Adventure Travel
Discover the hidden gem of a Costa Rican village, home to breathtaking emerald pools and stunning waterfalls. Dive into the natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and unforgettable experiences awaiting you in this tropical paradise
by Frances Mayes
19-07-2024
La Fortuna is arguably the finest location to succumb to the euphoria of nature. The picturesque municipality, situated amidst the magnificent Arenal Volcano in the northern forests of Costa Rica, is a sensory delight.
It has something to offer everyone, which has unsurprisingly led to its status as one of the most visited locations in the region. Emmanuel Burgio, proprietor of Blue Parallel, "La Fortuna's magnificent landscapes render it an idyllic haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, showcasing distinctive flora and fauna, a host of vibrant wildlife, and exhilarating outdoor pursuits."
In addition to its thrilling activities, La Fortuna has experienced a surge in recognition as a destination for wellness. By exemplifying the pura vida (purity life) philosophy for which the nation is renowned, its tranquil ambiance and verdant terrain furnish an optimal environment for enhancing one's well-being. It is unsurprising that one of the Blue Zones, where individuals enjoy superior health and typically live the longest, is situated within the nation.
You will adore this La Fortuna guide if you are prepared to adopt the Tico (Costa Rican native) mentality and discover their secrets to a happier, more carefree existence.
Investigate Nayara Tented Camp for a luxurious jungle retreat. In the 2023 World's Best Awards, it was designated the preferred resort in Central America by Traveler Land readers for the third year in a row. The glamping experience has been thoughtfully designed to include a private terrace and plunge pool, which are ideal for relaxing.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, enclosed in 900 acres of tropical rain forest, features 42 guest accommodations. It is the ideal retreat for guests to unwind and sample regional gastronomy at one of the numerous on-site bars and restaurants.
One seeking a blend of rejuvenation and exploration should consider reserving a room at The Springs Resort & Spa. The 165-acre property offers unobstructed views of the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano and valley below from its perch on a mountain ridge. With its own adventure center, numerous natural hot springs, and cascades, this location will not bore you.
The pastoral luxury resort La Fortuna at Amor Arenal, which is ideal for couples, will make you fall in love. Observe the surrounding tropical forest from the comfort of your private cabin or whirlpool that is heated externally. The property features jungle trails, a meditation deck, and daily yoga as notable amenities.
A five-star resort with sweeping views of Arenal Volcano, Nayara Gardens is a WBA Hall of Fame inductee and another darling of Traveler Land readers in the 2023 World's Best Awards. Each charming casita features its own private garden with an outdoor shower.
La Fortuna Waterfall, which plunges 246 feet, is arguably the most visited waterfall in Costa Rica and certainly not to be overlooked. A descent of 500 steps will lead you to the base of the waterfall. You can swim in the emerald pools located in close proximity to the formidable cascade. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting the adjacent riverbank.
Numerous magnificent trails are accessible via horseback, mountain bike, or foot in La Fortuna. Burgio informed T+L, "Keen hikers will enjoy the 1968 path to the famous Arenal Volcano, a three-mile hike that takes around two hours to complete, with incredible views of the volcano and lava fields."
Seeking a surge of adrenaline? Visit Sky Adventures Arenal Park, which features over ten attractions, such as suspended bridges, zip lining, and more. Experts from TravelLocal on the destination stated to T+L, "The views from the adventure park will leave you speechless and are a must-see."
More than five percent of the world's biodiversity resides in Costa Rica, which makes it the epicenter of fauna. A popular method to discover what lurks in the verdant jungle during the morning is through guided walks; at night, one can learn about nocturnal animals. EcoCentro Danaus is a biological reserve renowned for its collection of tropical amphibians and birds.
An indelible opportunity to delve into the abundant history of Costa Rica is a farm excursion. For many generations, the cacao bean, the source of chocolate, has been revered as a sacred produce. North Fields, a locally owned plantation in La Fortuna, provides an in-depth explanation of its farm-to-table methodology. The excursion consists of coffee and organic chocolate sampling.
