Costa Rica's Iconic Falls
La Fortuna Waterfall
A stunning 70-meter cascade plunges into an emerald-green pool surrounded by tropical rainforest. Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfall awaits.
Plan Your Visit ↓
A stunning 70-meter cascade plunges into an emerald-green pool surrounded by tropical rainforest. Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfall awaits.
Plan Your Visit ↓La Fortuna Waterfall is a 70-75 meter (230 feet) cascade that plunges from the Fortuna River into a crystal-clear natural pool. Located just 5.5 km from La Fortuna town at the base of dormant Chato Volcano, it's one of Costa Rica's most popular natural attractions.
70-75 meters (200-230 feet) of dramatic cascade into an emerald pool.
$18-20 USD per person. Open daily 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
500-530 steps down through lush rainforest. 10 min down, 20+ min back up.
Allowed in the natural pool when conditions are safe. Turquoise water!
5.5 km from La Fortuna town. 10-15 min drive on paved roads.
Part of a 210-acre biological reserve. All fees support conservation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | $18-20 USD per person |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (daily) |
| Last Entry | Approximately 4:00 PM |
| Parking | Free at the entrance |
The dry season (December-April) is optimal, with February and March being the best months. Expect minimal rainfall, clearer water, and 90-95% sunshine probability. Visit early morning (7 AM) or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
May-November sees more rain, especially July and October (17-19 inches monthly). The waterfall still flows beautifully, but trails can be slippery and muddy.
To reach the waterfall's base, you'll descend approximately 500-530 concrete steps through lush tropical rainforest. The stairs are well-maintained with sturdy handrails and rest benches.
The waterfall is 5.5-6 km from La Fortuna town center, about a 10-15 minute drive on completely paved roads.
Navigate to "La Fortuna Waterfall" on Google Maps. Fully paved roads, no 4x4 needed. Free parking at entrance.
$10-15 USD one way from town center. Readily available, easy to call when needed.
$4-6 USD one way. Most economical option, though availability can be limited.
Guided tours include transportation, entrance fees, and often lunch. Great value for combo tours.
Maximize your time with tours that bundle the waterfall with Arenal's top attractions. All tours include transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
Rating: 4.9/5 (747 reviews) | Price: $138-154 USD | Duration: 10-12 hours
The most popular combo. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, hike Mistico Hanging Bridges (16 bridges through primary rainforest), and explore Arenal Volcano National Park. Includes lunch, all fees, and transportation.
Rating: 5.0/5 | Price: $140-275 USD | Duration: Full day (returns ~9 PM)
The ultimate tour! All three iconic attractions plus evening relaxation at Baldi or Tabacon Hot Springs. Includes lunch, dinner, and all entrance fees.
Rating: 5.0/5 | Price: $173 USD | Duration: 4-5 hours
Focused experience for those with limited time. Small groups (6-8 people), personalized attention, excellent wildlife spotting.
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica's most adventure-packed destinations. Combine the waterfall with these nearby highlights:
The iconic 1,633-meter volcano. Hike the 1968 Trail through solidified lava flows with 360° views. Open 7:30 AM-5 PM, ~$26 USD.
16 suspension bridges through rainforest canopy. Spot sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys. 3.1 km trail, self-guided or with guide.
Natural volcanic hot springs: Tabacon (luxury), Baldi (family), Eco Termales (mid-range), or free Río Chollin. Perfect evening activity.
Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfall, 1.5 hours away. Stunning bright blue water from a natural chemical reaction.
Perfect for relaxing after the waterfall hike! Most hot springs are 4-5 km west of La Fortuna.
| Hot Springs | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tabacon | $80-149 | Luxury experience, tropical gardens |
| The Springs | $$ | Most luxurious, volcano views |
| Eco Termales | $42 | Mid-range, couples/families |
| Baldi | $$ | Families, waterslides, 25 pools |
| Río Chollin | FREE | Natural river, authentic experience |
The beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall and surroundings
$18-20 USD per person. Open daily 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free parking at the entrance. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line.
500-530 steps down through lush rainforest. The descent takes about 10 minutes on well-maintained concrete stairs with handrails. The climb back up is more strenuous (20-30 minutes) - pace yourself and use the rest benches!
Yes! Swimming is allowed in the natural turquoise pool when water conditions are safe. The pool is surrounded by rainforest - reaching the water's edge requires climbing over large rocks. Wear a swimsuit underneath your hiking clothes.
February-March are ideal (dry season peak). Minimal rainfall, 90-95% sunshine probability, clearer water. Visit early morning (7 AM) for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Late afternoon also works for lighter traffic.
Absolutely! It's one of Costa Rica's most stunning natural attractions. The 70-meter cascade into an emerald pool surrounded by rainforest is breathtaking. Combine with Arenal Volcano and hot springs for a perfect day.
Uber ($4-6 one way) is most economical. Taxi ($10-15 one way) is readily available. Guided tours include round-trip transportation with hotel pickup - best value if combining attractions.