Costa Rica

ByKristina Kayla
Destination

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary

Follow our exact trip to Arenal Volcano

Planning a trip to Costa Rica?

  • Looking for a magical place where adventure and nature collide, where every moment is filled with excitement and beauty? That’s La Fortuna, Costa Rica! Surrounded by lush rainforests and the majestic Arenal Volcano, this charming town offers a 6-day journey like no other. Join us as we dive into the vibrant streets of La Fortuna and immerse ourselves in its natural wonders. From thrilling white-water rafting and canyoning to relaxing hot springs and stunning waterfalls, La Fortuna is an experience that will awaken your senses and create unforgettable memories.

About Arenal

Top Attractions

La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano National Park
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Arenal
Venado Caves

Popular Things to do

Safari float
Coffee tour
Hot Springs
Lake Fishing
Kayaking
Horseback riding
Hanging bridges
Whitewater rafting
Waterfall rappelling
Zip-lining (Canopy Tours)

Weather

As the region is part of a rainforest, quick showers can occur at any time. To see the volcano with clear skies is from September to November. The temperatures in the area range from 70º-86º F (21º-30º C), so it’s best to dress in light layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

As you plan your visit, choosing the right accommodation is crucial to make the most of your stay. Here, we present three exceptional options that capture the essence of La Fortuna: The Springs Resort & Spa, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, and The Royal Corin. Each offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and budgets. Let’s drive into the details and uncover the pros and cons of each, along with their addresses, price points, and useful links.

The Springs Resort and Spa

Address: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica Website: The Springs Resort & Spa
Price Range: $$$$ (Luxury)
Pros:
– Breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest
– Extensive range of amenities, including multiple pools, hot springs, and a luxurious spa
– Spacious and elegant rooms with modern comforts
– Excellent customer service and attention to detail
– On-site dining options offering delicious cuisine
– Where the Kardashians and The Bachelor was filmed.
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to other accommodations
– Remote location may require transportation for exploring other areas

VISIT WEBSITE

Nayara Springs

Address: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica Website: Nayara Springs
Price Range: $$$$ (Luxury)
Pros:
– Exclusivity and privacy with individual villas featuring plunge pools and outdoor showers
– Lush and tropical surroundings creating a serene ambiance
– World-class spa offering rejuvenating treatments
– Exceptional service and attention to detail
– Gourmet dining experiences with a focus on local flavors
Cons:
– High-end pricing, catering to luxury travelers
– Limited on-site amenities compared to larger resorts

VISIT WEBSITE

Tabacon

Address: La Fortuna, Costa Rica Website: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Price Range: $$$-$$$$ (Upscale)
Pros:
– Natural hot springs within the resort, creating a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere
– Beautifully landscaped gardens and tropical surroundings
– Variety of room options, including suites and bungalows
– Outstanding spa facilities and wellness treatments
– Eco-friendly practices and commitment to sustainability
Cons:
– Higher price range, but worth the investment for a unique thermal experience
– Popular among tourists, which may result in crowded areas during peak seasons

VISIT WEBSITE

The Royal Corin

Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Website: The Royal Corin
Price Range: $$-$$$ (Mid-range to Upscale)
Pros:
– Modern and stylish rooms with panoramic volcano views
– On-site thermal pools and jacuzzis for relaxation
– Convenient location close to La Fortuna town center
– Friendly and attentive staff
– Competitive pricing for the quality of accommodations
Cons:
– Limited on-site dining options compared to larger resorts
– Less secluded compared to other properties, as it is closer to the town center

VISIT WEBSITE

Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna

  • Kick-starting our La Fortuna journey, we embarked on a scenic drive from San Jose to the captivating town of La Fortuna. The approximately three-hour drive allowed us to soak in the lush green landscapes and mist-covered mountains that characterize Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
  • I recommend renting a car to save on taxis. Although, if you aren’t comfortable driving on winding roads, one way bridges and high elevation, book a private driver to and from the airport. We booked our rental car and private driver through Memorable Costa Rica. – The private driver is for transportation for each tour plus we had friends on the trip that didn’t want to drive.
  • As you arrived in La Fortuna, settled into your accommodation. (suggestions for hotels are above.)
  • Dinner at Don Rufino
    Address: Calle 472, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Website: Don Rufino