Using the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as inspiration, certified facilitators facilitate a connection with oneself and aid participants in unwinding. This has been shown in studies to alleviate tension, enhance mood, and improve focus, among other benefits. Mistico Park in La Fortuna provides forest therapy sessions through which visitors can experience the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Burgio stated that "A [trip] to La Fortuna would not be complete without visiting one of the many hot springs in the area, which get their thermal waters directly from the Arenal Volcano." The mineral-rich waters alleviate inflammation, tension, and anxiety, among other conditions. Spend the entire day indulging in the thirteen pools of varying temperatures at the magnificent EcoTermales.
Outdoor yoga classes are a way to honor the body through movement while being surrounded by nature. A jungle yoga tour is available at Espacio Intuitivo; the energizing excursion begins with a brief trek, then continues with a yoga session and meditation practice by the side of a natural waterfall.
Commence your wellness regimen with a purifying facial or a restorative full body massage. Burgio recommends dining at the resorts located at Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Gardens for an opulent experience. All properties feature a "award-winning spa with treatments incorporating local ingredients like organic coffee, chocolate, and volcanic mud."
Indulge in a comprehensive wellness retreat if you are seeking an entirely transformative experience that will provide you with a fresh outlook on life. Consider the wellness retreats at Essence Arenal, which provide a variety of options centered on detoxification, yoga, and other related topics, for a tropical reset.
Travesía is an informal dining establishment that offers refined gastronomy. It is most renowned for its platter of assorted meats. It features an assortment of delectable steak, poultry, and shrimp, among other items. If one desires to consume dessert, consider the renowned lava cake or croissant bread pudding, or even both.
You should visit a soda, a tiny cafe serving traditional Tico cuisine, while in Costa Rica. Soda Víquez is, if not the finest, among the establishments in La Fortuna. Suggest ordering the casado, a traditional dish in the area. In addition to beef, poultry, or fish, the balanced dish is accompanied by rice, beans, plantains, and vegetables.
Don Rufino has an affluent atmosphere; therefore, reservations are advised. The establishment has garnered a stellar reputation in La Fortuna for more than a decade, owing to its delectable selection of Costa Rican-inspired dishes. Popular dishes include the roast chicken enveloped in banana leaves and the ceviche.
For a meal that prioritizes health, consider visiting Organico Fortuna. The charming café exclusively utilizes organic and locally sourced ingredients, as implied by its name. Smoothies, sandwiches, and salads are all freshly prepared. Vegans, vegetarians, and individuals requiring gluten-free alternatives will effortlessly discover suitable options within this establishment.
Pollo Fortuneño, situated in the center of La Fortuna, is an enjoyable outdoor dining establishment that specializes in contemporary Latin American fare. The vibrant dishes on its extensive menu provide a gastronomic experience. Ensure that you sample the rotisserie chicken and the traditional chifrijo, which consists of rice, beans, chicharrón (pork tongue), and chimichurri sauce.
La Fortuna is a year-round pleasant destination. The climatic region experiences two distinct seasons: wet from May to November, and arid from December to April. Due to the tropical climate, unforeseen precipitation may occur at any time of year.
Although the dry season offers the greatest likelihood of clear skies and sunshine, it is also the busiest with visitors. For those who prefer tranquility and less activity, the shoulder seasons of May and November might be more suitable.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia or Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José are the two international airports to which you may connect. Both are accessible via public bus, shared shuttle, rental vehicle, or private transfer within an equivalent distance of La Fortuna. The airport in San José is the larger of the two and serves a greater variety of airlines, whereas the airport in Liberia is generally less congested and has shorter customs lines. From the airport, the journey takes about three hours but is extremely scenic.
The La Fortuna attractions are dispersed. Therefore, renting a vehicle is the most practical method of transportation. If you did not reserve one at the airport, it is feasible to rent one in town. Uber or a red transport are additional options; while both are readily available in the city, the former is typically less expensive. Moreover, numerous tour operators provide complimentary transport services between hotels and excursions, so reaching any of them should not present any difficulty.
