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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.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
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.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
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:
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
It's a very developed and popular spot so don't think you'll have the place to yourself.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica

La Fortuna Waterfall Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

The La Fortuna Waterfall is open 7-days a week from 7 am to 5 pm.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The entrance fee is now (2025) 20 USD.
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Be warned. There are 500 steps to go down (and then back up) and it's commonly 30 deg with 90% humidity:
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
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".
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
Visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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.
La Fortuna Waterfall Costa Rica
​Returning down the same road, I stopped for an Agua de cocos:
Fresh coconut Costa Rica
And later, to try the Hecho en Costa Rica BIG COLA:
Big Cola Costa Rica
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):
Vegetariana Burger at the Yellow Bark La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Previous Post: ​Border Crossing: Nicaragua to Costa Rica at Las Tablillas
Next Post: ​​How to get from San José to Cartago by train - Costa Rica

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