La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Fortuna River Waterfall is a natural area managed sustainably by Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT), a non-profit organization, having as its main objective to ensure the well-being and growth of La Fortuna community; projects that are possible to run thanks to funds raised by the visit of each tourist to this natural space. La Fortuna Waterfall is located in a biological reserve with an area of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest, part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located at 520 meters over the sea level, where there are sources of our mountains and the waters of La Fortuna River. To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, visitors must pass a path of approximately 530 steps, which offers greater security to its passage and comfortable areas for rest and hydration through a forest with native trees of the area.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,838 reviews
Excellent
6,304
Very good
2,621
Average
718
Poor
133
Terrible
62
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Darren D
Tucson, AZ86 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Beautiful waterfall. Worth the price in my opinion. Also worth the 500 step descent followed by the 500 step ascent back to the top.
Be aware that depending on recent weather, swimming in the pools may be prohibited. On the day we visited, the water was "grey". That indicated that there was too much recent rainfall and that the downstream rapids were also heavier than normal.
We have taken other vacations specifically to hike 8+ miles per day for 3-4 days in a row ... so when I say the climb back up is no joke ... trust me!
DO NOT go down the 500 steps unless you are mentally and physically prepared to climb back up. Our private tour guide, as well as many other guides who do this climb multiple times per week, were all winded after the hike up. It's steep and long.
Be aware that depending on recent weather, swimming in the pools may be prohibited. On the day we visited, the water was "grey". That indicated that there was too much recent rainfall and that the downstream rapids were also heavier than normal.
We have taken other vacations specifically to hike 8+ miles per day for 3-4 days in a row ... so when I say the climb back up is no joke ... trust me!
DO NOT go down the 500 steps unless you are mentally and physically prepared to climb back up. Our private tour guide, as well as many other guides who do this climb multiple times per week, were all winded after the hike up. It's steep and long.
Written 28 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
557 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This was a good hike - 500 steps each way - to a beautiful waterfall. The steps/trail were very well maintained and there were lots of places to stop on the side to rest. There were many people swimming at the base. I would recommend going early as we went in the afternoon and it was absolutely packed. It was also very expensive to do the hike ($20/person) which seemed like a lot. There is a restaurant, gift shop and locker rooms there as well.
Written 25 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathiasj200
51 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We visited the waterfall late in the day on a Saturday. Approximately 3pm. We were able to avoid most of the crowds and even parked right in front. Keep in mind the park rangers will ask you to start your journey back up at around 445pm. The hike down isn’t bad but it’s a bit of an effort coming back up the +500 plus steps. I couldn’t imagine coming when it’s crowded as it would be tough to get in the waterfall pool. Overall I would give it a 5/5 except for the $20 a person entry fee that was a bit on the high side
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrewdupuis7370
Ottawa, Canada24 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Very good - there was maintenance happening and it was not being done in an ecological way that is for sure. Staining and spray painting. All the empty cans leaking and tossed on the side to be picked up later. Obvious spills happening. They use oil based wood stain to stain the concrete walls. I guess you use what you have access to. We in Canada would use a water based eco friendly product instead in nature as the eco system is very delicate to petroleum products especially when it rains like it does here. There was no wind and the fumes of the spray paint were very intense. We went at 8 am. Could not hardly breathe due to the smell of paint aerosol lingering in the foggy air.For 40$ usd I really wish my experience could have been a better one. Still a very nice place and we highly suggest going. Hopefully this big corporation will see the is and think twice about the environment. The Ticos I have met and supported with tours are better than this.
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1974HugoPug
Rosario, Argentina980 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
Very well take care of the grounds and with people who monitor those who enter the wave where the waterfall falls. Some visitors do not listen and are in extreme danger but are quickly removed.
There are 530 steps that are lowered in 10 minutes and climbed in half an hour with a lot of effort for an undertrained person. You have to watch for that. Then, underneath, the place deserves to do it. Perhaps the highest-paying entry of all the national park experiences in the area.
There are 530 steps that are lowered in 10 minutes and climbed in half an hour with a lot of effort for an undertrained person. You have to watch for that. Then, underneath, the place deserves to do it. Perhaps the highest-paying entry of all the national park experiences in the area.
Automatically translated
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c22hubb
Terre Haute, IN498 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This was one of the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure normally someone who sits there and stares at nature, but I just wanted to sit there and be with the rocks and hear the waterfall. You can swim there, but it seemed like it was cold and we were not prepared with swimsuits. It would’ve been an amazing opportunity though. There are a lot of stairs, but I think it’s totally worth it even if it takes you a really long time to get down and back up. Don’t miss this when visiting
La fortuna.
