Free things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica? There are plenty of them! Keep reading for the best free and cheap things to do in this must-visit region.
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Have you been wondering about cheap things to do in La Fortuna?
I’ve got you all the way covered!
Picture this: you step off your flight to Costa Rica and you’re greeted with a warm “¡Pura vida!”
It’s the first of many greetings you’ll hear in La Fortuna.
But what does it truly mean? “Pura vida” translates to “pure life,” embodying the spirit of Costa Rica and its invitation to embrace life to the fullest.
In La Fortuna, there are so many opportunities to do exactly that.
After all, it is the adventure capital of Costa Rica!
But, at what costs? Costa Rica can easily get pricey if you don’t have the right approach.
That’s where I come in.
We recently spent 4 days in La Fortuna Costa Rica and managed to enjoy the best this destination has to offer while spending only $439 USD total per person – flights, accommodation, food, and activities included.
I’ll reveal the secrets that make La Fortuna, Costa Rica an absolute must-visit that won’t break the bank.
Keep reading for inspiration on how to do La Fortuna on a budget with the top 8 cheap things to do in La Fortuna, including some things that are FREE!
Need a quick, easy guide to planning and saving money in La Fortuna? Check out our full Explore La Fortuna Travel Guide
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1. Arenal Volcano: La Fortuna’s Legendary Landmark
Prepare to be captivated by the renowned Arenal volcano, the most popular volcano in Costa Rica!
So of course you need to add this to your things to do in Arenal, for its namesake.
For over 40 years, it continuously spewed out hot lava and rocks and was considered the most active volcano in all of Costa Rica.
It entered a dormant stage in 2010, and hasn’t had an eruption in over a decade. But the possibility of an eruption still lingers.
Despite its reduced activity, the Arenal volcano remains an exceptional sight to see. A sight that will stop you in your tracks, and for us, stopped us literally mid-bite.
We were enjoying a beautiful sunset dinner in downtown La Fortuna. And then, as if on cue, the clouds parted, revealing jaw-dropping views of the Arenal volcano.
On clear days, the volcanic peak is visible from nearly every corner of La Fortuna, offering a beautiful and cost-free view!
Standing tall at 1,657 meters with plumes of smoke rising against a pink and orange sunset sky, the volcano’s conical shape added a touch of magic to an unforgettable evening for us.
To fully embrace the Arenal volcano, consider selecting an accommodation in La Fortuna that provides prime views of this natural wonder.
We happened to stay at two Airbnbs in and around downtown La Fortuna that granted us amazing views of the Arenal volcano.
From our first Airbnb, there were incredible views from our private pool, and it was so relaxing to hang out on the front porch of our second Airbnb with clear views of the Arenal volcano from our hammock every time the clouds parted.
All of our Airbnb booking details are included HERE.
If you want to get a closer look at the volcano you can hike to the base. You have two excellent options: Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal 1968, both offering various hiking trails, right next to each other.
These trails are the closest you can legally get to the Arenal volcano.
The gases that escape from the volcano are deadly if you get any closer, so I don’t recommend trying to climb this volcano by any means.
[Side note: if you are interested in a cool volcano that you can climb in Central America, check out our El Salvador Budget Travel blog post which includes details of hiking the incredible Santa Ana volcano!]
Alright, so now what do you need to know about hiking the Arenal volcano trails?
Arenal Volcano National Park grants access for a $15 USD entrance fee, operating from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Meanwhile, Arenal 1968 charges $17 USD for entry and remains open until 6 pm.
Arenal 1968
Arenal 1968 has two trails – Lava Flow 1968 and Forest Trail 1968. When combined they are a total of 7 km long, making it possible to complete both trails all in the same day if you’re ambitious.
For a shorter and easier hike, opt for the Lava Flow trail, spanning 2.5 km and rated as moderate in intensity.
The trail gradually inclines as you approach the viewpoint.
On the other hand, the Forest Trail spans 4.7 km and offers a moderate-to-difficult challenge.
This less-traveled trail leads you through the lush forest before treating you to views of lava rocks and the surrounding lake.
If encountering wildlife is your priority, the Forest Trail at Arenal 1968 is your best bet.
It’s more challenging but free walking sticks are available at the entrance. Just make sure you return them before you leave!
Arenal Volcano National Park
If you’re looking to save $2 USD on the entrance fee, you can opt for Arenal Volcano National Park next door instead, there are lots of hiking options offered here.
Just be prepared for larger crowds than at Arenal 1968.
Arenal Volcano National Park features both a main sector and a peninsula sector, each offering more trails than Arenal 1968.
Note that the peninsula sector of Arenal Volcano National Park has similar scenery and views of the Arenal volcano as Arenal 1968.
