Aesthetic guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica

La Fortuna is a small town located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. It is best known for being the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. The town is surrounded by lush green rainforest, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

La Fortuna is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica for its stunning natural landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and unique volcanic experiences. It offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

CONTENT

1. Best time to visit La Fortuna

2. How to get there

3. Where to stay

4. Vibes

5. Aesthetics

6. La Fortuna Waterfall

7. Arenal Volcano National Park

8. Hot Springs

9. Río Celeste

10. Best restaurants and cafés in La Fortuna

11. Conclusion

Best time to visit La Fortuna

La Fortuna is tropical throughout the year, resulting in its lush green surroundings. The dry season typically runs from December to April, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that this period tends to be the busiest, with accommodation prices rising significantly. Unexpected rain showers are possible no matter the season.

Shoulder season months of May and November may be the perfect option if you are looking to avoid the crowds. Also, I think there is a really unique charm after the rainy season.

How to get there

La Fortuna Costa Rica is located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica, approximately a 3 hour drive from San Jose.

I recommend renting a car for your Costa Rica trip. Wild Rider, in Alajuela is a good choice. With full insurance, airport pickup and they give you very useful tips.

Where to stay

 La Fortuna offers a great variety of accommodations that fit different budgets. I'd recommend staying at least 3-4 days to allow enough time to really connect with the magic of La Fortuna.

Vibes

La Fortuna is defined by its laid-back, magical, organic and mystical vibes, surrounded by natural beauty.

It has something that makes you instantly feel at home.

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of La Fortuna can be described as natural, lush, and captivating.

They are characterized by its stunning natural features, dramatic volcanic landscapes, vibrant biodiversity, and the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

1. Lush Greenery: La Fortuna is surrounded by stunning rainforests, giving it a vibrant and green aesthetic. The dense vegetation create a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.

2. Dramatic Volcanic Landscape: The prominent Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline, adding a dramatic touch to the area's aesthetics. It features a perfectly conical shape, often shrouded in mist, which creates a mystical and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

3. Waterfalls and Hot Springs: La Fortuna boasts several captivating waterfalls, such as La Fortuna Waterfall and Rio Celeste Waterfall. These cascades exhibit crystal-clear turquoise waters, complemented by lush foliage, making them visually stunning. Additionally, natural hot springs can be found, providing serene and relaxing experiences amid a picturesque environment.

4. Colorful Wildlife: The abundant biodiversity of the region adds vibrant pops of color to the aesthetics of La Fortuna. Exotic birds with bright plumage, butterflies, and unique animals can be spotted, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere.

5. Adventure Sports: The different adventure activities available in La Fortuna, such as ziplining, rafting, and hiking, contribute to its thrilling aesthetics.

La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction that captivates visitors with its beauty and power. Nestled within the lush rainforest of the Arenal Volcano National Park, the waterfall cascades over 200 feet into a turquoise pool below, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Hike through the dense jungle to reach the base of the waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim in the cool waters or simply relax on the rocky shore and admire the breathtaking view. The surrounding vegetation is teeming with wildlife, and if you are lucky, you may even spot exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures in their natural habitat.

Opening Times and Entrance Fee: La Fortuna waterfalls is open from 7 am – 5 pm and costs 18 USD per person. This includes parking and access to toilets, restaurants, and the orchid garden. The fee helps with the maintenance and conservation of the area.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a journey to explore the natural wonders of the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Rising to an awe-inspiring height of 1,657 meters (5,436 feet), the Arenal Volcano is nestled within the Arenal Volcano National Park (entrance fee: 15$). Adorned with a perfect conical shape and steep slopes, this natural wonder is a sight to behold. It is known for its near-perfect symmetry. It is surrounded by lush rainforests and is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and thrilling volcanic activity.

Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, known for its sporadic yet intense eruptions throughout history. However, since 2010, the volcano has entered a period of dormancy, with no new eruptions reported.

Photographing Arenal Volcano can be a challenging experience due to unpredictable weather and misty clouds that often cover the top of the volcano. The best time to photograph it is during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the sky has vibrant colors. Cloud cover tends to be thinner in the early morning or late afternoon, but this is completely unpredictable.

I was lucky on my first visit, a few years ago, when the sky was clear and I could see the perfect shaped volcano. I am very grateful to have been able to experience this. I must confess, I was honestly bummed on my last visit, because I was after the perfect picture. I was hoping it would clear up during the day, but it didn’t.

My advice is to be patient and embrace the magical and mystical nature of the volcano, even if the perfect shot is not possible. For me, personally, it is more about capturing the essence of everything around me, that inspires me.

Hot Springs

There are a lot of hot springs in La Fortuna to choose from. It is the perfect relaxation spot. Generally, these springs are part of hotel resorts, requiring a day pass or overnight stay for access. Despite this, there are Hot Springs in La Fortuna for every budget, including some that are free of charge.

Tabacon Hot Springs, located in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica, is definitely an unforgettable experience. Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, these luxury hot springs provide a unique combination of mineral-rich water and stunning scenery. It offers a series of cascading thermal pools that range in temperature, surrounded by rainforest and the soothing sounds of nature.

Overall, Tabacon Hot Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the ultimate in luxury and relaxation in a natural setting.

If you are on a budget, there are free hot springs in La Fortuna. (Hidden spot in my Google Maps Locations, coming soon).

Río Celeste

The waterfall of Río Celeste is one of the most beautiful and magical sights in Costa Rica. It is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, 1.5 hours away from La Fortuna.

The famous legend tells that when God was creating the Universe and finished painting the sky, he washed the brushes in the river, creating the most beautiful blue color. It is intensely blue, almost bluer than the sky.

The hike to the waterfall takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and passes through lush rainforest and suspension bridges. The entrance fee is 12$. I recommend driving a few minutes past the ticket office, further down is a parking where you can leave your car and start the hike. If you want to beat the crowds (and trust me, it is such a magical and unforgettable experience to be the first one there and have the waterfall all to yourself), I recommend being there right when it opens (8:00 am).

Best restaurants and cafes in La Fortuna

La Fortuna town offers a lot of healthy and aesthetic cafes and restaurants. I recommend eating at Sodas (casual, small restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican food at affordable prices). Sodas are a popular dining option for locals and tourists alike, offering dishes such as casados (plates of rice, beans, salad, and meat), gallo pinto (rice and beans mixed together), and various types of meat and seafood. Sodas are a great way to experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine.

• Soda La Hormiga

• Restaurante Costumbres (best patacones)

• Organico Fortuna

• Arábigos Coffee House

Conclusion

In conclusion, La Fortuna offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure, and vibrant aesthetics. From the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano to the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, this destination is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you are looking to relax or explore the great outdoors, La Fortuna has something for everyone. With its welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, and stunning scenery, La Fortuna truly embodies the spirit of Pura Vida. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in Central America - start planning your trip to La Fortuna today!