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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Admission tickets
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R 358,99
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  • Stephanie C
    New Jersey42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely stunning!
    Be prepared to walk down a lot of steps and then back up. I forget exactly how many… I think 600. Beautiful scenery and then you arrive at the falls which are breathtaking. You can enjoy a swim as well! The water was cold at first but it feels refreshing after walking all those steps. Definitely a must see
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 November 2023
  • Phileas Fogg
    Paris, France720 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow!
    A wonderful outing well deserved by a shuttle service. After a little walk with beautiful views you can swim in fresh water. I recommend to come early morning to avoid the crowd. It's stunning and very relaxing. It's definitely a must do while around the Arenal volcano. Outstanding!
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 10 December 2023
  • CSS
    Apex, North Carolina16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful waterfall, but 500+ steps to climb.
    Beautiful waterfall but the toughest part is climbing up back after the visit with 500+ steps. It is around 70 meters high. So it looks good and the area where it falls is small and we can enjoy the mist coming out. It is Little Rock’s going towards the water and also slippery.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 January 2024
  • Mike R
    Aurora, Illinois66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    La Fortuna Waterfall
    We did this one by ourselves. Family loved getting down there and jumping in the waters (although very cold) and to see the amazing views of the waterfall. There are a lot of steps, so that is what makes this a 4 star. But worth the effort if you are going to go into the waters.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 January 2024
  • chattygirl7491
    11,532 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    lots of stairs but very cool waterfall.
    We took expensive ride to get to the waterfall. we had read it was over 500 stairs. there where areas to sit and rest and we definitely did. I was literally worried one or both of us would have a cardiac incident. but the falls were amazing and I dont regret doing it. my husband totally didn't want to do the stairs but I'd hate to go there and just see the view from the top. bring some water and ya never know if might rain.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 January 2024
  • PJD65
    2,155 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great to see but not easy if you are not fit
    The La Fortuna waterfall is definitely worth a visit and is very impressive. At $20USD entry an adult, it may seem overpriced but it goes toward the protection and upkeep of the place. We went around 3 in the afternoon so not too busy and we enjoyed a swim. In La Fortuna, it is a must do
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 January 2024
  • Olivia P
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Get there early and have the falls to yourself!
    Highly recommend this experience! We thought the admission price was a bit steep, but it was worth every penny, especially if you spend some time down there around the waterfall! We arrived right when they open (7:00 AM) and we had the entire trail and waterfall to ourselves for 30 minutes! I highly recommend arriving early to beat the crowd -- imagine having a 246 foot waterfall to yourself! It was amazing. We swam (carefully) in the foot of the falls also. 10/10!!!
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 January 2024
  • worldsmymuse
    Chicago, Illinois316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous with great power
    This waterfall is worth many steps down and it's delightful to go in the pool at the bottom though not too close to the waterfall as the power of the waterfall is tremendous. Allow time to relax in the side pools, and you may want water shoes for the slippery rocks. It's crowded but still a terrific stop!
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 January 2024
  • Trisha C
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see experience, pack food/drink!
    Unbelievable views and experience, it was once in a lifetime to swim under a waterfall and such a big and beautiful one at that. The only downside is the hefty entry fee of $20pp. If I could skip this I would’ve but it’s just too much of a “must” not to. If you’re in the area it’s a top sight to see and one of the most popular in all of Costa Rica. Only regret is not bringing goggles to see underwater and not packing food/drink. Their only rule was no glass containers and no alcohol but they didn’t search our bags.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 January 2024
  • John H
    Salem, Oregon33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another Beautiful waterfall!
    Beautiful scenery and well worth the entrance fee. Do not let the 500 steps intimidate you. The path is entirely paved steps and steel bridges. There are landings about every 75-100 steps. At the bottom you will find the deep pool, which is pretty rocky, or you can bear left and walk down to the lower river where there is east access to the refreshing water. Bring a towel and wear shoes or sandals you can get wet. Once back at the top there is a restaurant and lots of opportunity for pictures of the view and May flowers. We took an Uber from La Fortuna and the cost was $2,200 CRC. ($5-6).
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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.

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Tanis K
Saskatoon, Canada113 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The waterfall is very pretty, but it cost 25 CAD to visit and I decided it wasn't worth the price. It is a well mantained attraction, but you essentially just walk down the 500 stairs to see the waterfall and then back up again (unless you want to swim at the bottom). There isn't anything else to see or other trails (minus a very small orchid trail at the top). If you have time and money to spare, then definitely visit, but if you are debating the best way to spend your time and money I personally think there are other things you could do in the area instead.
Written 14 January 2020
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.
Thank you for your recommendation, just remember that when you buy your ticket to the waterfall, make a donation to carry out communal projects. Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Caitlyn C
San Francisco, CA198 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This was a beautiful waterfall, no doubt about it. And you can swim in it if you're so bold! There are changing rooms past where you get tickets, so you don't have to come in our bathing suit. Bring water shoes - the area around the waterfall pool is very rocky and slippery, so something with good traction will help. The water is cold, but very refreshing on a hot day. Follow the safety signs and stay close to shore.

Stairs. There are lots of stairs. They were intentional in building in rest stops along the way, but the crowds make it a bit uncomfortable to stop on them. And there WILL be crowds. Get there as early as you can to try to beat some of the late starters. The pool area and platform at the base of the falls are only so big, and as I mentioned the rocks along the pool make it dangerous the more people there are.