Highly recommend a dinner in town at Don Rufino. This charming restaurant offered a delectable fusion of Costa Rican and international cuisine, showcasing fresh local ingredients and flavors.

don rufino
Photo Credit: @opentable

Restaurants in La Fortuna Recommendations:

Jalapas

$$$$
International – Costa Rican

FACEBOOK

Tiquicia Restaurant

$$ – $$$
Latin – Costa Rican – Vegetarian Friendly

WEBSITE

Chipotle’s

$
Mexican Latin Fusion

CALL THE RESTAURANT

Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot Springs

  • Marveling at La Fortuna Waterfall
    Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
    Entrance Cost: $18 – with all proceeds being reinvested into local conservation efforts. (as of 2023)

    In the afternoon, you will set off on a thrilling adventure to La Fortuna Waterfall. Make sure to pack towels, water shoes, extra dry clothes, and a waterproof bag, so you will be fully prepared for the experience. As you make your way through the rainforest, you will encounter a series of stairs that lead to the breathtaking waterfall, about 400 steps. The steps down and then back is absolutely worth it.
  • Check out the Hot Springs

If you hotel doesn’t have a hot springs, we highly recommend grabbing a day pass and checking out Baldi Hot Springs, the day pass is $27 per adult. Tabacon, the day pass is $80 per adult or Eco Termales, the day pass is $45 per adult. All prices are subject to change season to season. Most of these hot springs will offer a Dinner pass too!

Day 3: Hanging Bridges + Sky Adventures

  • Exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges
    Address: 2 km west from the dam of the Arenal Lake, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Website: Arenal Hanging Bridges

    Spend the afternoon exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This captivating network of suspended bridges allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rainforest’s canopy, offering breathtaking views. Listen out for howler monkeys!
  • Sky Adventures: Sky Tram and Ziplining
    Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
    Website: Sky Adventures

    Continuing the adventure, embark on the Sky Tram ride, ascending through the rainforest’s towering trees. The panoramic views from above are incredible. Afterward, experienced an adrenaline rush and soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline excursion.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano Hike

  • Conquering the Arenal Volcano Hike
    Address: Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

    Start your day with an invigorating hike up the Arenal Volcano. Ours were led by knowledgeable guides as we traversed the volcanic trails, witnessing captivating vistas and gaining insights into the area’s geological wonders.
  • Dinner at Jalapas Address: 100 meters west of the Catholic Church, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Website: Jalapas

    To conclude the day, we indulged in a flavorful dinner at Jalapas, a local eatery known for its authentic Costa Rican cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and delectable dishes made it an unforgettable dining experience. And the views are stunning!

Day 5: Rafting and Canyoning

  • Thrills on the White Water Rafting Adventure
    Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
    Website: White Water Rafting + Canyoning with Pure Trek

    We went on an exhilarating white-water rafting journey, conquering the thrilling rapids of the pristine rivers. The expert guides and the stunning natural surroundings combined to create an unforgettable adventure. Good for first timers!
  • Thrilling Canyoning with Pure Trek
    Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
    Website: Pure Trek Canyoning

    Continuing the adrenaline rush, we joined Pure Trek Canyoning for a breathtaking rappelling and canyoning experience. Descending waterfalls and exploring the rugged canyons, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the rainforest from a unique perspective.

Day 6: Check out and La Hacienda

  • Hacienda La Chimba
    Address: La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
    Website: Hacienda La Chimba

    Before departing, we made a stop at Hacienda La Chimba to check out the scenic hiking trail and to get a last taste of Costa Rican Coffee.

    La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with its awe-inspiring natural wonders and thrilling adventures, captivated our hearts. The memories we made in this enchanting destination will forever remain etched in our minds, reminding us of the beauty and magic that lies within La Fortuna’s borders.

If you have any other questions about Costa Rica, email me at [email protected]

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