La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most popular adventure destinations. We compiled the list of top La Fortuna Tours and Day Trips.
Sitting quite confidently in the northern part of this lush country is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations.
La Fortuna stands tall despite being a small town, with the majestic Arenal Volcano within its grounds and Lake Arenal complementing its regal command.
Years ago, the Arenal Volcano became famous because of its conical beauty and violent eruption, which buried numerous villages in ashes. Nature has its way of turning things around, though.
The burning lava, the dramatic smoke, the impending danger – all these lured photographers and scientists to visit La Fortuna. It was not long before tourists came treading in, curious to see the ash-forming beauty.
Soon after, the Arenal Volcano decided to rest. Still, the impact it left on the people who visited and discovered the town’s richness translated to even more arrivals in the years that came.
La Fortuna exudes a pleasant vibe on the outside, yet dig deeper into its rain forests, river canyons, and rugged cliffs, and you’ll see how extreme its offerings can be.
We’re talking about 140-foot roped descent, 8-hour volcano hikes, and 6-in-1 exhilarating tours. However, the town also knows how to quiet down a crowd.
Kayaks and paddleboards await the exhausted thrill seeker while hot springs call him by name. Are you eager to know what these are all about?
Here are our top favorite La Fortuna tours and day trips.
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1. Hanging Bridges Walking Tour La Fortuna
Marvel at the stunning rainforest of Costa Rica as you hike along Mistico Park, where beauty is literally within arm’s reach.
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Walking Tour is a family-friendly activity that allows even your excited 6-year-old adventurer to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s ecosystem.
The trails, spanning about 2 miles, have designated routes for leisure walkers and extreme hikers. Over 700 species of plants and 350 species of birds are waiting to be discovered, some of which are unique to Costa Rica.
As you immerse in this tropical haven, you will walk through green paths and suspended bridges that allow you to interact with the park’s well-preserved rich flora and fauna.
The majestic Arenal Volcano sits nearby, showing itself every now and then.
The Arenal Hanging Bridges Walking Tour takes around 2.5 to three hours.
Your top three things to pack for this activity include comfortable closed shoes for hiking, insect repellant, and sun lotion.
Click here for more information, photos, and to make a booking.
2. La Fortuna Tours – Lost Canyon Canyoneering Adventure
Leave your comfort zone and partake in one of the best Adventure Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
The town is beautifully secluded and exotically complex, enticing outdoor enthusiasts and curious travelers.
We do not kid when we say the Lost Canyon Canyoneering Adventure involves multiple sports. Experience going down its majestic waterfalls and plunging into the pools.
There is no turning back this time; rappel, down-climb, and river trace your way to the next spots, and be ready to repeat this heart-pumping routine!
Hike through the lush Costa Rica rainforest and motivate yourself with what lies ahead: the sumptuous lunch waiting for you at Canyon Cafe.
Professionals will guide you throughout this 4-hour action-packed activity. We believe you already know what to pack, so we’ll tell you what not to: your fears, frowns, and hesitations.
Trust us on this – go!
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
3. Kayaking and Bird Watching Experience
See the beauty of the Arenal Volcano as you paddle through the vast Lake Arenal.
The Kayaking and Bird Watching Experience is for tourists to enjoy a tranquil moment amidst Costa Rica’s largest lake.
Enjoy a refreshing drink while resting on your kayak and marvel at the different species of birds that made this ecosystem their home.
For three hours, you get to enjoy the serenity of the lake and the majesty of the active Arenal Volcano towering above you and your kayak, adding splendor to the scenery as if the place isn’t majestic enough!
A guide will be with you throughout the bird-watching experience so that you get to identify the tropical birds in sight.
Some species you will observe in Lake Arenal are the kingfisher, anhinga, and the great blue heron. Pack a mighty waterproof camera with you for those powerful macro shots.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
4. Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
Experience the lush surroundings of Arenal on a whole new level. With a beautiful tame horse as your buddy, prepare to go on an unforgettable adventure as you bond with nature and your chosen horse.
The Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall tour is perfect for explorers at heart who would like to know the jungle around the Arenal Volcano in the best way possible.
It will be an exciting horseback ride from La Fortuna, passing through scenic routes and halting to enjoy majestic views.
A glorious rest awaits at the Pino Blanco and the La Fortuna Waterfall. This area is ideal for swimming or even just cooling down after much exploring under the sun.
Afterward, you get to visit the cultural village of the Indigenous Maleku tribe. An experienced tour guide will be with you throughout all these fun activities.
Before you go, it is essential to bring protection from the heat, such as a hat and sunscreen. Make sure to wear comfortable closed shoes and clothes.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
5. La Fortuna Tours – Lake Arenal and Volcano Mountain Biking
Imagine mountain biking along the country roads of La Fortuna in Costa Rica. Birds, monkeys, and sloths frolic around you as you pump your pedals to ride from one beautiful scenery to another.
Enjoy the atmosphere with only your wheels hitting the ground and the wildlife living loud, serving you music during your whole ride.
The Lake Arenal and Volcano Mountain Biking is a full-day escapade, so you better be ready physically and gear up accordingly.
If this still isn’t what they describe as the ride of your life, I don’t know what else can be!
Depending on your level as a biker, routes to take vary considerably. A guide will be with you throughout the experience, feeding you pertinent information about the environment and providing professional support when necessary.
