3 Days in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: The Ultimate First-Time Itinerary for waterfalls, wildlife & volcano views.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica is the kind of place that instantly pulls you in…
Wild jungle, swimmable waterfalls, hot springs powered by a volcano, and sloths just casually hanging above your head.
I spent three days here during my solo trip through Costa Rica, and it quickly became one of my favorite stops.
It had everything I wanted: hanging bridges, howler monkeys, volcanic hot springs, and just the right mix of adventure and chill.
But planning a La Fortuna trip can get overwhelming — too many tour options, waterfall hikes, hot springs, and shuttle routes.
It’s easy to overbook, overspend, or miss what actually matters.
That’s why I put together this 3-day La Fortuna itinerary for first-time visitors who want to keep it simple, see the best stuff, and avoid tourist traps.
Everything here is something I personally did, loved, and recommend — from free local gems like El Salto, to top-rated tours you’ll want to book early.
I’ll show you what’s worth it, what to skip, and how to plan it all without stress.
Let’s dive into the perfect 3-day La Fortuna itinerary… Volcano views, waterfalls, sloths, and all.
Such an awesome backdrop at Mistico Park.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
3 days in La Fortuna at a glance.
I could have stayed in the jungle town for months without getting bored of the beautiful weather, picturesque landscape, and abundance of things to do, however, most tourists are on shorter Costa Rica itineraries, so only head to La Fortuna for a few days.
So, here is how you can spend 3 days in La Fortuna Costa Rica:
Day 1.
Morning - Coffee and chocolate tour.
Afternoon - El Salto Swimming Hole.
Evening - Rio Chollin Hot Springs.
Day 2.
Morning - Mistico Park Hanging Bridges.
Afternoon - La Fortuna Waterfall.
Evening - Drinks and a meal in town.
Day 3.
Morning/Afternoon - Rio Celeste day tour.
Evening - Visit Sloth Park.
Volcano themed shop.
Why visit La Fortuna in Costa Rica?
You’ve probably seen the pictures: a perfect cone-shaped volcano towering over a jungle town. But La Fortuna isn’t just photogenic… It’s packed with adventure.
Although my favourite part of the picturesque town is the epic backdrop of the Arenal Volcano..
There is much more to La Fortuna, with beautiful waterfalls, geothermal springs, and miles of untouched rainforests surrounding the small town.
La Fortuna offers a full Costa Rican experience in one compact, easy-to-navigate location.
The wildlife and nature in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica have been so popular for nearly half a century, therefore, the best tours in La Fortuna are very well established, and incredibly rated.
Whether you’re into hiking, soaking, zip-lining, or just relaxing in nature — this town has it all.
👉 Want to see the best of La Fortuna in one day?
This 3-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour on Viator takes you to the Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and a volcanic hot spring — with transport, lunch, and a local guide included.
It’s the easiest way to pack in the highlights, especially if you’re short on time.
A traditional fruit shop in town.
How long is needed in La Fortuna in Costa Rica?
You could easily spend a week here and still not see it all… But for most travellers, 3 to 4 full days is the sweet spot.
That’s enough time to hit the major highlights like Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and a hot spring or two, plus take a day trip to Rio Celeste or go wildlife spotting.
If you’re short on time, you can still cover a lot in just 3 days — especially if you book a well-paced combo tour (like this one that does all the heavy lifting for you).
👉 My Advice: Avoid trying to squeeze in too many tours per day. One or two quality experiences per day beats rushing through five.
A map of the abundance of activities in and around La Fortuna.
Is La Fortuna safe?
Yes — La Fortuna is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly places in Costa Rica.
It’s a small, well-developed town that sees thousands of international visitors every year.
I felt way more comfortable walking around here than I did in San José. The streets are busy, locals are used to tourists, and the overall vibe is very laid-back.
That said, standard travel precautions still apply: keep valuables close, don’t leave stuff unattended at swimming spots, and use a reputable tour company (I always book through Viator or Get Your Guide for peace of mind).
👉 My Advice: Stay connected by loading an eSIM (like Airalo) before you land — it makes navigation, bookings, and local communication much easier.
