The wind caressed my hair and the water droplets in the air patted my cheeks as I listened to the roaring stream of water gushing into the turquoise pool. Dancing to its own rhythm, La Fortuna waterfall flowed in full glory.
For its unique geographic positioning near an active volcano and for the diverse set of activities on offer in the region, ranging from relaxing to adventurous, La Fortuna is the most popular travel destination of Costa Rica. The gorgeous Catarata La Fortuna is one of the many attractions of town, but one that can go on your Costa Rica waterfalls bucket list.
In this post, we share the complete guide to visiting La Fortuna waterfall on your own.
For a more visual experience, check out our YouTube video of La Fortuna waterfall here.
How to Reach La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall is located about 5 km /3.1 miles from the town center of La Fortuna. You can take a taxi from town or drive down. It takes about 10 minutes.
From San Jose airport, La Fortuna town lies at a distance of 114 km /71 miles. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.
From Liberia airport, La Fortuna town lies at a distance of 143 km/ 89 mile. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.
You can find La Fortuna waterfall reserve on Google Maps.
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
La Fortuna waterfall hike is an enjoyable one that offers a good mix of a light workout and pleasant scenery.
Viewing Platform
Before the start of the trail, there is a viewing platform. Standing here, you can get a glimpse of La Fortuna waterfall from a distance. Tucked in the lush rainforest, the waterfall looks like a white lace swaying down the green slopes.
From this point, the waterfall seems far away, but the trail will lead you to this beauty in almost no time.
Hiking Trail: ~500 Steps
The hiking path to Catarata La Fortuna is a well-laid trail consisting of about 500 concrete steps leading to the base of the waterfall. Due to the good condition of the trail, the descent is not tiring. But if you need to rest during the hike, there are seating areas at couple of places. We also found a drinking water tap at one spot, in case you need to refill your bottle.
The best part is, almost throughout the hike, you continue to get views of the waterfall from different perspectives, peeping through the rainforest. To add to the experience, you have the buzzing insects, the chirping birds and the gushing waterfall as your sound effect in the background. So, because of these incredible sights and sounds of the surroundings, the hike down 500 steps feels like a breeze.
For us, it took about 15 minutes from the start of the trail to reach the waterfall. The climb up would have taken a few minutes more.
For the return trip, you do need to climb up all those 500 stairs! May not be as much fun, but it is not too difficult either. And when you have the sloth encouraging you with motivating quotes, the climb feels even easier.
Observation Deck
Near the base of the waterfall, you can climb another few stairs to get to an elevated viewing platform. It is a nice spot to hang out before or after you have spent some time at the waterfall.
La Fortuna Waterfall
At the end of the 500-steps hike down, you are rewarded with the close-up views of the gorgeous La Fortuna waterfall.
The 230 feet / 70 meter high waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool with such an incredible force that it forms a white rim at the surface of the water. The water erosion on the surrounding rocky walls add more texture to the site of the waterfall.
Piles of rocks of various shapes and sizes are collected along the periphery of the pool. You can sit on one of the rocks, enjoy the views and feel the water sprinkles on your face.
Swimming Opportunities at La Fortuna Waterfall
You can swim in the natural pool of La Fortuna waterfall, but only near the rocks in the front area. Due to the force of the waterfall, it is recommended not to go near it. Be prepared to swim in cold water though.
For a more relaxing swim in calmer waters, you can head to the nearby natural pool of the river.
If the area experienced heavy rainfall prior to or at the time of your visit, swimming at the waterfall pool may remain prohibited.
As you arrive near the waterfall, you will find a guard who will explain to you the dos and don’ts for spending time and swimming at the waterfall.
Not Just a Waterfall Hike
Catarata La Fortuna is not just about the waterfall hike. Near the entrance area and next to the main trail, you will also find an orchid trail and a garden. During one of our visits, apart from the orchids, we had also spotted some hummingbirds and beautiful butterflies.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Entrance Information
You can purchase your La Fortuna waterfall tickets online from this website, as well as at the counter. In this section, you will find all the information related to the hours and entrance fees.
Hours
You can visit La Fortuna waterfall any day of the week between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. However, the latest recommended entry time is 4:00 pm, so that you get adequate time for exploring the trail and the waterfall.
Upon purchasing the entrance ticket, you get a wristband which allows you exit and re-entry during the opening hours.
Entrance Ticket Fees
Entry fees for foreign nationals by age categories:
- 9 years and above: 18 USD
- 8 years and below: Free
Entry fees for Costa Rican citizens and residents by age categories:
- 8 years and below: Free
- 9 to 18 years: 4 USD
- 19 to 64 years: 9 USD
- 65 years and above: 4 USD
Facilities at La Fortuna Waterfall
Catarata La Fortuna is an established tourist spot with a lot of organized facilities that allow the visitor to enjoy a hassle-free day at the waterfall.
- Parking: Free and secure parking available on site.
- Restaurant: Yes, near the entrance.
- Restrooms: Near the entrance, not available anywhere else on the trail.
- Showers: Near the entrance only.
- Lockers: Near the entrance only.
- WiFi: Free WiFi available throughout the property.
Tips to Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
What to Wear
- Wear comfortable clothes for the waterfall hike.
- Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
- Apply sunscreen.
What to Carry
- Carry water for hydration.
- Bring snacks if you intend to stay for long.
- Bring towels and swimsuits if you wish to take a dip in the water.
- Pack cameras/your choice of photography device and memory cards to capture the moments.
COVID-19 Protocols at La Fortuna Waterfall
Like most tourist places in Costa Rica, La Fortuna waterfall adheres to the prescribed COVID-19 protocols.
- You need to wash your hands with soap before entering the ticket office.
- Body temperature will be checked before entering.
- Wearing mask is obligatory at the reception are and in all closed spaces.
- Contactless card payment method is available.
Final Thoughts
Although it is a highly popular and touristy place, La Fortuna waterfall is still worth a visit. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica. Due to ease of access, good on-site facilities, well-structured trail and the gorgeous waterfall itself, we would definitely recommend Catarata La Fortuna to be added to your La Fortuna travel plan.
Plan your La Fortuna and Arenal trip:
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Complete guide to all the trails in the Peninsula Sector and the Volcano Sector.
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges: Hanging bridges trail over the rainforests of Costa Rica.
- Eco Termales Hot Springs: A romantic night in the hot springs of La Fortuna.
- Bogarin Trail: A cool place for watching sloths and spotting birds.
- Rio Celeste Waterfall: A great day trip from La Fortuna to see a sky blue colored waterfall.
Check out our travel guides to other wonderful waterfalls in Costa Rica:
Rio Negro Waterfalls and Hot Springs
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