La Fortuna General Information
Overview
La Fortuna is nestled in the Northern Highlands of Costa Rica, known for its iconic Arenal volcano views, rainforests, and geothermal hot springs. Located just 120 kilometers from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and 145 kilometers from Liberia International Airport (LIR), La Fortuna is one of the most visited locations as it is accessible from any location. La Fortuna is a favourite amongst holiday makers because of the balance of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and authentic Costa Rican charm.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re seeking luxury, boutique charm, or budget-friendly stays, La Fortuna has something for every traveler.
Luxury Villas
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- Xanadú Luxury Villa – Newest luxury villa in La Fortuna equipped with a waterslide, views from every room, firepit, top notch service, BBQ areas and enough space for 14 people.
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- Arenal Ridge Villas (in construction) – Luxury Bali Tropical volcano view villas with infinity pools, waterslides, firepits, concierge, inside and outside dining, and top service.
5 Star Hotels
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- Nayara Gardens & Nayara Springs – Renowned for luxury, privacy, and impeccable service. Perfect for honeymoons, romantic getaways, or small groups.
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- The Springs Resort & Spa – Upscale resort with multiple hot springs and stunning volcano views. Great for the family!
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- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Access to natural hot springs in a lush jungle setting.
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4 Star Hotels
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- Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa – Comfortable suites with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. Authentic rooms, great for families and small groups.
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- Amor Arenal Adults Friendly – offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or mountain views.
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- Chachagua Rainforest Hotel – Surrounded by 300 acres of lush rainforest, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel offers charming accommodation and an outdoor swimming pool.
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- new kioro suites
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- ChachaguaRainforestHotel
3 Star Hotels
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- Hotel Los Lagos – Family-friendly with water slides and volcano views
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- Arenal Volcano Inn – Cozy, affordable rooms with great views and proximity to attractions
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- Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails – Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located within the Arenal Conservation Area, only 2.7 km from the Arenal Volcano.
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- Volcano Los Lago
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- Arenal Country Inn Pool
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Hostels
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- Arenal Backpackers Resort – Social atmosphere with a pool and volcano views.
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- Selina La Fortuna – A stylish hostel offering co-working space and a lively vibe.
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- Pura Vibra Hostel – Pura Vibra is a hostel designed by travelers.
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- Solina La Fortuna Hut
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- Backpackers La Fortuna
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- PuraVibraHostel
About our properties in La Fortuna
Our properties in La Fortuna are the top rentals in the whole town, as well as the whole Arenal volcano area. Our luxury villas range from luxurious 5 bedroom modernist homes (Xanadú) to the new Arenal Ridge Bali Tropical Villas. Every luxury villa has stunning views of Arenal Volcano, private swimming pools, a waterslide, access to geothermal pools, outdoor living spaces, and modern comforts, ensuring a memorable stay surrounded by nature suitable for the whole family.
Our La Fortuna properties are managed with a focus on creating a memorable stay with personalized concierge services, and local authenticity. We have partnerships with local businesses and are able to tailor your stay to your preferences.
Local Attractions
Waterfalls & Hot Springs
While La Fortuna isn’t coastal but still one of the top visited places in the country, it boasts world-famous hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle rivers:
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- La Fortuna Waterfall: A 75-meter cascade into a natural pool. Great for swimming and photos. Just 10 minutes from town and 250 meters from one of our villas.
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- Hot Springs: A natural network of steamy mineral-rich rivers in a lush garden setting. There are multiple hotels and resorts with hot springs included, but there are also natural and free hot springs.
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- Hiking and adventure: There are multiple hikes around the Arenal Volcano promising stunning views of the volcano. There are also many other activities like hanging bridges, ATV tours, and ziplining. There is even a rope swing into the river a few minutes away from our villas!
Nature & Wildlife
Costa Rica’s biodiversity is on full display in La Fortuna:
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- Arenal Volcano National Park: Home to howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, sloths and incredible lava field trails. Guided hikes and birdwatching are available almost everywhere and you are likely to see most animals listed above.
- Tickets must be purchased on-site on the day of your visit.
- Admission: $15 for non-resident adults, $5 for non-resident children.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Home to howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, sloths and incredible lava field trails. Guided hikes and birdwatching are available almost everywhere and you are likely to see most animals listed above.
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- Chocolate and Coffee Tours: La Fortuna is a top region for farming too which you will notice on your drive up there! It is where much of the country’s chocolate is grown with the option to do these tours.
- Includes chocolate and coffee tastings, plus bottled water.
- Tickets start at $46 per person, with hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels within 10 minutes of La Fortuna.