And if you're booking tours or travelling solo, it's smart to have travel insurance in place for extra peace of mind.
Popular tours.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna.
If it’s your first time in La Fortuna, staying in the right spot makes your whole trip easier — especially if you’re booking tours or not renting a car.
I stayed near the town centre, and it made everything smoother: tour pickups were simple, places to eat were nearby, and I could walk to hot springs or shops in minutes.
Here are a few solid options depending on your budget:
Mid-Range – Casa Luna Hotel & Spa.
A peaceful spot just outside town with spacious rooms, a solid restaurant, and great Arenal views. Ideal for couples or anyone wanting comfort without going full luxury.Luxury – Nayara Springs.
If you want to experience Costa Rica in style - this is the one. Private villas, plunge pools, jungle all around, and yes, views of the volcano. It’s easily one of the top luxury stays in the country.
👉 My Advice: Book early, especially in dry season, as the top-rated places go fast.
Central La Fortuna.
Day 1 in La Fortuna: Coffee, jungle swims & natural hot springs.
Morning: Coffee & Chocolate Tour at North Fields Farm.
Start your trip the right way… By getting a taste of Costa Rica’s two most famous exports: coffee and cacao.
This is more than just a tasting session.
At North Fields Farm, you’ll walk through a small, family-run plantation, see how beans are harvested, roasted, and brewed, and sample local coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane straight from the source…
It’s chilled, informative, and a perfect intro to the region.
I booked this one through Viator and had a great experience — super easy pickup, English-speaking guide, and loads of good reviews (which gave me peace of mind my solo trip).
Book your North Fields Coffee & Chocolate Tour on Viator here — it’s a laid-back way to kick off your first day, especially after a travel-heavy arrival.
I tried some of the best coffee of my life before heading into the jungle.
More tour information.
Afternoon: Rope Swings & River Pools at El Salto (Free).
After the tour, cool off like a local. El Salto is a natural swimming hole about a 20-minute walk from the centre of town — and it’s completely free.
It’s got cliff jumping, a rope swing, and small cascades for relaxing. Locals bring beers and hang out on the rocks; tourists come for the rope swing.
It’s raw, lively, and a fun contrast to your chill morning.
What to bring:
Swimwear.
Microfiber towel.
Dry bag (for your phone/clothes).
Water shoes (the rocks are sharp and slippery).
Water shoes are a lifesaver here — especially in the rainy season.
If you prefer a calmer way to cool down in humid conditions, especially in then just chilling on the rocks above the waterfalls with a beer, catching a sun tan is popular.
You will find El Salto here, and it is only a 20 minute walk from the centre of town.
The Tarzan swing at El Salto swimming hole.
Evening: Soak in Volcanic Hot Springs (Free or Luxury).
Wrap up your first day with a soak… You’ve earned it.
There are two great options depending on your vibe:
I was fortunate enough to enjoy both options, so here is a rundown of both resort-style places and free hot springs in the area:
✅ Budget Option: Rio Chollín (Free Natural Springs).
Located just down the road from the Tabacón Resort, this spot is a local favourite.
You’ll find hot water flowing over natural stone pools in the middle of the jungle. It’s rustic and totally free, bring a towel and a headlamp if you stay after dark. And those water shoes from earlier are a game changer again!
💎 Premium Option: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
If you want the full Costa Rica luxury experience — this is it.
Tabacón offers beautifully landscaped hot spring rivers, private cabanas, cocktails, and rainforest views.
You don’t need to stay overnight — day passes are available and are 100% worth it. I enjoyed several hours here!
Free experience? Bring a towel, a dry bag, and something waterproof for your phone.
Want the luxury version? Book a day pass to Tabacón here — it’s one of the most iconic experiences in La Fortuna and way less crowded than the free pools.
If you only want to experience one of the hot springs it has to be Tabacón - It is a totally unique experience! Book in advance to save disappointment →
Rio Chollín.
Day 2 in La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, waterfalls & jungle vibes.
🌿 Morning: Mistico Hanging Bridges Park (with a Guide).
