La Fortuna Waterfall Arenal Costa Rica

La Catarata La Fortuna

Arenal Tours, Activitities and Things to do in Arenal Volcano Costa Rica area

La Fortuna Waterfall (La Catarata in Spanish) in Arenal Costa Rica is managed by the Asociacion de Desarollo de La Fortuna (the local community development group) and is one of the area's most popular excursions. La Fortuna Waterfall is 70m high and surrounded by lush rainforest. To view the waterfall you need to pass by the information bureau at the entrance (this has restrooms where you can change into swimming wear and a small shop). The entrance fee of $6 is used to maintain the 600m steep trail leading to the falls. The trail leads first to an overlook where there is an excellent view of the long falls cascading down a steep, forested canyon.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the natural pool at the base of la Fortuna Waterfall. Although swimming is no longer permitted in this pool you can swim in the river a bit further along. At the base you will find huge rocks where you can sit and watch the falls and just relax or have a picnic. 

La Fortuna Waterfall is located just 4km south of town. The walk is not particularly scenic and it may be worth preserving your energy for the climb down to the waterfall by taking the 10 minute taxi ride to the entrance.

There are also horseback rides to La Fortuna Waterfall but pick your outfitter with care (write to us for details).

The hike to La Fortuna Waterfall is recommended for people in good physical condition. Take swimming gear, hiking boots, insect repellent, sunscreen and a towel.  Adults: $8.00 Students: $6.00 Children under age of 6: free of charge Duration: 3 hour round trip hike from La Fortuna but you can take a taxi from La Fortuna and just hike 20 minutes to the base of the falls from the entrance. Ask also about horseback riding and the horseback ride to the waterfall (write to us for details).