- Chocolate and Coffee Tours: La Fortuna is a top region for farming too which you will notice on your drive up there! It is where much of the country’s chocolate is grown with the option to do these tours.
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- Bogarin Wildlife Trail: A great spot for spotting sloths, frogs, and birds on a guided tour through lush rainforest trails. Perfect for wildlife photography and relaxed exploration.
- Tour options start at $20, including self-guided, guided, and night tours.
Enjoy free parking, free lockers, a souvenir shop, and a coffee shop.
- Tour options start at $20, including self-guided, guided, and night tours.
- Bogarin Wildlife Trail: A great spot for spotting sloths, frogs, and birds on a guided tour through lush rainforest trails. Perfect for wildlife photography and relaxed exploration.
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Adventure Activities
For the thrill-seekers, La Fortuna is the adventure capital of Costa Rica:
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- Zip lining: Soar above the jungle canopy or above the La Fortuna Waterfall with one of the many ziplining companies in La Fortuna. Our concierge is more than happy to book this for you if you are staying in one of our villas!
- Arenal Mundo Aventura offers a variety of thrilling experiences starting at $63 for adults and $51 for children.
- Zip lining: Soar above the jungle canopy or above the La Fortuna Waterfall with one of the many ziplining companies in La Fortuna. Our concierge is more than happy to book this for you if you are staying in one of our villas!
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- White water rafting: Depending on the time of year white water rafting can be very intense or very tame, but there is always white water rafting.
- Arenal Rafting offers rafting experiences starting at $65 + IVA. For a full-day adventure, they also offer packages that include canyoning and ATV tours.
- White water rafting: Depending on the time of year white water rafting can be very intense or very tame, but there is always white water rafting.
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- Hiking: Trails in Arenal Volcano and nearby reserves range from beginner to advanced, treks with hanging bridges or nature spotting tours.
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- Horseback riding: Ride to the La Fortuna Waterfall or around the base of Arenal volcano. You can do horseback riding almost anywhere in La Fortuna.
- Cabalgata Don Tobias offers regular and private horseback tours starting at $80 per person (tax included). Enjoy a visit to their Rancho, where guests enjoy hot coffee, agua dulce, natural juice, and fresh corn tortillas with cheese made daily on the farm.
- Horseback riding: Ride to the La Fortuna Waterfall or around the base of Arenal volcano. You can do horseback riding almost anywhere in La Fortuna.
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Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in authentic Costa Rican culture:
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- Local markets: Visit La Fortuna Farmers Market (Fridays) for local produce, crafts, and coffee. There are also many tours and activities that will take you to places such as fruit farms.
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- Coffee & Chocolate tours: Learn about Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage at chocolate and coffee tours.
- Includes chocolate and coffee tastings, plus bottled water.
- Tickets start at $46 per person, with hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels within 10 minutes of La Fortuna.
- Coffee & Chocolate tours: Learn about Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage at chocolate and coffee tours.
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- Traditional cooking classes: Cook up gallo pinto and other typical Costa Rican dishes with local cooking classes, there are also cocktail classes! Or if you don’t fancy cooking order a chef to the villa.
- Tickets start at $48 per person.
- Traditional cooking classes: Cook up gallo pinto and other typical Costa Rican dishes with local cooking classes, there are also cocktail classes! Or if you don’t fancy cooking order a chef to the villa.
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- La Fortuna Farmers Market
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Dining & Nightlife
Top Restaurants
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- Don Rufino – $$$: A refined dining experience blending Costa Rican flavors with international cuisine. Known for its high-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and creative fusion dishes, this restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere perfect for a special night out.
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- La Caribeña – $$: A local favorite serving authentic Caribbean-style Costa Rican dishes. Expect bold flavors, fresh seafood, and traditional recipes like rice and beans with coconut milk. The relaxed setting makes it a great spot for a casual yet flavorful meal.
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- La Street – $: A lively food truck park offering a variety of affordable dining options, from tacos and burgers to fusion dishes. With an open-air setup and a trendy vibe, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite and experience La Fortuna’s street food scene.
Nightlife Options
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- Lava Lounge Bar & Grill: A popular spot for tourists, featuring live music, delicious cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere. The menu includes a mix of Mexican, American, and Costa Rican dishes.
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- VooDoo Bar and Cocktails: A unique mixology bar offering handcrafted cocktails with creative ingredients like blackberries, jalapeños, and jamaica flower.
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- Beerland CR: A “Gastro Pub” with a great selection of craft beers and a menu featuring steakhouse-style dishes. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Practical Information
Weather & When to Visit
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- Dry Season (December–April): Sunny days, cooler nights, and prime adventure weather; also peak tourist season. Prices are always higher as this is a popular time for locals and tourists.
