If you’re planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica, get ready for volcano views, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, natural hot springs, wildlife, hanging bridges, coffee and chocolate, and some seriously unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Located near the famous Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for travelers who want to combine nature, relaxation, and adventure in one trip.
You can spend your morning hiking near a volcano, your afternoon swimming near a waterfall, and your evening relaxing in warm thermal waters.
And if you’re wondering where to stay in La Fortuna, one resort stands out—especially if hot springs are high on your Costa Rica wish list: Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best things to do in La Fortuna, where to stay, what to pack, and useful travel essentials to bring for your Costa Rica adventure.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa
If you’re visiting La Fortuna to experience its famous thermal waters, Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa is one of the best places to consider staying.
Located near Arenal Volcano, Baldi combines resort accommodations with an extensive thermal-water experience surrounded by tropical scenery.
Instead of having to leave your hotel every time you want to enjoy the hot springs, you can build relaxation directly into your stay.
That makes Baldi particularly appealing after long days spent hiking, rafting, canyoning, or exploring the rainforest.
Why Stay at Baldi Hot Springs?
- ✔ Natural thermal-water experience
- ✔ Beautiful tropical surroundings
- ✔ Views of the Arenal area
- ✔ Multiple thermal pools
- ✔ Spa and wellness experiences
- ✔ On-site restaurants and bars
- ✔ Family-friendly amenities
- ✔ Convenient base for La Fortuna adventures
- ✔ Ideal for couples, families, and adventure travelers
- ✔ Perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploring
If your ideal Costa Rica vacation combines adventure during the day with hot springs and relaxation afterward, Baldi makes an excellent home base.
Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is one of those destinations where you’ll probably wish you had a few extra vacation days.
From volcanoes and waterfalls to hanging bridges and whitewater rafting, there is an incredible variety of experiences.
Here are 8 activities to consider adding to your La Fortuna itinerary.
1. Explore Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall & Hot Springs
If you only have time for one major La Fortuna excursion, consider an experience that brings several of the area’s biggest attractions together.
This tour combines some of the experiences La Fortuna is most famous for: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and hot springs.
It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to see several highlights without arranging each activity separately.
Depending on the selected tour, your experience may include:
- ✔ Exploring the Arenal Volcano area
- ✔ Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall
- ✔ Hiking through tropical scenery
- ✔ Swimming opportunities
- ✔ Hot springs
- ✔ Guided sightseeing
Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a change of clothes so you’re prepared for both hiking and water activities.
2. Walk the Hanging Bridges Near Arenal Volcano
Want to experience the Costa Rican rainforest from a completely different perspective?
Take a hanging bridges walk in the Arenal Volcano area.
Instead of only exploring the forest from ground level, hanging bridges give you a chance to walk through different levels of the rainforest while taking in lush tropical scenery.
Keep your eyes open along the way—you may have opportunities to spot birds and other Costa Rican wildlife.
Why add it to your trip?
- ✔ Rainforest scenery
- ✔ Hanging bridges
- ✔ Wildlife-viewing opportunities
- ✔ Arenal Volcano area
- ✔ Excellent photography opportunities
- ✔ Great activity for nature lovers
A lightweight rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes are especially useful for this excursion.
3. Take a Costa Rican Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica is internationally known for its coffee, so your trip to La Fortuna is a great opportunity to learn more about how it goes from farm to cup.
The North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour combines two of Costa Rica’s most famous products into one experience.
Learn about coffee and chocolate production while discovering more about Costa Rican agriculture and culture.
Why consider this tour?
- ✔ Learn about Costa Rican coffee
- ✔ Discover how chocolate is produced
- ✔ Cultural experience
- ✔ Educational and family-friendly
- ✔ Opportunity to taste local products
- ✔ Great break between adventure activities
This is particularly good for a slower day when you want to experience Costa Rica without spending hours hiking or doing strenuous activities.
4. Experience a Nocturnal Butterfly Sanctuary & Night Walk
Costa Rica’s rainforest doesn’t go to sleep when the sun goes down.
In fact, nighttime can reveal an entirely different side of the ecosystem.
Join a nocturnal butterfly sanctuary and night walk to learn more about the creatures that become active after dark.
Depending on natural conditions, nighttime wildlife experiences can provide opportunities to encounter frogs, insects, and other rainforest species.
Why add a night walk?
