La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch, Arenal/La Fortuna
Get up close with La Fortuna Waterfall on this guided excursion into the rainforest, followed by an optional dip at its base.

Best time ever somewhat scary but I had a great time. Just be careful not to slip and fall on some of the slippery rocks.
The falls were so majestic - and the hike down was pretty easy - although some folks took time climbing back up -- We also did... Read more
Helen our guide was a sweet person and kept explaining things about the area and the wildlife around the falls with passion. Even helped us spot... Read more

Fabulous hike with an outstanding guide.
Overview
Highlights
- Descend 530 steps to reach the famed La Fortuna Waterfall in the tropical rainforest
- Take spectacular photos of the waterfall from a privileged vantage point
- Swim beside the falls in crystal-clear waters teeming with fish
- Explore La Finquita Farm and learn about regenerative and holistic agriculture practices
- Enjoy authentic eats at La Finquita, as well as take a look into Costa Rican rural life
Know before you go
2h 30m
4 years old & up
Small group, 12 people or less
Lunch Included
What you'll do
After a pickup at your hotel in La Fortuna, you'll transfer to La Fortuna Waterfall trail entrance. This protected area is home to a large amount of wildlife, and you'll have the opportunity to observe some of it as you start making your way toward the waterfall (fellow travelers have spotted the colorful toucan and even caught glimpses of sloths). The trail is only about 0.2 miles (300 m), featuring 530 steps and several comfortable rest areas where you can take a break and listen to your guide talk about the surrounding ecosystem and the geological history that shaped it.
Not far from the trailhead, you'll arrive at an observation deck offering elevated views of the waterfall plunging into Río La Fortuna below. Enjoy the views from the platform, then head down the steps to get close to the waterfall at its base. The descent, while manageable, can be a bit of a workout, so take your time. Approaching the waterfall, rising to a height of more than 230 feet (70 m) before you, you'll have plenty of time to take photos at the scenic lookout point right in front of the cascade. You'll also have free time to swim in the river flowing away from the waterfall, an area teeming with colorful fish.
After making the return ascent, the adventure continues with a transfer to La Finquita Farm & Restaurant, a farm dedicated to regenerative and holistic agriculture, giving you a glimpse into Costa Rica's rural life and agricultural practices. During your visit, you'll take a leisurely walk through the farm, learning about their innovative sustainable practices. Your guide will explain how the farm grows crops without chemicals, using natural compost produced on-site, and how these practices contribute to soil regeneration and high-quality food production. The day's fun culminates with a farm-to-plate lunch of authentic Costa Rican fare sourced from the farm.
Following your meal, you'll return to your accommodation in La Fortuna.
Start times
-
Daily10:30 am
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Admission
- Bottled water
- Towel
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Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Explore Arenal with a guide as you take on hanging bridges and hike to a waterfall. You'll start with the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you'll navigate a trail system within a vast rainforest reserve that offers views of Arenal Volcano and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including over 350 bird species. Next, trek down to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim or relax amid the lush scenery. The day trip concludes with lunch at La Finquita. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this excursion offers a vibrant glimpse into Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Set out on a guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Set out on a privately guided walk of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, set within a 600-acre tropical forest reserve. The trail system features a mix of fixed and suspension bridges offering unique perspectives of the forest's undergrowth, sub-canopy, and canopy levels—the latter treating you to impressive views of Arenal Volcano. With an expert guide, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting species like capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, as well as diverse birdlife and frogs. Ideal for nature lovers and families, the non-slip concrete trail with gentle slopes ensures a safe and accessible adventure for all.

Trekking to Laguna de Hule
Hike to one of the natural highlights of Costa Rica, the volcanic Hule Lagoon. The moderate trek begins in Juan Castro Blanco National Park. You'll hike 5 miles (8 km) through the plains bordering the volcanic crater before heading up into the rainforest toward the 136-acre (55-hectare) lagoon. Along the way, enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Keep your eyes open for tropical birds, monkeys, and even three-toed sloths! You'll also pass several other lagoons on your way before reaching the magnificent Hule, located at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch in the home of a local family before returning to La Fortuna.

Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal

Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure
Perfect for adventure seekers, this half-day jungle excursion introduces you to the thrill of rappelling down waterfalls and sheer canyon walls. Your guide will provide brief safety instructions and outfit you with a harness, then it's time to rappel down the side of three different waterfalls, feeling the cooling mist as you descend along a wall of rocky cliffs. Finish with a splash into a refreshing pool before drying off for lunch at a Costa Rican restaurant on the banks of the Río La Fortuna.

Private Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Hike with a side of Arenal Volcano views alongside your guide, followed by a trek down to La Fortuna Waterfall. Hit the trails around the still-active volcano, exploring the landscape shaped by its 1968 eruption. En route, learn about the volcano's history and ecological impact, finishing at a viewpoint with potential pyroclastic gas sightings. The fun continues with a short descent to the Fortuna waterfall, where you can soak in the falls' natural beauty and take a dip before sitting to a traditional lunch. Ideal for the moderately fit, this experience explores two of the area's leading attractions.

Private Sloth & Bird Hike
Explore the beautiful area of Arenal with a unique excursion to the "sloth trail." This guided hike will take you on a 1.2-mile (2 km) nature trail through 50 acres of tropical forest located just a few minutes from La Fortuna. The trail is named after the sloths that inhabit the area, including both two-toed and three-toed sloths that can be seen hanging on the branches of the cecropia trees while feeding on their bright green leaves. On this two-hour tour, you'll have the chance to spot these fascinating animals, including mother sloths and their babies. Your bilingual guide will also point out other local wildlife, such as exotic birds and reptiles, including the famous red-eyed tree frog.

Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling through rolling Class II and III rapids with names like Morning Coffee and Rock around the Croc. Enjoy wildlife spotting along the way—you'll even have a chance to swim while passing through calmer stretches of the river.

Arenal Volcano National Park Boat & Hike
Traveler reviews
4.8
4.8
4.8

We also did swim in the bottom of the falls -- and next to the falls, there is a smaller area where the water is more suitable to swim - we were literally swimming with the fish it was so clear. At one time we did see a Toucan so that was a bonus ;-). Read more

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