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- Green Season (May–November): Afternoon showers bring lush scenery and fewer crowds; great for wildlife and deals. This is the best time to go rafting!
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- La Fortuna enjoys consistent warm temperatures year-round.
Local Services
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- Medical facilities:
- La Fortuna Medical Center: Located in town, offering general medical services.
- Hospital San Carlos: A full-service hospital located 45 minutes away.
- Medical facilities:
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- Grocery stores:
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Super Cristian #1 and #2: Convenient supermarkets in La Fortuna for everyday needs.
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Mega Super: A larger store with a wide selection of groceries.
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- Grocery stores:
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- Banks/ATMs: BAC San José, Banco Nacional, all within town center.
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- Pharmacies: Farma Fortuna, Fischel Pharmacy
Sustainability & Conservation
Costa Rica is a world leader in conservation, and La Fortuna is no exception:
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- Local conservation initiatives: La Fortuna is deeply committed to sustainability, with several impactful conservation efforts. The Arenal Nature Foundation leads reforestation projects, wildlife monitoring, and educational programs to protect the region’s biodiversity. Additionally, Arenal Volcano National Park is a prime example of eco-tourism, with strict conservation practices that preserve its rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
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- Tips for being a responsible visitor:
- Stick to marked trails in Arenal Volcano National Park and other reserves to minimize environmental impact.
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Avoid single-use plastics and bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste.
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Support local businesses and eco-friendly tours that prioritize sustainability and conservation.
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Participate in reforestation projects or donate to conservation initiatives like the Arenal Nature Foundation.
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Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding animals.
- Tips for being a responsible visitor:
Guest Services
Our dedicated concierge team is available to assist with:
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- Airport transfers and ground transportation.
- Adventure tour bookings (zip lining, rafting, volcano hikes).
- Private chef and meal delivery arrangements.
- Grocery pre-stocking before arrival.
- Childcare and family services.
- In-house wellness services like massages and private yoga sessions.
Testimonials
“Waking up to the Arenal Volcano right outside my window was amazing! Everything from the villa to the staff made this trip great.”
— John R., USA
“I’m glad we stayed at Xanadú in La Fortuna. The kids loved the waterslide and I loved the pool with a view.”
— Elizabeth C., UK
Map & Directions
Getting there
Nearest Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – 120 km away (approx. 2.5-hour drive through the mountains of Heredia and Alajuela.) Or you can take a short internal flight to La Fortuna.
Transportation Options:
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- Private shuttle service.
- Rental car recommendations available.
- Local taxi services are reliable and easy to arrange.
- Public bus routes connect from San José daily.
Liberia Airport: Liberia International Airport (LIR) – 165 km away (approx. 3-hour drive through the plains of Guanacaste and around the Lake of Arenal.) Or you can take a short internal flight to La Fortuna.
Ready to Experience La Fortuna?
Book your dream escape today and let us handle the details.
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FAQs
- Why La Fortuna? La Fortuna is one of the top tourist locations in Costa Rica. La Fortuna is a popular destination because it is a different experience to the typical Costa Rican holiday. The views of the volcano, the hot-springs and the waterfalls cannot be replicated outside of La Fortuna and in such small proximity.
- What’s So Special About Your Villas? Villa Xanadú is just outside Central La Fortuna, even closer to the volcano than the rest of the town, and no buildings obstructing the view of the volcano. Villa Xanadú is also closer the La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot-springs and volcano hikes. Arenal Ridge is also closer to the volcano with many more fruit trees and a river running through the back of the property.
- The Hot Springs? Some streams coming from the Arenal volcano are heated by the volcano. There are public and private hot-springs and we can transport guests to whichever they please.
- Are Children Allowed In Our Villas? Yes children are allowed! We even designed the house to make the stay as enjoyable as possible for families and large groups, for example our waterslide and pool. Along with this, the pool and waterslide can be seen from all social places and bedrooms so you can keep an eye on your children.
- Is La Fortuna A Good Place to Bring The Kids? Yes absolutely. La Fortuna is one of the most fun locations in Costa Rica because of how many outdoor activities there are in the area.
- Similar Villas Across Costa Rica. Karabi villas also manages a selection of villas in Manuel Antonio, the town with the most visited national park in the country. Named the Tree House Villas, we have 6 luxury villas all with the same amenities as Xanadú, except with stunning views of the Jungle. Please contact info@karabivillas.com if interested.
Note: Prices listed may not include additional fees, charges, or applicable taxes. Please check with the provider for a complete cost breakdown.
Last Edited 05/23/2025