The best La Fortuna tours in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna will always have a place in my heart! I loved the small jungle town in Costa Rica.
Are you looking for the ultimate adventure in Costa Rica?
La Fortuna, a paradise of lush jungles, towering volcanoes, and pristine waterfalls, offers some of the country’s most unforgettable tours.
The local established tour companies have a brilliant reputation for making visitors’ experiences of the beautiful nature in Costa Rica amazing.
I can testify that it is true!
Here’s your guide to the best tours in La Fortuna!
With so many tour options available in La Fortuna, it can be hard to know which experiences are truly worth your time and money, especially on a shorter trip to the unique town.
High up in the Costa Rican rainforest.
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.
In this guide, I have curated the best tours which I personally enjoyed, to help you make the most of your time in this stunning region.
You can conveniently book through the links below :)
If you are on a shorter time frame in La Fortuna, then at least you can pick one of the most suitable options below, and go and have a blast!
Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour - best for families.
Zip-line over La Fortuna Waterfall - best for adventurous travellers.
Rio Celeste Full Day Tour - best for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour - best value for money.
During our tour we witnessed this beautiful sunset.
Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Guided Tour.
This is your chance to experience the Costa Rican rainforests like never before!
Mistico Park is one of the most popular eco-tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and for good reason.
As with other spots in the country, the hanging bridges are one of the biggest draws to Costa Rica, as they are a very unique way of experiencing forest life.
The guided tour at Mistico Park offers an immersive experience through the rainforest, led by knowledgeable experts who help you spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds that you might miss on your own.
Along the hanging bridges, guides share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, plants, and animals, making the journey both educational and unforgettable.
It’s a perfect way to fully appreciate the park’s breathtaking views and unique biodiversity.
(Best for families).
Duration - Approx 3 hours.
Cost - around £40.
✓ A good chance to see some sloths.
✓ Easy hike, making it family friendly.
✓ Very affordable tour.
✓ Pick up and drop off from your accommodation.
✓ Knowledgeable guides that know the secrets of the forest.
✓ Your spot secured. (don’t worry there is free cancellation, just in case).
Our tour guide was one of the forest’s inhabitants!
A travel hack in any destination is exploring with a knowledgeable local.
Our tour guide ‘Chris’ was like one of Mistico Parks’ inhabitants; he knew the forest inside out, including all of the different species of fauna and flora, with hideout spots, exact animal routines, and the life cycle of rare plants.
His expert knowledge was second to none, and he literally had eagle eyes!
Picture this: you’re walking through the rainforest, and suddenly there is a big commotion, trees rattling and monkeys howling..
Then your tour guide has the whole tour group sprinting to his secret spot to get the best views of the cheeky animals.. and boy we were glad he did…
What are you waiting for?
This review on Viator from November 2024 is an example of another tour guide offering a similar level of service.
‘‘The guide Alphonso was excellent. He explained every detail about the floura fauna and history of the place. He didn’t miss any chances on spotting the animals and birds. Overall a great experience’’.
Eagle eyes Chris spotting more wildlife high in the canopy.
They supply the equipment.
One thing which I overlooked when planning my Costa Rica day trip was the need for a telescope and binoculars!
Most of the wildlife lives up high in the canopy.
A key benefit of this tour is that all of the tour guides carry this special equipment, and even better, they know where to look in the treetops.
Our group wouldn’t have spotted half of the wildlife we did if we were just wandering around the park on our own.
This defintiely makes it one of the best Costa Rica tours.
And some more :)
You will spot some unique wildlife.
Have you ever wanted to see a sloth in its natural habitat?
Or how about a viper?
Keep your eyes peeled for colourful toucans, mischievous monkeys, and shy frogs hidden among the leaves.
In total we spotted around 20-25 different species of wildlife… some within touching distance, and some through the specialised equipment.
I was really happy with this outcome.
It was unexpected for Chris to take photos through the telescope for us also.
This was an awesome touch!
Ready to meet Costa Rica’s wild side? Book your Mistico Park tour now and start the adventure of a lifetime.
A local monkey.
A viper.
A very fun and educational tour.
Of course, the highlight is walking across the hanging bridges, as it is super fun!
However, the information boards dotted around the park are very informative and help pass the time, while you allow others to cross the bridges.
Chris was using the boards in an interactive way to teach us some fun facts about the ecosystem of Costa Rica, which accounts for around 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
There are information boards throughout the trail.
My favourite bit of newly acquired wildlife knowledge was learning about how tarantulas build their burrows in complete camouflage.
They even had secret doors, which they opened to enter their little homes.
See you in the forest!
