La Fortuna Costa Rica Waterfall

Even though we were traveling in Costa Rica outside of the rainy season, we still had plenty of rain…every day. The good news is that with rain in a tropical climate comes the rainforest. And if  you’re lucky, waterfalls. And we were.

Where is the La Fortuna Waterfall?

La Fortuna Waterfall is located in a biological reserve part of the Arenal Volcano National Park in Central Costa Rica. It is 5.5 km  (3.4 miles) outside of the town La Fortuna.

To reach the entrance to the falls, you can drive yourself or take a taxi.

Walk to the La Fortuna Waterfall

The La Fortuna Waterfall was about a mile away from our cabin in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica. As with most days we had rain during this mostly uphill hike, along with sun, and more rain.

In addition to ever changing weather there were a lot of interesting sights along the way.

This pig was wandering along and came up to greet us in the muddy road.

Costa Rica Rainforest Views

We found a huge Traveler Palm behind a frequent sight in Costa Rica – the living fence. Sticks from a special tree in Costa Rica will grow when placed in the ground.

The are typically bound with wire and wallah – instant natural fence.

We also passed by a wood carver who had a talent for letting the wood speak to him revealing the art that lived within.

This long-eared cow seemed unimpressed with our efforts at climbing the muddy road to the La Fortuna Waterfall.

Just before we reached the waterfall park we came across a parking area for horses complete with hay.

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

There is an entry free to enter the waterfall park. It costs foreigners: $ 18.00, nationals $9.00 and childdren under 8 can enter for free. 

From the top of the park you can start to see a peek of the waterfall in the distance.

After climbing down over 500 steps you reach the river at the bottom.

On the other side you are rewarded for your effort with a close up view of a huge thundering waterfall surrounded by jungle.

Along with a secondary waterfall off to the right that is also an impressive sight.

Enjoy your accomplishment, because soon you will be faced with the 500 plus steps you need to climb to get back up the muddy trail.

Despair not, there is a bar at the top featuring cold local beer and margaritas to encourage you along.

Things to do in La Fortuna

There are plenty of activities, including guided tours in and around La Fortuna. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the canopy tour, rafting or zipling. There are also options for a rainforest chocolate tour and a wildlife twilight tour. One of our favorite activites, however, was checking out the Hot Spring Spas! Absolutely not to be missed.

Related articles that can help plan or inspire your visit to Costa Rica:

Rainforest Tour Costa Rica

Discovering Pura Vida in San Jose Costa Rica

Lose Yourself At The Springs Spa Costa Rica

Jaguar Rescue Center Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica