night tour la fortuna

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

La Fortuna Night Tour at Arenal Oasis

• Jenn and Matt
• Activities , Family Travel

If you are traveling to Costa Rica to see wildlife, a night tour should definitely be on your list. We have done night tours in many spots around the country, and they are all different and wonderful in their own way. You never know what you will come across. The rainforest becomes extra active at night, and a guide can show you many species that are not usually noticeable during the day. In this post, we’ll tell you about an exciting night tour in La Fortuna at a small reserve called Arenal Oasis. Beware, we did see some scary stuff, so if you are nervous about a night tour, read with caution!

Arenal Oasis is a small wildlife refuge and ecolodge located in La Fortuna. The property sits on the eastern side of the famous Arenal Volcano and is close to town. With varied habitat including rainforest, gardens, and some spring-fed ponds, Arenal Oasis is the perfect spot to see many species living together in one place.

During the day, birding tours are very popular. Over 150 species have been identified on the property, which is a little less than 12 acres (5 hectares).

At night, guided tours bring you through the forest and around the spring-fed ponds. These water sources attract as many as 28 frog species. The frogs, in turn, attract other creatures like snakes, birds, and small mammals.

Because it is rainforest, there is always the chance to see other interesting critters too, especially insects and spiders. 

The Night Tour at Arenal Oasis

The night tour starts around dusk at the Arenal Oasis reception area. Here, you meet up with the guide and get a flashlight to use on the trail. At this point, the sun is just going down so you have an opportunity to get familiar with your surroundings before it gets too dark.

It gets dark around 6:00 p.m. in Costa Rica all year-round, so you don’t have to be out too late to get the full experience. 

When a lot of people are going on the night tour, groups get split up and go with different guides. This helps you be able to hear the guide and gather around him or her while they are explaining things along the way. Our group had about 10 people in it, which was good, but you sometimes couldn’t hear the guide very well if you were near the back.

Our Experience on the Night Tour

When we took the Arenal Oasis night tour, it was us and our two kids, ages five and two. Our five-year old, Sam, was ready and excited, but our 2-year old, Evan, wasn’t so sure. If you do try it with younger kids, we would recommend bringing a baby carrier so you can keep them close by.

Our night tour started off with some rain, which is very common in La Fortuna — it’s what keeps the rainforest lush and green after all.

Luckily it only rained hard for a few minutes and then cleared up to a light sprinkle. Everyone in our group had raincoats and some had umbrellas too.

The trails at Arenal Oasis are very flat and easy. However, they are narrow at times, and you do brush up against sticks and leaves occasionally.

The trails weren’t too muddy, even with the rain, but closed-toed shoes are a necessity, especially with biting ants and things slithering across the trail (see below!).

What We Saw

As our guide led us through the forest, it wasn’t long before we started seeing some critters.

We first saw a cool giant grasshopper that was about seven inches (18 cm) long. Next, we observed a golden-orb spider weaving her web between some leaves.

Turning around, our guide spotted a larger frog in the tree. He explained that it was a Mexican tree frog and showed us the interesting camouflage pattern on its skin.

We continued walking single file along the trail, as heavy water drops fell from the trees. It was completely dark now and we all swished our flashlights back and forth, looking for more.

Constantly we were stopping to observe something new. There were centipedes and millipedes, and different frogs and toads. Early on, we saw more Mexican tree frogs, along with brilliant emerald frogs, a leaf litter toad, and a common rain frog.

We were able to get some nice pictures of the frogs with our phones and cameras.

Snake! 

Along one stretch of the trail, we got walking at a fairly good pace. Our family was toward the back.

Suddenly our son Sam’s flashlight illuminated something slithering under some low leaves that were hanging over the trail. Matt immediately recognized the A-shaped pattern on its skin. He quickly stopped Sam in his tracks and called out to the guide ahead. It was a terciopelo , a fer-de-lance!

The fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) is known as Costa Rica’s deadliest snake since it causes more fatal bites than any other. This one was also huge at about five feet (1.5 meters) long! To make it even scarier, almost our entire group had walked within a couple of feet of it, without even noticing. 

Our guide quickly jumped into action, making sure everyone kept their distance as the snake slowly slithered off the trail and coiled up next to the base of a tree. The guide then warned the group that was coming down the trail behind us to use caution.

This close encounter had our whole group on edge. Suddenly everyone was walking very carefully in the middle of the trail and using their flashlights to illuminate the way.

As it turns out, we were getting close to the spring-fed ponds, which attract a lot of frogs. Our guide explained that snakes love to eat frogs and that is why you often find them both in the same area.

In fact, we saw one more smaller fer-de-lance on the side of the trail in some leaves right before the first pond. This one just slithered away as we tiptoed past.

The sound of frogs chirping got louder and louder as we approached the water. Soon our guide stopped and pointed his light on a leaf. It was Costa Rica’s most famous frog, the red-eyed tree frog. These are striking, with a bright green color, orange feet, and red eyes. They are often used in marketing materials in Costa Rica because of their beauty.

We saw several of these special frogs, all hanging out above the ponds on leaves and branches.

In addition to the red-eyed tree frog, we saw some hourglass tree frogs, a web-footed frog, narrow-headed tree frog, and some giant Central American bullfrogs.

We even saw some eggs that one frog had laid on a leaf. These were strategically placed so that the tadpoles would fall into the water below when they hatched.

Finishing the Tour

There were several ponds that we passed along the last part of the trail. They all had a chorus of frogs chirping around them, and we got to see many more of the same species we had previously spotted.

Before looping back around and heading for the reception, we got to see another species of snake. This one was small and much less harmful. It was called a cat-eyed snake. They have a very mild venom that usually isn’t too harmful to humans.

After about two hours in the wet jungle, we were all ready to get back to our cars. Not far from the parking area, we did have one more fun sighting: a sleeping toucan, high up in a tree.

The night tour at Arenal Oasis was definitely an adventure for our family. We did come in close contact with some scary snakes, but it was also really cool to see some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful frogs and insects. When walking the trails, it’s an amazing feeling to experience how alive the jungle becomes at night.

Are you up for a night tour like this one? Have an experience to share? Leave a comment below.

Need more information to help you plan your trip check out these posts:.

La Fortuna Hotel Guide – We’ve stayed in and toured many of the area hotels. We put our favorites into this guide, which includes options for all budgets.

Rental Car Discount – Exploring La Fortuna can be easier with a car, especially since activities and restaurants are spread out. Get a discount and free extras with one of the most reliable companies around.

A Safari River Float in La Fortuna/Arenal – This is another excellent way to see wildlife in La Fortuna.

A customized natural experience

Nasua la fortuna night walk unforgettable  travel experience.

Join us and discover the nightlife of La fortuna!

Learn more about our tours.

During the night tour, you will explore the trails, and wildlife in La Fortuna.

Why la fortuna

“welcome to nasua la fortuna night walk”.

This amazing and authentic local night safari is operated in a high biodiversity private forest, located at a third generation, small scale and sustainble farm, completly free of pesticides or chemical based fertilizers.

Nasua night walk

La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

During the night tour, you will explore the trails, which have a medium difficulty level. Our guides are certified and have extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. While we cannot guarantee sightings of specific animals as we do not have control over nature, our guides will make every effort to show you as much as possible.

In summary, our night walk is a unique and personalized experience that allows you to explore the nature of Costa Rica in a different way. Join us and discover the nightlife of La Fortuna!

Why to do the tours with Nasua La Fortuna

Small groups, educational ambience, customized experience

Wildlife Contact

Great views, expert guides, friendly staff, the diverse fauna of la fortuna, costa rica. ¿what can you expect to see.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a world-renowned destination for its lush cloud forests, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The area is home to an incredible diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

La Fortuna is home to a variety of mammals, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and ocelots. The most common monkeys in the area are howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and spider monkeys. Sloths are also common, and can be seen hanging from trees or moving slowly along the forest floor. Jaguars and ocelots are less common, but can be seen by visitors on guided tours.

