La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Trails & a Hot River

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall combo, hike through the Arenal Volcano Ecological Park, and finish in a naturally heated river.

This approximately seven-hour shared experience combines three popular stops in one scheduled day. Transportation, entrance fees, lunch, volcanic mud, insurance, and a bilingual guide are included.

You will travel with other visitors and follow the group’s pace at each location.

What you’ll experience

We begin collecting participants from hotels around La Fortuna before the scheduled 8:00 a.m. departure. Several pickup stops may be required, depending on where the group is staying.

Once everyone is together, we drive to La Fortuna Waterfall. This is the first stop on your La Fortuna Waterfall Combo.

Reaching the waterfall requires descending approximately 530 forest steps. Those same steps must be climbed again before leaving.

At the bottom, the Fortuna River drops around 70 meters into a rocky pool. You will have time to enjoy the view and explore the designated river area.

Swimming may be possible when conditions are safe. Heavy rain can strengthen the current, so access may be restricted without prior notice.

The guide manages the timing for the complete group. Swimming, photographs, rest stops, and the return climb must fit within the scheduled visit.

Next, we continue to The Arenal Volcano Ecological Park. Your guide leads a moderate hike lasting approximately two hours.

Expect natural terrain, inclines, exposed roots, mud, and slippery sections. Along the route, your guide explains the volcano’s history and the surrounding forest.

Clear sections may reveal Arenal Volcano, although clouds can cover it at any time.

After the hike, we stop for an included traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Our final stop is El Choyin, a naturally heated section of the Tabacón River. Warm water flows between rocks and forest vegetation, creating an informal place to soak.

This is a natural river setting, not a developed thermal resort. Expect uneven rocks, changing water levels, limited facilities, and other visitors.

Volcanic mud is included. Bring your own swimsuit and towel.

We return to La Fortuna at approximately 4:00 p.m. Traffic, hotel drop-offs, weather, and the group’s pace may affect the exact arrival time.

Our local recommendation

Eat breakfast before pickup. Lunch comes after both the waterfall visit and the volcano hike.

Bring enough drinking water for an active day. The itinerary includes more than 1,000 stair movements at the waterfall, followed by a two-hour trail.

Changing facilities near a natural river may be basic or unavailable. A waterproof bag is useful for storing wet clothes after the soak.

Wear closed hiking shoes with reliable grip. A lightweight rain jacket is also useful, even when the morning begins clear.

Is this for you?

Choose this La Fortuna Waterfall Combo when you want to cover several major attractions in one organized day.

It works well for active solo travelers, couples, families, and visitors who prefer having transportation and admission arranged together.

The guide may be responsible for up to 15 participants. Explanations, assistance, wildlife observations, and rest stops are shared among the full group.

The itinerary follows a fixed schedule. Everyone normally leaves each stop together, so extended swims or long photography sessions may not be possible.

The waterfall requires descending and climbing approximately 530 steps. You will then complete a moderate hike before reaching the thermal river.

This experience may not suit travelers with significant mobility limitations or heart conditions. Physical ability matters more than age alone.

FAQ

How long does the La Fortuna Waterfall Combo take?

The published duration is approximately seven hours. Departure is listed at 8:00 a.m., with the return scheduled around 4:00 p.m.

Which volcano park does the tour visit?

The hike takes place at The Arenal Volcano Ecological Park. The walking section lasts around two hours.

How difficult is the waterfall visit?

The waterfall is reached by approximately 530 steps. The descent is generally easier, but the climb back can feel demanding in humid weather.

Can I swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?

Swimming depends on river and weather conditions. Staff may close access when rainfall creates strong currents or unsafe water levels.

What is included?

The experience includes transportation from hotels in the La Fortuna area, entrance fees, a bilingual guide, lunch, volcanic mud, and insurance.

What should I bring?

Bring closed hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, a rain jacket, drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a swimsuit, and a towel. A waterproof bag is useful for wet clothing.

Is the hot river a developed hot-springs resort?

No. El Choyin is a naturally heated section of the Tabacón River. Do not expect landscaped pools, lockers, restaurants, towel service, or resort-style facilities.