La Fortuna Waterfall In Costa Rica

For our final day in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, we decided to go to La Fortuna Waterfall in the Alajuela Province. After examining a map, we were convinced that the waterfall was only a mile from our Bed and Breakfast, so we thought it’d be a nice and comfortable walk. That turned out not to be a great idea! Below, I’ll tell you why. I’ll also give you information about La Fortuna Waterfall should you decide to visit.

Walking to the Waterfall in the Heat

Since La Fortuna Waterfall opens at 7 am, we wanted to leave by our B&B by 6:00 am to beat the crowd. But, we were exhausted from hiking Arenal Volcano National Park the day before, and got off to a late start. We ended up leaving our B&B at 8:30, just as the temperature was starting to rise.

After walking for about two miles, we couldn’t find any signs for La Fortuna Waterfall and had no idea how much further we had to walk. It was unbearably hot and I was ready to turn around. As I was complaining, a car pulled up next to us. The driver rolled down his window, and passenger leaned over to ask us where we were headed. We hesitantly respond, “La Fortuna Waterfall,” to which the passenger replied, “We’re headed there too, would you like a ride?” We politely declined, and continued walking.

The driver kept pace with us as we walked away, and the persistent passenger asked, “We’re are you from?” “The United States,” we responded. The passenger lit up, telling us that he and the guy in the back seat were also from the U.S. and that they hired a local guide to drive them around La Fortuna. After speaking with the passenger a little more, we discovered that we also lived in the same State as him and his friend. What a large, but small world we live in!

Hitchhiking a Ride to the Waterfall With Strangers

After a brief chat, we decided to join our new found buddies—John and Bazzle—to the La Fortuna Waterfall. A short drive later, we arrived at the parking lot for the La Fortuna Waterfall. We purchased a couple bottles of drink of water, paid the entrance fee, and started hiking down to the waterfall.

To get down to the waterfall, you have to hike down more than 500 steps. It’s a steep hike. But, along the path, there are stunning views of the waterfall and plenty of places to rest.

After about fifteen minutes of hiking, we arrived at La Fortuna Waterfall. After taking a few photographs of the waterfall, we spent at least two hours talking and gazing at its beauty. Because we arrived late in the morning, we thought it’d be packed. But we were actually able to enjoy the waterfall with just two other couples. Lucky us! However, the water was freezing. So we didn’t swim. The the great thing about La Fortuna Waterfall is that you can enjoy breathtaking views even if you decide not to wade in the water.

After we finished up at the waterfall, we hiked back to the top of the park. John and Bazzle kindly offered to take us back to our B&B, and with throbbing knees, we quickly accepted their offer!

Minutes later, we arrived back in town, we went out for dinner and had amazing piña  coladas. Then we took one last walk around the town brightly lit by the stars and moon, and recounted our favorite moments in La Fortuna.

Information About La Fortuna Waterfall

If you plan on visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, which I strongly recommend, here some information you may want to know.

Hours of Operation:

La Fortuna Waterfall is open every day from 7am until 5pm. I recommend that you get there when the waterfall opens, or at least two hours before it closes, if you want to enjoy it with a smaller crowd. Just know that if you go before the sun heats the water, it will be freezing!

Parking:

There is a spacious paved lot on site where you and parking free.

Cost of Entry:

The cost of entry for foreigners is $18 per adult, and free for children under 8. The price is Costa Rican citizens is $8.

Amount of Time you’ll Need:

To observe the 70 meter high waterfall, you must traverse approximately 530 steps. Then, once you get to the bottom, you’ll likely want to spend some time wading in the water. So I recommend that you allot at least 2 hours.

Location:

La Fortuna Waterfall is about 3 miles (5.5. km) from the town’s center. It may look like a short distance on the map they’ll give you at your accommodation, but trust me it isn’t. After our experience trying to walk to the waterfall, I strongly suggest that you drive or catch a ride. It should take about 10 minutes, which is much better than the hour it would take walking.

What to Pack and Wear:

Wear light clothes (e.g. a t-shirt, shorts, and a swim suit if you plan on swimming). Don’t forget sunscreen. The heat in Costa Rica is brutal. Also, make sure you also grab water, mosquito repellant, and a camera. But don’t over do it. You’ll want to pack light since you have to hike up and down hundreds of stairs. If you decide to bring snack, please remember to take your trash with you.

Post-waterfall Excursion:

If you’re not exhausted after visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, you can enjoy a nice tasty dinner at Baldi Springs Resort and then warm up in one their thermal pools.

If end up traveling to La Fortuna Waterfall or you have already traveled there, please share you experiences down in the comments.