8 BEST La Fortuna Waterfall Tours: Which One to Book

If you’re looking to experience the majestic La Fortuna waterfall up close, you’ve come to the right place!

Having visited this waterfall many times, we can confidently say that the best way to experience it is on a guided tour. There is so much to do in La Fortuna that you’ll want to maximize your time there. Guided tours do this best by combining the waterfall visit with other activities such as volcano hikes, hot springs, or even ziplining!

There are countless tour options available in the La Fortuna area, but we want to make sure that you are booking the absolute best ones available. That’s why we’ve created this list of the top 8 La Fortuna Waterfall tours to make sure you have the best experience possible!

The BEST La Fortuna Waterfall Tours

1. Full-day Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs (our personal favorite!)

This is our favorite tour on the list for a couple of reasons. In addition to taking you to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano, it also takes you to relax in a natural hot spring! This tour is the best value for money as it includes a full day of activities, a small group, plus lunch AND cocktails. It’s hard to beat all this tour has to offer!

Your day of adventure will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a hotel pickup from La Fortuna to head to the waterfall. Going in the morning is actually the best time of day because you avoid the crowds. I really enjoyed some exercise and a cool swim at the beginning of the tour, as it set a fun tone for the rest of the day.

Then, you’ll head to Arenal Volcano for a leisurely 3-hour hike. Your guide will spot wildlife as you go. We saw a couple of sloths when we went! You’ll also go to Mirador El Silencio, the highest viewpoint on the trail, to take in magnificent views of Lake Arenal, the lava fields, the jungle, and the giant volcano towering over you. It is a view that will stick with you for a long time to come!

Finally, the relaxing part of this full-day tour will be visiting some of La Fortuna’s natural hot springs. You’ll have a few hours to relax and enjoy. The tour even has complimentary cocktails for you to enjoy as you soak. It really is the perfect end to a day of adventure.

This tour only takes a small group of 12 travelers, which we think is the perfect size. All of your fees (national park and resort) are included, as well as lunch, beverages, and transportation, so that you don’t have to worry about a thing!

2. La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, & Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour (best active tour!)

One of the most recognizable landmarks in La Fortuna is the stunning Arenal Volcano. I mean, it’s an entire volcano, so it’s hard to miss! On this active full-day tour, you’ll get to visit the volcano along with the La Fortuna waterfall and the Arenal hanging bridges – talk about the perfect day for any adventurous nature lover!

The day starts early to go hiking around the base of Arenal Volcano. This 2.5-hour hike is actually easier than it sounds, as the hike is relatively flat. The trail led us to a dry lava field from the 1968 eruption, which had a devastating impact on the surrounding villages, crops, and ecosystems. But don’t worry, it’s no longer active, so you’re safe to explore!

Next, we took a 30-minute drive to the La Fortuna Waterfall and then did a quick 500-step hike to the base of the falls. We spent the next 2 hours relaxing, taking in the views, and swimming in the refreshing water before heading to our final stop, the hanging bridges!

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges have 6 hanging bridges and 10 regular bridges that wind through the rainforest. We had so much fun navigating the park and crossing them all! What’s great is that you’ll have about 2.5 hours here to hike at a nice, relaxed place, taking in the beauty of the rainforest.

We loved that this tour had a maximum of only 12 people, making it easy to meet people and keep a good pace on the hikes. If you need some more convincing to book this tour, just check out the 100’s of 5-star reviews here!

Related Read: For even more great activities to add to your La Fortuna itinerary, check out our guide to the 10 best things to do here!

3. Half-Day La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

This quick 3-hour tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to check out La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a delicious local meal!

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in La Fortuna and driven to the waterfall entrance, skipping the need for a long hike. From there, it’s a descent of just over 500 steps through lush rainforest to reach the base of the falls. The climb back up can be a bit of a workout, but there are plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery.

Having a local guide made the experience even better—they pointed out wildlife like toucans and coatis along the way and shared interesting facts about the area. Once we reached the waterfall, we had ample time to swim in the cool, refreshing pool and marvel at the 230-foot (70-meter) cascade.

After the hike, we headed to La Finquita Farm for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. The farm-to-table meal was hearty and flavorful, featuring local ingredients and dishes. It was the perfect way to refuel and relax after the adventure.

This half-day experience costs about $92 USD and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the La Fortuna area, entrance tickets, a professional guide, and lunch. It’s offered daily with morning and afternoon departures, making it easy to fit into your itinerary!

4. 12-Cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall (tour with the best views!)

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled way to experience the La Fortuna Waterfall, this zipline tour is such a fun pick! You’ll hike through lush rainforest with an expert guide, soar across a series of ziplines, and take in some seriously unforgettable views.

The adventure starts with a quick safety briefing before a short 0.28-mile (450-meter) walk to the first platform. From there, it’s time to zip! You’ll fly across 12 canopy cables, including one that takes you right over La Fortuna Waterfall. Seeing it from above was such a unique and breathtaking perspective! You’ll also catch glimpses of Arenal Volcano, winding rivers, and endless treetops as you glide through the sky.