Next to the waterfall there is an easy access point to get into the river if the waterfall pool is too intimidating but you still want a dip. This section fills up quickly with families and those looking for an instagram opportunity, so again - the earlier the better.
Written 10 March 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 24 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Noelle
Brugg, Switzerland14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Parking is available, entree fee on the more expensive side for what this destination has to offer compared to other locations in and around arenal. There are quite a lot of steps to and from the waterfall but the pathway is nicely constructed. You can swimm in the river down by the waterfall but it was quite crowded when we went so we did not do that. We decided to climb the steps back up the hill and take a walk through the orchid garden. This trip only took us 1-2 hours, so you can easily visit the waterfall and then do something else in arenal on that day.
Written 18 January 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

middle_aged_mom_12
Liberty, MO310 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Family
Ok, so the falls are beautiful, and fascinating, but unless you are in shape enough to travel down several steep flights of steps (530+ steps) and then back UP those steps again to leave, you may want to skip it. It cost us $18 per person for the privilege of nearly having heart attacks trying to climb the stairs back up.
Some people enjoy swimming here also at the base of the falls. A company owns a zip line that begins not far from the top of the falls, so you can enjoy hearing people screaming and whooping as they send another person down the zip line.
Written 22 December 2020
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.

cw0108
Kalamazoo, MI344 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was our second time visiting this waterfall and it was still a wonderful visit. The view and the ability to get up close is nice along with swimming there. The waterfall is powerful and vegetation very green. Don’t let the steps scare you about 500 as there are resting points along the way. There is a nice gift shop and restaurant there also. It does cost to get in $16 per person and take credit cards.
Written 22 February 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David L
Silver Spring, MD401 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Even though the day had on and off showers, the 200+ steps down (and back up) were not slippery and we (in our early 70s) managed with the sturdy handrail, without needing a trekking pole. There were numerous places to stop and rest or take photos and there were people enjoying a dip in the river (a little downstream from the base of the falls). Ron, our guide from Jacamar Tours, was excellent.
Written 28 February 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 24 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

D L G
Phoenix, AZ31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
If you are in the area of the Arenal volcano, a side trip to the La Fortuna Waterfalls is a must do adventure. It is South of town on a somewhat paved road that is challenging at times, but a relatively short distance from town. The facilities are modern and clean with good restrooms and a modern café. The price to get in is relative to other Costa Rica tourist attractions.

The catwalk through the jungle to the waterfall is a big part of the adventure. Well made and maintained, it takes you down about 37 floors of iron and steel walkways with glimpses of the falls below. It opens out onto a scenic point that is the perfect photo op for you and your party with the breath-taking falls in the background.

Once you get down to the river, there are numerous crystal clear pools where you can wade and see the protected trout swimming all around. If you have the courage, you can plunge into the larger pools and experience ice cold water in the midst of a hot and humid jungle. No one swims for long….

The climb out of the canyon is a challenge, so just take your time and pace yourself. Once you are back to the top, you can have lunch at the café, and walk through the butterfly garden. Just don’t expect to see any butterflys, as we didn’t see any.
You can experience the Falls in a few hours. Take a towel and wear aqua shoes or tennis shoes, but not flip flops. It is well worth the exercise to get there.
Written 22 April 2020
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.

audj209
Modesto, CA25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Our family of four did the walk down to the waterfall, and it was beautiful! There are over 500 stairs, so it is a bit of an effort, but my kids (ages 6 and 9) had no problem with it at all. The stairway is easy and well maintained, so it didn't feel that strenuous to us. The waterfall is beautiful, definitely a must-see in La Fortuna. You can swim a bit in the pool at the bottom, but it is definitely cold! We didn't do a tour or a guide, you definitely don't need to spend the money on a tour for this one, and cabs are easy to take to/from. I do feel that $18 per person (under age 8 is free) is a bit pricey, but given that they maintain the stairway so well, I'm happy to contribute to that. Don't miss this easy activity if you visit La Fortuna, you'll be happy you went!
Written 10 January 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Megan L
Kelowna, Canada42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
My husband and I took a trip to the waterfall. It was $18 USD per person. Worth the trip. It is a small walk down stairs to get to the waterfall. Lots of great photo opportunities. Nice gem in La Fortuna.
Written 4 February 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Adam G
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Our family of 4 visited La Fortuna Waterfall on October 12, 2020. We appeared to be the only ones in the park that afternoon due presumably to reduced tourism because of COVID-19. Needless to say, having the entire place to ourselves was pretty amazing. We purchased our tickets in advance online and after washing our hands (Costa Rica COVID protocols are particularly good) were introduced to the park by the very nice person at the reception desk. We then made our way down the ~500 steps to the spectacular and powerful waterfall. While we couldn’t swim by the waterfall, our kids had a blast swimming in the pools a little downstream and hiking around the rocks. It was definitely worth the price of admission, especially since kids were free. One tip, if you are also going to visit Hanging Bridges look to see if there is a combined package (we missed out on one after already buying standalone tickets). Highly recommend if you are in the La Fortuna area!
Written 18 October 2020
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.
Thanks you for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, come back soon!!! Remember with the purchase of your ticket you are supporting community projects development. PURA VIDA ❤️ #anexperiencetoenjoy #lafortunawaterfall
Written 24 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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