(Or at least in your dreams if you don’t book this awesome tour).
Near the start of the trail.
This one is very highly rated!
With a 4.7/5 rating from around 1000 reviews, it demonstrates the enjoyment factor with this tour.
A common positive testimonial on Viator, which visitors really like, is the fact that the tour only runs for around 3 hours in the morning, leaving the rest of the day to explore the other highlights of La Fortuna.
There is also less humidity in the forest and more wildlife make an appearance in the mornings!
Making out way through the easy hike
But here’s the thing at Mistico Park… there are only so many spots, so spaces fill fast, especially in the popular dry season… and you don’t want to miss out seeing the forest’s inhabitants up close.
Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall.
Imagine this, you’re strapped in, your heart pounding with excitement…
The lush rainforest stretches out before you, and as you take that leap, you’re flying—yes, FLYING—over one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Costa Rica…
Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime!
This isn’t just any zipline… this is flying over a 230-foot waterfall with nothing but pure adventure between you and nature.
Have you got what it takes?
Don’t just take my word for it. Over 500 travellers have taken the leap, and then rated this as their #1 Costa Rican adventure. Here’s what one recent adrenaline junkie said.
Jonathan_L, Nov 2024
‘‘An absolute must do while in the La Fortuna area. This was easily the most fun and unique way to see the area while getting some thrills in. The guides were funny and helpful. 10/10 recommend for all ages and skill levels’’.
(best for adventurous travellers).
Duration - Approx 2.5 hours.
Cost - around £70.
✓ Use of required safety equipment.
✓ Guides taking you around the course.
X Food and drink not supplied, but available for purchase.
✓ Zip-line directly over La Fortuna Waterfall.
✓ Requires you to overcome your fears!
It is 100% safe.
Ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall is an adventure of a lifetime, but we know safety comes first..
That’s why this tour is designed with world-class safety measures to ensure you can enjoy every moment worry-free..
I felt safe throughout my experience.
From professionally trained guides and internationally certified equipment to thorough pre-ride safety checks..
Everything was covered!
Still nervous? You’re not alone! Many first-timers start with a little hesitation, but they finish with unforgettable memories.
Here’s what a recent visitor said.
‘‘‘Liz_L, Nov 2024’’
‘‘Such an awesome time! We felt completely safe and comfortable with the guides. They were knowledgeable and helpful’’.
Don’t let fear hold you back from this unique experience.
With your safety guaranteed, there’s nothing standing between you and one of the most thrilling perspectives of La Fortuna.
The view of the waterfall from above.
An exclusive view of an iconic setting.
Let’s be real—not every visitor to La Fortuna gets to experience the waterfall like this…
Most people admire it from the base, snap a few pictures, and move on…
But ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime perspective reserved for those who crave more than just another photo-op..
Don’t leave Costa Rica without checking this off your bucket list!
As someone who’s been there, I can tell you this: the moment you step off the platform, feel the rush of wind against your face, and hear the thunder of the falls below, it’s a pure adrenaline rush.
It’s more than just a thrill, it is the rare chance to see one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks from a view so few people ever get to enjoy.
This isn’t just another adventure; it’s a memory you’ll carry with you forever. You’ll look back and think, “I can’t believe I almost missed that.”
But opportunities like this don’t wait around. Tours fill up fast, and this experience is too special to leave to chance.
Take the leap—secure your spot now and make your Costa Rica trip unforgettable.
Some high platforms.
Another awesome view of the waterfall.
There are some steps to tackle and time to wait in between the different zip-lines, however, this helped to build the excitement for me.
The short breaks on the platforms gave me time to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the lush rainforest and the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall below.
It is the perfect balance, with enough time to catch your breath, snap some incredible photos, and enjoy the experience, all while gearing up for your next zip adventure!
Walking to the ziplines.
Preparing for your day of fun and adventure can be made more efficient with some pre-planning.
Read my tips for zip-lining in Costa Rica before you visit on the day!
Let’s go!
Another one complete.
I’ve done zip-lining before in other countries, but flying through nature in Costa Rica hits different, especially with a beautiful waterfall below!
Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour From La Fortuna.
Imagine the exact moment that the sky blue Rio Celeste waterfall reveals itself!
An awesome moment, which I had waited all day for.
It really is paradise!
Hidden within Costa Rica's lush rainforest in Tenorio National Park lies Rio Celeste; it isn’t just a waterfall; it’s a phenomenon.
This full day tour from La Fortuna will give you plenty of time to enjoy the beauty spot, along with spotting wildlife, rare flora, and you can guarantee that you will be hitting your step count for the day.
Make sure you fill yourself with some gallo pinto before this day of adventure!
