [en.wikipedia.org]
Daily cost: US$75

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 town in Costa RicaWhy La Fortuna should be on your travel list

La Fortuna gives you volcano, waterfall, river and hot springs within a short ride of one walkable grid, which is rare in Costa Rica. Most travelers stay two or three nights, enough for the La Fortuna Waterfall and a soak, with a third day for a hike or canyoning. Solo travelers find it easy to join group trips, and the small hostels near the center have shared kitchens and hammock porches where plans get made over rice and beans. Hikers get the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, including old lava fields that make you feel the scale of past eruptions. Budget travelers can skip the big resort springs and use free or cheap river spots, like the public Rio Fortuna swimming holes, though the best-known attractions do cost money. Nightlife is modest: a few bars, live music some evenings, … read more 👉

La Fortuna gives you volcano, waterfall, river and hot springs within a short ride of one walkable grid, which is rare in Costa Rica. Most travelers stay two or three nights, enough for the La Fortuna Waterfall and a soak, with a third day for a hike or canyoning. Solo travelers find it easy to join group trips, and the small hostels near the center have shared kitchens and hammock porches where plans get made over rice and beans. Hikers get the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, including old lava fields that make you feel the scale of past eruptions. Budget travelers can skip the big resort springs and use free or cheap river spots, like the public Rio Fortuna swimming holes, though the best-known attractions do cost money. Nightlife is modest: a few bars, live music some evenings, early starts the next morning. It suits active, social travelers and those who like a clear plan more than long, aimless days. If you prefer quiet, cool mountain towns, you may find it touristy, since tours dominate the main street.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting La Fortuna

La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Río Fortuna): A 70-meter drop into a green pool, reached by about 500 concrete and stone steps down a forested slope. Go early, around 7:30 or 8:00 AM, for fewer people and better swimming. Entry is about US$18 to 20 and you need 2 to 3 hours including the climb back.
Arenal Volcano National Park trails: Short trails cross old lava flows from the 1968 eruption, with open views of the cone when the sky is clear. Mornings are clearest. Entry is about US$15 and a loop takes 2 to 3 hours.
Parque Central: The town square and its church face the volcano, and locals gather there in the evening for ice cream and chatting. It is free and 30 minutes is enough. Late afternoon is best.
Mirador El Silencio and nearby volcano lookouts: Views of Arenal's cone over farmland, best

… read more 👉

La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Río Fortuna): A 70-meter drop into a green pool, reached by about 500 concrete and stone steps down a forested slope. Go early, around 7:30 or 8:00 AM, for fewer people and better swimming. Entry is about US$18 to 20 and you need 2 to 3 hours including the climb back.
Arenal Volcano National Park trails: Short trails cross old lava flows from the 1968 eruption, with open views of the cone when the sky is clear. Mornings are clearest. Entry is about US$15 and a loop takes 2 to 3 hours.
Parque Central: The town square and its church face the volcano, and locals gather there in the evening for ice cream and chatting. It is free and 30 minutes is enough. Late afternoon is best.
Mirador El Silencio and nearby volcano lookouts: Views of Arenal's cone over farmland, best at dawn or at dusk with fewer clouds. Costs vary by site, roughly US$5 to 15, for 1 to 2 hours.
Hot springs along the Rio Tabacon: Natural thermal water flows through landscaped pools and free-flowing sections just outside town. Evenings are lovely under the stars. Entry ranges from about US$20 for budget options to over US$80 for the big resorts, for 2 to 4 hours.

La Fortuna also makes a good base for day trips to Lake Arenal, the Caño Negro wildlife refuge, and the Venado Caves. The waterfall pairs well with an evening in the hot springs, since the climb leaves your legs ready for a soak.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to La Fortuna

La Fortuna is small enough that you can cover every part of it on foot or with a short ride, and each area has its own pace.

Central Park and the Church Area. The grid around the plaza is where buses, tour vans and taxis all converge. Mornings smell of fresh bread and diesel, evenings of grilled meat from the sodas, and Arenal Volcano fills the sky at the end of the main street when clouds allow. Cheap casados (plate of rice, beans, salad and meat) cost US$6 to 9 here. You get a cheap, hearty meal with the volcano as your backdrop.
Main Road (Ruta 142) Strip. Heading toward the volcano and the hot springs, this stretch is lined with tour offices, bars, pizzerias and souvenir shops. It is noisy with traffic and the sidewalks are patchy, but the bars stay lively until around midnight with live

… read more 👉

La Fortuna is small enough that you can cover every part of it on foot or with a short ride, and each area has its own pace.