This was one of the best things I did in Costa Rica — full stop.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park lets you explore the rainforest from above, with 16 bridges (6 suspended over the jungle canopy) and a trail that’s scenic from start to finish.
You can go self-guided, but trust me — a local guide makes all the difference.
I booked mine through Viator and would 100% do it again. Our guide (shoutout to Chris!) brought binoculars and a spotting scope, and thanks to him we saw sloths, monkeys, vipers, and even tarantulas hiding under leaves — stuff I never would’ve noticed on my own.
Book the Mistico Hanging Bridges Guided Tour on Viator here — It’s one of the highest-rated nature walks in Costa Rica,
Booking ahead means you lock in a morning slot (best time to see wildlife) →
Deep in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Enjoying hanging high above the forest.
What to bring:
Closed-toe shoes or trail runners — the path is well-kept but can get slippery.
Lightweight rain jacket — showers come and go even in dry season.
Reef-safe bug spray (no DEET allowed inside the park).
Binoculars or phone zoom lens (capture some awesome shots).
My favourite part of the walking trail.
💦 Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall
After your rainforest walk, refuel with lunch in town — then head to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks: La Fortuna Waterfall.
This 70-meter cascade crashes into a crystal-clear pool at the bottom of a jungle canyon.
It’s seriously impressive from the top… And even better once you hike down the 500 steps and swim right at the base.
The trail is well-maintained, but the stairs are steep, so take your time (and maybe skip leg day before this).
Getting there:
It’s a quick Uber or short drive from town. You don’t need a tour guide — just a ticket and some decent legs.
👉 Book your entrance ticket online here to skip the line and lock in your time slot, especially during peak season or weekends. It’s quick, easy, and worth doing in advance.
The first glimpse of La Fortuna Waterfall.
Again, bring water shoes — the rocks around the base are slippery and sharp.
Also, If you’re not up for swimming, there’s a viewing platform near the top where you can still get great photos.
It is quite entertaining sitting back and listening to the constant screams echoing around the forest, from tourists enjoying zip-lining above.
The iconic La Fortuna Waterfall.
Evening: Dinner & drinks in Town.
After a full day of jungle hikes and waterfalls, it’s time to eat.
Here are a few spots I tried and recommend:
Volcano Steakhouse – fun themed vibe, good cocktails, and happy hour ‘til 9pm.
La Parrilla de María Bonita – authentic Mexican food, generous portions.
Rain Forest Café – casual, big portions, affordable.
If you’re still feeling energetic, wander around the main plaza… I found plenty of bars and gelato shops open late.
If you’re doing this as part of a longer trip, consider booking this unique foodie experience.
Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner →
Mexican cuisine in a restaurant in La Fortuna town centre.
Day 3 in La Fortuna: Rio Celeste & Sloth Spotting.
Morning to Afternoon: Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park.
This is the most popular full-day trip from La Fortuna — and for good reason. It is an Instagrammers dream!
Rio Celeste is famous for its surreal, sky-blue water caused by a rare volcanic mineral reaction.
The main waterfall is absolutely stunning in person and draws tourists in from all over the world!
But what makes the tour great is the hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park…
Where you’ll pass bubbling hot springs, jungle trails, and the exact point where two rivers combine and magically turn blue.
It’s about 3–4 hours roundtrip hiking, so expect a sweaty but rewarding day.
The entrance to Tenorio National Park.
The beautiful Rio Celeste waterfall.
You can drive yourself, but I booked a guided tour through Viator and it was 100% the right move.
Transport, lunch, a knowledgeable guide, and zero stress with logistics — essential if you’re short on time or don’t speak Spanish.
👉 Book the Rio Celeste Day Tour on Viator here
This tour has a 5/5 rating from over 400 reviews — and it includes a stop at the giant 400-year-old Ceiba tree and a soak in warm river pools after the hike.
Enjoying the Rio Celeste tour.
What to Bring:
Hiking shoes or trail runners – it can get muddy, especially in green season
Quick-dry towel and change of clothes – for the hot spring stop
Daypack + water bottle.
Poncho or packable rain jacket.
GoPro or waterproof phone pouch.
The sky blue water near Rio Celeste.
