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
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Admission tickets
from £15.98
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience La Fortuna Waterfall
The area
See what travellers are saying
  • PaulKassell
    Guildford, United Kingdom31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good, but busy in high season and weekends
    A very pleasant walk downhill to the waterfall. As a fairly fit 70 year old I found the walk back ok. Note that when you are told buying your ticket that it is only 500m to the falls, it is an 80m climb down and obviously an 80 m climb up all steps. I visited on a Saturday in high season, and it was quite busy I did not think there was really room to swim. I think this would be an amazing place to visit off peak when it is quiet
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 March 2023
  • Vanessa G
    Idaho17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth it!
    We went on a hot afternoon. I bought tickets online the night before so I was able to skip the ticket line and just get our wristbands. There are 500+ stairs down and I had just injured my knee, but the stairs are in really good shape and I was able to make it down and back up. They say it takes most people 15-20 minutes to get down. I think it took my teens 10 minutes and it only took me 20 even with my injured knee. The waterfall is beautiful! The water is cold but felt very refreshing on a hot day. To swim at the bottom of the waterfall you need to be a decent swimmer because of the force of the falls, but you can also swim downstream just a tad and the water is still. The whole family really enjoyed this visit and we would all recommend! We walked partway down the orchid path and nothing was in bloom. Because of my injured knee we didn’t venture down the whole thing when we didn’t see any blooms at the beginning. There may have been some further down or maybe it was just the wrong time of year. There are clean restrooms and changing rooms at the top as well as a restaurant, but we didn’t eat there.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 24 March 2023
  • Hanna D
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommended
    Don’t be put off by a full car park! We almost thought it was going to be too busy when we struggled to park but there is more than enough room for everyone. We went with our young child who loves water and had a great time. It’s a great place to swim and wonderful to see the waterfall. Really well run and a great experience!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 March 2023
  • jamiey325
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I highly recommend seeing this beautiful falls
    To get to the waterfall just walk down man-made stairs and there are about 500 steps. It was pretty crowded when we went in the morning. I didn’t bother as much though, because once we saw those falls are breath was taken. We swim at the bottom of the falls in the adjoining river. It was super enjoyable, and we stayed for probably two hours because we were having so much fun. My favorite was sunny on the rocks because where we live we haven’t had much sun lately. We felt safe, leaving our belongings, and they even have a place for you to hang your stuff if you can find a spot. They do have guards that are watching out for safety and will let you know if you are doing something that is dangerous. It is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 April 2023
  • Cara C
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Waterfall
    beautiful waterfall. Lots of stairs but didn’t feel rushed going up or down if you need to take your time. We came ready to swim but due to the heavy rains , swimming was prohibited that day. Still felt the experience was worth the price of admission.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 April 2023
  • Casey
    Portland, Maine20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved this! Refreshing swim! A nice activity to do without a tour
    It’s definitely worth a visit to the waterfall! No need for a tour, you can easily do this on your own and just pay the entrance fee. The stairs are a lot, but manageable. And it makes the swim that much more refreshing and enjoyable! The views are incredible!
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 April 2023
  • krawner
    Chicago, Illinois1,097 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must do in La Fortuna!
    Enjoy the waterfall for $18 USD per perso . Approximately 500 steps down (and back up). Can swim in the cold water pools nearby (but not directly around the waterfall). Has lockers $2 USD, showers, and bathrooms. Skip-the-line ticket wasn't necessary. A required stop for your Arenal / La Fortuna adventure.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 May 2023
  • Kurt R
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Full body experience
    Want a full body experience? This is it.. from the hike in and out to the many pools that are activated by the waterfall, you will have your senses and spirit elevated. Can't imagine a more satisfying experience. Know that the gift shop/restaurant is very pricey otherwise admission is the only fee.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 May 2023
  • ChicagoMom0411
    Chicago, Illinois41 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stretch before going!
    The waterfall and surrounding are beautiful! I swam in the river below the rapids and it was wonderful! My kids (18 &22) loved climbing on the rocks. All of our calfs were sore after the walk down (483 steps) and REALLY sore after going back up. I have some health issues, so I left before the rest of the group and took my time climbing back up and was glad I did.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 22 May 2023
  • Camper08201634457
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    Amazing! Quite a few stairs down, but no hiking otherwise. The waterfall itself is beautiful, and swimming in the pool at its base surrounded by lush green is like something out of a fantasy book. Most reviews said to only plan on spending an hour or two here, but I could have easily have packed snacks and spent half a day or more. Highly suggest checking this one out!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles9,698 reviews
Excellent
6,214
Very good
2,588
Average
712
Poor
128
Terrible
56

