Trip Planner:   Central America  /  Costa Rica  /  Province of Alajuela  /  Arenal Volcano National Park  /  La Fortuna de San Carlos  /  La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna de San Carlos

4.5

#1 of 816 in Wildlife in Costa Rica

Waterfall Nature / Park Must See

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A short drive from town, La Fortuna Waterfall offers an idyllic place for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. Fed by the Arenal River, which winds its way through the rainforest before plunging dramatically over a steep cliff, this waterfall forms a large pool at the base of a dormant volcano. Lifeguards remain on duty throughout the day, while modern facilities like restrooms and showers ensure a comfortable visit in a lush area noted for thick vegetation and abundant wildlife. Prepare for a short but arduous hike to the base of the waterfall by wearing shoes suitable for slippery and uneven terrain. Use our La Fortuna de San Carlos attractions planner to add La Fortuna Waterfall and other attractions to your La Fortuna de San Carlos vacation plans.

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La Fortuna Waterfall Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

9,153 reviews

Google

4.6

• By Richard B

  the fall is stunning but really you need to walk down loads of steps, and then back up again, so it can get hot. Swimming is novel but rocks are slippery, and the pounding waterfall pool is to be...  more »

• By 567amandap

  Very beautiful waterfall. >300 steps down to the waterfall then back up again at the end. Definitely requires a certain fitness level. Waterfall is picturesque. You can swim at the base of it but it.....  more »

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Google

• By Carly Stingl

  We came to La Fortuna with two little kids (4 and 1) and were able to do this outing on our own (we had a rental car) with no problem. It was easy to find and navigate. We took our 1 year old in a baby carrier but our 4-year-old walked the whole way down and UP the stairs. The path down to the falls is very well maintained and beautiful. Definitely worth it and worth the slightly steep price.

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• By Steve S

  Stunning, beautiful, surreal would not even begin to describe this place!! It’s a long stair hike( be ready for that) totally worth it! It feels like being in a beautiful painting! The sounds of the water and birds in the trees was indescribable!! What a majestic place!! Water is refreshingly cold! So neat!!!!

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