🦥 Optional Evening: Sloth Sanctuary Visit
If you’ve still got energy left after Rio Celeste, head to Sloth Park La Fortuna for a slow-paced, chill ending to your trip.
This small conservation-focused sanctuary offers a guaranteed chance to see sloths up close (plus some other rescued wildlife), and your visit helps support their rehabilitation efforts.
You only need 1–1.5 hours here, and it’s ideal as a pre-dinner activity if you skipped sloths earlier in your itinerary.
👉 Book the Sloth Sanctuary tour here — sunset is the best time to go, as the animals are most active and the jungle lighting is beautiful.
Tour guide searching for sloths.
The rainforests are so vast throughout Costa Rica.
A picturesque setting in the park in the centre of town.
Enjoy a truly unique sunset.
Wherever you are in La Fortuna, there is a very good chance that you can witness the incredible sunset behind the Arenal Volcano.
We got lucky on our way to the El Choyin Hot Springs, as the sun was just dipping below the base of the volcano, which made for my favourite Costa Rica photo.
If you head further out from town toward lake Arenal, you will also find some magnificent sunset spots.
Sunset behind Arenal Volcano.
How to get to La Fortuna.
La Fortuna is accessible by several transportation options, depending on you starting point and budget.
Whichever option you decide, be warned that the rugged landscape of Costa Rica does add extra time and potential hazards to your journey.
Drive.
Renting a car makes total sense in Costa Rica if you are travelling by group, to split the costs.
From San José, the drive to La Fortuna takes around 3-4 hours (120-140 km) via Route 1 and Route 702, which passes through scenic mountains and cloud forests.
From Liberia, the drive to the jungle town takes around 2.5-3 hours (140 km) via Route 1 and Route 142, passing around Lake Arenal.
Shuttle bus.
Shared shuttles are a popular choice for those who prefer not to drive, but also want more convenience than the public bus.
Shuttles typically depart from all of the popular tourist spots, with door-door services, but this will cost you more of a premium. On average, each shuttle I used in Costa Rica was around $50-$70 per person.
Shuttles run daily from San Jose.
Public bus.
The most budget-friendly option is taking a public bus, which is the option that I chose.
The bus from San José to La Fortuna took a little longer due to a one hour long stand still traffic jam.
Buses leave from the Terminal 7-10 bus station and take approximately 4-5 hours to reach La Fortuna, but only cost around $5 per person.
The bus from San Jose to La Fortuna.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a very popular destination in Costa Rica known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Arenal Volcano and lush rainforests, however, the best time to visit La Fortuna largely depends on what you want to experience, but here are some key considerations:
The Dry Season (December to April).
This time of year experiences less rainfall and more sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, canopy tours, and visiting waterfalls.
More crowds.
More expensive for accommodation and tours.
The Green Season (May to November).
While it does rain more during these months, the rain tends to be in the form of short, heavy showers, typically in the afternoons. The mornings can still be clear and sunny.
Fewer crowds.
Cheaper for tours and hotels.
More lush greenery in rainforests.
I visited in May and had an awesome time!
Fortuna sign at La Fortuna Waterfall.
Two other Costa Rican destinations you will love.
As beautiful as La Fortuna is, there is one thing which the natural paradise lacks, that is the Pacific Ocean!
Here are two surf towns which you should consider adding to your Costa Rica trip:
Tamarindo.
As soon as I arrived in Tamarindo I could tell that the town was surf crazy, as I drove past the surf schools, and Tamarindo Beach, which was filled with surfers.
So it shouldn’t be a surprise that I recommend a surf lesson during your stay!
If you are more chilled, then enjoying sunset and beers in the lively bars in Tamarindo is just as rewarding, as the nightlife in town is very fun, and safe for international tourists.
If seeing a crocodile is in your plans, then the estuary tour is a must also.
Montezuma.
Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, so the small bohemian town still enjoys the vast Pacific Ocean.
Although this small coastal town is much more quiet than Tamarindo, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in Montezuma, including hiking to its beautiful waterfalls, taking a boat trip, and canopy tours.
Howler monkeys will often make an appearance at accommodations also, and if you can’t see them, you will definitely hear them!
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.