La fortuna.
Written 18 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
105jimk
Saskatoon, Canada330 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
My wife and I took an Uber from La Fortuna to the waterfall located about 6 km from the town. The walk down to the waterfall is a bit challenging as there are about 530 steps. There are a few rest areas and occasional flat areas, but for the most part it is a serious walk down the steps. The steps are in good shape with a textured surface to minimize the likelihood of slipping. Needless to say, the walk up is also a bit of a challenge. But for anyone in good shape and without mobility issues, it is very doable and this was certainly evidenced by the large number of people accessing the falls. We did not swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, but many folks did. One either has to go with a swim suit on, or do a quick change off to the side as there are no change facilities at the bottom. It is a pretty site in the rain forest. We were glad we made the trek.
Written 22 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denisse h
Nunoa, Chile140 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful waterfall, it is worth going down the more than 500 steps, enjoying the surroundings, and taking a dip in the pools, enjoying the day and the landscape at the foot of the waterfall. Beautiful place, highly recommended to refresh the afternoon.
Visiting hours are until 5:00 p.m. and admission is 20USD.
Visiting hours are until 5:00 p.m. and admission is 20USD.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny Trekkie
San Diego, CA11,450 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This might be the most popular thing to do in Arenal? While there are entitled tourists whom think it might be too organized, too monetized, too touristy, too well mapped out, and too expensive...La Fortuna Waterfall is still a great visit! The short steep hike is well paved with lots of safe steps and handrails. There are nice benches along the way, as this is an exhausting hike due to the heat and humidity! The end is worth it, the waterfall is spectacular! Unfortunately it was closed for swimming due to the strong currents.
$20 entry fee does seem a little much, but you've probably noticed by now that most Costa Ricans are living pretty poor overall compared to us spoiled Americans.
$20 entry fee does seem a little much, but you've probably noticed by now that most Costa Ricans are living pretty poor overall compared to us spoiled Americans.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel Fasulo
Thomaston, CT131 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
My husband and I went to La Fortuna waterfall while staying in the area. We did this trip on our own with no tour guide. This spot was easy to find using Waze and the parking lot was safe and spacious. Right at the entry is where you buy tickets. They have full bathrooms with showers and lockers if needed. The lockers are not free though, and they were a little expensive for only using them for a short time. We opted to walk back to the rental car after changing and keep our clothes in there. We then made our way down the 500 steps. There is a platform to take pictures on once you get down there. You can also walk down to the rocks in front of the waterfall. Normally you can swim by the waterfall, however, this time they informed us it was not allowed due to high risk water volumes from the rain. If you continue down though, there is a bench to leave your belongings on and swim downstream from the waterfall. After that, we made our way back up the 500 steps we came down. At the top we walked through the orchid trail. Unfortunately, the orchids were not in bloom. If interested, there is also a restaurant and bar. We decided to try a local spot instead. All in all, this was an amazing excursion that I would recommend to anyone traveling to the La Fortuna area!
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A day before is advised. Our host arranged everything for us. We used to tell him next day plan.
Written 7 December 2023
It's very safe and well deserved by the shuttles. There is a good restaurant on the way if you're hungry. You can also swin in the fresh water without struggles. To go there I recommend Easyhop. it's more convenient than the cab. Enjoy!
Written 11 February 2024
I felt that the parking lot was safe. Lots of tour buses and it was right in front of the ticket counter. Obviously don’t leave things in plain sight but it’s safe!
Written 21 June 2023
As mentioned by the above responders, there is NO hot springs at this attraction. Swimming is allowed near the waterfall, however, during my visit it was not allowed due to very strong current.
Written 26 April 2023
During my visit, I did not see any pets. The steps are narrow, always crowded with visitors, perhaps not a good idea to bring one’s pet here.
Written 4 February 2023
Are towels included in the entry fee?
Written 11 July 2022
Pepe
Patras, Greece
If the dog is not afraid easily (because of the loud noise of the waterfall) yes I think you can—don’t let the did in the water—it’s cold and because of the lack of salt he will sink immediately.
Written 23 May 2022
I read that there is a nice viewpoint of the waterfall sometime during the hike - is it possible to just go to the viewpoint and return without going all the way down? And how long is the roundtrip from the viewpoint?
Written 19 February 2021
Hello! Yes, you can just go to the viewpoint and return, it is very close to the reception.
Written 9 July 2021
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