If you ask about one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, La Fortuna Waterfall is among the answers. This place has enough qualities for visitors to remember it for a long time, unable to feel indifferent to its beauty.
As if that were not enough, getting to this famous waterfall is very easy because it is located in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park. This means that if you will be sightseeing in this park for a few days, you can visit it anytime.
However, it is imperative that you know that to see this natural beauty, you must pay an entrance fee. Although it may be somewhat expensive for many, the good thing is that you can stay all day with access to the entire facility. Are you interested in knowing more about this natural attraction? Stay with us until the end.
La Fortuna Waterfall
It is almost impossible not to mention La Fortuna Waterfall when asking about a waterfall in Costa Rica. Both expert travelers and locals agree that this place has an incredible atmosphere, being one of the most popular places in the country.
This waterfall has a 70-meter drop along a sizeable volcanic rock slope, surrounded by a tropical forest. The place, as expected, is quite humid and relaxed, and its location is convenient for the most demanding tourists.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful turquoise waters, which are also very cold. Did you know that although this waterfall is in a national park, it is managed by its association? It is called the La Fortuna Comprehensive Development Association (ADIFORT).
In case you didn’t know, this association was created as a non-profit and is responsible for investing the money collected from visitors. In this way, they ensure that the entire facility is in the best possible condition and contribute to the well-being of their community.
What can you do at La Fortuna Waterfall?
The main attraction for visitors is, without a doubt, La Fortuna Waterfall. However, there are other places to visit besides this beautiful waterfall. We remind you that this is a lovely natural space so that you can find other areas worthy of your attention.
The best thing you can do is visit at least most of these places for a better experience. To make it easier, we will tell you everything you can do during your visit.
● Visit the viewpoint
Don’t want to, or can’t, go down the approximately 530 stairs to reach the entrance to the waterfall? Don’t worry. You can visit the viewpoint. From there, you can enjoy an excellent view of the waterfall and take all the photos you want.
The site is perfectly adapted for those visitors who have reduced mobility. It is an entirely flat area in which you will not have to make any effort to reach and move around. Remember that even if you don’t want to go to the waterfall, you will still have to pay the entrance fee.
● Walk through the Orchid Garden
If you decide to go down to the entrance of La Fortuna Waterfall, then it will be worth it to enter the Orchid Garden. This is located on the left-hand side of the gate, and you will be able to see at least 200 different species of these beautiful plants and their flowers.
The orchids were planted with the mission of contributing to forest conservation since they relate very well to the environment. The best is that you can practically see a flowering garden at any time of the year thanks to the wide variety of species.
● Fortuna River Waterfall
Lastly, the Río Fortuna Waterfall represents the best of this visit. If you could descend to the waterfall’s entrance and climb again about 530 steps, you will enjoy the best of the trip. Although many are scared by the number of steps, you should know that there are rest areas.
You can rest whenever you can and replenish your energy a little while surrounded by thick vegetation that promotes the site’s freshness. When you’re down there, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view thanks to two viewpoints, but that’s not all.
After passing the viewpoints, you will have access to the famous bathing area, where you can cool off in the best waters on the site. Of course, be careful when approaching the river as it is an area full of very slippery rocks. Likewise, be careful not to bathe in the area where the water breaks directly.
What are the prices and hours?
The stipulated hours for visits to La Fortuna Waterfall are from 7 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon every day of the year. The entrance price is 20 USD for foreigners and 10 USD for nationals. On the other hand, children under eight years old can enjoy the visit for free.
In case you are interested, the facility has free parking and security guards who will keep your vehicle safe. It doesn’t hurt to tip them a little.
Travel to La Fortuna Waterfall
You can get tickets through the official website or directly at the venue’s box office if you want to go alone. However, if you are one of those people who prefer thoroughly planned excursions, there is a better option.
You can contact our agency for more information about this. We can offer you a safe and incredible experience through our professional tours. If you only want to worry about attending, leave everything in our hands and trust us.