Look forward to your time off the saddle as you grab a bite overlooking the calm waters of the Arenal area.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
6. La Fortuna Tours – Arenal Volcano Hike
Sure, you have hiked many mountains, but have you ever hiked an active volcano before?
If you have not tried this yet, you are in for a true Costa Rica adventure at Arenal Volcano National Park.
Embark on the Arenal Volcano Hike to discover the beautiful surrounding of the volcano that is truly not the usual.
Being one of the most active volcanoes in the country, you will be mesmerized by how the Arenal nurtures the jungle around it.
As you explore the area, you’ll notice some old lava fields that came from the active flowing of lava from 1968 to 2010. This and more will be explained to you by your experienced tour guide as you continue with your Arenal Volcano hike.
When doing this activity, make sure that you pack appropriate hiking clothes together with other outdoor essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat.
The hike lasts for three hours and can truly be fulfilling yet tiring, so assess your physical strength before committing to this activity.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
7. La Fortuna Tours – Stand-Up Paddle on Lake Arenal
Explore the pristine surroundings of Lake Arenal in style. Do stand-up paddling in the lake and discover another way of exploring the lake and its nearby areas.
The activity starts with you on a boat. As you reach the middle of the lake, your guide will brief you on water safety. After that, you can roam the area on your paddle board.Â
Find your balance, literally and figuratively, amidst the calm waters of Costa Rica’s largest lake.
Talk about working out and tuning in while on vacation! Stand-up paddling may seem challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will be hard for you to leave that board.
Add the picturesque scenery to the equation, and you have a recipe for a day you wouldn’t want to end.
It’s time to tick ‘learn a new sport off your bucket list. Where else is a perfect venue for this except in the majestic Lake Arenal?
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
8. La Fortuna Tours – Arenal Rafting
Rush through the Costa Rican rapids by signing up for Arenal Rafting. This 2.5-hour family-friendly activity calls on your inner adventurer and travels you down the tropical white water Balsa River.
As you pass by, be in awe as monkeys and toucans roam freely within the jungle. Get lost in all things green as your eyes are spoiled with diverse plants and forest trees.
Prepare to get soaking wet as the river tries to overpower you repeatedly. You wouldn’t want to miss this one of the best adventure tours in La Fortuna.
You can relax and swim as you stop at San Carlos Bridge for well-deserved snacks after braving the rapids. Traditional lunch at the river house awaits the hungry rafters.
Before participating in the Balsa River Rafting activity, ensure you meet all the safety criteria to be discussed during the tour briefing.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
9. Arenal Volcano Raft and ATV Tour Adventure
Why settle for just white water rafting when you can pair it with an equally challenging activity?
Double the fun by going for the Arenal Volcano Raft and ATV Tour Adventure. You will probably participate in the most physically challenging activities for eight hours in La Fortuna.
The lovely views, though, make the whole ordeal totally worth every sweat.
On your ATV Quad Tour in the morning, you can explore the canyon walls and the La Fortuna Waterfalls as you run the ATV engine.
Check out the diverse flora that fills the jungle grounds with rich vegetation.
Two hours of the tour are dedicated to Balsa River rafting. Feel an indescribable adrenaline rush as you battle head-to-head with the water current.
Occasionally, slow down and enjoy a swim in the cool lake. At the end of the tour, fresh fruits in season and a homemade lunch are served, giving a sweet ending to your intense day.
The Arenal Volcano Raft and ATV Tour Adventure easily bag the bragging rights as one of the best tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Click here for more information, photos and to make a booking.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Fortuna Tours
We help you plan and book your Costa Rica Vacation
With our local tourism agency partner onboard, organizing a customized Costa Rica vacation has never been this hassle-free!
Share your travel dates, places of interest, and other details that would make your travel to Costa Rica memorable.
After completing this form, one of our Costa Rica experts will contact you. Tours, transport, other travel services – you name it, we’ll arrange it!
Do you need a tour of La Fortuna Waterfall?
If you have a car, you can reach the La Fortuna Waterfall on your own. If you don’t have one, join a tour so that all the necessary arrangements can be made for you ahead of time.
Do you need a tour guide for La Fortuna?
A local guide can provide valuable information for a better experience. I suggest you get a local tour guide to get to La Fortuna Waterfall easily.Â
What are the best tours in La Fortuna?
Aside from the La Fortuna Waterfall Tour, some of the best tours in La Fortuna include the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour, the Hanging Bridges Tour, and the Rainforest Chocolate Tour.
What are the best tours to do in La Fortuna with kids?
The best tours in La Fortuna, if you’re traveling with kids, are the ones that group family-friendly activities altogether. For example, you can book the Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and Hot Springs Tour.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
You need at least three days in La Fortuna. Allot two full days to go, and do as many La Fortuna Tours as you can factor into your itinerary.
- About the Author
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, leverages extensive experience in luxury travel and tourism to offer firsthand insights into emerging hospitality trends.
- About the Author
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Mareike Wielens is a highly experienced and passionate Tourism in Costa Rica expert with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry.
She is the CEO of Emotional Travel, a Costa Rica travel agency specializing in well-being and mental health vacations, but also designs tailormade roundtrips in Costa Rica.
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