La Fortuna Waterfall Waterfall
Scenic waterfall near La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall plunges into a rainforest pool; tourists hike the trail, swim at the base and combine the visit with nearby hot springs and canopy tours.
La Fortuna Waterfall at a Glance#
Address: La Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 8:00am-4:00pm (visitor center hours can vary)
Admission: Adult ~USD 18 (approx. CRC 11,000); children and discounts vary; small additional fee for parking
About La Fortuna Waterfall#
La Fortuna Waterfall is a prominent waterfall near the town of La Fortuna in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, notable for a single high drop of roughly 70 metres into a swimming pool.
A steep trail and stairway lead from the parking area down to the base, where there is a natural pool used for swimming and viewing platforms above the falls. The setting is tropical forest and the route can be slippery and strenuous on the return climb.
The waterfall is a natural feature and has been developed with a maintained trail and visitor facilities to allow controlled public access; it is a common day-trip attraction for visitors to the Arenal region.
The falls sit in Alajuela Province near the town of La Fortuna, within the Arenal area of northwestern Costa Rica and a short drive from the town center.
- Height and access: The waterfall drops roughly 70 metres into a natural pool and is reached via a steep trail that includes several hundred steps.
- Location relative to La Fortuna: Located about 5 km from the town of La Fortuna, the site is commonly combined with visits to the Arenal area.
How to Get to La Fortuna Waterfall#
The waterfall is about 5-7 km south of the town of La Fortuna (Arenal). From La Fortuna, drive or take a taxi/lanchas shuttle to the official parking/entrance area (roughly 15-20 minutes). There is a paid entrance and a marked trail down to the falls.
Tips for Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall#
- Start early (before 9am) to avoid the busiest period and to photograph the falls with morning light.
- Prepare for a steep walk: the descent includes roughly 500-600 steps and the return climb is strenuous.
- Combine the visit with the La Fortuna town hot-springs in the afternoon when muscles are sore from the ascent.
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna Waterfall#
Best early in the morning during the dry season (December-April) to avoid crowds and to enjoy easier trail conditions.
Weather & Climate near La Fortuna Waterfall#
La Fortuna Waterfall's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (3746 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 21° | 303 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 22° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 18° - 27° | 23° | 128 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 18° - 28° | 23° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 270 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.5h |
| June | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 382 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| July | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 372 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 391 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 17° - 26° | 22° | 483 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 17° - 26° | 22° | 370 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 17° - 25° | 21° | 413 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.5h |
| December | Good | 17° - 25° | 21° | 351 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.4 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.4h |
