La Fortuna was our final stop during a trip through Panama and Costa Rica — and what a way to end it. With the impressive Arenal Volcano in the background and a mix of rainforest, hot springs, and lakes, it’s the ideal place to wrap up your travels with both activity and calm.​

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Transport to La Fortuna

We drove from Monteverde to La Fortuna with our rental car, a 3.5 to 4-hour trip through the mountains. Along the way, dense forests, sweeping views of Lake Arenal, and winding roads kept us entertained.

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Coming from San José? You can reach La Fortuna in about 3 hours via the main roads — also doable by (shuttle) bus.

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Accommodation in La Fortuna

We spent two nights at Almendros Eco-Villas, a peaceful accommodation just outside the center of La Fortuna. The cabins are tucked away in the greenery, spacious, and come with their own kitchenette. Because it’s a bit further from town, it’s especially quiet and surrounded by nature.

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What we did in La Fortuna

We spent our final full day in Costa Rica combining adventure and relaxation. Everything was arranged through Get Away Costa Rica, who specialize in personal, well-organized experiences.

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Kayaking and hiking in Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
We started the morning on the water, kayaking on the lake at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Even with a few clouds, the views were incredible. Afterwards, we laced up our hiking shoes and explored the national park. The trail took us past lava rocks, viewpoints, and lush greenery — varied and very doable.

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Relaxing in the hot springs
After an active start to the day, we headed to one of the hot springs in the area. These weren’t located inside the national park and weren’t natural, but they were still a great place to unwind. Think: warm water, tropical plants, quiet corners, and not a care in the world.

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​Food tip: Mercadito Arenal

In the evening, we drove into the center of La Fortuna and ended up at Mercadito Arenal, a cozy food court right along the main road. You’ll find a bit of everything: tacos, sushi, burgers, pizza, cocktails… all in a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect when you don’t feel like picking just one cuisine or going out for a long dinner.

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La Fortuna is the kind of place you could easily spend a few days. We only had one full day to explore the highlights — but staying longer definitely wouldn’t have been a punishment.

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