La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.8 (5 reviews)
Get up close with La Fortuna Waterfall on this guided excursion into the rainforest, followed by an optional dip at its base.

Overview

Get up close with La Fortuna Waterfall on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas en route. Your guide will point out rock formations and wildlife like toucans and sloths if they make an appearance. Then, once at the bottom, you can strike a pose and, if you're up for it, strip to go for a dip near the waterfall's base. Next, you'll transfer to La Finquita to learn about organic farming practices before you sit to a meal of traditional fare. This activity supports local community development, making it a rewarding experience for eco-conscious travelers.

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

Duration
2h 30m
Recommended for
4 years old & up
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Food & Drink
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

  • Daily
    10:30 am

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
  • Guide
  • Admission
  • Bottled water
  • Towel

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Traveler reviews

5 total ratings, 5 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.8
K
Ken H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Mix up between tour operator and KimKim over pick-up time led to rushed start. Good visit though. Helpful guide. Steps down were were more difficult than up. Not much chance to observe wildlife. Read more

Mix up between tour operator and KimKim over pick-up time led to rushed start. Good visit though. Helpful guide. Steps down were were more difficult than up. Not much chance to observe wildlife.

Tips for future travelers

Take swimming gear, just in case.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Charles
Charles B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023
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. Read more

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.

Tips for future travelers

Where are the proper water resistant shoes for the slippery rocks but the scenery is absolutely great

Quality of Experience
Walking through narrow canyons with guides who took very good care of us, sometimes held her hand so we could make it through the narrow canyons with rushing water very beautiful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
S
Sachin S.
Chandler, AZ | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023
The falls were so majestic - and the hike down was pretty easy - although some folks took time climbing back up --
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

The falls were so majestic - and the hike down was pretty easy - although some folks took time climbing back up --
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 ;-).

Tips for future travelers

We just hiked in our swim shorts -- it was easy to take a dip, and the weather was awesome we got dry pretty quickly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
C
Chakrapani S.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 18, 2023
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 a sloth 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 a sloth

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
John H
John H P.
Newport News, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023
Fabulous hike with an outstanding guide. Read more

Fabulous hike with an outstanding guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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