- ✔ Explore the rainforest after dark
- ✔ Learn about nocturnal wildlife
- ✔ Guided nature experience
- ✔ Great for wildlife enthusiasts
- ✔ Unique evening activity
- ✔ Experience a different side of La Fortuna
Remember that wildlife is unpredictable, so specific animal sightings can never be guaranteed.
5. Go Canyoning & Rappel Down Waterfalls
Ready for something more adventurous?
A canyoning and waterfall rappelling adventure gives thrill-seekers a completely different way to experience the landscape around Arenal.
Rather than simply admiring Costa Rica’s waterfalls from a viewpoint, you’ll get much closer to the action.
This is an excellent choice for travelers looking to add adrenaline to their vacation.
Highlights may include:
- ✔ Waterfall rappelling
- ✔ Canyoning
- ✔ Tropical rainforest scenery
- ✔ Professional guidance
- ✔ Outdoor adventure
- ✔ An unforgettable Costa Rica experience
Expect to get wet.
Wear appropriate clothing and follow the tour operator’s recommendations regarding footwear and what to bring.
6. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
If rappelling isn’t enough adventure, head to the river.
The Balsa River Class II–III whitewater rafting experience is another exciting way to experience Costa Rica’s natural environment.
Navigate the river with your guide while enjoying tropical scenery along the way.
This activity can be an excellent introduction to rafting for travelers looking for excitement without necessarily jumping straight into the most extreme rapids available.
Highlights may include:
- ✔ Class II–III rapids
- ✔ Professional rafting guides
- ✔ Tropical river scenery
- ✔ Active outdoor adventure
- ✔ Opportunities to enjoy the surrounding nature
A secure pair of water-friendly shoes and quick-drying clothing can be particularly useful.
7. Arenal Volcano, Lunch & Hot Springs Morning Tour
Want another way to experience the Arenal Volcano area without committing your entire day?
Consider an Arenal Volcano morning tour with lunch and hot springs.
This is a great option if you want to combine sightseeing with one of La Fortuna’s signature experiences: soaking in thermal waters.
Depending on the tour option, your day may include:
- ✔ Exploring the Arenal Volcano area
- ✔ Guided nature experience
- ✔ Lunch
- ✔ Hot springs
- ✔ Beautiful tropical scenery
Afterward, you can keep the rest of your day open for downtown La Fortuna, another attraction, or simply more relaxation.
8. Take a Full-Day Trip to Río Celeste
If you have an extra day in La Fortuna, consider venturing farther out to experience Río Celeste.
Known for its striking blue water surrounded by lush rainforest, Río Celeste is one of the natural attractions travelers often add to a northern Costa Rica itinerary.
A full-day excursion from La Fortuna makes it easier to experience the area without organizing the trip yourself.
Why visit Río Celeste?
- ✔ Famous blue-colored river
- ✔ Tropical rainforest
- ✔ Beautiful scenery
- ✔ Hiking opportunities
- ✔ Photography
- ✔ Full-day nature experience
This is a longer excursion, so bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, rain protection, and a portable charger.
More Things to Do in La Fortuna
You don’t need a guided tour for every moment of your vacation.
Leave some room in your itinerary to slow down and experience La Fortuna at your own pace.
Explore Downtown La Fortuna
Spend some time walking around town, visiting local shops, stopping at cafés, and trying Costa Rican restaurants.
See Arenal Volcano
Even when you’re not participating in a volcano excursion, the Arenal Volcano landscape is a major part of the La Fortuna experience.
Cloud conditions can affect visibility, so appreciate those clear moments when the volcano makes an appearance.
Relax in the Hot Springs
La Fortuna is famous for its thermal waters.
If you’re staying at Baldi Hot Springs, this is especially easy to incorporate into your vacation.
After hiking, rafting, or canyoning, spending time soaking in warm thermal water can be the perfect way to finish your day.
Try Traditional Costa Rican Food
Look for a traditional casado, usually consisting of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of protein.
For breakfast, try gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s famous rice-and-beans dish.
What to Pack for La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Packing for La Fortuna is a little different from packing for a typical beach vacation.
Your itinerary may involve rainforests, waterfalls, rafting, hot springs, muddy trails, and changing weather conditions—all within the same trip.
Here are some useful items to consider bringing.
1. Lightweight Rain Jacket
Rain is part of what keeps Costa Rica’s landscapes so green.
A lightweight, packable rain jacket is useful for hanging bridges, rainforest walks, Río Celeste, and other outdoor excursions.
