La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica
May 13th, 2024
La Fortuna Waterfall stands as a natural masterpiece in Costa Rica, a majestic cascade plunging 75 meters into a tranquil pool below. Surrounded by lush greenery and the symphony of tropical birds and howling monkeys, the waterfall offers a serene escape from the bustling world.
Check in
When deciding on what to do in Costa Rica we knew that La Fortuna was one of our stops. We chose an AirBNB in La Fortuna to stay for two nights. The AirBNB was hosted by a local couple that also host other properties in La Fortuna (I’ll add the link below). It seems that everyone in Costa Rica is travel guide, and our hosts were no exception. They offered several activities in the area with special discounts, and we did take them up on one, a $39.00 one hour massage and facial which he booked for us the day before and got us in at the exact time we wanted (and it was amazing!). The AirBNB itself was in a excellent location, close to downtown but felt super secluded and private. It was only a 6 minute drive to La Fortuna Waterfall. It also had a natural pool that we used several time to cool off after a hike or after a long day of exploring the surrounding area. Naturally, a mountainous region is a bit cooler, but the cooler water was no problem for these Minnesotan gringos!
Local Eats
Once we checked in after a very long day of driving after our excursions in Monteverde, we picked out a local restaurant to try. A 6 minute walk or a 2 minute drive, you can find El Chante Verde. El Chante Verde, is a charming dining spot tucked away in the lush tropical rainforest. Exuding a serene and rustic ambience, the restaurant offers a unique combination of traditional Costa Rican cuisine with a modern twist. The open-air layout allows guests to dine surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, creating a tranquil and immersive dining experience. With a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, El Chante Verde prides itself on serving flavorful dishes that showcase the diverse culinary heritage of Costa Rica. We got there early and easily got a table, as the night went on there was a small wait for those, but a nice waiting area outside the restaurant. If you want to drive to the restaurant they have a back parking lot with ample parking. The food was amazing, like all of the reviews raved about. I got the first picture, tuna poke bowl, Ryan got the steak, salad, and papas fritas, and Rick doesn’t take pictures of his food, but I’m pretty sure he got a flat bread which he enjoy immensely. A local dog stayed by our table waiting for table scraps, which he was rewarded.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The next day, we headed out to La Fortuna waterfalls at our assigned time of 9am. When you book you will need to choose a time. I assume they do this to regulate flow down to the falls, but once you’re in you can stay as long as you want. We stayed for about an hour and a half. When we checked in there was a light rain, that turned into a torrential downpour. We waiting it out for a little bit in the restaurant on site, Restaurante Rio Lounge. As we were waiting we could hear howler monkeys in the trees and spotted one just out the back of the restaurant and it’s baby. The rain passed quickly and we headed down the 500 stairs to the falls. The stairs are well maintained, and have several spots to stop and sit if the climb back up is too much for you to do all at once. Descending is not the hard part, but because it just rained a ton, it was a bit slick.
Down at the falls, the place was already pretty busy. The falls opens at 8am and several people arrived early and made it down before the rain started. There is a nice overlook right in front of the falls that we snapped a few photos, then headed down to the rocks and Ryan jump in the cold water and swam around for a bit. A lot of people actually were swimming around, most were observing on the rocks. We hung out by the falls for a while, then headed down the rocks to the lower pool by climbing the rocks. The lower pool is mild and easy to swim and family friendly. There are a lot of fish in the lower pool who are not shy! Using Ryan’s underwater camera and my camera with water housing we were able to snap the below pics. They have a really nice log seating area with hooks for clothes or backpacks. A foot washing station is located just before you head up the stairs again.
Walking up the 500 stairs at La Fortuna was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Motivational quotes strategically placed along the way encouraged perseverance and inner strength. The well-placed rest stops offered a brief respite, allowing hikers to catch their breath and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We made our way towards the top, we stopped but he restaurant for quick drink. As we exited to the parking lot, I couldn't help but appreciate the sense of security provided by the diligent monitoring of the parking lot by the security personnel. It was reassuring to know that our belongings were safe as we embarked on this exhilarating adventure! After the falls, we stopped by Soda la Hormiga for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast.
Want to see our adventure to the falls? Check out my Instagram Reel and follow Beach Blonde Voyage for more adventures!
Mentions & Links
AirBNB: Habana House & Natural Pool, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 2 bedroom, 1 bath, up to 8 guests
La Fortuna Review
La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica is a breathtaking natural wonder that definitely deserves a 5-star review. Nestled in the lush rainforest near the Arenal Volcano, the waterfall plunges about 70 meters into a pristine pool below, offering a spectacular sight and a refreshing swimming experience. The journey down to the waterfall involves a hike down a well-maintained staircase of around 500 steps, which provides plenty of opportunities to soak in the surrounding beauty and catch glimpses of wildlife.
Once at the bottom, the large, clear pool invites you for a swim with its cool, fresh water—a welcome reward after the trek. The area around the waterfall is also great for relaxing and picnicking. Visitors should be prepared with good shoes and a bit of stamina for the hike, but the stunning views and the tranquil atmosphere at the waterfall make every step worth it.
Overall, La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Costa Rica, offering a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. It's an unforgettable part of the Costa Rican landscape that leaves visitors in awe and eager to return.