What I loved most was how much our guide shared along the way. Between ziplines, we learned fascinating facts about the local plants, wildlife, and ecosystem, which made the whole experience feel even richer.

This is also my top recommendation for families with adventurous kids (ages 7+). The guides do an amazing job balancing fun and safety — they’ll even tandem zipline with the little ones if needed.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off from La Fortuna is included, which makes the whole day super easy. And with 700+ five-star reviews, it’s no surprise this tour books up fast. If you want thrills, jungle scenery, and a view of La Fortuna Waterfall you’ll never forget, this one’s a must!

5. Half-Day Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tour in La Fortuna (best adventure tour!)

La Fortuna is called “nature’s playground,” and this half-day tour really shows you why! Over the course of 4 hours, you’ll rock climb, rappel, descend waterfalls, and ATV through the rainforest, followed by a well-deserved lunch to recuperate! 

The adventurous tone of this tour is set right away with a scenic 4×4 ride into the jungle to start your canyoning experience. Canyoning is when you rappel down into a canyon, and on this tour, you’ll have the chance to do it 5 times – including the iconic “monkey drop” route and down 4 waterfalls – so be prepared to get wet!

At the end of this excursion, we had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch where our guide pointed out a variety of wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, and sloths!

It’s important to note that while you will get to rappel down multiple waterfalls on this tour, it doesn’t actually visit the infamous La Fortuna Waterfall, so if this is something that’s important to you make sure to book one of the other awesome tours on this list.

We think this tour is perfect for any adrenaline-seeking travelers 5 years and older. We love canyoning and have done it all over the world, and this was one of our favorite experiences to date – and we aren’t the only ones, just check out all of the 5-star reviews here!

This fun tour includes transportation from your La Fortuna-based hotel, all safety equipment, lunch, and your knowledgeable guides. It departs daily at either 7 am or 12 pm and can be reserved for $119 USD per person. I also loved that the guides take pictures (which are available for purchase), so there’s no need to worry about getting your camera wet, and you can just enjoy the moment!

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our 3-day La Fortuna itinerary for our favorite activities, can’t-miss tours, and some hidden gems!

6. Arenal Volcano Horseback Ride & La Fortuna Waterfall Tour (best relaxing tour!)

Instead of hiking through the iconic Arenal Volcano trails, try horseback riding instead! This horseback riding tour allows you to see more in one day because your horse can go further and faster than just your two legs. You’ll get to explore the base of the Arenal Volcano on horseback before visiting the La Fortuna waterfall for a refreshing dip!

Our day started with pick-up from our La Fortuna hotel, then we headed to the stables near the base of the Arenal Volcano. After meeting our friendly horses, we spent the next few hours exploring the 1968 Eruption Trail around the mountain. Trust me, the views are incredible once you reach the El Silencio viewpoint!

After our leisurely horseback ride, we hopped in a vehicle and drove for 30 minutes to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Here, we had to do a short hike down to the waterfall and spent the next hour swimming around and enjoying the beautiful falls. Lunch isn’t included on this tour, but it is available to purchase at the falls.

This tour includes round-trip transportation (via car and horse!), entrance fees to the national park and waterfall, and snacks. You can select between a private tour or a shared group option with a maximum of 15 people. Private tours begin at 9 am, and the shared tours begin at 8 am.

7. River Safari Float with La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike

One of the reasons we love Costa Rica is that there are so many amazing outdoor activities! You will never get bored here, especially with a tour like this River Safari Float, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Volcano Hike! 

This is the only tour on the list that goes to the stunning Penas Blancas River. While this river is widely known for its epic whitewater rafting, this tour offers more of a leisurely float. They call it a “river safari” because you’ll spot a variety of animals as you float down the calm waters. You might see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and more!

You’ll then head to La Fortuna Waterfall for a hike and a swim. Walking up and down the 500 steps definitely built up our appetites! Luckily, afterward, you’ll stop at the Rancho Rainforest Explorers for a hearty lunch. This is a fun experience as you actually get a home-cooked traditional Costa Rican meal, which is really a treat!

Finally, you’ll head to the Arenal Volcano for 2.5 hours of hiking. This is a super leisurely pace so that you can enjoy all the surrounding nature. I found the landscapes here incredible as we walked along the old lava trails and took in the panoramic sights. 

Altogether, this full-day tour is a fantastic way to get outside and explore some of La Fortuna’s natural beauty!

8. La Fortuna Waterfall Combo Tour from San Jose

Even if you’re staying in San Jose, you can still experience the beauty of La Fortuna! This tour from San Jose is a great option if you’re short on time and want to escape city life. It will take you to see La Fortuna’s hanging bridges, hot springs, and waterfall all in one day!

This tour starts at 6 am since San Jose is about 2.5 hours from La Fortuna (and there’s a lot to fit into one day). Your first stop will be at La Fortuna Waterfall, which is a great introduction to the rainforest and wildlife. You’ll have about two hours to hike, swim, and explore this scenic location. Then, you’ll take a 30-minute drive to the suspension bridges!