🛒 Amazon search: Lightweight packable waterproof rain jacket
2. Waterproof Dry Bag
A dry bag is particularly useful if you’re planning to go rafting, canyoning, visit waterfalls, or spend time around hot springs.
Use it to protect:
- ✔ Phone
- ✔ Wallet
- ✔ Dry clothing
- ✔ Small electronics
- ✔ Travel documents
🛒 Amazon search: Waterproof roll-top travel dry bag
3. Comfortable Hiking Shoes
This is one item I wouldn’t skip.
Many of your La Fortuna activities involve walking through tropical terrain.
Choose comfortable footwear with reliable traction that can handle potentially wet or muddy conditions.
🛒 Amazon search: Waterproof hiking shoes with traction
4. Water Shoes
Water shoes can be useful for rafting, waterfall adventures, hot springs, and other wet activities.
Look for something with a secure fit, quick-drying construction, and good grip.
🛒 Amazon search: Quick-dry water shoes with grip
5. Quick-Dry Clothing
For a destination where you might encounter both rain and waterfalls, quick-drying shirts and shorts can make a noticeable difference.
They’re especially convenient for rafting and canyoning days.
🛒 Amazon search: Quick-dry travel clothing
6. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
A compact travel towel is another useful addition for waterfall, rafting, and hot-spring days.
Look for one that packs down small and dries faster than a traditional cotton towel.
🛒 Amazon search: Microfiber quick-dry travel towel
7. Insect Repellent
You’re visiting a tropical destination and spending time around rainforest environments.
Pack insect repellent and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using it.
🛒 Amazon search: Travel insect repellent
8. Reusable Water Bottle
Hiking and outdoor adventures make staying hydrated particularly important.
Bring a reusable bottle that you can fill before heading out for the day.
🛒 Amazon search: Insulated reusable travel water bottle
9. Portable Phone Charger
Long excursion days mean you’ll probably be away from an outlet for hours.
Between photos, videos, maps, reservations, and communication with tour operators, a portable charger can be extremely useful.
A compact 10,000mAh power bank is a practical size for day trips.
🛒 Amazon search: 10,000mAh compact portable charger
10. Lightweight Daypack
A small backpack gives you somewhere to carry your water bottle, rain jacket, insect repellent, portable charger, towel, and other essentials.
Look for a lightweight option that is comfortable enough for longer walks.
🛒 Amazon search: Lightweight packable hiking daypack
Suggested 5-Day La Fortuna Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive & Relax
Check into Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa and settle into La Fortuna.
Spend your first afternoon relaxing and enjoying the thermal waters.
After traveling, there’s no need to pack your first day with activities.
Day 2 – Arenal Volcano, Waterfall & Hot Springs
Make this your big introduction to La Fortuna.
Join the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall & Hot Springs Tour and experience several of the destination’s signature attractions in one day.
Return to Baldi afterward and relax.
Day 3 – Hanging Bridges, Coffee & Chocolate
Morning: Explore the rainforest on the Arenal hanging bridges walk.
Afternoon: Join the North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour.
Evening: If you still have energy, experience the nocturnal butterfly sanctuary and night walk.
This gives you a day focused more on nature and Costa Rican culture.
Day 4 – Choose Your Adventure
This is your adrenaline day.
Choose between:
- Canyoning and waterfall rappelling
- Balsa River whitewater rafting
Afterward, return to Baldi and spend the evening recovering in the hot springs.
Day 5 – Río Celeste
Finish your La Fortuna adventure with a full-day excursion to Río Celeste.
Explore the beautiful natural landscape before returning to La Fortuna for your final evening.
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna is one of those Costa Rican destinations where every day can feel completely different.
One morning you could be walking through the rainforest near Arenal Volcano, and a few hours later you could be standing beside a waterfall or relaxing in natural thermal waters.
The next day could mean hanging bridges, coffee and chocolate, wildlife watching, canyoning, or navigating the rapids of the Balsa River.
And if you’re wondering where to stay in La Fortuna, Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa is one of the best options for travelers who want to make the area’s famous thermal waters part of their entire vacation experience.
Use Baldi as your relaxing home base, then spend your days discovering everything that makes La Fortuna one of Costa Rica’s most exciting adventure destinations.
Pack your hiking shoes, rain jacket, dry bag, water shoes, and sense of adventure.
Arenal is waiting.