How to Spend One Unforgettable Day in La Fortuna: Volcano, Waterfall, and Hanging Bridges Guide
When visiting someplace new, you usually can’t do it all in a day—but in La Fortuna, you can come pretty close! During my 7-day trip to Costa Rica (which included stops in La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio), this particular day spent exploring Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the famous hanging bridges ended up being one of my absolute favorites. It was the perfect blend of adventure, incredible scenery, and a healthy dose of physical activity (those waterfall stairs are no joke!).
Whether you’re staying exclusively in La Fortuna or including it as part of a longer Costa Rica itinerary like I did (here’s the full itinerary of my week in Costa Rica), this day trip brings together some of the region’s most iconic highlights. And the best part? You can choose to tackle it all on your own or join a guided tour that handles the logistics for you.
In this post, I’ll share details about all of the activities, as well as the benefits of doing them with a guided tour versus planning the day on your own. Here is how to make the most of one unforgettable day in La Fortuna!
Quick Overview of the Day
Here’s a quick look at how to structure the perfect day in La Fortuna, hitting all the highlights.
How to Spend One Day in La Fortuna
Activity 1: Arenal Volcano Hike
Start your day with one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sights, the Arenal Volcano. While you can see the volcano in the skyline from pretty much any place in the region, it is best appreciated up close on one of the area’s scenic hiking trails. You have a few options for hiking here, two of the most popular being Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal 1968. Both offer beautiful views, lava fields, and the chance to spot wildlife, but there are a few key differences to consider.
- Arenal Volcano National Park is government-run and slightly more affordable. It has well-maintained, relatively flat trails that pass through secondary forest and lead to scenic viewpoints of the volcano and Lake Arenal. It’s a great option for an easy, family-friendly hike, but some may find it a bit underwhelming in terms of terrain variety and volcano views.
- Arenal 1968 Reserve, on the other hand, is privately owned and has more challenging, varied trails with better-preserved lava flows and forest. The longer Lava Trail Loop takes you through lush jungle, over old lava fields, and up to a panoramic viewpoint of both the volcano and the lake. It feels a bit more rugged and immersive, and it’s generally less crowded.
I recommend hiking the Arenal 1968 Trail for a more rewarding hike overall. It’s slightly more intense but offers better views of the volcano, especially if you’re only doing one hike in the area.
Arenal Volcano Hike At a Glance
Activity 2: La Fortuna Waterfall
Next up is one of La Fortuna’s most well-known natural wonders. The powerful 200-foot-tall La Fortuna Waterfall is nestled in the lush rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano. To reach the base, you’ll need to descend (and later climb back up) around 530 steep steps, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take your time. Swimming is allowed in the pool below the falls, but keep in mind that access may be restricted during the rainy season or after heavy storms due to strong currents. If you’re visiting with a guided tour, one unexpected perk is that your guide might be able to watch over your belongings while you take a dip, which especially helpful since there are no secure storage areas on-site.
La Fortuna Waterfall At a Glance
Activity 3: Traditional Costa Rican Lunch
After a busy morning of hiking, swimming, and stair-climbing, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite. Many guided tours include a lunch stop at a local soda* or restaurant, giving you a chance to try a traditional Costa Rican meal without having to worry about where to go. If you’re exploring on your own, there are plenty of great spots in and around La Fortuna town where you can sit down, relax, and fuel back up with a hearty plate of local cuisine.
La Fortuna Waterfall At a Glance
What is a soda? In Costa Rica, a soda is a small, locally owned restaurant that serves affordable, traditional meals in a casual setting. You’ll often find hearty plates like casado (rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains), fresh juices, and home-style cooking. They’re perfect for a tasty and budget-friendly lunch!
Activity 4: Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
End your adventure-filled day with a walk through the rainforest canopy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, one of the most popular eco-attractions in the area. The ~2-mile trail loops through lush jungle and includes six suspension bridges, offering sweeping views and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and even sloths if you’re lucky. While the trail is well-marked and easy to follow on your own, going with a guided tour can make a big difference, especially when it comes to spotting animals you’d otherwise miss. Local guides are experts at finding hidden wildlife and often carry scopes or binoculars to help you get a good look.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park At a Glance
Optional Activity: Evening Hot Springs
After a full day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the region’s famous natural hot springs. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort that includes hot springs access, like the Arenal Manoa Resort and Hot Springs (here’s our full review of the resort), this can be the perfect, stress-free way to relax without leaving your accommodations. For those not staying at a hot springs property, there are plenty of public and private options nearby where you can enjoy warm pools surrounded by tropical gardens, but do keep in mind that some require reservations or have entrance fees. Either way, ending your day with a soak is a great way to soothe tired muscles.
Arenal Area Hot Springs At a Glance
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Guided Tour vs. DIY: What’s Best For You?
One of the biggest decisions when planning your day in La Fortuna is whether to join a guided tour or explore independently. Both options have their perks, and the best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and how much flexibility you want. In this section, Here are the benefits and downsides of each approach to help you decide what’s right for your perfect day:
Guided Tours
Benefits
Downsides
DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
Benefits
Downsides
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Book A Guided Tour of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall & Hanging Bridges
What to Pack for the Day
A Few Helpful Tips
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna offers an incredible mix of adventure and natural beauty that’s hard to beat in just one day. Whether you choose a guided tour for ease and expert insight or prefer the freedom of exploring on your own, this itinerary covers the must-see highlights, including Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the hanging bridges. Start planning and get ready for a day full of unforgettable experiences in Costa Rica!
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