La Fortuna is a bird-watcher’s paradise , with over 400 species of birds recorded in the area. Some of the most common birds seen in La Fortuna include quetzals, toucans, hummingbirds, and trogons. Quetzals are particularly popular, and their bright green plumage and long tail feathers make them a stunning sight. Toucans are also popular, with their large, colorful beaks. Hummingbirds are abundant in the cloud forests, and can be seen flitting among the flowers. Trogons are beautiful birds with bright plumage and long tails.

Nasua La Fortuna is home to a variety of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders. Some of the most common frogs seen in La Fortuna include poison dart frogs, tree frogs, and glass frogs. Poison dart frogs are small frogs that are known for their brightly colored skin, which contains toxins. Tree frogs are frogs that live in trees, and can often be seen hopping around or perched on branches. Glass frogs are frogs that have transparent skin on their undersides, which allows their internal organs to be seen.

La fortuna is home to a variety of insects, including butterflies, moths, bees, and wasps. Some of the most common butterflies seen in La Fortuna include blue morpho butterflies, owl butterflies, and sulphur butterflies. Blue morpho butterflies are large, blue butterflies that are considered to be one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. Owl butterflies are large, brown butterflies with eye-like markings on their wings. Sulphur butterflies are small, yellow butterflies that are often seen in groups.

La Fortuna is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. Some of the most common snakes seen in La Fortuna include boa constrictors, fer-de-lances, and eyelash vipers. Boa constrictors are large snakes that can grow up to 10 feet long. Fer-de-lances are venomous snakes that are considered to be the most dangerous snakes in Costa Rica. Eyelash vipers are small, venomous snakes that are often found in leaf litter.

Our Mission

Be a night walk that fundamentally promotes 100% conservation through natural history.

People who visit our tour can have an educational, comforting, revitalizing and conscious experience where our efforts focus on learning about the natural environment.

Important Facts To Know About Our Night Tours

Reservations are required to ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience . We do not accept walk-ins to avoid overbooking.

Sandals are not allowed on the tour. We recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

What to bring

Travel in style, quality time  with family and friends,  relaxation & enjoyment  of nature.

We are a company completly concern about teaching small kids and adults the imporance of preservation throght the real connection with nature. Join us in this customized and authentic experience, get a free coffee, tea or chocolate before the start and let’s go.

Our experiences

La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a world-renowned destination for its lush cloud.

Find out more about our Tours

Fascinating sights to see and do in la fortuna., getting around costa rica, volcan arenal, variety of birds, variety of fauna, get a glimpse of what you can experience.

Join the creatures of the night tour and experience the undiscovered side of the Cloud Forest.

Our experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guides will take you through trails populated by Slepping birds, Coatis, Tarantulas, and many residents.

The exotic beauty of the tropical night comes alive with troops of fireflies dancing through the trees, decorating the river valley below.

The light from your head lamp may capture a surprised inhabitant, while a special ultraviolet light illuminates phosphorescent insects busy at work!

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the details

A memorable vacation is one you’ll never forget. It’s  a non-forgettable memory you store in your heart .  We consider ourselves great memories builders, JOIN US IN THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCES.

See the world with those  you love

Enjoy this educational natura experience with all members of the family, the kids are the future of preservation, let´s teach them the meaning and importance of this.

Look out for Armadillos scampering through the bushes searching for food. Listen up for the chirping of Crickets, the hooting of the Owls in the distance, toads croaking nearby, and the distant barking of the Kinkajous.

CONTACT & BOOK NOW

Looking to book a tour or make a reservation? Our team is standing by to assist you.

NASUA LA FORTUNA NIGHT WALK

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

• +(506) 8812 2948
• Nasua La Fortuna Night Walk

Night tour La Fortuna

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Night tour La Fortuna - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Arenal Private Tours

• Arenal Volcano Tour
• La Fortuna Sloths Tour
• Canyoning Tour
• Hanging Bridges Tour
• Night Tour La Fortuna Tour
• La Fortuna Waterfall Tour
• Rio Celeste Tour
• Coffee and Chocolate
• Private TRANSFERS

Exclusive Night Walk in La Fortuna

A memorable rainforest experience looking for wildlife.

• REQUEST YOUR DATES
• RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION
• ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

Night Tour in the heart of the Arenal VOLCANO JUNGLE

$65 + tax from per person, highlights of the night tour la fortuna.

• Bilingual expert guides certified
• Private locations off the beaten path
• Small Groups for personalized attention at your service
• Get to know a local culture meeting a family farm
• Rainforest hike in a primary forest next to a local river

What's Included

• Bilingual naturalist guide
• Needed equipment
• Led flashlight
• Snack of fresh tropical fruits

05:00 pm / Arrival: 07:00 pm 06:00 pm / Arrival: 08:00 pm

We pick you at your hotel in Arenal

Additional Info

Your trip to the Arenal Volcano area is only complete once you take this unique tour. When it gets dark, a new world of sounds, sensations and colorful animals awakens in the forest with things you can’t even imagine during the day. We take you to the farm, a hidden gem just 10 minutes from La Fortuna, owned by the Araya family, lovely locals inspired by environmental protection where they pledged to protect a primary forest and reforestation area surrounding a river of crystal clear waters that come from the hills to create a perfect ecosystem that you can enjoy today. Our expert guides consider it the “sweet spot” to explore the wonders of the jungle on an easy hike with stunning views of the lowlands full of nature and guaranteed safety. With all the necessary equipment provided by our local experts and the benefit of being off the beaten path in a private experience, the chance to see many active frogs, an interesting variety of insects, sleeping birds and many more animals in their natural habitat makes these quiet trails open a door to a new perspective on the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.

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Enjoy the best  tour  in  arenal volcano  with us.

Estimate Hours: 2.5 hours Times: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am Distance: Between 2 km and 3 km Age: Guided walk for all ages Include private nature guide and entrance fees. 

Rate per person $65

Private transportation (extra fee), enjoy the best night tour in, private transportation (extra fee), any concerns.

100% Costa Rican local expert are ready to help plan your vacation in this beautiful country.

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Costa Rica Travel Information

La Fortuna Night Walk: See the Critters of the Night

December 3, 2020 By Sammi 6 Comments

When the sun goes down, the jungles of Costa Rica awakens with the creatures of the night beginning their day. Many tropical animals are nocturnal and one of the best ways to experience the Costa Rican rainforest to its fullest is to take a night walk.

A guided night walk in Costa Rica will allow you to observe these night time creatures as they go about their day in the dark. We did a night walk in La Fortuna where we saw a handful of these animals. You can read more about it below!

La Fortuna Night Walk

We did the night walk with a tour operator who has their own private forest reserve outside of town. The property has very nice trails, gardens, ponds and a small outdoor eating area as they offer snacks and refreshments after the walk.

Interested in doing this night walk? Book it with our tour discount here!

The tour also included roundtrip transportation, flashlights and a bilingual guide.

As soon as we arrived at the property, our guide, Jairo, gave us our flashlights and explained to us what the night walk will be like. He warned us not to touch anything and to always follow him because there are creatures like snakes and spiders out there in the forest we don’t want to inadvertently run our hands over or step on!

As soon as his talk was over, we set off into the forest. I was so excited! I would never explore the jungle on my own in the dark and I couldn’t wait to see what we would find!

La Fortuna/Arenal Night Walk Animals

As La Fortuna is in the Northern Lowlands full of primary and secondary rainforest, the animals we could see were mostly snakes, frogs, insects and arachnids. I was especially looking forward to seeing frogs which I love.