Central Park and the Church Area. The grid around the plaza is where buses, tour vans and taxis all converge. Mornings smell of fresh bread and diesel, evenings of grilled meat from the sodas, and Arenal Volcano fills the sky at the end of the main street when clouds allow. Cheap casados (plate of rice, beans, salad and meat) cost US$6 to 9 here. You get a cheap, hearty meal with the volcano as your backdrop.
Main Road (Ruta 142) Strip. Heading toward the volcano and the hot springs, this stretch is lined with tour offices, bars, pizzerias and souvenir shops. It is noisy with traffic and the sidewalks are patchy, but the bars stay lively until around midnight with live music and cold Imperial beer. You come away with a booked tour and a cold drink in under an hour.
West Side, toward the River. Quieter streets with small farms, roadside fruit stands and the hum of cicadas. Walking here gets hot by midday, so go early. You get pineapple and sugarcane stands, plus calm and a view of rooftops against the green slopes.
Road to the Waterfall (Catarata Río Fortuna). About 6 kilometers (4 miles) out of town, this is a steep, humid, paved road lined with forest. Most backpackers take a taxi or bike, then climb about 500 steps to the base. You end at a pool of cold, thundering mist.
Road to Arenal National Park. This is a flat lava-field route, with the volcano looming ahead and the air smelling of wet earth and sulfur. Some trails are muddy and exposed. You reach lava-rock viewpoints and howler monkeys calling in the trees.

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

6:30 AM, Parque Central: Start with coffee and gallo pinto at a soda on the square. The volcano is usually clear at this hour, so take photos before the clouds roll in. From here, walk to a taxi stand or hop on a shuttle to the waterfall.

7:30 AM, La Fortuna Waterfall: Arrive when the gates open, descend the steps in cool air and swim in the pool before tour buses arrive. Allow about two and a half hours. The climb back is steep, so take your time. Afterward, return to town for lunch.

11:30 AM, Local soda: Choose a small family place off the main street for a casado with chicken or fish, plantains and fresh juice. It is filling, simple and a real taste of Costa Rican home cooking.

1:00 PM, Rio Fortuna swimming spot: This lesser-known, free stretch of river beyond the tourist crowds is a good … read more 👉

6:30 AM, Parque Central: Start with coffee and gallo pinto at a soda on the square. The volcano is usually clear at this hour, so take photos before the clouds roll in. From here, walk to a taxi stand or hop on a shuttle to the waterfall.

7:30 AM, La Fortuna Waterfall: Arrive when the gates open, descend the steps in cool air and swim in the pool before tour buses arrive. Allow about two and a half hours. The climb back is steep, so take your time. Afterward, return to town for lunch.

11:30 AM, Local soda: Choose a small family place off the main street for a casado with chicken or fish, plantains and fresh juice. It is filling, simple and a real taste of Costa Rican home cooking.

1:00 PM, Rio Fortuna swimming spot: This lesser-known, free stretch of river beyond the tourist crowds is a good place to cool off. Locals bring their kids and you can rest on the rocks. Walk or take a short taxi ride, and stay about an hour.

3:00 PM, Arenal Volcano National Park: Take the trail across old lava fields and through forest. Birds and coatis are common, and the cone looms overhead. Allow two hours. Afternoon clouds sometimes hide the summit, but the walk is worthwhile anyway.

6:00 PM, Hot springs: Finish with a soak in the thermal river water as dusk falls and frogs begin calling. Allow two to three hours, then return for dinner in town.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Costa Rica’s northern lowlands are warm all year, so timing here is about rain and crowds more than temperature.

December to April (Drier Months): Mornings are often clear, giving the best chances of seeing the volcano's cone. Highs run 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), nights 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F). Crowds peak around Christmas, New Year and Easter, and rooms sell out early with prices up 20 to 40 percent.
May to November (Green Season): Expect rain most afternoons, sometimes all day, with temperatures around 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F). Waterfalls run full and forests glow. Tours are quieter and cheaper, and you can often bargain for rooms. September and October are the wettest, and roads and trails can turn muddy.
Daylight: It stays fairly constant year-round, with the sun rising early and dark falling

… read more 👉

Costa Rica’s northern lowlands are warm all year, so timing here is about rain and crowds more than temperature.

December to April (Drier Months): Mornings are often clear, giving the best chances of seeing the volcano's cone. Highs run 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), nights 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F). Crowds peak around Christmas, New Year and Easter, and rooms sell out early with prices up 20 to 40 percent.
May to November (Green Season): Expect rain most afternoons, sometimes all day, with temperatures around 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F). Waterfalls run full and forests glow. Tours are quieter and cheaper, and you can often bargain for rooms. September and October are the wettest, and roads and trails can turn muddy.
Daylight: It stays fairly constant year-round, with the sun rising early and dark falling by early evening. Start tours in the morning for the clearest skies.
Festivals and Events: Local fiestas and Easter week bring Costa Rican families, so weekends fill up.