I was seriously impressed the first time I saw this suspension bridge park. There are so many swaying paths that let you explore the rainforest up in the trees! Some of them are 135 meters (443 feet) high! Our guide did an excellent job pointing out different plants, animals, and insects. We even saw a sloth, which is a total Costa Rica bucket list experience!

The 12-hour tour ends in the perfect way: by visiting a hot spring resort! You’ll have about 3 hours to soak in the 25 different thermal mineral pools. It also overlooks Arenal Volcano, so you have fantastic views the entire time. It’s the perfect way to decompress after walking around sightseeing!

While this tour is more expensive, it is also the most inclusive one on this list – especially since you’re driving all the way from San Jose! The $263 USD price includes roundtrip transportation from your San Jose hotel, breakfast, lunch, and all entrance fees and taxes. There’s a minimum of 2 people per booking, making this a great activity for couples or families.

Related Read: Another one of the best things we did in La Fortuna was go ziplining. Read through the top 6 zipline tours here to find the perfect one for you!

Other Things to do While You’re in La Fortuna

Of course, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best experiences, but there are so many other things to do in La Fortuna you won’t want to miss! These are just a few of our top picks:

• Hot springs – If your tour doesn’t include hot springs, we definitely suggest visiting some! The Free Natural Hot Spring River is a public river running through the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. It’s only 15 minutes outside La Fortuna and feels amazing after a day of hiking! If you don’t mind paying for a soak, there are tons of other amazing hot springs in La Fortuna to choose from too.

• Go on a night walk – Since waterfalls are a daytime thing, go on this night walk and dinner tour for a fun evening experience. Guides lead you on an easy hike through the rainforest, spotting all the critters that come out after dark. To finish it off, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove.

• Visit a rope swing – El Salto, or “the rope swing,” is a hidden paradise with a swimming hole, more waterfalls, and a local vibe. Although most things here cost money, this is one of the free things to do in La Fortuna! You can easily walk to El Salto from town and swing into the refreshing waters – or ask the locals where it’s safe to jump!

• Drink great coffee – It’s no secret some of the best coffee in the world comes from Costa Rica! You can grab a cup of coffee at one of the restaurants in La Fortuna or take it a step further with a coffee tour. We had the freshest cup of coffee and tasted amazing homemade chocolate on this Costa Rican coffee and chocolate experience that takes place on a small family-owned plantation.

• Take a cooking class – The food is one of my favorite things about Costa Rica! The next best thing to eating locally-made Costa Rican food is learning to make it yourself. This 3-course cooking class is not only a super fun experience but lets you get into the culture too!

Related Read: If you’re a chocolate lover, then you’re in luck because there are some awesome chocolate tours available in La Fortuna!

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. We even wrote an entire blog about the best hotels in La Fortuna. However, to make it super easy, we’ve narrowed it down to our top places for each price point. So keep reading to find one that suits your needs (and budget!).

Luxury – $$$ 

Luxury travelers should stay at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, which is one of the most exclusive properties in La Fortuna! This five-star resort delivers a true tropical escape with sweeping views of Arenal Volcano and everything you could dream of for a relaxing getaway.

The highlight here is the network of 28 natural hot spring pools, each with different temperatures and tucked among lush gardens. It’s the ultimate place to unwind after a day of exploring. The resort also features a large main pool, a swim-up bar, a full-service spa, and several restaurants and lounges serving excellent Costa Rican and international cuisine. Plus, many of the rooms have private terraces overlooking the volcano.

Rooms typically cost $600 USD and up! Check availability and book your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Those with a medium budget should check out Casa Luna Hotel & Spa. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it! The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature, as well as a tropical garden. 

One of my favorite things about staying here was the fact that all the rooms have views of the volcano and the rainforest. The hotel also includes a delicious breakfast, which makes life nice and easy when you have an early start, as we do for days 2 and 3 of this itinerary!

Rooms typically cost between $150 and $250 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

Budget – $

Hotel Villas Vista is our top choice for a budget-friendly stay! Located just slightly outside of downtown La Fortuna, giving you incredible views of Arenal Volcano. But, it’s still walkable to downtown, so it’s the perfect balance of serene escape and convenience!

You’ll have an entire villa to yourself, and while they are simple and rustic, they are comfortable and private. The grounds are lush and well-kept, and guests consistently rave about the breakfast.

Prices start at $85 USD per night, which is honestly a steal for this location and accommodation. See all of the options and book your stay here!

Pura Vida!

La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-see in this town! Just look at the pictures above, and you’ll understand why we love it so much. But truthfully, a tour makes visiting the falls even better since they combine it with the area’s best attractions. So, if you’re planning a trip here, we hope you found a tour to suit your needs!

If you’d like to read more, check out our blog all about Costa Rica! We’ve traveled all over the country and even lived here for some time. Obviously, we love this place, which is why we want to share what we’ve learned. So below, I’ve linked to a few articles that might come in handy.

Things You NEED To Know About Shuttles in Costa Rica

BEST Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica

BEST Places to go Scuba Diving in Costa Rica