History

La Fortuna began in the late 1800s as a small farming community named El Burío. Its fertile volcanic soils and generous rainfall soon earned it a new name — La Fortuna, meaning “The Fortune.” For decades, agriculture and cattle ranching shaped daily life, until the 1968 eruption of nearby Arenal Volcano transformed the future of the region. Lava flows, new landscapes, and international attention turned La Fortuna into one of Costa Rica’s most iconic eco-tourism destinations, admired for its natural beauty, wellness culture, and adventure activities.

People

The people of La Fortuna are warm, entrepreneurial, and deeply connected to nature. Many families transitioned from agriculture to guiding, hospitality, and conservation, creating a community that welcomes travelers with professionalism and authentic Costa Rican charm. Because of tourism, La Fortuna has become a multicultural hub where locals, travelers, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts constantly interact.

Fauna

La Fortuna is surrounded by tropical rainforest, wetlands, rivers, and volcanic foothills, creating rich habitats for wildlife. Monkeys (howler and capuchin), sloths, coatis, anteaters, and armadillos are frequently spotted. Reptiles and amphibians — such as red-eyed tree frogs, poison dart frogs, basilisks, caimans, and iguanas — thrive in the humid climate. Birdlife is exceptional: toucans, motmots, hummingbirds, hawks, tanagers, and even occasional quetzals on nearby slopes. Guided night tours, canopy bridges, and boat trips offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Flora

Volcanic soils nurture lush vegetation dominated by orchids, heliconias, bromeliads, tree ferns, and towering rainforest trees. Epiphytes decorate trunks and branches, creating aerial gardens alive with insects, birds, and pollinators. Surrounding farms cultivate bananas, pineapples, cacao, sugar cane, and ornamental flowers. Hot spring resorts maintain botanical gardens that showcase the region’s native plants.

Economy

Tourism drives La Fortuna’s economy, with hotels, restaurants, hot springs resorts, adventure operators, and tour companies forming its economic heart. Agriculture remains present but smaller in scale, focusing on cattle, dairy products, and tropical fruit. La Fortuna is considered one of Costa Rica’s eco-tourism success stories — a destination where conservation, sustainable development, and economic opportunity work hand in hand.

Geology

Arenal Volcano defines the region. Rising over 1,600 meters, it is a classic stratovolcano formed by layers of lava and pyroclastic material over thousands of years. Its major 1968 eruption marked the beginning of decades of dramatic activity, turning La Fortuna into a natural spectacle. Today, geothermal systems under the volcano heat natural hot springs with mineral-rich thermal waters that are famous worldwide. Arenal belongs to the Central American Volcanic Arc, where tectonic plates generate volcanic and seismic forces that created much of the landscape.

What to Do

La Fortuna is a paradise for both adventure and relaxation. Top activities include:

• Hot springs & thermal spa resorts
• Arenal Volcano National Park hikes
• Hanging bridges & canopy tours
• White-water rafting & canyoning
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
• La Fortuna Waterfall swims
• Wildlife night walks & birdwatching
• Chocolate & coffee farm experiences
• Horseback riding & scenic nature tours

Families, couples, and adventure travelers all find something they love here in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. 

Where to Go

Must-see attractions include:

• Arenal Volcano National Park
• La Fortuna Waterfall
• Lake Arenal
• Mistico Hanging Bridges
• Tabacón, Ecotermales & Baldi Hot Springs
• Arenal Observatory
• Sloth & Wildlife Reserves
• Rio Balsa (Rafting)
• Chocolate & Coffee Farms

Most attractions are accessible in short travel distances, allowing visitors to combine multiple experiences in one day.

Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs that support local families and artisans include:

• Gourmet coffee & roasted beans
• High-quality chocolate & cacao products
• Wooden crafts & hand-carved figures
• Volcano-themed art & ceramics
• Herbal soaps, oils & wellness products
• Honey & artisanal jams
• Eco-friendly clothing & hats

These souvenirs reflect La Fortuna’s blend of agriculture, nature, and wellness.

Why Visit La Fortuna (Traveler Benefits)

• A perfect mix of relaxation + nature + adventure
• World-class hot springs & spas
• One of the safest & most organized travel hubs in Costa Rica
• Family, couple & group-friendly activities
• Excellent tourism infrastructure
• Great destination to combine with Monteverde, Tamarindo, Liberia, Río Celeste, or Nicaragua

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Clear views of Arenal Volcano, excellent for hiking and outdoor activities.
Green Season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer visitors, more wildlife sightings, and great hot spring weather.

Travel Tip (Cross-Border Advantage)

La Fortuna connects easily with Nicaragua via:

• Peñas Blancas Border (most common route)
• Liberia Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica

This makes it ideal for travelers doing multi-country itineraries — a major selling point for Golden Tours Nicaragua.

Suggested Multi-Destination Pairings

Visitors typically combine La Fortuna with:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
• Tamarindo & Guanacaste Beaches
• Nicaragua: Granada, Ometepe & Masaya Volcano