La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica
Posted: September 3, 2022 | Tagged: Costa Rica
I arrived in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, having crossed the border from Nicaragua just yesterday, and today, after getting some cash at the Banco Nacional, where ATMs are free to use, I was off to visit the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall.
There are a few ways to get there.
You can visit the waterfalls as part of a tour, take a taxi or Uber, hire your own wheels, OR you can walk.
There are no local buses.
It's a 6.4km hot and sweaty walk. In real-time, for me it was 1 hour and 20 minutes. You might wanna allow a bit more, as most of the walk is uphill. It's a road walk, so no need for hiking boots. I went in flip-flops.
You can visit the waterfalls as part of a tour, take a taxi or Uber, hire your own wheels, OR you can walk.
There are no local buses.
It's a 6.4km hot and sweaty walk. In real-time, for me it was 1 hour and 20 minutes. You might wanna allow a bit more, as most of the walk is uphill. It's a road walk, so no need for hiking boots. I went in flip-flops.
If you are staying in La Fortuna for a few days, check out this 3-day La Fortuna itinerary.
Costa Rica feels like a Latin version of Queenstown in New Zealand. Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks here for sure:
Costa Rica feels like a Latin version of Queenstown in New Zealand. Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks here for sure:
It's a very developed and popular spot so don't think you'll have the place to yourself.
La Fortuna Waterfall Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
The La Fortuna Waterfall is open 7-days a week from 7 am to 5 pm.
The entrance fee is now (2025) 20 USD.
Be warned. There are 500 steps to go down (and then back up) and it's commonly 30 deg with 90% humidity:
With Junior, security and lifeguard at the La Fortuna Waterfall:
I asked him if he ever had to go in and rescue anyone.
"Yes. The current is very very strong. It will suck you in (and spit you out some later I guess, or maybe not). Quite a few aren't as good swimmers as they thought they were".
I asked him if he ever had to go in and rescue anyone.
"Yes. The current is very very strong. It will suck you in (and spit you out some later I guess, or maybe not). Quite a few aren't as good swimmers as they thought they were".
It's a very nice spot indeed.
There is also a little swimming spot. I don't do water very well and was content to just bathe my feet.
There is also a little swimming spot. I don't do water very well and was content to just bathe my feet.
Returning down the same road, I stopped for an Agua de cocos:
And later, to try the Hecho en Costa Rica BIG COLA:
And for dinner, a Vegetariana Burger at the Yellow Bark restaurant with a YELLOW BEER, a craft beer. Hmm. Not my thing. The Imperial is better. Each to their own. I'm probably a philistine anyway.
Ask Miss CDMX about my sense of taste (or lack of it):
Ask Miss CDMX about my sense of taste (or lack of it):
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