Costa Rica · Alajuela
La Fortuna Waterfall
Catarata La Fortuna
A single vertical drop off the flank of Arenal Volcano's foothills falls into a cold, boulder-strewn pool reached by a steep staircase of more than 500 steps. It anchors one of Costa Rica's busiest adventure-tourism towns, paired on itineraries with the volcano and nearby hot springs.
A single vertical drop off the flank of Arenal Volcano's foothills falls into a cold, boulder-strewn pool reached by a steep staircase of more than 500 steps. It anchors one of Costa Rica's busiest adventure-tourism towns, paired on itineraries with the volcano and nearby hot springs.
La Fortuna Waterfall drops 70 metres (230 ft) on the Río Fortuna. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is La Fortuna, with SJO the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Dry season keeps the 500-plus-step descent trail from being slick.
What you can do here
Abseiling
Going over the lip on a rope, face-first or otherwise, with the water beside you.
Canyoning
Abseiling, sliding and jumping down the watercourse itself — the only way to see the inside of many falls.
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
Zip lines
Cable-crossing a gorge at the height the spray reaches, usually with the falls in your peripheral vision the whole way.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Dry season keeps the 500-plus-step descent trail from being slick.
Entry: Entry fee ~$18 USD
Getting there
- Base townLa Fortuna
- AirportSJO
- CountryCosta Rica
- RegionAlajuela, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
10.4939, -84.6425
Quick answers
How tall is La Fortuna Waterfall?
La Fortuna Waterfall drops 70 metres (230 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Río Fortuna.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna Waterfall?
Peak flow is January to April and December. Dry season keeps the 500-plus-step descent trail from being slick.
What can you do at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Beyond the viewpoints: abseiling, canyoning, swimming, zip lines, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to La Fortuna Waterfall?
The usual base is La Fortuna, and the closest airport is SJO. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Entry fee ~$18 USD.
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