On my trip to Costa Rica, I had one full day in La Fortuna to explore the surrounding area. This may not sound like a lot, and it’s not, but I also had time in Monteverde. Many of the popular activities, such as chocolate farm tours, ziplining, and hanging bridges, can be done in both cities. Because of that, I chose to spend my time in La Fortuna on something I wouldn’t be able to find in Monteverde.
I chose a La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano tour, as for me, these were the two highlights of this region (and something I wouldn’t find in Monteverde). This was a full day excursion and was definitely one of my highlights of Costa Rica.
Why Book an Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Tour
I was traveling on my own and public transportation just doesn’t reach everywhere. Even though one of the top things to do in La Fortuna is to visit the Fortuna Waterfall, there’s no bus that takes you there. Or at least you couldn’t when I visited in February 2020. So, either you’d have to rent a car or you need to join a tour. Those are your only two realistic options.
As a solo traveler, I felt a car was going to be expensive. Plus, I really did not like the ideal of driving a rental car by myself in Costa Rica. So I went looking for a tour and eventually found Red Lava Tours. While not cheap, they offer several tour options based out of La Fortuna. I opted for their Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, and Hot Springs Tour.
The Tour Begins
Since I had booked the tour online, there was nowhere to put my information for my hotel. This was fine as my hotel was only a five minute walk away from their tour office in the center of town. If you book the tour in town, or actually contact the company beyond just making a payment, they’ll likely be able to pick you up at your hotel. How do I know this? Because the first part of the tour is spent picking up people from different hotels around La Fortuna.
This sounds awful, but it really didn’t take too long. Especially for my group. Nearly 30 people had signed up to take the tour that day. That’s a huge group! But the tour company was great about it. Instead of having one giant group of 30 people, the tour organizers split us into two groups: one of 20 and one of about 10. It was sheer luck that I was placed in the group of 10. If I’m taking a guided tour, I prefer to be in a smaller group. I just find them so much more enjoyable.
Once we had everyone picked up, we headed off to our first stop of the day: Arenal Volcano.
Just one note here, because I really want to take a moment to appreciate the tour company. Not only did they split us into two separate groups (to avoid one giant group of 30 people), they also sent the groups off in opposite directions. My group went Arenal Volcano and then visited Fortuna Waterfall after lunch. The other, larger group went to Fortuna Waterfall first and then visited the volcano. We passed the other group briefly at lunch, but since my group was constantly running a bit behind, we were never in the same place as the other group. That makes a huge difference.
Arenal Volcano
We drove to the Arenal Volcano and to my surprise we had a perfectly clear morning. Most days, the clouds cover the top of the volcano. When I arrived in La Fortuna the day before, I couldn’t see the top of the volcano. I just expected that was how it would be.
But the weather had other plans.
We had crystal clear, blue skies for the entire duration of our hike. So while it was hot, I certainly wasn’t complaining! It was the perfect weather for my Arenal Volcano tour.
Our hike was not to the top of the volcano, but was rather on some of the trails surrounding the volcano. We spent a lot of time walking through the trees, but eventually came up to some incredible view points. Along the way, our guide, Erick, taught us all about the ecology of the Costa Rica. Erick was so passionate about everything he talked about that is was difficult to not share in his enthusiasm.
After our first view of the volcano, we walked out to a volcano field. We were led along another trail through the lava field to another spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano. At this view point, we took a short break (long enough for one person to get out his drone and fly it) and I just took in the views around me. They really were that amazing.
Fortuna Waterfall
After a break for lunch (which was included with our tour), hopped on a tractor. Yes, a tractor. That tractor took us hill to a viewpoint. It was here that started our hike to the Fortuna Waterfall.
This hike felt more difficult than the morning’s hike because there were a lot of steps. My journal says 300 steps. I know I didn’t count, so that number came from Erick and I’ll take his word on that. Based on my journal, it was a lot of steps because I did some serious complaining when writing my journal entry for this day. In my defense, at the time of this trip to Costa Rica, I was not in good shape. Mix that with the fact that some steps were as high as my knee, and it’s no wonder I thought it was really hard.
Your reward for hiking is the Fortuna Waterfall. It is beautiful and I was amazed at its size. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of the waterfall. In order to get to the waterfall, we had to cross a river and quite frankly I was nervous about falling and dropping my phone, so I left it behind.
Anyone who knows me, knows that this was a smart decision since I’m not the most graceful person. Need proof? I tried being super careful while hiking and still managed to dislocated my knee at Rocky Mountain National Park!
But I made it and I’m so glad I did! After the waterfall, we climbed back up those 300 steps (it was so much worse climbing back up) and Erick cut up some fresh fruit as a snack for us. Delicious!
Hot Springs
Our final stop of the day was a hot springs. After a hot, sweaty day of hiking, what better way to relax than to soak in a natural hot springs. We were definitely running late (the other group was already finished at the hot springs, and therefore the tour by the time we arrived), but we still had plenty of time to soak and enjoy the hot springs. Shout out for the amazing tour company for not rushing us!
We had the setting sun and the Arenal Volcano in the background, with Erick pouring some drinks for everyone. Now that is the best way to end a tour around La Fortuna.
Return to La Fortuna
After the hot springs, we returned to the town of La Fortuna and everyone said their goodbyes — although I’d run into at least three of the members of my group again later in other towns in Costa Rica.
Overall Thoughts on the Day
When I took this tour, I wrote how it was a lot more work than I thought it was going to be. I wanted to see the Arenal Volcano and the Fortuna Waterfall, but I didn’t realize how much hiking would be involved. Other people may read this and get nervous, but I think I was being a bit dramatic.
If you’re in average health, you should be fine. Just realize and accept that you may be in the back of the group. Over three years since this tour, I lost a bunch of weight and hiking is so much easier. I’m sure I’d have no problems on this hike if I were to do it again (although I still hate steps that are as high as my knee!).
My guide for the day was absolutely fantastic! I can’t say enough good things about Erick. I already mentioned that I was one of the last people in the group because I was a slow hiker, but he always waited until everyone in the group caught up before giving his talks. Additionally, he had no problem giving the same talk multiple times if people were hiking at different speeds. I can’t say that that will be the same for every guide, but Erick was one of the best guides I’ve ever had on a day trip. His enthusiasm was contagious.
One more story about our guide. At one point, Erick came up to three of us in the group and said “I found a rock”. He proudly displayed a rock before realizing how ridiculous that sentence sounded, but then went on to explain that it’s volcanic rock and why it was so cool. So yes, Erick was that awesome and he made us care about the smallest things. If you take this tour, I hope you get someone as passionate as I had.
If I were in La Fortuna again, I would 100% consider doing this tour again. For those without a car, I think this is the best way for you to see the surrounding area. For those with a car (such as one couple in our group), having a guide made everything easier, but this could absolutely be done on your own. But at the end of the day, I have no regrets about taking this tour.
Continue Your Adventure
Costa Rica Travel Guide: For everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica, check out my Costa Rica Travel Guide.
Travel to La Fortuna: If you’re traveling between La Fortuna and Monteverde, consider using the popular Jeep-Boat-Jeep tour.
Monteverde: Along with La Fortuna, Monteverde also ranks high on travelers’ favorites. Learn all about the fun things to do in Monteverde.
Manuel Antonio: This national park on on the southwestern coast is a favorite among travelers. Learn how to plan a perfect visit to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Itineraries: For the best introductory trip to Costa Rica, check out this 9 Day Itinerary.