(Best for active outdoor enthusiasts).
Duration - Approx 8 hours.
Cost - around £70.
✓ All logistics covered.
✓ A day of sunshine, nature and exercise.
✓ A national Park which focuses on eco-tourism and sustainability.
✓ Free cancellation.
- Tedious, but necessary 90 min - 2 hour bus journey each way.
X No dinner included, but places to purchase food.
X No swimming at the waterfall, but the tour includes a dip in the river outside of the park.
You get the lowdown before the hike.
After our tour guide Samuel showed our passes to fast track us to near the entrance point of the park, he spent around 10 minutes explaining what we could expect in the park, in terms of which animals and plants.
He also explained the cause behind the natural phenomena which makes Rio Celeste such a unique natural beauty spot.
This knowledge would be hard to learn without an experienced local teaching us it.
As many others testify on the 350 + 5* reviews, the guides go above and beyond to explain the natural habitat, along with helping to spot wildlife.
‘‘Megan_M, Nov 2024’’.
‘‘Santiago was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the area and helped us to see a lot of wildlife. You can tell he is very passionate about the area and its culture and made it such a fun tour!’’
Enjoying Rio Celeste Waterfall.
A guided adventure in Jurassic Park.
It was like stepping into a scene straight out of a movie as our expert ‘Samuel’ led us through the lush, prehistoric landscape of Tenorio Volcano National Park.
I can’t put into words what the sounds of the rainforest are like.
It is so intense, but you can also hear distinct sounds, especially from the toucans calling one another.
As we made our way along the well laid out paths, Samuel had a very good knack for spotting hidden wildlife, even in the verdant setting
Being guided by someone who knows the trails like the back of their hand is way more efficient, meaning we reached Rio Celeste much faster than some other visitors, so we could get some uninterrupted photos.
It would be easy to get lost in Costa Rica’s version of Jurassic Park.
A moderate hike through Tenorio National Park.
Effortless planning made my day a lot more fun.
Travelling around Costa Rica can be overwhelming, let the tour guides handle all of the logistics, while you enjoy your experience.
Not having to worry about park tickets, directions, and parking, along with having some clear direction for the day, made it run smoother in my opinion.
I could also leave my bag and a change of clothes on the minibus while we completed the trail.
Although the bus journey was a little tedious, as the roads in Costa Rica aren’t ideal, It provided me with plenty of time to get to know the other group members, which was ideal on my solo trip to Costa Rica.
My hike was way more fun after getting to know my fellow adventures for a while on the way to the park.
A two hour bus journey is well worth the opportunity to see Rio Celeste Waterfall!
Learning about the National Park before our hike.
Some stunning natural beauty was the highlight.
Standing before a river so vibrantly turquoise felt like it was a dream.
That is why Río Celeste is famous though!
As one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders, it is a place where science and magic seem to meet.
But here’s the thing... pictures, no matter how stunning, don’t do it justice…
You really do have to see it, to believe it.
And it’s not just the iconic waterfall that steals the show, the Los Teñideros meeting point is nearly as captivating as the waterfall.
This is the exact point where two rivers merge, and the turquoise color of Río Celeste begins, which has created a unique spot of the river which is multi-coloured.
The merging waters create a stunning visual contrast.
Trust me, sitting on a couch won’t get you closer to those unique Costa Rica Instagram waterfall shots.
So grab your camera, lace up your boots, and make some magic happen. Let Río Celeste take your Costa Rica adventure to the next level.
Book your trip today—this kind of beauty can’t wait.
Los Teñideros part of the Tenorio River.
Arrived at Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Some fun spots that our guide loved showing us.
Samuel made sure that we stopped at all of the unique highlights along the way.
This moving tree can move up to 10 feet annually.'
‘Socratea exorrhiza’, also known as ‘walking palms’ are very common in Costa Rica, as they are native to tropical rainforests.
If you visited the park on the same day over two consecutive years, it would be in a different place!
We always enjoyed seeing some rare orchids.
Learning about the jumping tree.
This tour was my favourite activity during my whole time in Costa Rica.
The dry season is the best time to visit Costa Rica in terms of lower humidity, and predictable sunny days, which makes hiking more pleasant, however, this means that the more active tours like this one sell out most days!
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour.
Imagine yourself hiking through lush rainforests, swimming at an iconic waterfall, and soaking in hot springs—all in one day.
When you book this tour, that dream will become a reality!
The longest tour on this list, but definitely the best value for money.
This comprehensive La Fortuna day trip is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and adventure that the jungle town is famous for.
