La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls
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7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Fortuna River Waterfall is a natural area managed sustainably by Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT), a non-profit organization, having as its main objective to ensure the well-being and growth of La Fortuna community; projects that are possible to run thanks to funds raised by the visit of each tourist to this natural space. La Fortuna Waterfall is located in a biological reserve with an area of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest, part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located at 520 meters over the sea level, where there are sources of our mountains and the waters of La Fortuna River. To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, visitors must pass a path of approximately 530 steps, which offers greater security to its passage and comfortable areas for rest and hydration through a forest with native trees of the area.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Features animals
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Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from HK$144.77
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience La Fortuna Waterfall
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
187 within 5 kms
Attractions
41 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,539 reviews
Excellent
6,109
Very good
2,559
Average
698
Poor
124
Terrible
50
George B
Kintnersville, PA7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The waterfall was gorgeous, definitely worth the walk down and back up! The rocks to get into the pool itself are a big tricky for anyone who’s not super agile
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa j
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Following an especially rainy period, the falls were magnificent! Crowds were very light- we went in the afternoon. Needed rain gear for the persistent light rain, but you can't let rain stop you in La Fortuna! Be ready for all those steps, especially back up, but the more calories you burn, the more dinner you can have. Lol!
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lesnik V
9 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Pretty expensive, considering you have to walk down 500 stairs :)) it was also really crowded and the path to the waterfall seems too artificial.
The waterfall itself is cool, water is nice. Just make sure its sunny outside otherwise you might be cold down there.
Would still recommend though.
The waterfall itself is cool, water is nice. Just make sure its sunny outside otherwise you might be cold down there.
Would still recommend though.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eatdrinkstay
Bournemouth, UK690 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We are staying right near this beautiful place.
It’s a lovely walk through the forest and of course down many ( 500) steps .
Obviously easy down but tougher in the heat back up but plenty of resting spots if you need them.
The waterfall is lovely to see, it’s not as big as some we have seen but that was obvious from the pictures before we went.
A nice area for people to cool off in the water but none of it will take you long to do. The forest is interesting as you can spot birds and monkeys.
There is also a orchid walk.
We had lunch here and the service and food is very good . It’s a shame you can’t go into the restaurant only. Make the ticket entry for the waterfall after the
restaurant as we would go back it’s so good to eat here.the waiters were really cool and friendly too.
Nice experience but won’t take you that long.
It’s a lovely walk through the forest and of course down many ( 500) steps .
Obviously easy down but tougher in the heat back up but plenty of resting spots if you need them.
The waterfall is lovely to see, it’s not as big as some we have seen but that was obvious from the pictures before we went.
A nice area for people to cool off in the water but none of it will take you long to do. The forest is interesting as you can spot birds and monkeys.
There is also a orchid walk.
We had lunch here and the service and food is very good . It’s a shame you can’t go into the restaurant only. Make the ticket entry for the waterfall after the
restaurant as we would go back it’s so good to eat here.the waiters were really cool and friendly too.
Nice experience but won’t take you that long.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gessel
Winnipeg, Canada68 contributions
Jan 2023
Beautiful!!! Worth the trek down and up the 500 steps. Access to the water at the bottom by the falls is tricky but there is another area that can be used for easier access.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy F
15 contributions
Jan 2023
A good 500 steepish steps down (and back!) to see a narrow but impressive cataract. The steps & walkways are well managed and maintained, and I always felt completely safe. You can swim in the pool nearby, but not directly beneath the waterfall because of the undertow.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waldemar_Schneider
Walldorf, Germany273 contributions
Dec 2022
Perfect area to climb steps, explore species, and jump into refreshing waters at the base of the powerful waterfall.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wanderer
26 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Taking a dip at the waterfalls was awesome. Water was clear and refreshing. The steps to the waterfall and back up was a good exercise. There are places to rest if you get tired. You don’t need a tour. Just pay the entrance fee. The signs to the waterfall are obvious.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon H
London, UK5 contributions
Dec 2022
Great waterfall in very well managed private park, spectacular views of the jungle and the waterfall. if your feeling brave try swimming in the large natural pool created by the waterfall or take a dip in the slower moving area down stream surrounded by large fish.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melina, G
London, UK29 contributions
Jan 2023
It a beautiful place to visit, it is not a place to stay the entire day tho. It's more like going to exercise a bit (500 steps down and up), see a magnificent waterfall, lots of nature around and nice paths to walk. You must have a good physical condition to visit this place. You can swim a little bit, but the waterfall makes it very rough to stay in the water. I enjoyed a lot, I would recommend it to friends as well. You should take a towel, water and snacks with you, there is a big parking lot and there are bathrooms, changing rooms and souvenirs shops.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
669rachelt
Brighton and Hove, UK16 contributions
Are towels included in the entry fee?
