The 9 Best Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

1.Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 609 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $20Our pick

Reserve entry to La Fortuna Waterfall and explore at your own pace without a guide. Walk through the Río Fortuna Ecological Reserve, descend roughly 500 steps, and reach a powerful 70-meter waterfall where swimming may be allowed. Admission costs $20, with parking, restrooms, changing areas, and rest stops near the top.

“Beautiful waterfall. Be prepared for all the stairs as it is not for everyone. The restaurant and gift shop were also nice. 4 stars only because of the stairs, but that’s not a reflection on the excursion. We did not swim at the base which might have given more rest”

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2.Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $94

Ride a tame horse from Arenal Mundo Aventura through reforested land and private farms, then walk steep steps to La Fortuna Waterfall for photos or a swim. Guides such as Otto, Kevin, Danny, Pablo, Carlos, Paz, and Crystal have earned praise for their patience. The ride suits beginners, but the waterfall hike is demanding.

“The experience was great! Our guide Otto was awesome and made the tour great. The horseback ride was a good length without getting too sore and the falls were beautiful”

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3.Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · from $124Top rated

Start at 7:30 a.m. with a guided Arenal lava-trail hike, then swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and cross Mistico’s rainforest bridges. Add hot springs for a relaxing finish. Guides may include Diego, Gabriel, Ivan, Harvin, or Daniela. Hotel pickup, snacks, and park fees are included, with lunch available as an option.

“This hit all the major attractions in the area in a single day. Daniella was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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4.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210

You’ll combine four La Fortuna highlights in one small-group day: a gentle safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, La Fortuna Waterfall, a traditional lunch with the Rodríguez family, and a slow hike around Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, Oscar, and Carlos are known for spotting wildlife and explaining local nature and culture.

“Edgar and Tony were great! The family restaurants food was amazing and all staff was just so nice. Finished super tired and weather wasn’t ideal but overall great time. :)”

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5.Half-Day Tour with Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · from $173

Spend about six hours exploring Arenal’s rainforest canopy and La Fortuna Waterfall with a small group of up to eight. Guides such as Oscar, Francisco, Jason, and Marvin help spot sloths, frogs, birds, and snakes, while hotel pickup, snacks, lunch, and park fees are included. Expect stairs, wet trails, and a memorable casado lunch.

“Was very glad we opted to use a guide versus trying to visit the hanging bridges and waterfall on our own. Helped with transportation, pointing out wildlife, and taking pictures”

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6.Hanging Bridges, Volcano Hike and La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $175

Start at 7:30 a.m. with a guide-led walk at Mistico Hanging Bridges, then hike near Arenal Volcano and finish at La Fortuna Waterfall. Guides such as Samantha and Marco help spot wildlife and explain the area. Small groups, transport, entry fees, snacks, bottled water, and lunch are included.

“Although there are a fair number of people at Mistico, our guide, Samantha, made it feel more personal. We also went to the La Fortuna waterfall and up Arenal. Samantha was very informed and showed us the beauty and diversity of the area (which was mind-boggling). We also had a delicious lunch!”

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7.Half-Day Tour with Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Start with a gentle wildlife float on the Peñas Blancas River, then visit La Fortuna Waterfall and share a traditional lunch at the Rodríguez family ranch. Guides such as Isaac, Pepe, Marco, Carlos, and Oscar have led this tour, which includes hotel pickup in La Fortuna, equipment, park fees, snacks, coffee, and a maximum of eight people.

“We booked this tour as part of our anniversary trip to Costa Rica. We were fortunate to get Carlos as our guide. He knew so much about Costa Rica, and not just the wildlife either. We spoke about everything from the flora and fauna, to the culture, economy, and much more. We were treated to a full history lesson as well as the beauty of the river. The tour ended with a marvelous local lunch and even a sloth sighting.”

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8.Combined Tour (Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $283

Start at 8:00 a.m. for a 6 to 7-hour guided outing from La Fortuna covering Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Marco, Miguel, and Mike bring sharp eyes, forest knowledge, and lively commentary. Expect a small group of no more than 15 people, included bridge admission, and moderate walking.

“We had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend the Combined Tour. Our tour guide Mike was very knowledgeable and a great personality. Our driver was very good.”

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9.Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $108

From La Fortuna, a small group follows a guide through Tenorio Volcano National Park to Rio Celeste and Los Teñideros. Expect about two hours of hiking, steep stairs, mud after rain, wildlife spotting, and a Costa Rican lunch. Guides such as Santos, Rosa, Roy, and Samantha add local nature knowledge and adjust the pace to the group.

“This was my first trip to Costa Rica with my Daughter. Our tour guide was Santos. He was exquisite. He shared the culture of the country and showed us a wonderful experience. The your itself was 4 hours, including the transportation. The company was Desafio. His hospitality and warmth were top-notch. I would give this company 10 stars if possible. After a vigorous 2 hours hike through the jungle, which was Desafio (challenging) for me, but worth it! The waterfall was amazing and we saw interesting things along the way and ended our tour with an authentic lunch, Casado / fresh fish, rice, beans, avocado, salad and fresh-squeezed guava juice.…”

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