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The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
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What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
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For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
Discover Adventures
La Fortuna
Welcome To La Fortuna
⦿ Country
Costa Rica
⦿ Destination
La Fortuna
⦿ Population
20.147
⦿ Currency
Colones (₡)
⦿ Language
Spanish
⦿ Attractions
52
La Fortuna
Description
La Fortuna is a district located in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. It is mainly known for being the access point to the Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
La Fortuna offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, boating and hot springs. In addition, it has a large number of hotels, restaurants and stores to satisfy the needs of visitors.
Arenal Volcano National Park
What are the main attractions?
Arenal Volcano National Park, located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Some of the main attractions are:
Arenal Volcano: The Arenal Volcano is one of the main attractions of the park. Although it is currently in a state of rest, its conical shape and history of eruptions make it a point of interest for nature and geology lovers.
Trails and hikes: The park has a network of trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. Some of the most popular trails include the Coladas Trail, the Los Tucanes Trail, and the Heliconias Trail.
Viewpoints: The park offers several viewpoints from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and its surroundings. Mirador El Silencio and Mirador La Peninsula are two of the most popular.
Hot springs: The area around the Arenal Volcano is known for its natural hot springs. There are several resorts that offer hot spring pools where visitors can relax and enjoy the healing properties of the volcanic waters.
Lake Arenal: The park also includes part of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake. Visitors can enjoy water activities such as boating, fishing and windsurfing.
These are just some of the main attractions of Arenal Volcano National Park. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this area to enjoy its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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History
Ancient history and settlement.
This district was founded by Mr. Elías Koper who arrived in the area in 1932, other founders are Porfirio Rojas, Marcial Jarquín, Alberto Quesada, Juana Vargas, Jose Garro, Rufino and Isolina Quesada, Juan Ledezma, Julio Murillo and others.
At the beginning of the 1940’s, the community of La Fortuna began to define itself after the arrival of farmers coming from Ciudad Quesada, Grecia, Alajuela and other regions of the canton of San Carlos. These first settlers were mainly dedicated to agriculture, hunting and cattle raising.
The first settlement in La Fortuna was in 1914 and 1915 in the sector known today as La Palma. Before 1948 it was known as El Burío, however, all the natural riches inspired Mr. Rufino Quesada, Mr. Antonio Hidalgo and Mrs. Isolina Quesada to change the name to La Fortuna.
The district of La Fortuna is located 46 kilometers from Ciudad Quesada, it covers an area of 225 square kilometers and has a population of 5,707 inhabitants.
Located in the northern plains, La Fortuna is home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for its natural and geological richness.
The thermal waters coming from the volcano are rich in minerals associated with wellness, and it is one of the most visited places in the country, where you can relax and enjoy a unique natural setting in the middle of the rainforest and the largest artificial lagoon in the country, the Arenal Lagoon, located between beautiful forests and mountains.
Geography
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna.
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal has 12,124 hectares, and is located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, 15 kms. from La Fortuna. There are several trails and viewpoints in the park, which allow the observation of much of the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the remains of the lava flows.
It is considered a living laboratory because of its complexity in the development of biological processes, and it also provides 70% of the water contained in the Arenal reservoir basin, the country’s main source of hydroelectric energy.
For a long time, the Arenal volcano was inactive, until 1968, when it made a strong eruption that caused the destruction of the towns at the foot of the volcano, and the death of many people.
With an altitude ranging from 500 to 1,633 meters above sea level, the volcano stands out with an almost perfect conical conformation, which makes it stand out from the rest of the other volcanoes in the country.
This park offers visitor information, communication, restrooms, and drinking water.
Adventures Await in La Fortuna
Range of Adventures for Travelers to Discover
In La Fortuna, the volcano watches quietly as waterfalls dance and hot springs whisper. It’s not just a destination — it’s nature’s invitation to slow down and feel alive.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a destination filled with natural wonders and thrilling experiences. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few of the unforgettable adventures that await:
- Celeste Rive Hike
- Arenal Volcano Hike
- Bird Watching Tour
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Venado Caves Tour
- La Fortuna River Waterfall
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour
- Coffee and Chocolate Tour
- Day Walk at Danaus Eco-Center
- Arenal Zipline Adventure
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Safari Float at Penas Blancas River
- Frog Watching Night Walk at Oasis
- White Water Rafting Class 2-3 / 3-4
- Night Walk at Mistico Hanging Bridges
- Canopy Tour
- River Tubing Adventure
- Nightly Safari Floating
- Los Canones Zip Lining Adventure
- Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
- ATV Adventure Tour
- Safari Float by Kayak
- Arenal Biking Tour
- La Roca Canyoning Adventure
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding
- Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappel
- Night Walk at Danaus Ecocenter
- Arenal Volcano Hike with Baldi Hot springs
- Arenal Volcano Hike with Ecotermales
- Sloth's Territory
With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and strong commitment to conservation, La Fortuna offers an extraordinary blend of excitement, tranquility, and natural beauty — making it a top destination for travelers from around the world.