We’ve had Jairo as a guide for many other tours before such as the Mistico Hanging Bridges , Arenal Volcano 1968 and the La Fortuna waterfall and he is hands down one of the best guides we know. Although he was disappointed that we didn’t see any snakes, we were plenty happy with the animals we did see that night which were many frogs, insects and a really cool reptile called Helmeted Basilisk.

We had never seen one of those before so it was very cool to see as it was perching on a branch right above our heads!

Here are some photos of the animals we saw. I didn’t take too many but we got a lot of video footage so I recommend to watch the video below 🙂

Video of the Arenal Night Walk Tour

Here is our short video.

We’ve done several nights walks in Costa Rica and the night walk in La Fortuna is a great one. Jairo is an excellent guide and we loved that he not only wanted to show us the animals, but he shared with us information about each one and their role in the ecosystem as he likes to emphasis on conservation and the importance of preservation of the rainforest.

Although our entire group adults, a night walk in La Fortuna would be an excellent activity for families in Costa Rica , especially with kids who love animals. This is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to learn more about nature, animals and rainforests and why protecting nature is so important. Plus they’ll get to see neat creatures like spiders, grasshoppers, walking sticks and other critters up close!

La Fortuna Night Walk Cost and Details

The cost of this La Fortuna night walk is $61 USD per adult and $52 USD per children up to 12 years of age. It includes roundtrip transportation, bilingual guide, flashlights and juice, coffee and snacks.

You will get picked up around 430 PM and return around 8 PM. The walk is a couple of hours long total but is an easy walk on a flat path. Closed toed shoes only, long pants and shirt recommended because there are a lot of mosquitoes.

Sample Itineraries Including the Arenal Night Walk

Since the night walk starts around 430 PM, you can definitely do other activities during the day.

• For a full day of nature, wildlife and hiking, you can visit Mistico Hanging Bridges in the morning, have lunch afterwards, do a sloth and bird watching tour after lunch and then do the night walk.
• Nature and wildlife: Safari float in the morning, lunch, rest and then night walk.
• For a combination of adventure and wildlife, you can go ziplining or canyoning in the morning, have lunch, rest at your hotel and then go on the night walk.

If you want to do any of these tours, we have a La Fortuna tours discount which you can get here!

Reader Interactions

DAWN CHRISTY says

July 22, 2023

Trying to decide which night walk is best. La Fortuna or Monteverde? What do you see differently at each one? We really want to see snakes and frogs.

I’d go with La Fortuna

Alisa harris says

January 1, 2023

If we want to see more mammals, would you recommend Monteverde for the night hike? Also, is that something that we can book through you for the discount happy new year! Alisa

January 7, 2023

Unfortunately we don’t have any discounts or partners in Monteverde but there are a lot of night walks there. You don’t see many mammals on night walks, the only one I saw was a sleeping sloth.

February 5, 2022

Would you recommend La Fortuna or Monteverde for a night tour?

Thank you! Khema

February 6, 2022

If you like more reptiles or amphibians, La Fortuna for me is better since it’s tropical rainforest, Monteverde is cloud forest

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Nocturnal Experience Night walk

This tour is ideal for all those who want to discover the nocturnal wonders of Costa Rica. We will begin with a 30-minute drive to the town of La Tigra, where we will meet the Mendez Family. This Traditional Costa Rican family lives off the land and dedicates part of their property for the natural regeneration of plants and animals.

On the property, we will take a 600-meter trail alongside a small patch of regenerating forest with water mirrors that facilitate the observation of nightlife such as birds and nocturnal mammals,insects, amphibians, bats, and more.

We will walk around the water mirrors until we reach the frog sanctuary, where natural regeneration and reproduction of these species occurs. The sanctuary receives its name due to the large number of frogs that can be observed, like the hammer frog and the bullfrog which are the largest and smallest species in Costa Rica, in addition to the beautiful red-eyed tree frog, and the spectacular little glass frog. After the tour isover, a delicious traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared over a wood-burning stove awaits and it will be accented with the nocturnal lights of the SanCarlos plains. After dinner, we will take the transportation back to La Fortuna.

• Things to bring
• Entrance fee
• Mineral bottled water
• Experienced bilingual guide
• Transportation from/to the hotel with A/C & Wifi on vans
• Insect repellent
• Tennis shoes
• Comfortable clothing

• • Price per person (USD).
• • Minimum 2 adults to operate tour.
• • Child price applies for ages 5 to 11 yrs.
• • Children 4 and under are free.
• • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Any cancellation or modification of the reservation made less than 24 hours before departure will incur a penalty of 100%
• The customer shall it be at the agreed time and place, we’ll wait a maximum of 5 minutes. In case of No Show, the reservation will be charged to 100%

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Home » Destinations » Inland Costa Rica » La Fortuna » 12 BEST Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

12 BEST Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

If you love wildlife and outdoor adventures, then La Fortuna is hands down one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica . 

In fact, we loved La Fortuna so much that we moved here! When we lived here, we had so much fun exploring its waterfalls, caves, and rainforests, as well as doing epic adventures like canyoning, hiking the base of the Arenal Volcano, and taking on some of the best whitewater rafting in Costa Rica !

Basically, La Fortuna is a paradise for those who are outdoor enthusiasts, as some of the best tours in Costa Rica are located right here! Whether you want to take a night walk through the rainforest to spot wildlife, go ziplining , or explore on an ATV, there are a ton of incredible tours in La Fortuna. 

We’ve narrowed it down to our top 12 tours to help you decide what you want to get up to in La Fortuna so that you’ll enjoy this amazing place as much as we did!

Best overall tour of La Fortuna:

Best adventure tour:, best wildlife tour:, why book a tour in la fortuna, 1. full-day arenal volcano, la fortuna waterfall, and hot springs , 2. balsa river whitewater rafting, 3. hanging bridges, la fortuna waterfall, and arenal volcano hike, 4. canyoning and waterfall rappelling tour, 5. specialty coffee and chocolate tour, 6. ziplining, 7. sloths watching tour through sloth’s territory, 8. mistico park hanging bridges guided tour, 9. atv tour, 10. full-day rio celeste tour from la fortuna, 11. rainforest night walk and authentic costa rican dinner, 12. venado caves underground experience.

• Other Activities to do While You're in La Fortuna

Selina La Fortuna – $

Casa luna hotel & spa – $$, the springs resort & spa at arenal – $$$, renting a car, book shuttles, our top picks for tours in la fortuna.

If you don’t have time to read the entire blog, we’ve got you covered with our top tours to choose from. Consider them the best of the best!

To see all the highlights La Fortuna has to offer, this full-day tour is one you can’t pass up! You’ll see (and swim at!) the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall before visiting a butterfly garden and hiking to the base of Arenal Volcano. Finishing off the day at some of the famous natural hot springs really is the cherry on top. It’s insanely good value too at $91 USD per person including all fees, lunch, and transportation. It was so good, we would book this exact tour again!

If you’re craving a bit of adventure in La Fortuna, this action-packed tour is for you! The first stop is climbing up a secret canyon before you strap in and tackle a rappelling course including a zipline. The best parts are the four waterfall descents where you actually rappel through the water! The tour is fun for the whole family with ages 5 and up welcome and the $119 USD cost includes hotel transfers and lunch when you book online here .

Seeing sloths in the wild is actually pretty challenging – they really blend in! We opted for this sloth-watching tour to an area near La Fortuna called Sloth’s Territory. Spoiler alert: There are lots of sloths here! But you can spot plenty of other creatures including frogs, hummingbirds, and parrots! The small group tour is capped at 10 people and we learned a ton from our guide. It’s only $35 USD, so book the tour here and cross seeing a sloth in Costa Rica off your bucket list!

