So you’ve been planning your trip to Costa Rica and have decided to visit the La Fortuna waterfall (A MUST VISIT IN COSTA RICA!), but now, you’re wondering what the La Fortuna waterfall hike is like.
We are here to share our experience and confirm that, yes, it is worth every one of the 517 steps down and back up! The best part?! Cooling off and swimming in the base of the La Fortuna waterfall. It doesn’t get any more picture-perfect than this (even if most of your photos end up like ours – blurry and full of water spots)!
1. Where is La Fortuna in Costa Rica?
La Fortuna is a small town in the province of Alajuela in northern Costa Rica. It is approximately 2.5 hours from both Liberia and San Jose airports.
This quaint town and popular tourist destination is a must-visit! In addition to the La Fortuna Waterfall, this region is also home to the Arenal Volcano. There is so much to see and do – hiking, ziplining, hot springs, as well as coffee and chocolate tours. It is the perfect spot for adventure seekers and those who prefer to sit back and relax.
2. Getting to the La Fortuna Waterfall Park
The La Fortuna Waterfall hike entrance is located just 6 km (3.7 mi) outside of La Fortuna. If you have rented a car, you can drive to the park entrance, and while it is a bit bumpy, it is a short drive. Otherwise, you can take a taxi from La Fortuna downtown for about $10-15 USD one way. Lastly, there are also tours that would include transportation to the La Fortuna Waterfall (keep reading for some of our favourites)!
3. Entrance Fee
It costs $18 USD to get into the park. The funds collected from the admission fee are reinvested back into the local area. There is also a visitor center at the entrance where you can purchase souvenirs. There is no need to purchase tickets or passes in advance, you simply pay admission upon arrival to the park.
4. Park Hours
The hours of operation are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. We recommend getting there early in the morning, or towards the end of the day. It can be very busy if you go mid-day.
5. Starting the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
Once you arrive at the park entrance and pay your admission, you will be directed down a path, eventually leading to restrooms, changing rooms, and a snack shop. Keep your camera handy for this part of the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike, as you can get a great shot of the waterfall on your way in.
6. How Difficult is the Hike?
While the steps down to the base of the waterfall have railings and rest areas along the way, there are a lot of stairs (that you eventually have to go back up). They are well-paved but are moderately steep. If you can, it is well worth the trip down and back up just to swim at the base of the waterfall. It is also important to note that the water is very cold with large rocks, so it is a bit challenging to get in and out of.
7. How Long Should I Spend There?
Plan to spend at least an hour to 90 minutes. Beyond that, you shouldn’t need much more time, depending on how long your photoshoot goes and how long it takes to get back up the 517 stairs.
8. How Long is the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike?
The hike itself takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the bottom of the stairs and waterfall, where the swimming hole is. For the return trip back up, give yourself at least 20-30 minutes.
Before entering the stairs to the waterfall, ensure that you have used the restrooms, as there are none beyond that point.
9. How Many Steps to La Fortuna Waterfall?
517 – 517 steps to go down, and 517 back up.
10. It is Worth the Visit?
Yes – 100%! While this waterfall may not compare to some of the world’s natural wonders – it is such a beautiful waterfall, that you can actually swim in the base of!
11. What to Bring
- Comfortable, light clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes; sandals are okay for the hike, but keep in mind it can get very slippery
- Water shoes are also helpful if you’re planning on swimming in the water – there are massive rocks you have to climb on to get in/out of the water. The rocks are very slippery as well!
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Change of clothes – we ALWAYS forget a change of clothes and get stuck wearing a wet bathing suit for the rest of the day – not fun!!
- Sunscreen/bug spray
- Waterproof Camera/Go Pro (or your phone if you’re okay using it in the water)
12. TL;DR – Tips for Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall
- Visit early in the day or late to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear; 517 steps aren’t easy on the feet. Water shoes also come in handy as it can get a bit slippery on the steps and rocks if swimming in the waterfall.
- Don’t bring too many valuables. There are lockers at the top of the waterfall, but at the bottom, there are really only rocks to put your things on.
- Bring a good camera/waterproof camera – you will want to take photos (even if they turn out like ours, covered in water spots)! During the walk in the park, you can get some amazing shots of the waterfall! If you bring an expensive camera, we recommend securing it at the top in a locker. At the base of the waterfall, depending on water levels and the number of people, there is a chance your camera could get wet! Also, there isn’t anywhere secure to leave your camera at the base of the waterfall, so you’ll want to keep it on you. If you don’t plan on swimming, then no problem – but remember, you’ll be carrying it for 517 steps.
- Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the La Fortuna Waterfall and swimming at the base of a beautiful waterfall.
13. La Fortuna Waterfall Hike Tours
While we personally feel like the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike can be easily explored on your own, without a guide, there are a few great tours that incorporate other activities with the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike.
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano Hike
This full-day tour is the PERFECT Costa Rican hiking experience. In addition to visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall and having time to swim there, this tour also includes a guided hike at the Arenal Volcano and crossing 16 hanging bridges in the Costa Rican rain forest.
3-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: River Safari Float with Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
Another full-day tour for the active, nature-seekers that is great for the whole family (with a bit less hiking)! This tour includes a river safari float and volcano hike, in addition to the La Fortuna Waterfall hike and swim.
Horseback to the Waterfall
This four-hour excursion will take you to the La Fortuna Waterfall via horseback. You will ride your horse to the La Fortuna Waterfall, where you’ll have an opportunity to hike down to the base for a swim! You will also complete this tour with a visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Centre. The best part? Horseback riding experience is not necessary! Their guides will train you and give you basic riding instructions; the horses are healthy and tame for an enjoyable ride.
Our Experience
Prior to doing the La Fortuna Waterfall hike, we did the best excursion of our entire trip with Arenal Mundo Adventura. We did the Big AMA zipline course, which gave us the opportunity to soar right over the La Fortuna Waterfall, and go on the longest zipline in Costa Rica! Their tour guides are so fun, friendly and knowledgeable as well!
Thinking about ziplining? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Ziplining in Costa Rica!
More About La Fortuna
Nearby Activities & Attractions
- La Fortuna’s Catholic Church (Parroquia San Juan Bosco)
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Chato Volcano (Cerro Chato)
- Chocolate Museum (ChocoMuseo)
- North Fields Coffee Tour
- El Salto – Local Swimming Hole & Tarzan Swing
- Hot Springs
- Baldi Hot Springs
- Tabacón Hot Springs
- Titokú Hot Springs
- Kalambu Hot Springs
- El Chollin – a local (and free) hot spring that is typically less busy than the known hot springs
Surrounding Hotels
- Arenal Observatory Lodge
- The Springs Resort & Spa
- Nayara Springs
- Hotel Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
- Hotel El Silencio del Campo
- Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
- Los Lagos Hotel
- Tabacon Hot Springs Resort
- Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
- Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens
- Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul
- Arenal Volcano Inn
Local Restaurants
- Don Rufino
- Café Mediterraneo
- Rain Forest Café and Restaurant
- Kappa Sushi
- La Forchetta
- Organico Fortuna
- La Parrilla de María Bonita
- Soda Mima
- Chifa La Familia Feliz
- Down to Earth Coffee Shop
- Red Frog Coffee Roaster Cafeteria y Restaurante