Book January and Easter stays at least a few weeks ahead, and pack a light rain jacket whenever you come.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Costa Rica

The best budget base is the area within a few blocks of the central park, where most hostels and cheap guesthouses cluster. Dorm beds are plentiful here, and you can walk to the bus terminal, supermarkets, soda restaurants and tour pickups. The streets are well lit and busy until late evening, so walking back after dinner feels comfortable. Noise comes mainly from traffic and a few bars, so ask for a room away from the main road if you sleep lightly.

The second option is the stretch along the road toward the volcano and hot springs, about 1 to 3 kilometers (0.6 to 2 miles) from the center. Here … read more 👉

The best budget base is the area within a few blocks of the central park, where most hostels and cheap guesthouses cluster. Dorm beds are plentiful here, and you can walk to the bus terminal, supermarkets, soda restaurants and tour pickups. The streets are well lit and busy until late evening, so walking back after dinner feels comfortable. Noise comes mainly from traffic and a few bars, so ask for a room away from the main road if you sleep lightly.

The second option is the stretch along the road toward the volcano and hot springs, about 1 to 3 kilometers (0.6 to 2 miles) from the center. Here you find quieter guesthouses and small hostels with gardens, pools and sounds of frogs at night. Prices are similar or slightly lower, but you rely on a taxi, bicycle or short walk to reach town after dark. Pavements are limited, so take a flashlight.

Book ahead from December to April and around Easter, when beds fill early. In the green season you can often find walk-in options, and some places offer discounts for longer stays. Look for hostels with kitchens, since cooking a few meals saves money, and check that they offer tour booking and secure lockers.

Hostel Batzu

800m from La Fortuna city centre
9.8 rating

Fortuna Pink Hostel

1km from La Fortuna city centre
9.7 rating

Cabinas Las Palmas

300m from La Fortuna city centre
9.4 rating

Popular hostels come and go. Spotted some out-dated info? Contact us.

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

From the bus terminal, a short walk of about five to ten minutes along the main street takes you to the central park, past the smell of frying plantains and the sound of motorbikes. La Fortuna is compact and mostly flat, so most backpackers walk, then add a taxi, shuttle or bike for the sights outside town. Traffic is heavy on the main road during peak hours, but public buses are fairly reliable.

Walking. The center takes under 15 minutes to cross, and sodas, tour offices and shops are all close. Sidewalks are uneven and midday sun is strong, so bring water. You get the best sense of the town, with the volcano rising at the end of the street.
Local Buses. Public buses link La Fortuna with nearby villages and the Arenal area for roughly US$1 to 3. Service runs from early morning to late afternoon,

… read more 👉

From the bus terminal, a short walk of about five to ten minutes along the main street takes you to the central park, past the smell of frying plantains and the sound of motorbikes. La Fortuna is compact and mostly flat, so most backpackers walk, then add a taxi, shuttle or bike for the sights outside town. Traffic is heavy on the main road during peak hours, but public buses are fairly reliable.

Walking. The center takes under 15 minutes to cross, and sodas, tour offices and shops are all close. Sidewalks are uneven and midday sun is strong, so bring water. You get the best sense of the town, with the volcano rising at the end of the street.
Local Buses. Public buses link La Fortuna with nearby villages and the Arenal area for roughly US$1 to 3. Service runs from early morning to late afternoon, with fewer evening options. They can be slow and crowded, but you see rural life from the window.
Taxis. Short rides in town cost around US$3 to 5, and trips to the waterfall or nearby hot springs about US$10 to 20, depending on distance. Agree on the price or ask for the meter (marías). They are fast and cool when the day is humid.
Shared Shuttles. Door-to-door vans link La Fortuna to Monteverde, San José and Liberia for US$50 to 65, taking about 3 to 5 hours. They are air-conditioned and comfortable, with pickups from your hotel. You skip the transfers and get views of Lake Arenal on the Monteverde route.
Bicycle and E-Bike. Rentals cost roughly US$10 to 25 per day. The road to the waterfall is steep, so e-bikes help. Heat and showers are likely, but you coast down with the breeze in your face.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