Alongside breathtaking views of the beautiful Arenal Volcano, you’ll journey through vibrant landscapes of the Arenal Park, before heading for a waterfall swim, and a relaxing finish to your day, enjoying the hot springs resort.
(Best value for money).
Duration - Approx 11 hours.
Cost - around £70.
✓ All logistics covered.
✓ Lunch, water, and snacks provided.
✓ Alcoholic beverage provided.
✓ Resort fee for hot springs included.
✓ Free cancellation.
✓ Pickup and drop-off from hotels in the La Fortuna area.
✓ Swimming is allowed at La Fortuna waterfall.
Enjoying three diverse experiences in an efficient way. Ideal for visitors on a shorter time frame.
If you’re short on time but want to see it all, most visitors settle for one experience, only to wonder what they missed out on.
But this full-day tour? It’s your chance to immerse yourself in the very best of La Fortuna—without compromise.
We started our journey at the Arenal Volcano, where we got to enjoy its beauty and picturesque aesthetics, before heading to the rainforest to witness the raw power of La Fortuna Waterfall, where we could swim and cool down for a while.
Finally, we unwound in the natural hot springs, chatting about the fun we had earlier in the day.
This isn’t just another tour—it’s a well-crafted adventure that lets you experience Costa Rica’s most iconic sights in a single, unforgettable day.
Don’t settle for less when you can have it all.
Book your tour now and make the most of your time in La Fortuna.
The beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
Breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano.
When I first heard about the Arenal Volcano overlooking La Fortuna, I thought, ‘Oh, just another volcano’.
But when I arrived in town, and saw the most amazing backdrop I have ever seen, I immediately wanted to get closer!
These tours typically get very close to the base of the Arenal Volcano, allowing you to experience its majestic presence up close without entering the restricted areas near its peak.
We walked along designated trails, such as the Arenal 1968 Trail, which took us through lush rainforest and old lava fields formed by past eruptions.
According to our guide, these trails got us within 1 mile of the base of the volcano.
I would never get tired of seeing Arenal Volcano.
A fresh fruit stop during the hike.
Halfway through the day, we made a stop to saviour something special; fresh Costa Rican pineapple, handpicked and served just for us.
Grown in the lush, volcanic soils of Costa Rica, the pineapples in La Fortuna are the sweetest I have ever tasted.
Although this was only a small moment during the tour, it was awesome to rest, and to recharge the batteries after a morning exploring in the high humidity of La Fortuna.
A beautiful snack on the tour.
Swimming at the waterfall and relaxing in the hot springs.
After not being allowed to swim at Rio Celeste waterfall, I was over the moon when I found out you are allowed to swim at the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall.
It makes the day so much more enjoyable. being able to cool down after a day of exploring!
I couldn’t get any photos of the hot springs resort that we visited, as our phones were kept in a locker to keep them safe, however, there were multiple pools, all of which were really hot and soothing.
After a refreshing swim.
There are many natural hot springs in and around La Fortuna.
An abundance of nature.
When you book the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour, you're not just visiting a few attractions, you're immersing yourself in an ecosystem brimming with life.
Costa Rica's unparalleled biodiversity is on full display throughout the journey.
As we hiked along the well maintained trails, we encountered howler monkeys, a sloth, and many insects.
I couldn’t believe how vast and green the park was also!
There is something special about visiting in the month of May.
So much nature in Arenal Volcano Park.
It makes sense to book this tour in advance once you know which accommodation you are staying at, so your place on the bus is confirmed.
It makes it easier for the tour companies to plan ahead also!
My favourite free activity in La Fortuna.
It is no secret that tours can be quite expensive in Costa Rica, along with everything else!
However, each popular destination does have its own unique spots that visitors can enjoy for free.
Hiking to Montezuma waterfalls was fun, as was sitting in a beach bar in Tamarindo, enjoying the happy hour deals, and the beautiful Pacific sunset.
The go to spot for a free activity in La Fortuna is El Salto swimming hole, which is famous for its Tarzan style rope swing, cliff jumping, and freshwater!
I spent a couple of afternoons chilling in this area, after a morning tour.
It gets hot exploring the beauty of the region, so sunbathing with a beer or two is exactly what the doctor ordered!
The popular El Salto.
If you are visiting San Jose also.
Many travellers start their Costa Rica trip in San Jose.
I really enjoyed my time in the capital, even though it was only one full day.
My favourite thing to do in San Jose was to go to the city of colours murals to enjoy the city’s street art, which I did after enjoying a walking tour around the main landmarks in the city.
This enjoyable tour covered the Central Market, National Theatre, a local park, and a traditional coffee shop. Our tour guide made it a fun few hours.
I thoroughly recommend it!
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.