Affordable activities in Costa Rica: La Fortuna
Central AmericaLa Fortuna is a popular destination in Costa Rica, attracting not only backpackers but also vacationers from the United States. Located in the northwest of the country, the area is known for the Arenal Volcano, the hot springs, and the lush green landscape. Activities in Costa Rica are often more expensive than in neighboring countries, but in this blog post, I'll share some great activities that are low or even free of charge.
Visit the free hot springs
Naturally, hot water flows through the rivers near La Fortuna, flowing from the Arenal Volcano. There are numerous resorts where you can enjoy a wonderful soak in these hot springs, but prices can quickly rise, sometimes up to $150 (including lunch). Fortunately, there's a place where you can enjoy this wonderfully warm water for free. These hot springs are located next to the Tabacon Hot Springs and can be found on Google under the name "El Choyin." You can take a bus to this location (during the day) or a taxi/Uber, as drivers are familiar with the area.
What makes El Choyin special is that the water comes directly from the volcano, allowing you to experience the true hot spring experience. It's especially magical to visit this spot after dark, but be careful and bring a headlamp, as the road there can be steep. Along the road, there are two sections where you can sit in the hot spring. The section closer to the volcano is shallower and calmer, while the other section is deeper and has more current. It's also nice to bring candles to light up the area a bit, but make sure you clean up afterward.
Relax at El Salto
About a 20-minute walk from La Fortuna, you'll find El Salto, also known as the rope swing. Here you'll see plenty of locals as well as tourists. It's wonderful to spend a few hours here watching others use the rope swing, like Tarzan. Of course, you can also try your hand at the rope swing and cool off in the refreshing water.
Spotting toucans and sloths
A perfect activity while hiking in and around La Fortuna is spotting toucans and sloths. You often see sloths in trees with white bark. If you spot one toucan, there's a good chance there's another nearby, as they often fly in pairs. You can also see many other beautiful birds. Tours can be booked to see these animals, but if you look carefully, you can often spot them in the wild yourself.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is located about 5.5 kilometers from the village. Admission costs $18, but due to its location, you'll need to factor in transportation costs. To reach the waterfall, you have to descend 500 steps (and, of course, climb back up). The waterfall itself is 70 meters high and flows into a natural pool where you can swim. It's a popular attraction, so don't expect to be the only visitor when you visit. It's best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal National Park is located about 17 kilometers from La Fortuna. A visit costs $15, making it a relatively inexpensive activity, although you will need to arrange transportation. If you're lucky, you might see the summit of the volcano during your hike, but it's usually cloudy in this area. You can't climb the volcano itself, but the surrounding nature is breathtaking. You can spot many birds here, or even sloths and snakes. You can also hike on lava rock, visit an old tree, and explore Lake Arenal.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Mistico Park is about a half-hour drive from La Fortuna. If you have your own transportation (or can share one), this is a relatively inexpensive activity. It's not possible to travel to the park entrance by bus, as it's located 5 kilometers from the main road. The entrance fee without a guide is $28 (as of January 2023).
In Mistico Park, you'll find six suspension bridges, ranging from 24 meters to 75 meters high, that allow you to walk through the rainforest. The park covers an impressive 250 hectares. The chance of seeing sloths is slim, but we spotted plenty of birds during our visit. Don't expect to see many animals, but enjoy the breathtaking walk among the jungle canopy. The walk takes between one and two hours, depending on how much time you take to stop and enjoy the view.
In La Fortuna you can enjoy Costa Rica's nature and adventure, even if you're watching your budget.
Useful information
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican colon (₡)
Area: 229.7 km²
Best time to travel: December to April. This is the dry season, although it can rain year-round. The climate is tropical, and the air often feels humid. Costa Rica is also a great place to visit outside the dry season.
