La Fortuna, Costa Rica – Home to the Constantly Active Arenal Volcano and a 230-Foot Waterfall

The Costa Rica “WOW” factor is in full swing in the La Fortuna area.

Located 90 kilometers northwest of San José in the province of Alejuela on the border with the province of Guanacaste, La Fortuna is a literal tourist mecca that features; the Arenal National Park, home to the “constantly active” Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, the largest body of water in Costa Rica, the Tabacón Hot Springs, the impressive 230-foot La Fortuna Waterfall, as well as endless organized adventures .

So popular is this inland destination that we met up with two estranged families we had met just two days earlier in Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast (déjà vu – Costa Rica style :o)

There is no shortage of options in the La Fortuna area when it comes to activities, restaurants, and hotels. Canopy tours, zip line activities, mountain and waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, ATV tours, lake boat tours, jungle trail hikes, hot springs, swimming, and of course, nature watching from all the high and low points.

When making plans for our visit, the priority was to make sure we had a view of the lava flow of the Arenal Volcano from our hotel, so that our night views would be memorable. Hotels surround the Arenal Volcano, but at the time of our visit, lava was only flowing down the southwest side of the mountain. Hotel Linda Vista was our hotel of choice and the views were spectacular…both during the day and at night.

As spectacular as the views were during the day, the night view of the active Arenal Volcano was truly indescribable. The volcano’s peak glowed with red gases as lava sizzled and flowed as molten magma broke free from crusted flows. Unfortunately, my camera was unable to capture any images worth posting due to the distance, the darkness, and the lack of strength of the light coming from the lava. So if you want to see it, you’ll have to experience it for yourself :o)

Of all the great physical activities on offer in the La Fortuna area, waterfall rappelling sounded like the most fun for both me and my 13-year-old daughter. Unfortunately we found that most activities occur at predetermined intervals and our timing was not good. Be sure to book your tours in advance if you plan on participating!

However, not all was lost. La Fortuna Waterfall, located just west of downtown, is a “come anytime” attraction…and it didn’t disappoint. After a short walk through the park there is a solid raised platform to view the waterfall.

Access to the base of the waterfall via a nearly vertical trail is not for the faint of heart or those who are not in reasonable shape. Do not attempt to descend if there is any chance that you think going back up is beyond your physical ability…I witnessed several people struggle immensely to get out of the canyon.

But if you make the trip to the base of the waterfall, you won’t be disappointed: