Top La Fortuna Natural Attractions

Relax in natural thermal waters at Hot Springs Pura Vida near La Fortuna. Set within a rainforest environment, this experience allows you to unwind while connecting with nature. With an emphasis on sustainability, the site integrates eco-friendly practices alongside access to renowned Costa Rican hot springs, providing a balanced option for relaxation in a lush setting.

More than 100,000 visitors flock to La Fortuna Waterfall each year, but this admission ticket to the natural attraction lets you head straight inside Arenal Volcano National Park to see it. After admiring the falls from a distance, hike down a steep path to stand at the base of the mesmerizing 230-foot (70-meter) cascade, where you can feel the power of the Fortuna River and feel its mist spraying into the surrounding jungle.

Immerse yourself in nature during this tour that takes you to explore a sloth observation trail, a prime spot to see sloths in their natural environment. Thanks to years of reforestation and protection efforts, this property is now a thriving sanctuary where you can gain insights into the lives of sloths. Plus, you can cap off your adventure with a tasting of artisanal sugarcane juice and an exploration of a medicinal plant garden.

Avoid the crowds of La Fortuna on this tour of Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve located just outside of the city. Follow a guide along jungle trails to where sloths, birds, and butterflies live, and pick up local expertise on Costa Rican wildlife along the way. This tour even includes a spotting scope for heightened visibility.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Get ready for an adrenaline fueled adventure in the heart of Costa Rica! This exhilarating tour begins with a visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you’ll embark on a scenic hike through the lush rainforest to reach the majestic 70-meter cascade. Once you arrive, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views and cool off in the refreshing pool below the waterfall perfect for a refreshing swim! Next, prepare for an unforgettable experience as you embark on the Airtime Zipline Canopy Tour. Soar high above the treetops and glide through the air on a series of ziplines that offer stunning views of the jungle and the Arenal Volcano. With expert guides to ensure your safety, you’ll enjoy the thrill of flying through the canopy while experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems. This tour combines the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with the excitement of ziplining, making it an unforgettable day for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The therapeutic uses of natural hot springs can be internal or external, ranging from water treatments (hydrotherapy), to medicinal clay (geotherapy). Applied as a mask directly on the skin, clay releases excess body heat and absorbs toxins and other secretions. Because heated water can hold more dissolved solids, warm and especially hot springs often have a very high mineral content, ranging from simple calcium to lithium and even radium. Known both from folklore and from their proven medical value, hot springs are often popular tourist destinations. The Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort hot springs are an extraordinary gift from nature and result from the interaction of groundwater with magma from the active Arenal Volcano. The volcano’s internal energy and minerals, the same that emerge from the entrails of the planet, provide a natural treatment for your skin as well as your whole body.

Don’t run the risk of not being let into the hot springs at EcoTermales Fortuna in La Fortuna and book your skip-the-line tickets in advance to ensure you get in. Soak in any of the four pools, one of which even has a waterfall, at this family-owned hot spring with water temperatures varying from 99°F to 105°F (37°C to 41°C).

Float down the Peñas Blancas River in a rowboat on this 3.5-hour journey from La Fortuna. Listen to your naturalist guide's commentary while keeping a lookout for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird life. Finish up with a stop at a local farm to sample their homemade snacks and coffee. Round-trip transport from selected hotels included.

Due to its excellent location, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is recognized for offering the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife observation opportunities in Costa Rica. Eleven kilometers of trails, two observation towers and two suspension bridges offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the nature of the Arenal Volcano National Park. If you are not a guest of the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, we offer you the opportunity to opt for the DAY PASS to explore our impressive 350-hectare (865-acre) nature reserve.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Unwind at Baldi Hot Springs with a day pass that gives access to 25 thermal pools set within lush, forested grounds. Spend the day soaking, strolling, or adding a spa treatment for extra relaxation. Water slides and a family-friendly pool make it a great option for all ages. Select lunch, dinner, or both when booking for added convenience.

With this prebooked day pass, breeze through the entrance lines at the Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve and sanctuary near La Fortuna. Meet some of the animals living inside the reserve including sloths, birds, butterflies, lizards, and iguanas. After saying hello to the animals, visit the indigenous art gallery and souvenir shop—all helping to support natural conservation efforts.

Hike a scenic trail to a river spot, where you can swim, relax, or sunbathe for as long as you want. Join a tour guide for the 25-minute hike through primary forest that surrounds the Celeste River, effort that earns you access to a clean and pristine location that won’t be overcrowded.

Come face to face with some of Costa Rica's most-loved wildlife on a visit to the Monkey Park in La Fortuna. While your guide tells you all about Costa Rica's flora and fauna, take a gentle hike along a trail while looking out for white-faced and howlers monkeys, as well as other wildlife, including toucans and frogs. Coffee and snacks are provided at the end of the trail.

Save time and avoid paying for multiple back-and-forth transfers between La Fortuna and Arenal area attractions by booking a tour that combines three classic sights in one day-long outing. Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, splash around at La Fortuna Waterfall, and go hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park. Round-trip transfers from La Fortuna and lunch are included, making this an easy all-inclusive option.