We find booking tours in La Fortuna makes exploring the area so much easier. There are some public bus services or shuttles in the area but they’re not always great for sightseeing. That means choosing tours that include transport makes life so much easier and saves time. 

It’s also safer to join a tour than to explore independently. La Fortuna is one of the safest towns in Costa Rica and when we lived here, we felt perfectly safe during the day. However, if you’re a first-time visitor to Costa Rica then it’s a good idea to join a tour so that a local guide can show you around and teach you the ins and outs of navigating the area safely.

Tours in La Fortuna also allow you to explore places you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. You can discover all of the best off-the-beaten-path places and trust us, La Fortuna is home to some amazing ones! Plus, joining activities like whitewater rafting tours and rainforest walks gives you access to hidden spots you wouldn’t be able to get to on your own. 

We also love taking tours in La Fortuna because you learn much more about the area’s culture, landscape, and biodiversity. We were captivated by the lush jungle and vast amount of wildlife . The guides are great at spotting animals and giving unique information about the ecosystem. You don’t get the same insight when you visit on your own, so if you love nature and wildlife as much as we do, you’ll get a lot more out of a tour than an independent visit. 

La Fortuna itself is also a fun city to hang out in. You can explore the cute downtown shops, dine in the many delicious restaurants , and enjoy the fun nightlife scene! There are also tons of great hotels and resorts in La Fortuna , so you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated amongst all of your outdoor adventuring!

What are the Best Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?

Visiting the Arenal Volcano is definitely one of the best things to do ( and a great cheap activity in La Fortuna !). In fact, many people come here just to visit one of the must-see volcanoes of Costa Rica ! However, La Fortuna has lots to offer beyond the famous volcano, which is why we think this full-day tour  is so fantastic. 

The first stop of the day is La Fortuna Waterfall , a famously powerful 70-meter (230-foot) tall waterfall that gushes from a cliff into an emerald pool below. It’s absolutely beautiful and you can take a refreshing swim either below the waterfall or further downstream, so bring your swimwear! 

You’ll also visit a butterfly garden near the entrance to the falls, and we also saw lots of toucans when we went!

Of course, the day’s main event is visiting the Arenal Volcano. You get to hike to the base of the volcano and a little way up its face, and you’ll get to see lava from the 1968 eruption up close! It’s illegal to hike to the summit of the Arenal Volcano but don’t worry, you get incredible views from the base. You’ll see the surrounding jungle and lava fields, as well as the beautiful Lake Arenal. 

I do think that visiting the Arenal Volcano with a guide makes a difference. I chose to go as part of a tour rather than visiting independently because I wanted to learn more about the volcano, and I’m so glad I did! 

The tour also includes a visit to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center to learn about the Maleku people, who are one of the eight Indigenous groups in Costa Rica.

The final stop of the day is at some natural hot springs, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters as you sip on a complimentary cocktail. There are tons of great hot springs in La Fortuna , stopping at one on this tour is a perfect introduction so hopefully, you can explore more during your vacay!

This tour is a good fit if you don’t have a lot of time in La Fortuna and want to see as much as possible. La Fortuna Waterfall, the Arenal Volcano, and visiting hot springs are all high on our list of the best things to do in La Fortuna , and this tour lets you cover them all in just one day. 

At $91 USD per adult, we also think that this tour is fantastic value for money because it includes hotel pickup and drop off, all admission fees, your guide, lunch, and alcoholic beverages! Plus, it lasts for 11 hours, you really can’t get an inclusive tour for this cheap anywhere else! You can book this incredible day exploring La Fortuna online here .

Related Read: Make the most of your time in Costa Rica by taking a multi-day tour ! You will be able to get into nature to experience cloud forests , secluded beaches , and stunning volcanoes !

Whitewater rafting is SO much fun and La Fortuna is an ideal place to do it. It’s close to some great rafting rivers, including Balsa, which is perfect for first-timers. In fact, Costa Rica has the best whitewater rafting in all of Central America. Whitewater rafting can be a bit nerve-wracking if you haven’t done it before, which is why we recommend  this rafting tour out of La Fortuna . 

It’s a half-day experience that takes you to Class II and III rapids, which are fun and challenging but still great for beginners. The guides are super friendly and give you lots of instruction beforehand, and then you’ll go on a 10-kilometer (6-mile) trip along the river, with a swim stop along the way. 

I also love how you get a different perspective of the beautiful Costa Rican landscape from the river, it is an entirely new experience!

The 5-hour tour costs $68 USD per person and travelers aged 5 and up can participate, so this activity is suitable for families, too. You get snacks along the way and a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the end, and round-trip transport from your hotel is included, too. Be sure to book this experience in advance , as it’s popular for a reason!

If you’re still anxious about rafting, just think “If a 5-year-old can do it, I can do it.” You can go whitewater rafting all over the world but the quality of rafting in La Fortuna is hard to beat, so this is definitely a fantastic place to do it! And if you want to learn even more, just read our guide to whitewater rafting in La Fortuna , which covers all your burning questions.

If your goal is finding amazing white water rafting, the best time to visit Costa Rica is actually during the rainy season, from June to October. The rivers are at their fullest and fast-flowing, which means you’re in for some epic rafting!

This award-winning tour  is the ultimate adventurous day out in La Fortuna! Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for some trekking, because you’ll take three different hikes to three of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

You start by heading to Arenal Volcano National Park for a 2.5-hour hike to the base of the volcano. We thought the coolest part of the hike was visiting a lava field! Our guide told us all about the major eruption that took place in 1968 and we had some time to take in amazing views of the park. 

We also love that this includes a La Fortuna Waterfall tour for another (shorter) hike and a swim in the pool below its powerful stream. If you’re not a strong swimmer, there are also some pools a little further downriver that have calm water, so you won’t miss out. The water temperature is on the cooler side, but that’s exactly what you need in the warm, humid, Costa Rican climate!

And finally, you head to the Mistico Hanging Bridges for a 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) forest hike that takes you across 14 bridges, six of which are hanging bridges. This is an amazing place to see Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife including tropical birds, sloths, and monkeys, and your guide will help you to spot them. 

This tour is another good option if you don’t have long in La Fortuna and you’re someone who likes to be active. Your step count will be through the roof by the end of the day, plus you’ll get to cross three epic locations off of your Costa Rica itinerary ! It costs $163 USD per person including all of your transport, admission fees, and lunch. You can book this 9-hour tour online here !

This is a fantastic adventure tour full of canyoning and waterfalls! Our first stop was heading into the rainforest in a 4×4 and then climbing up a secret canyon. I felt like I was in an action movie! Don’t worry though, unlike in the movies you’ll be harnessed in and your guide will coach you, so it’s totally safe and an exciting experience!

Once you’ve completed the climb, you tackle a rappelling course that includes a monkey drop, which is basically where you descend via a zipline like a monkey. It’s so much fun! 

The course also includes four waterfall descents where you actually rappel through the flowing water, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet!

You can do this tour whether or not you have any rappelling experience. It’s great for beginners but the course is so much fun that you can still enjoy it even if it’s your 50th time going rappelling, as each location is a little different.

I’ll say that you do work up quite an appetite during this adventure, so luckily the tour ends at a ranch house where you’ll eat a traditional local lunch. It usually consists of homemade tortillas and salsa, with fresh tropical juice to quench your thirst, or coffee if you need an energy boost after all that activity. 

The tour costs $119 USD per person including transport from your hotel and lunch. This tour is family friendly and kids as young as 5 can participate. If canyoning, rock climbing, rappelling, and waterfall exploring sound like a good day to you, I highly recommend booking this tour !

Related Read: A trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete until you experience its beautiful coast. While in one of the many great beach towns , you can experience some of the best snorkeling in Costa Rica !

Costa Rica is known for many things and top among them are chocolate and coffee! Costa Rica exports about 90% of its coffee and is the 13th largest coffee producer in the world. It’s also known for its high-quality cacao beans, so a coffee and chocolate tour is a must-do activity when you visit Costa Rica !

We love  this specialty coffee and chocolate tour  because it takes you to a family-run farm, so it’s a fantastic way to support local industry. It’s also a super informative and engaging tour, and you get so many samples along the way. I couldn’t believe how much better coffee and chocolate both taste when they’re fresh!

During the tour, we got to see the intense process of cultivating coffee beans and turning them into a product that’s ready to ship. The tour even gets hands-on at various points of the process, so you too have a hand in the coffee and chocolate production!

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s so cool to learn about how coffee goes from bean to cup, and it’s a great insight into Costa Rica’s agricultural practices. Coffee is a world-wide industry and I found it fascinating to get a glimpse into the process.

The tour costs $43 USD per person, including transport and TONS of tastings of tea, coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane. It lasts for 2.5 hours so it’s not too long and you can choose to go at 8 am, 10 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, or 3 pm. You can book this tasty experience online here!

Ziplining is always a blast, but it’s even better when you get to soar through the rainforest canopy and over the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, which is exactly what  this ziplining tour offers. In fact, it’s the only ziplining tour in La Fortuna that includes this stunning aerial view!

You’ll also get amazing views of the Arenal and Cerro Chato volcanoes and spot lots of wildlife as you fly through the trees. There are 12 different ziplines in total and it’s quite an active tour since you need to hike to the first zipline and between some of the others. 

After you’ve finished the zipline course, you’ll visit the Maleku Cultural Resource Center for a more relaxed activity. Here, you’ll learn about the Indigenous Maleku people and their deep connection to the land and rainforest. The Center exists to preserve the rich Maleku culture and educate visitors about its art, customs, and history. 

The tour costs $92 USD and is scheduled to last for 2.5 hours. It includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, safety equipment, all admission fees, and your guide. It doesn’t include food or drink but there will be some available to buy along the way, so make sure to bring some cash. 

La Fortuna and Monteverde are my two favorite places to go ziplining in Costa Rica , so I definitely think that this experience is worth it! You can reserve this tour in advance here .

La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot sloths. Seeing a sloth in the wild is actually harder than you think! We love sloths, so obviously we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see them on  this sloth-watching tour !

The tour takes you to an area just outside of La Fortuna known as Sloth’s Territory where you’ll see lots of two and three-toed sloths, as well as plenty of other wildlife. You’ll explore the reserve on foot but we found it really easy to walk around, and you get to visit the on-site organic farm at the end for some fresh fruit. 

This tour really is a must for wildlife lovers because you get to see so much when you explore Sloth’s Territory. You can spot opossums, red frogs, hummingbirds, parrots, porcupines, and so much more! We loved our experience and we learned SO much from our guide. 

It costs $35 USD per person including snacks and entry to the sloth reserve. You will need to get yourself here, but if you’re renting a car in Costa Rica , it’s only a 10-minute drive. This tour is capped at 10 people, so you get more of a personalized experience and have time to ask lots of questions. It’s under 2 hours long so you can easily do another short tour on the same day, as there are lots of times to choose from. 

If seeing a sloth is on your Costa Rica bucket list, this tour is your golden ticket! Book this tour online here and get excited to see these cute and curious creatures.

Visiting the Mistico Hanging Bridges is one of the best ways to see wildlife in La Fortuna. They’re located in a large, private park and you can actually see as much wildlife here as you do in places like Manuel Antonio National Park . 

Yep, it’s THAT good!

This 3-hour tour  takes you to Mistico Park to explore via the bridges. There are 14 of them in total, and eight are ground-level while six are hanging bridges. Your guide will lead the way and point out lots of amazing wildlife and teach you more about the local ecosystem. 

One thing we love about the Mistico Park hanging bridges is that you get amazing views of the Arenal Volcano. The birds here are also incredible . You can see rainbow-beak toucans, orange-bellied trogons, and crested guans, among many other types of tropical birds.

We have been to Mistico Park with and without a guide, and we really found it valuable to have one! They have such a deep knowledge of the rainforest and wildlife, so not only did we see more but we also walked away with a better understanding of this beautiful country.

The tour costs $48 USD per person if you drive yourself. The tour also includes entrance fees to the park and your amazing guide! There are multiple departure times to select from, so you can choose one that best fits your schedule. Book this tour online here !

ATV tours are always a blast but we think that this one’s even more fun than usual! On this La Fortuna ATV tour , you get to drive around a private farm right next to Arenal Volcano National Park, which is one of Costa Rica’s best national parks if you ask me!

You’ll check out old impact craters, as well as visit Arenal Lake and a volcanic mud river. You can even use the mud on your skin and get a free spa treatment!

Before you head out, you get a quick lesson on how to drive the ATVs and you’ll drive a practice circuit first to make sure you’re good to go. The tour then starts by taking you across open plains so that you’ll feel confident by the time you reach the fun trails. 

Then, you’ll tear around all the trails, exploring the terrain and enjoying great views of the Arenal Volcano in the distance. It’s so much fun, but you should wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because you’re definitely going to be muddy by the end! 

Another great thing about this tour is that you can spot lots of wildlife, like monkeys and sloths, along the way as you go through the forest. 

The tour costs $105 USD per person, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, a safety helmet, and bottled water along the way to keep you hydrated. Children 13 years and older are welcome to join and this tour accommodates up to 14 travelers. It lasts for around 2 hours and you can choose to go in the early morning, late morning, or afternoon. 

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity while in La Fortuna, you need to book this tour because it is sure to deliver!

Related Read: If ATVing piques your interest, you’ll love these ATV tours out of Jaco . Jaco is only 3 hours from La Fortuna, so make this your next stop and check out even more epic tours and excursions .

Rio Celeste is easily one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica (and probably the world) because it’s so blue it almost looks fake! You really do have to see it to believe it. 

The river is in Tenorio Volcano National Park , 68 km (42 mi) from La Fortuna. It really is a must-visit when you’re in town and  this Rio Celeste tour  will take you on a full-day exploration.

Your guide will lead you on a 3 km (1.8 mi) trek to Rio Celeste and help you spot wildlife along the way. You’ll visit Rio Celeste Waterfall, which I think is the most scenic waterfall in the entire country – and that’s saying something! 

After the waterfall, you’ll come across a hot part of the river, which is known as Los Borbollones (the Bubbling Hot Pot). Your guide will explain the natural phenomenon behind why this happens, although you might need to cover your nose because the water smells very strongly of rotten eggs – don’t worry, it’s just the sulfur!

The trek ends at Teñideros, which is the point where you see the water change from clear to that shocking shade of blue. Then, you turn back and return to the entrance before heading for lunch at a local restaurant, which is included in the price of the tour. 

This 8-hour tour costs $89 USD, including transport from La Fortuna. You definitely don’t have to be a pro hiker to do the trek but you should be reasonably fit and healthy. Book this experience here to see the stunning Rio Celeste up close!

Costa Rica is famed for its wildlife and many of the most fascinating creatures can only be seen at night! But of course, you probably don’t want to go wandering into the rainforest by yourself after dark. 

Fortunately, you can join  this rainforest night walk  and spot all of the amazing nocturnal creatures hiding in the trees, including bats, birds, and snakes. Plus, you get to visit a frog sanctuary and see red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs. Where else will you be able to have this experience!?

Red-eyed tree frogs are one of the most iconic creatures in Costa Rica and glass frogs are amazing to see because of their translucent skin. 