Quick disclaimer: We spent four days in La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano was only visible half of the time that we were there. It’s often very cloudy in La Fortuna, so it’s a very lucky day when the clouds give way to the incredible sights of the Arenal volcano.
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2. Hot Springs: Soak It All In!
At the base of the Arenal volcano, you will find mineral-rich volcanic water, which is one of the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna – especially if you are seeking out a bit of self-care while you travel.
The thermal hot springs are just waiting for you to dip right in, and there are several ways to experience the famous hot springs in La Fortuna depending on your budget.
While the popular hot springs may drain your wallet, don’t worry! La Fortuna offers cheaper alternatives, including a hidden gem – a free hot spring that rivals its pricey counterparts.
Tabacon, a luxurious spa and resort, stands as the go-to choice for those seeking lavish hot springs experiences. However, with rates soaring around $300 USD per night, you’d be Seeing the World, but not Saving a Dollar.
If a Tabacon stay is not in your plans, you can still relish in the magic of hot springs with a day pass.
Tabacon offers both half-day and full-day passes, inclusive of food. Prices for these passes range for ~$75 USD to ~$110 USD, with slight increases during peak seasons.
You can immerse yourself in the wonder of the Tabacon hot springs, where cascading rivers and waterfalls flow over rocks, capturing the essence of the rainforest.
For those seeking a refreshing dip, cooler pools are also available.
But here’s the hidden secret: just across the street from Tabacon Hotel and Resort lies a free hot spring, deriving its water from the same source.
Did you catch that? This hot spring is FREE. This gem stands as a testament to La Fortuna’s affordability.
If you rented a car and need to park at the free hot springs, expect to pay ~$5 USD for parking.
Naturally, the allure of the free hot springs attracts a substantial number of visitors.
However, this should not stop you from visiting these hot springs because there are so many steamy natural pools that you can still find a secluded spot to yourself under the lush greenery of the rainforest.
While enjoying the free hot springs remember a few crucial points:
- The tide can become really strong
- It is REALLY rocky (Water shoes are a must! Water shoes are also recommended at the luxury hot springs, as well.)
- There are no restrooms
- There are no lockers, so do not bring your valuables here (But what about your phone? Simply bring a waterproof phone case. That’s what I did and had no issues!)
La Fortuna spoils visitors with so many options for hot springs, catering to all budgets, ranging from free to mid-range to expensive.
Your budget will dictate which hot spring experience you choose, but each option guarantees an unforgettable time.
We included them ALL in our La Fortuna Travel Guide, plus other FREE things to do in La Fortuna!
It’s worth noting that La Fortuna is not only known for its cloudiness but also for its lush rainforest. So, rain is to be expected. The best thing about the hot springs is that they can be enjoyed rain or shine.
During our visit to the free hot springs, it started to rain, but it really made no difference in how much we enjoyed it.
Embrace the rain! Sometimes, it provides the perfect ambiance for engaging in water activities.
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3. Lake Arenal: Find Balance and Serenity
Ready for a new perspective of Arenal Volcano? Paying a visit to Lake Arenal is another excellent and cheap thing to do in La Fortuna!
Right beneath the verdant Arenal Volcano is this extraordinary lake that offers many unique experiences.
One of the most thrilling ways to engage with Lake Arenal is by renting a stand-up paddleboard for only ~$10 USD per hour.
Tico Wind holds the distinction of being the largest and most established windsurfing and kitesurfing company in Costa Rica that also offers stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Arenal. They can be contacted at info@TicoWind.com.
You can put your balance to the test and glide across the tranquil waters.
The serene lake perfectly complements the incredible backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
From the moment you set foot on your paddleboard, you’ll feel a deep connection with nature.
As you leisurely paddle along, you’ll be treated to majestic views of the Arenal Volcano towering above you.
Feel the gentle breeze and revel in the tranquility of the surroundings at one of the most beautiful La Fortuna attractions.
Take your time to absorb the stunning scenery, capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and won’t cost you a fortune!
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4. Mistico Hanging Bridges
A visit to Mistico Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna, Costa Rica promises an extraordinary and immersive experience amidst the lush tropical rainforest.
This is one of the most special cheap things to do in La Fortuna!
Mistico Hanging Bridges has a unique network of suspended bridges that gracefully traverse the treetops.
As you step onto these sturdy and scenic pathways of this hanging bridges park, you’ll find yourself in a captivating world above the forest floor.
When we visited the Mistico Hanging Bridges, it was an amazing opportunity to appreciate the intricate ecosystem and marvel at the breathtaking biodiversity.
Exploring the Mistico Hanging bridges on our own was a memorable experience.
For a fee of $26 USD, we had the freedom to visit the suspended pathways at our own pace.
To make the most of your visit, we highly recommend arriving early before the crowds! The Mistico Hanging Bridges are open from 6 am to 3:50 pm daily.