La Fortuna costs about US$75 per day for a backpacker in high season, and it is pricier than most of Costa Rica because of its tour industry.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm Accommodation	US$14 to 25	Dorms run about US$14 to 18 in the green season and US$18 to 25 from December to April. Total uses US$20.
Meals	US$18 to 30	A casado at a soda costs US$6 to 9, and breakfast or supermarket food costs less. Restaurants charge more. Total uses US$22.
Local Transport	US$2 to 8	Walking is free, buses cost US$1 to 3, and short taxi rides US$3 to 5. Total uses US$5.
Basic Activities/Entry Fees	US$15 to 35	Waterfall entry is about US$18 to 20, and the national park about US$15. Hot springs and tours cost more. Total uses US$18.
Miscellaneous	US$5 to 12	Includes water, snacks, laundry and a beer at about US$3

… read more 👉

La Fortuna costs about US$75 per day for a backpacker in high season, and it is pricier than most of Costa Rica because of its tour industry.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm Accommodation	US$14 to 25	Dorms run about US$14 to 18 in the green season and US$18 to 25 from December to April. Total uses US$20.
Meals	US$18 to 30	A casado at a soda costs US$6 to 9, and breakfast or supermarket food costs less. Restaurants charge more. Total uses US$22.
Local Transport	US$2 to 8	Walking is free, buses cost US$1 to 3, and short taxi rides US$3 to 5. Total uses US$5.
Basic Activities/Entry Fees	US$15 to 35	Waterfall entry is about US$18 to 20, and the national park about US$15. Hot springs and tours cost more. Total uses US$18.
Miscellaneous	US$5 to 12	Includes water, snacks, laundry and a beer at about US$3 to 4. Total uses US$10.
Total Daily Budget	US$75	Based on high-season dorm pricing; expect less in the green season.

Cook in your hostel kitchen and buy produce at the local supermarkets to cut food costs. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small sodas.

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

La Fortuna is one of the easiest bases in Costa Rica for day trips, with tour vans, taxis and shuttles collecting from your door each morning.La Fortuna Waterfall: A 70-meter cascade reached by about 500 steps down a forest staircase, the waterfall is a half-day outing. Entry is around US$18 to 20, and a taxi from town costs US$10 to 15 each way. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Don’t swim after heavy rain, when currents grow strong.

👉 Explore La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal Volcano National Park: Trails cross old lava fields and forest, with views of the volcano on clear mornings. Entry is about US$15 and you can take a taxi or shuttle for US$10 to 20, or cycle there. Plan 3 to 4 hours. Clouds usually build by midday, so early starts matter most.

👉 Explore Arenal Volcano … read more 👉

La Fortuna is one of the easiest bases in Costa Rica for day trips, with tour vans, taxis and shuttles collecting from your door each morning.La Fortuna Waterfall: A 70-meter cascade reached by about 500 steps down a forest staircase, the waterfall is a half-day outing. Entry is around US$18 to 20, and a taxi from town costs US$10 to 15 each way. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Don’t swim after heavy rain, when currents grow strong.

👉 Explore La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal Volcano National Park: Trails cross old lava fields and forest, with views of the volcano on clear mornings. Entry is about US$15 and you can take a taxi or shuttle for US$10 to 20, or cycle there. Plan 3 to 4 hours. Clouds usually build by midday, so early starts matter most.

👉 Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Río Celeste: Famous for its turquoise water, this trail in Tenorio Volcano National Park lies about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Budget US$60 to 90 in total for a shared tour, or less with a rental car. Dry months give the best color. First-timers often visit right after rain, when the river turns muddy.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge: Boat trips on the wetlands reveal caimans, monkeys, sloths and many birds. Tours cost about US$80 to 110 and take most of the day, with about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Best from December to April, when water levels concentrate wildlife.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

La Fortuna is broadly safe for backpackers, and most problems are petty and avoidable. The main issue is theft from parked cars and rental vehicles at waterfall, trailhead and viewpoint parking areas, so never leave bags visible and take valuables with you. Taxis and tour vans are generally fine, but agree on the fare before leaving, or ask for the meter. Be wary of unlicensed street sellers pushing tours at inflated prices, and compare a few agencies before booking. Walking at night in the center is generally fine, and solo travelers, including women, usually feel comfortable on well-lit streets. Avoid dark roads outside town, where sidewalks are scarce and drivers go fast. Rivers and waterfalls can be dangerous after rain, so respect posted warnings and avoid swimming in strong currents. … read more 👉

La Fortuna is broadly safe for backpackers, and most problems are petty and avoidable. The main issue is theft from parked cars and rental vehicles at waterfall, trailhead and viewpoint parking areas, so never leave bags visible and take valuables with you. Taxis and tour vans are generally fine, but agree on the fare before leaving, or ask for the meter. Be wary of unlicensed street sellers pushing tours at inflated prices, and compare a few agencies before booking. Walking at night in the center is generally fine, and solo travelers, including women, usually feel comfortable on well-lit streets. Avoid dark roads outside town, where sidewalks are scarce and drivers go fast. Rivers and waterfalls can be dangerous after rain, so respect posted warnings and avoid swimming in strong currents. Keep a copy of your passport and carry only the cash you need for the day.

Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about La Fortuna

La Fortuna is worth a few days rather than a quick stopover, because Arenal Volcano National Park, the hot springs and the waterfall are all within 10 minutes to half an hour of town. The La Fortuna Waterfall costs about US$18 to enter and involves roughly 500 steps down, while the Arenal 1968 trail runs about US$15 to 20 for a lava-field walk. Budget travelers can also swim for free at the Rio Fortuna river pools, so the town works as a destination in itself.

Plan on 2 to 3 days in La Fortuna to cover the waterfall, a volcano hike and a hot springs soak without rushing. A third day lets you add a float trip on the Peñas Blancas river (around US$65 to 85) or a trip to Lake Arenal. Rain is common in the afternoon, so spreading activities over more days gives you a second chance at clear volcano views.

Yes, La Fortuna works as a long day trip from San José, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road each way, with public buses at roughly US$5 to 7 and shuttles at US$45 to 60. The catch is that you would arrive late morning and leave by mid-afternoon, which leaves time for only one main sight like the waterfall or a hot springs visit. Staying at least one night gives you the volcano trails, the evening soak and a relaxed start the next day.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Costa Rican towns near La Fortuna

Explore more nearby:

Monteverde—Cloud forest, night walks, Quaker cheese| 28 km away
Ciudad Quesada—San Carlos farm hub, modern cathedral, cheese market| 28 km away
Zarcero—Topiary garden, palmito cheese, mountain chill| 42 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

La Fortuna is easy to treat as a checklist of paid tours, but the free views matter. Many first-timers overlook the cone at dusk from a quiet street or a hostel roof. I would save one evening for exactly that, sit with a cold drink, and skip one tour to afford it.

✈️ When did I visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Costa Rica, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Costa Rica🇨🇷 | townsLa FortunaArenal views, 70-meter falls, thermal pools | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in La Fortuna
🏆 Top picktown ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 town in Costa RicaWhy La Fortuna should be on your travel list

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting La Fortuna

Things to do around La Fortuna

Tubing in Rio Celeste

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

Horseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna with River Crossings

White Water Rafting class V

Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

Costa Rica Descents Organic Farm

Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class

Arenal Full Day Tour

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to La Fortuna

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCosta Rica Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Costa Rica

Hostel Batzu

Fortuna Pink Hostel

Cabinas Las Palmas

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

FAQFrequently asked questions about La Fortuna

Other Costa Rican towns near La Fortuna

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Costa Rica🇨🇷 | townsLa FortunaArenal views, 70-meter falls, thermal pools | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in La Fortuna🏆 Top picktown ranked #1By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4882fb5')

✨ Why go?Ranked #1 town in Costa RicaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4883f20')Why La Fortuna should be on your travel listaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4883f28')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4884e93')Essential experiences to have while visiting La FortunaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4884e9e')

Things to do around La Fortuna

Tubing in Rio Celeste

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

Horseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna with River Crossings

White Water Rafting class V

Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

Costa Rica Descents Organic Farm

Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class

Arenal Full Day Tour

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4885b5c')Neighborhood guide to La FortunaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4885b64')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4886786')Seeing the highlights in 24 hoursaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f488678b')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4887018')Choosing the right time of yearaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f488701e')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCosta Rica Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4888295')Best areas to stay in Costa RicaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f488829a')

Hostel Batzu

Fortuna Pink Hostel

Cabinas Las Palmas

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4888afc')Getting around like a localaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4888b01')

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f48893d1')How expensive it really isaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f48893d5')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4896af3')Exploring the surroundingsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4896afc')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f4897138')Staying Safe: What Travelers Should KnowaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489713c')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f48971e9')Frequently asked questions about La FortunaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f48971ee')

Other Costa Rican towns near La FortunaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489aded')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489b075')What to keep in mindaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489b079')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489b0cc')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adc2f489b0cf')

Backpacking in La Fortuna
🏆 Top picktown ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 town in Costa RicaWhy La Fortuna should be on your travel list

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting La Fortuna

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to La Fortuna

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Costa Rica

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

FAQFrequently asked questions about La Fortuna

Other Costa Rican towns near La Fortuna

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?