I did this tour and absolutely loved it! I saw so many creatures and our guide was so helpful in pointing out lots of animals I might have otherwise missed. And while Monteverde is well-known for its night tours and incredible nocturnal creatures, we thought our night tour in La Fortuna was just as good.

The guided trek lasts for about 1.5 hours, with the whole tour being about 4 hours. After your trek, you’ll head to a local spot for a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. This is a really nice end to the evening and I loved the food!

The tour costs $65 USD per person and includes hotel pickup and drop off, lanterns and flashlights, bottled water, and your dinner. It was such an amazing experience and I think it’s a fantastic way to spend an evening in La Fortuna! You can book this unique night tour online here .

Related Read: For a totally unique experience, you can stay in one of the many treehouse hotels in Costa Rica .

I think the Venado Caves are a really underrated thing to do in La Fortuna . The caves aren’t a huge tourist attraction and relatively few visitors to La Fortuna get to experience them, so if you want to get off the beaten path this really is the ultimate way to do it.

I had so much fun when I went, and it’s definitely one of the most adventurous activities around!

I did  this 4-hour tour which took us on a subterranean expedition through the caves. You enter through a large cavern and then explore smaller caverns, grottoes, and chambers. In fact, some of the holes between the caves are a very tight squeeze, but you can skip some of these if you’re not comfortable. 

You also see some very interesting (and to be honest, slightly spooky) creatures along the way, like bats and big spiders.

This experience definitely isn’t for the faint of heart but you’re accompanied by an expert guide who will encourage you and make you feel safe. It’s such a good way to challenge yourself and honestly, you get an amazing sense of achievement afterwards. Children 8 and up are welcome to join this exciting adventure.

The tour costs $79 USD including transport, all caving equipment, towels, bottled water, and fresh fruit snacks afterward. It really is an incredible experience and I promise you won’t forget it in a hurry! You can book this caving experience online here.

Other Activities to do While You’re in La Fortuna

There are even more amazing tours we could have listed out of La Fortuna, so we wanted to add some additional activities in case you’re looking for more! With so many unique things to do in La Fortuna, you’ll never be bored. 

• Visit Lake Arenal – As the largest lake in Costa Rica, the best way to explore it is by getting out on the water. You can have an active afternoon by taking a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour or a relaxing evening on a sunset cruise .
• Hike to Hule Lagoon – If you’re looking to hike along the rim of a volcano, through the rainforest, and to a stunning lagoon, you must check out Hule Lagoon. The easiest way to reach it is with this full-day tour . It is a 1.5-hour drive, then 3-4 hours of guided hiking, followed by lunch! This is one of my top day trips out of La Fortuna. 
• Relax in a free hot spring – Believe it or not, there are some amazing hot springs that are completely free outside of La Fortuna . The natural hot spring river runs right next to Tabacon Resort and is only a 15-minute drive from La Fortuna . There are shuttles that run from La Fortuna or parking attendants if you drive yourself, so it’s a convenient option for a soak.
• Drink craft beer – Craft beer enthusiasts like me will appreciate the breweries in Costa Rica ! I love the brews at Lake Arenal Hotel and Brewery . It’s a 15-acre organic farm and you can also opt to stay the night, especially if you want to try a range of their beers!
• Take a cooking class – The food is one of my favorite things about Costa Rica! The next best thing to eating locally-made Costa Rican food is learning to make it yourself. This 3-course cooking class is not only a super fun experience, but lets you get into the culture too!

Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Here are our top recommendations for every budget.

One of the go-to budget options is  Selina La Fortuna . I’ve stayed in Selina hostels around the world and this is a great one. It has a fun party atmosphere and a great co-working space where we spent a lot of time.

Selina Fortuna is located right in the middle of town, so you have easy access to great bars and restaurants nearby. Rates begin at $26 USD for a one-night stay in a dorm and $124 USD for a one-night stay in a private room. You can check availability and book on  Booking.com .

Those with a medium budget should check out  Casa Luna Hotel & Spa . I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. You can also enjoy the tropical botanic garden at the hotel.

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is near Arenal Volcano National Park, and all the rooms have views of the volcano and the rainforest. The hotel also includes a delicious breakfast in the $204 USD room rate. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town and you can reserve a room online on  Booking.com here .

For arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna, check out  The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal . While the rooms don’t come cheap ($600 USD+), it’s a bucket list place to stay that’s perfect for  visiting Costa Rica on a honeymoon !

You’ll find 28 hot spring pools here, making the resort the perfect place if you really want to relax. There’s also a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. You can reserve a room at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal  on Booking.com .

For more in-depth info on the areas to stay in La Fortuna, check out our blog on where to stay in La Fortuna !

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

La Fortuna is the perfect launch point for outdoor exploration! It’s full of natural beauty with volcanoes, waterfalls, and wildlife plus adrenaline-pumping activities like whitewater rafting, ziplining, and canyoning. This makes La Fortuna the ideal destination for adventurous travelers, and tours are the best way to see it all. I know that we fell in love with this part of Costa Rica, so I can’t recommend visiting here enough! 

I hope you found this blog helpful as you plan your next tour out of La Fortuna. But don’t let this be the only part of Costa Rica you visit! Check out some of our guides to our favorite areas and activities:

BEST all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica (our unbiased opinion!)

BEST things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna

BEST places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica

Night Tour La Fortuna

As the night descends upon La Fortuna like a velvet curtain, a whole new world comes alive in the shadows.

Imagine standing amidst the dense foliage, the air thick with the calls of hidden creatures and the promise of thrilling encounters waiting just beyond the lamplight.

The Night Tour in La Fortuna unveils the mysteries of the nocturnal jungle, promising a journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s wildlife under the cloak of darkness.

What secrets lie hidden in the night, and what wonders await those brave enough to venture into its depths?

• Discover La Fortuna’s nocturnal transformation with guided walks.
• Encounter local wildlife like owls, snakes , and vibrant frogs.
• Seek the elusive red-eyed tree frog on this unique tour.
• Experience Costa Rica’s diverse ecology after sunset with expert guides.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica
• White Water Rafting Class III & IV
• Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour
• Don Olivo Chocolate Tour

Tour Highlights

Embark on the Night Tour La Fortuna to witness the captivating transformation of the area after dark, enjoying a world where crepuscular and nocturnal creatures come to life under the guidance of a knowledgeable local tour guide.

The tour highlights include thrilling wildlife encounters and nighttime wonders, offering a unique opportunity for creature spotting and guided exploration . As you meander through the shadows, keep your eyes peeled for elusive owls, slithering snakes , and vibrant frogs. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous red-eyed tree frog.

This personalized evening nature walk unveils Costa Rica’s diverse ecology, showcasing wildlife not typically visible during the day.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The meeting point for the Night Tour La Fortuna is at the Sloth Watching Trail located within the Arenal Volcano Private Trail, with the tour commencing promptly at 05:30 PM. Participants will gather at this picturesque spot to embark on an exciting nighttime exploration of La Fortuna. Here are some key details for attendees :

• Experience the thrill of encountering local fauna in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy the magic of the nighttime exploration led by a knowledgeable guide.
• Discover the hidden wonders of Costa Rica’s diverse ecology under the veil of darkness.

Joining this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating wildlife that emerges after dusk, providing a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Tour Guide and Group Size

As you venture into the nocturnal world of La Fortuna, your knowledgeable local guide will lead a group of up to 15 travelers on an immersive exploration of the diverse wildlife that thrives under the cover of darkness.

The tour pace is set to allow for a personalized experience, giving you ample time to observe and learn about the crepuscular and nocturnal creatures that call this region home.

While the group size may seem large, it ensures a lively atmosphere where you can share in the excitement of wildlife sightings . Some travelers have mentioned a slow pace of wildlife sightings , but this leisurely approach allows for a more in-depth understanding of the unique ecology present in the area.