Candace H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful!!! Clear day. The walk down was beautiful. The walk up was a bit challenging but more than tolerable with pit stops! A must see while in Costa Rica.
Written 16 March 2024
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.

lovetravel1961
Florida56 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
This was the worst value of any attraction we visited in Costa Rica. $20 pp for viewing a waterfall. The only way this could possibly be worth it is if you wanted to swim at the base of the waterfall and it was actually allowed during the time you are visiting. Beware. There was a small sign displayed AFTER we paid for our ticket saying swimming was not allowed.
Written 13 March 2024
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.

wanderlust
88 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
I'm torn about this waterfall. It was definitely pretty, but it was highly overpriced. That's probably a result of it being right near La Fortuna and easy for a lot of tourists to get to. The walk to the waterfall is easy (just a lot of stairs). I liked doing it and viewing the falls, but if you're on a tight budget, there are other waterfalls that are also really pretty that are more budget friendly. Also we went during a time with a lot of rain so swimming was not an option. There was so much water coming over the falls it looked cool!!
Written 12 March 2024
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.

CH
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived at 7:15 and there was a bit of a line. We were not sure how “skip the line” worked but we went to the side and told them our last name and got wristbands. The waterfall is beautiful and powerful. My kids had a blast swimming too (once they got over their fears). We brought goggles and saw some big fishy underwater! Totally recommend going early!
Written 11 March 2024
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.

speroli
Birmingham, AL39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Great waterfall and swimming. We took our active 10 and 7yos and they enjoyed going to the bottom, seeing the waterfall, wading at the bottom, climbing over the rocks, and sprinting back up. I might not recommend if you have children who aren’t active or won’t want to climb back up.

Pro-tip:arrive as early as you can (it opens at 7am). We did not do the skip-the-line ticket. We got there at 8am. There was no line and the swimming area was not too busy (maybe 15 people at the bottom). By the time we returned to the top at 9:30am, there were lots more people down at the waterfall, the line for tickets up top was maybe 20 people long, and the parking lot was filling up.

We stopped for refreshments at the little restaurant area within the park entrance (Rio Lounge). The fruit drinks (pina colada and mango daquiri) tasted fresh.

Second pro tip: wear or bring water shoes. The rocky bottom isn’t sharp, but it would be uncomfortable.
Written 9 March 2024
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.

Ken K
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Extremely beautiful! Water was a bit chilly at first but you get used to it very quickly. Swimming out to the spray of the waterfall is VERY exhilarating! My calves are still a bit sore from the climb back up but it was well worth it.
We got there at 6:50A. Not many people, and it was not HOT on our climb back up. Stopped at a random hotel/cabins on the road leaving the waterfall and had a traditional breakfast. Highly recommend.
Written 9 March 2024
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.

Jan S
4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Signs in small letters outside warning against going if you have high blood pressure, asthma or heart condition. They also make you sign a health waiver which made us pretty wary. We are in our 60’s. My husband and I are in fairly good shape. He walks 4 miles a day am I am active also. Thought we could do it, but after a third of the way down, realized that we’d better turn around which we are glad that we did.
Written 7 March 2024
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.

mimi32912
Newport, RI26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Skip the line La Fortuna water fall admission was the most convenient and fastest way to access the falls. Admission was allowed between 7 am- 8 pm as advertised. With 9 of us, the online purchase made getting our wristbands and entering very quick. The 500 step were very manage for all is us from 6 to 74 years old. Each landing has an area to stand or sit if needed . The water fall pool was refreshingly chilly. Bring your own towel and water shoes since the river rock is slippery when wet. A wonderful hike in the rainforest!
Written 4 March 2024
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.

yuliana402
New Jersey6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Going down is easy and see the waterfall, but going up is not. Take your time bring water. I didn’t go in looks really dangerous the rocks are slippery. walk down further for calmer waters.
Written 2 March 2024
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.

Rainee E
Seattle, WA53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is the biggest waterfall I’ve ever seen and you can swim in the pool it creates. Recommend Tevas or water shoes. It’s a short walk over large rocks to get in. The walk down the 500 steps to get there isn’t bad and I’m not in shape.
Written 1 March 2024
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.

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LA FORTUNA WATERFALL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £15.56, while a popular guided tour starts around £15.56 per person.

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience La Fortuna Waterfall: