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La Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna de San Carlos

4.5
#1 of 696 in Wildlife in Costa Rica
Must see · Waterfall · Nature / Park
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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Tours to La Fortuna Waterfall

FROM $189 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Hike
4.8
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $189 »

La Fortuna Waterfall reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
9,196 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By dchong2187
    Amazing waterfall you can swim by. Natural pools from the river. Orchid gardens and butterfly garden. Definitely a must.  more »
  • By alexandrayoung13
    Got a change to swim in the waterfall, what a rush! This waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. A must see in La Fortuna!  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.
  • 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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Popular things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Tabacon Hot Springs ©
Hot Spring
Tabacon Hot Springs
La Fortuna
4.4
Duration: 4h 30 min
Buy tickets from $105 »
©
River Rafting / Tubing
River Rafting & Tubing
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
4.7
Duration: 4 hours
Ecotermales Fortuna ©
Hot Spring
Ecotermales Fortuna
4.6
Duration: 3h 30 min

Side trips from La Fortuna de San Carlos

Arenal Volcano
Volcano
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park
3.5
Duration: 4h 30 min
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park ©
Bridge
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Arenal Volcano National Park
4.5
Duration: 4 hours
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge ©
Nature / Park
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Cano Negro
4.5
Duration: 6 hours
Venado Caves ©
Cave
Venado Caves
Arenal Volcano National Park
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nature in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Lake Arenal ©
Water Body
Lake Arenal
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min
Baldi Hot Springs ©
Hot Spring
Baldi Hot Springs
3.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Rio Chollin ©
Hot Spring
Rio Chollin
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Los Lagos Hot Springs ©
Hot Spring
Los Lagos Hot Springs
4.2
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Bogarin Trail
Park
Bogarin Trail
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Safari
Safaris
4.6
Duration: 8 hours
©
Coffee / Tea Tour
Coffee & Tea Tours
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Paradise Hot Springs ©
Hot Spring
Paradise Hot Springs
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min

Parks in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Proyecto Asis ©
Nature / Park
Proyecto Asis
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge
Nature / Park
Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Cerro Chato ANC Park & Gardens ©
Park
Cerro Chato ANC Park & Gardens
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
Mirador El Silencio ©
Nature / Park
Mirador El Silencio
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nearby attractions in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Wave Expeditions ©
River Rafting / Tubing
Wave Expeditions
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Desafio Adventure Company ©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Desafio Adventure Company
4.7
Duration: 4h 30 min
Arenal Rafting ©
River Rafting / Tubing
Arenal Rafting
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Pure Trek Canyoning ©
Hiking / Camping Tour
Pure Trek Canyoning
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

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