Itineraries for Your Trip to La Fortuna
2 Days in La Fortuna for First Timers
The first time I visited La Fortuna, my singular focus was seeing a sloth in the wild. My daughter and I went on a sloth tour, and we saw a few very high up in the tree canopy through binoculars. However, we came across one close-up on a zipline tour. After that experience, we saw more animals and couldn't believe the variety of wildlife in this part of Costa Rica.
With two days in La Fortuna, you'll have time to hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and visit La Fortuna Waterfall. There are plenty of activities like ziplining and river tubing for the adventurous ones and hot springs for those who prefer relaxation. Here's what you can expect.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a night walk in the rainforest.
It is typically warm and humid in La Fortuna, with frequent rain.
La Fortuna is full of family farms, many of which you can visit to learn about farming practices and to sample products. A coffee and chocolate farm visit is the perfect way to start the day with a bang. It is always interesting to see how food is grown and produced, and you can purchase coffee beans and chocolate to take home with you.
Now that you've boosted yourself with caffeine, you are ready for active adventures. La Fortuna offers plenty of opportunities to explore the waterfalls and hiking trails in the rainforest. Whether you go ziplining or rappelling, an active adventure is a fantastic way to see this part of Costa Rica.
La Fortuna is known for its biodiversity, and one of the best ways to experience it is on a night tour of the rainforest. Your guide will point out nocturnal tree frogs, sloths, and insects that you likely wouldn't have noticed along the path. It's magical and mystifying.
You'll be amazed at how dense the rainforest can be, and one of the best ways to explore it is from above. A visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park will give you a bird's-eye view as you walk the 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) of hanging bridges that wind through the treetops. You might spot a sloth or a monkey gliding through the branches if you're lucky.
Many birds and animals make their home along La Fortuna's waterways; a float along the Peñas Blancas River is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. If you want more of an adrenaline boost, opt for a tour that takes you over the rapids and is guaranteed to get you wet (an ideal way to combat the afternoon heat).
You'll want to try as much of the Costa Rican cuisine as you can while you are in La Fortuna, and one of the best ways to do this is in a cooking class. You'll learn how local produce is grown, and your instructor will share how to make classic dishes you'll enjoy when they're done. The recipes are the perfect souvenir to remember your visit.