For those seeking a more guided experience, there is an option to join a tour with a knowledgeable guide.
For approximately $40 USD, the guided tour provides valuable insights into the rainforest.
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5. Waterfalls: You Can’t Help But Chase These
If you are visiting La Fortuna, you can’t skip La Fortuna waterfall! It’s one of the most unforgettable cheap things to do in La Fortuna.
It’s a majestic waterfall that is fed by the Arenal River through the trees of the rainforest and gloriously drops down 70 meters into a pool of glistening jade-colored water.
It’s best to visit this waterfall earlier in the day if you want fewer people around. La Fortuna waterfall is open from 7 am until 5 pm every day.
We went later in the day at 4 pm and there were a lot of cars in the parking lot. Once we saw a lot of cars, we knew it’d be a lot of people.
But it turned out to not be overly crowded at that time either, as most people were beginning to leave.
It costs $18 USD per person to enter La Fortuna waterfall which you can pay with card or cash. You can also book ahead here with TripAdvisor to skip any entry lines.
When you pay this fee, you are supporting the local conservation efforts of Costa Rica which makes every penny worth it.
There is a viewpoint after you get through the entrance and the waterfall looks so far away from here. But in reality, you can experience La Fortuna waterfall in a pretty short amount of time.
There are 500 moderately steep steps that lead you down through the trees and takes under 20 minutes to tackle going down.
The stairs are actual metal stairs that are evenly spaced, unlike some other hikes we’ve been on in other places that were much more difficult to climb down. (I’m looking at you Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida.)
It wasn’t very hard to get down to La Fortuna waterfall. You’re immersed in the rainforest as you descend, and you make it down the 500 steps before you even realize it.
There is a viewing area of the waterfall near the bottom of the stairs. But you made it all the way down here, go ahead and get into the falls!
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The sun was out, and we were hoping the water would be warm. But rarely is a waterfall warm.
La Fortuna waterfall is no exception because let me tell you, it was ICY. It was also SO powerful!
There are so many rocks in front of the waterfall that are perfect to pose on if you don’t dare to get into the cold waters.
But be careful, many of these rocks are extra slippery. Wear water shoes that have some grip. Here are the water shoes that I wear, which saved my life a few times!
My husband was determined to get into La Fortuna waterfall, of course.
So he jumped right in and tried to swim as close as possible to the falls.
Let’s just say, he didn’t make it very far. The waterfall was way too powerful!
But he had such a great time swimming around in the jade-colored waters, and I was in awe of how beautiful this place was!
La Fortuna waterfall isn’t the only waterfall that completely blew us away during our time in Costa Rica though.
We were also fascinated by Rio Celeste waterfall (our Youtube video is linked above).
And we have all the details on the easiest way to book a day trip with the best tour guide from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste in our 4-Day La Fortuna Itinerary.
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6. Rio Salto: Get Into The Swing of Things
El Salto rope swing is a free hidden gem that’s tucked away beneath the bridge heading towards Catarata La Fortuna (La Fortuna Waterfall).
If you are staying in downtown La Fortuna Costa Rica, and looking for a La Fortuna thing to do for free, here you go!
El Salto Costa Rica is only about a 15-minute walk outside of the downtown area.
Don’t miss out on this free natural experience at this La Fortuna Rope Swing.
As you arrive at this captivating spot, you’ll be greeted with soothing sounds of cascading water.
You can chill on the rocks and admire the small waterfalls, take a dip into the river, or if you’re more on the wild side – swing high above and into the waters on the rope swing.
Rio Salto is a great place to cool off and enjoy La Fortuna on a budget!
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7. Bogarin Wildlife Trail: Biodiversity Galore
The main draw to Bogarin Wildlife Trail lies in its extraordinary array of wildlife. It’s one of the most incredible cheap things to do in La Fortuna if you are into wildlife.
You’ll have the privilege of witnessing the remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.
Look up to the slow-moving sloths, known for their adorable and leisurely demeanor along this sloth watching trail.
Be amazed by the colorful array of birds that grace the skies and trees, filling the air with their melodic songs.
Admire the presence of amphibians and reptiles, each showcasing unique adaptations and intriguing behaviors.
The Bogarin Trail has one main loop that stretches 2.5 km. The trails themselves have smooth, level surfaces.
It’s an easy and flat hike that is well worth the $10 USD to explore on your own, or the $35 USD for a guided experience.
Bogarin Wildlife Trail welcomes visitor daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
8. Food: Dive Into a Variety of Flavors
Compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica is more westernized and designed for tourists.
This translates to a variety of delicious food options, and the best part is that they are pretty inexpensive in La Fortuna!
It’s such a treat that one of the most cheap things to do in La Fortuna is eating delicious food.
Walking through downtown La Fortuna, you will find many fusion restaurants, Italian restaurants, and chicken spots sprinkled in with the traditional “sodas”.
