Hike to La Fortuna Falls

San Carlos, Costa Rica

4.3/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

350 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Maurizi

Take a break form the heat and humidity with a short hike and a refreshing swim!

This is a nice 1/2 day trip. La Fortuna falls is popular with tourist and locals, not just for viewing the falls but there is excellent swimming holes just below the fall and you can also swim right in the pool the falls fall into but the approach to that pool is very rocky and wet. The falls are about 70 meters high and the sound it makes if deafening. The hike to the falls is about one mile down hill from the entrance. Considerable work has been done to the trail with the installation of steps and railings. Much safer than when I first went here 10 years ago.

Entrance to the park is $11 usd. for adults and $5 for children. The are can get very crowded, especially around lunch time. definitely a great experience to swim in this river and falls.

Directions: Drive south out of La Fortuna on the American Hwy for 1.5 kilometers. Turn right on Diagonal 301 and follow to the end. The parking area and entrance station is on the right.

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Features

Swimming

Hiking

Scenic

Waterfall

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Crystal Sibson

Hike to La Fortuna Falls

08/10/20

The La Fortuna waterfall is a major tourist attraction and for good reason. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful. However, if you're wanting more of a secluded jungle waterfall experience this place is not for you! The waterfall use to have more of a natural vibe before the stairs and pathway were constructed all the way to the bottom. Now there is even a bar and small restaurant/snack bar at the top of the stairs to the falls.

4.0

Dan Schebler

Hike to La Fortuna Falls

05/08/19

Cold water beautiful high waterfall the steps are continuously being improved so it’s relatively easily climb in and out

4.0

Merritt McKinney

Hike to La Fortuna Falls

10/30/18

Extremely crowded and touristy but still worth the visit if you are in the area.

4.0

Emily Hunter

Hike to La Fortuna Falls

06/21/17

Amazing, would totally recommend. I would like to note that there are 500 stairs you have to go down to reach the falls (what does down must come up) but there are resting areas along the way. Also, there is a little restroom and locker room just inside the entrance if you wish to rinse off after the hike. Glad I checked it off the bucket list.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to La Fortuna Falls

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Canyoneering Lost Canyon

Swim at El Salto

Take a Sloth Tour Near Arenal Volcano

Soak in the Thermal Waters of Rio Chollin

Hike the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Hike through the Jungle to Viento Fresco Waterfalls

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