What to Bring and Accessibility

What travelers should pack for the Night Tour La Fortuna include bug spray, rain jackets , closed shoes , and water , ensuring a comfortable and prepared experience exploring Costa Rica’s nocturnal ecology. When embarking on this adventure, it’s essential to be ready for potential encounters with diverse wildlife and changing weather conditions.

Here are some key items to bring:

• Bug Spray : Protect yourself from pesky insects during the tour.
• Rain Jackets : Be prepared for any sudden downpours in the rainforest.
• Closed Shoes : Ensure your feet are well-covered and protected for walking on uneven terrain.

Regarding accessibility, it’s important to note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the terrain and potential wildlife encounters .

Reviews and Pricing

Delving into traveler feedback and cost breakdown, the Night Tour La Fortuna offers an enriching nocturnal experience at a starting price of $69.00, garnering an impressive 4.5 rating based on insights from 16 Viator adventurers. Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, although some mentioned a slow pace in wildlife sightings. The tour’s price point makes it accessible for those seeking an immersive evening adventure in La Fortuna. Below is a breakdown of the pricing options available for the Night Tour La Fortuna:

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Guided Tour
• Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 2/3 in Costa Rica
• Morning Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot Springs River
• Rainforest Chocolate Tour From La Fortuna
• Sky Adventures Park Zipline Course and Aerial Tram in Arenal Park
• Canyoning in the Lost Canyon, Costa Rica

Common questions

Are flashlights provided during the night tour, or should participants bring their own.

Flashlights are not provided for the night tour. Participants should bring their own for safety. Remember to consider participant age, night photography , and follow safety tips . It’s essential to be prepared for an engaging experience.

Is There a Specific Age Requirement or Restriction for Joining the Night Tour in La Fortuna?

For the night tour in La Fortuna, there is no specific age requirement mentioned. Participants should bring their own flashlights as they are not provided. This allows for a more interactive experience while exploring the diverse nocturnal wildlife.

Are Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour Route or at the Meeting Point?

Restroom facilities are not available along the tour route or at the meeting point. Travelers are advised to bring their own flashlight for the evening nature walk. It’s essential to be prepared with necessary items for a comfortable experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Night Tour, and Are There Any Restrictions on Camera Equipment?

Photography permissions are allowed during the night tour, but there may be restrictions on camera equipment. Travelers should inquire about specific guidelines regarding photography and equipment limitations to ensure a smooth experience.

Are There Any Specific Safety Guidelines or Precautions That Participants Should Be Aware of Before Embarking on the Night Tour in La Fortuna?

When preparing for the Night Tour, participants should adhere to specific safety guidelines. These include staying close to the guide, using provided equipment correctly, and following instructions promptly. Prioritizing safety enhances the overall experience.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• The Best Hot Springs Experience at Ecotermales
• Early Bird Watching Tour
• Arenal ATV and Zipline Adventure Tour
• Private Transfers, San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal
• Kayaking at Arenal Lake – La Fortuna
• Full Combo! Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall
• Rafting ATV Adventure (Arenal Volcano)
• Full Trekking Day
• Private Transfer From La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio From 1 to 6 Passengers
• Horseback Riding Around Arenal Volcano Base
• Extreme Combo, Gravity Falls Jumping and Rafting Class 2-3

Discover the enchanting world of La Fortuna at night on the Night Tour. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests can experience the vibrant nocturnal wildlife of Costa Rica up close and personal.

This intimate tour allows for a unique and immersive experience under the starlit sky, away from the crowds of the day. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the magic of the night in La Fortuna.

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The ONLY La Fortuna, Costa Rica Guide You Need

L a Fortuna, Costa Rica is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in all of Costa Rica. From the picture-perfect Volcan Arenal to great food to epic accommodations, travelers to La Fortuna will find everything they need to enjoy Costa Rica right in this small town.

La Fortuna is my favorite place in all of Costa Rica. It’s because travelers can experience small-town charm and epic adventure all in the same place. There’s something for every budget.

About La Fortuna, Costa Rica

La Fortuna is a quaint small town at the base of the Arenal Volcano, also known as Volcan Arenal. The town itself of La Fortuna is made up of just a few square blocks, and the Catholic church is the focal point.

However, the Arenal area is expansive, spanning from the town of La Fortuna all the way to Lake Arenal. A slightly windy paved two-lane road leads about 12 kilometers between the two places, and the hotels and hot springs are strewn between the two.

La Fortuna Costa Rica Location

La Fortuna is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano, in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It is unique in that it is about equidistant from both Costa Rica airports.

It is off of Highway 142, which winds around Lake Arenal to Highway 1 near Canas. From San Jose, the most popular route to Arenal is through the quaint town of San Ramon.

You can also go through Naranjo, stopping at the Espiritu Santo Coffee Farm , or through the sculpted gardens of Zarcero on the way there.

Getting To La Fortuna

Since La Fortuna is such a popular tourist destination, there are lots of ways to get there. You’ll find an abundance of shuttles and public buses that will take you to downtown Fortuna, or directly to your hotel.

The issue is that since the area is so spread out, if you take a bus or a shuttle, you’ll either need to pay for taxis to each of your destinations or make sure your tour company provides transport to and from your hotel as part of the tour.

For this reason, more than any other destination in Costa Rica besides Manuel Antonio, I highly recommend renting a car .

You’ll have more flexibility in heading to different places without having to rely on taxis. Plus, a lot of the places near the volcano don’t have cell service, so getting a taxi can be dicey.

Packing For La Fortuna

For a general packing list for Costa Rica , make sure to check out our post.

However, there are some special considerations when packing for La Fortuna. It rains almost every afternoon in La Fortuna, and so you will want to have really good shoes if you plan to do some hiking.

I also recommend having some sort of rain gear. However, we love the supermarket “Super Christian” in the area, and they sell ponchos for about a dollar. We usually keep those in our packs in case it rains, and leave them behind before we leave.

You’ll also want to have good waterproof sunscreen if you are heading to the hot springs during the day. The sun is strong because the altitude is a bit higher than the beach areas, and there is nothing worse than trying to get into hot springs with a sunburn. No, really.

Finally, you’ll want to have a lot of mosquito repellent. La Fortuna is in the jungle areas of Costa Rica, and there are so many mosquitos! We use the ParaKito natural bug repellent and it works great.

Where To Stay In La Fortuna

La Fortuna is dense with places to stay- although there are not many places right downtown where you can stay. Many of the hotels in La Fortuna also have hot springs on the property, making it important that you really do your research on places that you want to stay so you get a good fit.

Conversely, you can just check out our post on best places to stay in La Fortuna . A few of our very favorite places to stay include the following:

Hotel Lomas del Volcan

This quiet oasis at the bottom of the volcano is a hidden gem. The “rooms” are actually individual bungalows complete with mini-fridge, air conditioning, hot water and cable television. Each bungalow has a porch both in the front and the back, making viewing the volcano easy.

A traditional Costa Rican breakfast is included for each person with your stay. The restaurant and bar overlook the volcano, and I have to say that this is some of the best Costa Rican food I have had in the area. We ordered lunch and dinner while we stayed here because the prices were so incredible.

The drawback to the hotel is that you don’t have access to hot springs- there is a pool here but it’s pretty underwhelming. You’ll need to pay a daily fee at other hot springs if you want to enjoy them. I recommend either Baldi Hot Springs or, if you have the kids with you, definitely take them to Kalambu HOT SPRINGS.

BOOK LOMAS DEL VOLCAN NOW

Volcano Lodge and Springs

Volcano Lodge and Springs is one of our favorite places because it has both great hot springs and really nice rooms. While not all the rooms overlook the volcano, each one has a private terrace and some rooms (the junior suites) have their own hot tub in the shape of a volcano, which is super fun.