Gerry
Granger, IN8 contributions
No, towels are not included
Elisabeth M
Marina del Rey, CA1 contribution
Can I do this hike with a small dog?
Pepe
Patras, Greece120 contributions
If the dog is not afraid easily (because of the loud noise of the waterfall) yes I think you can—don’t let the did in the water—it’s cold and because of the lack of salt he will sink immediately.
Izzy
Hanoi, Vietnam303 contributions
I read that there is a nice viewpoint of the waterfall sometime during the hike - is it possible to just go to the viewpoint and return without going all the way down? And how long is the roundtrip from the viewpoint?
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica3 contributions
Hello! Yes, you can just go to the viewpoint and return, it is very close to the reception.
ebba_s
Stockholm, Sweden
Hi! I wonder if I have to book entrance tickets in advance or if I can decide on the same day that I want to go? Can it be fully booked? I am visiting in mid March. Thank you1
Monica-Peking
Norrkoping, Sweden683 contributions
No, you don’t have to BOOK it in advance, but I would suggest that you go when they just open. Less people and No queue.
Vittoria G
51 contributions
Comment puis-je me rendre par moi même du village de la Fortuna ??
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica3 contributions
Hola, puedes tomar un taxi o caminar desde el centro de La Fortuna son aproximadamente 5 km hasta Catarata La Fortuna.
Saludos, te esperamos!
mltronco
Galloway, NJ11 contributions
Hi, can you pack a lunch and bring it into the park with you?
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica3 contributions
Sure, you can bring food!
juan g
Quepos, Costa Rica16 contributions
Hola,cómo llegar desde san José hasta la fortuna en autobús?
Gracias!
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica3 contributions
Hola, puedes tomar un bus en la terminal 710 en San José hasta la Fortuna, te esperamos!
La Fortuna Waterfall (La Fortuna de San Carlos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about La Fortuna Waterfall
- La Fortuna Waterfall is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- La Fortuna Waterfall admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost HK$140.92, while a popular guided tour starts around HK$156.58 per person. See all 81 La Fortuna Waterfall tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- La Fortuna Waterfall can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 81 La Fortuna Waterfall tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience La Fortuna Waterfall:
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket (From HK$140.92)
- Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Typical lunch and Arenal Volcano Hike (From HK$1,273.80)
- Best Zip Line for small groups in Arenal (From HK$623.75)
- Best of La Fortuna Combo Tour (From HK$931.67)
- La Fortuna Waterfall Hike & Farm Lunch (From HK$769.45)
- Hotels near La Fortuna Waterfall:
- (0.00 km) Arenal Oasis
- (0.00 km) Apartamentos Cordoba Chavez
- (0.05 km) Cabaña el Monasterio lugar donde puedes disfrutar de tranquilidad y naturaleza..
- (0.45 km) Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis
- (0.40 km) GreenLagoon Wellbeing Resort
- Restaurants near La Fortuna Waterfall:
- (0.05 km) Los Anticuchos
- (0.07 km) RÃo Lounge
- (0.39 km) Gecko's Waterfall Grill
- (0.94 km) Kroak Veggie Gourmet
- (3.39 km) Tiquicia Restaurant