A “soda” is a Costa Rican mom-and-pop open-air restaurant that will have you eating like a local. Imagine the most flavorful plate of rice and beans, corn tortillas, sweet plantain, and a meat of your choice. What I just described to you is a traditional Costa Rican dish known as “casado.”
“Casado” translates to “married.” One local Costa Rican (tico) let us know that it refers to a comforting meal that husbands are used to getting from their wives, so it makes them feel at home when they go to a restaurant and are served “casado.”
Another tico said this dish is like a marriage of all the best flavors that Costa Rica cuisine has to offer. This is something that can’t be denied, and a HUGE reason you need to try “casado” in La Fortuna!
One of our favorite local restaurants that we tried in La Fortuna was just outside the downtown area called Tiquicia. It is the perfect place to have a delicious traditional lunch or dinner. They are open from 12pm to 9pm every day.
Tiquicia is worth the 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna and is a MUST-TRY restaurant on our list! They have great service, authentic Costa Rican cuisine, and amazing drinks.
We enjoyed the strawberry colada, virgin piña colada, traditional Costa Rican steak, rice, corn, garlic shrimp with rice, plantain, and potatoes at Tiquicia.
Tiquicia was more on the “expensive” side, totaling $32 USD for the two of us at dinner. Overall, still a great price!
Most of the other delicious restaurants we ate at in La Fortuna only cost us $8 USD total and are just as filling. They’re included in our Explore Costa Rica 4-Day Itinerary: La Fortuna Edition!
For all my coffee lovers, Costa Rica is the best place to be!
It’s actually against the law to produce anything but the best kind of coffee in this country. Seriously.
Every cup of coffee you have in La Fortuna is of the highest quality.
A great way to start your morning in preparation for the adventures of the day ahead is with a cup of 100% Arabica coffee in La Fortuna!
Now what’s a trip to Central America without trying the fruits?
Get adventurous and try something you may have never heard of or seen before! You won’t regret it.
Our favorite fruits that we have tried in La Fortuna are granadilla and maracuya. You also can’t go wrong with an ice-cold fresh coconut.
The fruits are so cheap, costing you somewhere around 500 colones which is less than $1 USD. You won’t want to miss out!
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FAQs: Cheap Things to Do in La Fortuna
Is La Fortuna worth going to?
La Fortuna offers stunning natural wonders (Arenal volcano, rainforest, hot springs), thrilling adventures, and a vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
To fully appreciate the highlights, we recommend spending 3 to 4 days in La Fortuna Costa Rica, allowing ample time for exploring the adventure capital.
Where can I see sloths in La Fortuna for free?
You can see sloths at the free bio reserve Rio Danta Corredor Biologico Sendero.
What is the fee for La Fortuna Waterfall?
It costs $18 USD per person to enter La Fortuna Waterfall.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
So there you have it, some of the best cheap things to do in Costa Rica.
More specifically, the top eight cheap things to do in La Fortuna, and free things to do in La Fortuna!
- the massive Arenal Volcano
- the steamy free hot springs
- the tranquil Arenal Lake
- the mystical Hanging Bridges
- the colorful waterfalls
- the cool flowing Rio Salto
- the incredible wildlife on the Bogarin Trail
- the amazing food in La Fortuna
One of the best parts about La Fortuna, Costa Rica is that it’s relatively easy to explore, even if you only have limited time to spend because of your full-time job.
We show you exactly how to maximize your stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in our 4-Day La Fortuna Itinerary where we include many more adventures that are to be had in the adventure capital of Costa Rica for all different budget levels.
If you want to save time planning your trip to La Fortuna, check out our Explore La Fortuna, Costa Rica Travel Guide. Everything inside the guide is organized by budget to help you See the World, Save a Dollar!
Wow, so cool and love the things you can do and the awesome pictures you can take in this place,
Thanks for checking out the article! La Fortuna is truly amazing, the pictures don’t do it justice!
I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica. Great blog and great pics! Will deffo use this itinerary to plan my trip!
Thanks so much for your support! La Fortuna is a must-visit. I hope you make it out there soon! 🙂
Costa Rica looks like an amazing place to visit! I’m especially interested in Arenal National Park and hiking around the volcano there.
Costa Rica has so much natural beauty! There’s also so many opportunities for hiking and adventure – I’m sure you’ll love it if you pay it a visit! Thanks for reading 🙂
Those waterfalls. WOW! Looks like such a tremendous adventure.
La Fortuna is truly the adventure capital of Costa Rica! Thanks so much for checking out my article 🙂
Oh wow, Costa Rica is on my bucket list for such a long time. Every time I see content like this I wonder why I haven’t left yet.
Thanks for checking out my article! I hope you make it out to Costa Rica sooner than later, there’s so many amazing things to do there!