Each room includes a mini-fridge, air conditioning and hot water. A breakfast buffet is served each morning and included with each stay. The cafeteria here is family-owned and operated and the food is stellar. We had a lot of traditional Costa Rican food here because it was good and the prices were right. Plus, we didn’t have to leave the resort to eat, which was a plus.

Another thing we really liked about this hotel is that the pool is next to a playground, and both are near the bar/restaurant. This made it easy for us to enjoy a few drinks while the kids played nearby.

BOOK VOLCANO LODGE AND SPRINGS NOW

Rancho Margot

For a totally unique experience, consider staying at Rancho Margot – a fully working farm that’s great for families and young adults alike.

Expect soaring volcano views, yoga classes, night tours and a fun farm tour where the kids can feed the animals and learn about live compost.

My favorite part about Rancho Margot is that all meals are included, and the rooms are individual bungalows with hammocks on the front porch.

Looking for more unique farm stays? Check out our post: 15 Costa Rica Farm Stays You’ll Love

Tabacon Thermal Springs Hotel

This is probably the most well-known hotel in the area and for good reason. It’s the gold standard for luxury, and the hot springs on property are absolutely phenomenal.

Expect luxury when you stay here- and you should, because prices are high. We stayed here for a birthday and were amazed by how luxurious the rooms were. Our room was decorated for our daughter’s birthday, and she got presents and cake from the hotel. It was pretty cool.

There’s a hotel-only pool next to the restaurant, which gives guests the opportunity to swim with fewer people. The real draw to the hotel, though, is the unlimited access to the hot springs.

The main drawback to Tabacon is that food is not included, and the restaurants on the property are pretty expensive. Tabacon is also the last resort on the long road between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal. This means that relatively inexpensive restaurants are a long way away.

You can book Tabacon on airline points since it’s owned by Marriott, but it does fill up fast. You’ll want to book Tabacon well in advance if you plan to stay.

BOOK TABACON THERMAL SPRINGS HOTEL NOW

Join the Costa Rica With Kids Facebook Group. Ask all the Costa Rica Travel questions you want- we will answer them!

Where to eat in la fortuna.

I’ve got an epic post on all the places to eat in La Fortuna , but my very favorite places are the following:

Soda La Parada

If you want authentic Costa Rican food at a great price, then Soda La Parada is the place for you. It’s located right downtown and named La Parada because it’s right in front of the public bust stop.

They have an extensive menu of over 100 dishes, a bakery, and a liquor license so they sell beer. If there is anything not on the menu that you want, they can modify it (they do vegan and gluten-free especially well.)

The prices are right, and it’s fun to be right downtown to people-watch and enjoy the church and views of the volcano. The only drawback to this restaurant is that since it is right downtown, you may have to park a few blocks away.

Pizza Mediterranea

This pizza joint is a favorite of ours because they will do individual pizzas, and they have a nice wine list. Located on the road heading out of La Fortuna towards San Ramon, the views of the volcano are phenomenal on a clear day. The service is also fast and efficient.

Parents of younger kids will appreciate the indoor playground at the back of the restaurant. Kids can play while parents enjoy an extra glass of wine.

Restaurante Don Rufino

This restaurant is fairly fancy. It’s got elevated Costa Rican cuisine. You’ll see fresh seafood, farm-to-table ingredients, and a great cocktail menu.

Located downtown, this is the finest dining in the area, and it has the prices to match. There’s no kids’ menu, so this is a better place for a date night or adult celebration. Reservations are highly recommended.

CHECK OUT OUR POST ON THE BEST COSTA RICA GUIDEBOOKS

Things To Do In La Fortuna, Costa Rica

There is no shortage of things to do in the La Fortuna/Arenal area. Most hotels offer tours, and there are several tour operators in the area that also offer tours. Since there is such a saturation of activities and tours, you can almost always book a last-minute tour (the day before). Here are some of my favorite activities in La Fortuna. For more activities, read this post on top La Fortuna Activities .

Arenal Volcano

The majestic Arenal volcano is over 5,000 feet tall, and is a majestic cone shape. It’s the centerpiece of every activity in the area, and absolutely gorgeous. While it has since gone dormant in the past years, you can still see smoke coming out occasionally.

Many people want to hike the volcano to the top- this is illegal. But you can hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. There is also the Arenal 1968 Trail. Finally, you can experience the volcano with simple and accessible hikes from the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails .

Hot Springs

The natural hot springs are the star of this area- and there are a myriad to choose from. The hot water stems from the majestic Arenal volcano, and its mineral properties are great for the skin.

Soaking the hot springs at any time is amazing, but we especially like to go at night when it’s cooler. Our favorite hot springs are Baldi Hot Springs, Kalambu Hot Springs, and the reservation-only Eco Termales.

Many hotels have their own hot springs too, and the entrance fees are generally included with your room stay. Some of our favorites are Tabacon Thermal Hotel, Volcano Lodge and Springs , and Los Lagos.

I happen to think that the best zip-lining in Costa Rica is right in La Fortuna. This is because it is epic to ride the cables while looking at the volcano.

For zip lining, expect to ride through the trees at a high speed and altitude for a thrilling ride. When you arrive at the platforms, you can enjoy volcano views.

Kids as young as 4 years old can zip line, but you’ll need to call ahead and see if they offer zip lining in tandem. We love Eco Glide Arenal because they take great care of our kids and their zip lines are very safe because they keep their equipment updated.

Hanging Bridges

If zipping through the trees at a high velocity isn’t your thing, you may want to consider the hanging bridges. They are high suspension bridges that tower over the trees, offering unique views of the forest below. There are two types-fixed and swinging.

People often ask me if they are afraid of heights is the hanging bridge a good idea, and I say probably not. The bridges do sway a bit, and they are super high off the ground (some as high as 300 feet.) There are two main hanging bridges in La Fortuna- Sky Adventures and Arenal Mistico. We love Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges because they are wheelchair accessible, and self-guided, and they even rent strollers for families with young children.

Canyoneering

If you are looking for a thrill, look no further than canyoneering in the Arenal area. You’ll rappel through waterfalls, and ford rivers, and enjoy zip line cables- all while enjoying volcano and waterfall views. My favorite company for this is Maquique Adventures.

Rafting/River Float

If you want to get on the water, you can do that in the La Fortuna area as well. From whitewater rafting to the river safari floats, there is something for everyone.

Rafting is a bit more of a thrill, and definitely, the best rafting happens during the rainy season- from May-November. The river floats are perfect for families with young children and for avid bird watchers.

Related post: Costa Rica Weather

The Arenal Venado caves offer a unique insight into life under the earth. Prepare to get wet as you splash through the river on your way down to the caves. You’ll see an underground waterfall, several gorgeous caverns, and even see seashells that are millions of years old.

Night Tours

It’s incredible to experience the jungle at night, and there is no better wat to do so than with a night tour. You’ll see reptiles you’ve never seen before, plants that come alive and night and more. Kids especially love a night tour because, well, it’s just fun to walk around with a flashlight or a headlamp. Right? I love the night tours at Eco Centro Denaus .

La Fortuna Waterfall

I include this on the list because the La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country. The hike to the falls is short but steep, and once you arrive you can bathe in the laguna at the base of the falls.

I personally think the falls have become quite overcrowded over the years, and the admission price is steep. If you are traveling elsewhere in the country where there are waterfalls then I’d skip the La Fortuna Waterfall. the iconic Blue Waterfall is only about an hour away, and a much better waterfall to view.

LOOKING TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO COSTA RICA? START WITH OUR POST ON PLANNING A TRIP TO COSTA RICA.

Check out our top guides here:

• How To Use Your Cell Phone In Costa Rica
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• Costa Rica Weather
• Awesome Places to Stay In Costa Rica

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