La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Río Fortuna) is a 70-meter (230-foot) waterfall about 10 minutes by car from the town of La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano. A path of about 530 steps leads down through forest to the base, where you can swim in a lifeguarded section of the river. Entry costs about $18 to $20 for foreign adults, and most visitors spend two to three hours, including the climb back up. Go early in the morning for the smallest crowds and the clearest water.
This guide is for travelers planning a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall: how to get there, what the hike is like, where you can swim, what it costs and what to bring.
| La Fortuna Waterfall | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Height | About 70 m (230 ft) |
| Location | About 5.5 km (3.4 miles) south of La Fortuna, about 10 minutes by car |
| The hike | About 530 steps each way; 10–20 minutes down, 20–30 minutes up |
| Entrance fee | About $18–$20 for foreign adults; young children free |
| Hours | Daily from early morning; last entry mid-afternoon |
| Swimming | Yes, in lifeguarded areas; the pool under the falls may close when water is high |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Parking | Free |
Getting there
How to Get to La Fortuna Waterfall
The waterfall sits at the foot of Cerro Chato, a dormant volcanic cone next to Arenal, inside a 210-acre (85-hectare) biological reserve run by a local nonprofit. The entrance is about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from downtown La Fortuna on a paved road that climbs out of town, so you don’t need a 4×4.
- By car: about 10 minutes from town, with free parking at the entrance. Don’t leave valuables in the car.
- By taxi: about $10 to $15 each way from downtown. Arrange a pickup time with your driver before you go in.
- Walking: possible, but the road climbs steadily and has stretches without a sidewalk. Most visitors save their legs for the stairs.
- On a tour: many La Fortuna tours include the waterfall with transport, often combined with hanging bridges or hot springs.
- On horseback: some operators run rides of about 45 minutes to an hour through pasture and forest to the entrance. You still walk the stairs.
From San José’s international airport, La Fortuna is about three hours by road. See our Costa Rica airport guide and our guide to the town of La Fortuna.
The hike
The La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
From the ticket office, a short, flat path leads to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall through the trees, with no stairs. From there, a concrete stairway of about 530 steps, with handrails and rest stops, drops down through the forest to the river.
- Going down: about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Coming back up: about 20 to 30 minutes, with stops. This is the hard part.
- Difficulty: moderate. It’s steep but short, and the steps are well built.
Who it’s not for: anyone who can’t manage several hundred steps uphill. The viewpoint at the top still gives you a good look at the falls. Strollers won’t work on the stairs, so bring a carrier for babies.
Swimming
Can You Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, but where you can swim depends on the water level that day. Lifeguards watch the swimming areas during opening hours. When the river is calm, you can swim in the pool below the falls; when it’s high after heavy rain, staff close that pool and point swimmers to a designated area downstream. Signs at the base and the ticket office tell you what’s open.
- The water is cold and clear on most days.
- The rocks are slippery. Water shoes help.
- Follow the lifeguards’ instructions; the current under the falls is stronger than it looks.
Costs
La Fortuna Waterfall Entrance Fee and Hours
Recent guides list the entrance fee at $18 to $20 for foreign adults, with a lower rate for Costa Rican residents and free entry for young children (under 8 or 9). You can pay at the gate by card or cash, or buy tickets online through the official site. Prices change, so check before you go.
The waterfall opens daily in the early morning (7 or 7:30 a.m.) and closes in the late afternoon. Arrive by about 2 p.m. to give yourself time for the hike and a swim. The site is run by ADIFORT, a nonprofit community development association founded in 1969, which puts entrance fees into local projects in La Fortuna.
Facilities
- Restrooms, changing rooms and showers near the entrance; there are none at the bottom.
- Lockers for about $2, with a refundable $10 deposit.
- A restaurant, a gift shop and free parking.
Timing
Best Time to Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
- Time of day: go when it opens. Mornings are quieter and usually drier, and afternoon showers are common around Arenal.
- Day of the week: weekdays are less crowded than weekends and Costa Rican holidays.
- Season: the drier months, roughly February to April, usually bring the calmest, clearest water. In the wetter months, the falls are more powerful, but the pool under them closes more often.
See our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica by region for the Arenal area’s weather.
Pack
What to Bring
- A swimsuit, worn under your clothes, since changing rooms are only at the top.
- Water shoes or sandals with grip for the rocks, and sturdy shoes for the stairs.
- A quick-dry towel, insect repellent and sunscreen.
- A refillable water bottle.
- A dry bag or waterproof phone case for spray and rain.
Want better photos? Read our tips on how to photograph a waterfall in Costa Rica.
Nearby
What to Pair With the Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano National Park: short trails through old lava flows with views of the volcano. See our guide to Costa Rica’s volcanoes.
- Hot springs: a soak is the classic way to end a day of stairs. Compare options in our Costa Rica hot springs guide.
- Ziplining and hanging bridges: La Fortuna is one of the country’s main canopy-tour areas. See our ziplining guide.
- Río Celeste: the bright blue river and waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park is a popular day trip. Read our Río Celeste guide.
Staying in the area? See our picks for the best hotels in Arenal.
FAQ
La Fortuna Waterfall FAQ
How much does La Fortuna Waterfall cost?
About $18 to $20 for foreign adults, with a lower rate for Costa Rican residents and free entry for young children. Check the official site before you go, since prices change.
How many steps are at La Fortuna Waterfall?
About 530 steps each way. Going down takes 10 to 20 minutes, and the climb back up takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, in lifeguarded areas. The pool under the falls closes when the water is high, and a designated area downstream stays open for swimming.
How far is La Fortuna Waterfall from town?
About 5.5 km (3.4 miles), roughly 10 minutes by car or taxi on a paved road.
Do you need a tour to visit La Fortuna Waterfall?
No. You can drive or take a taxi and buy tickets at the gate or online. Tours are useful if you want transport or want to combine it with other activities.
How long should I spend at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Plan on two to three hours to walk down, swim and climb back up without rushing.
The short version
La Fortuna Waterfall is a 70-meter fall about 10 minutes from town, reached by about 530 steps.
Budget about $18 to $20 and two to three hours, and swim only in the lifeguarded areas.
Go early, bring water shoes and save energy for the climb back up.