A Complete Guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Things to do:

• Swim in the La Fortuna Waterfall - Prepare to descend 500 steps but once you do you can sit on the rocks to take it in, swim in the clear pools and take breathtaking photographs. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

• Hike the Mistico Hanging Bridges - Take one of the top nature walks in Costa Rica. The hanging bridges provide some of the best views of the Arenal volcano and allows you to see the primary rainforest up close. This is an ideal Hiking activity for families with children.

• Go Ziplining - A trip to Costa Rica is not complete without Ziplining. Get your adrenaline pumping as you zipline through the canopy of the rainforest. Take in gorgeous views of the Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano as you fly above the rainforest.

• Whitewater rafting - Feel the exhilaration of navigating the rapids along the Balsa (class 2-3 rapids: best for families) or Sarapiqui river (class 3-4 rapids). Be on the lookout for monkeys, sloths and birds along the way.

• Author’s favorite tour: Gravity falls waterfall jumping - This is the ultimate adventure on private land in the center of the rainforest. You will start by rappelling down an 80 ft rushing waterfall from there you will continue on and will have the opportunity to cliff dive several waterfalls ranging from 10 -30 feet.

• Arenal Volcano Hike - Another activity great for families with small children. Take this nature hike through the national park to witness breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the adjacent extinct volcano Cerro Chato. This hike will also offer optimal wildlife viewing!

• Take a cooking class - There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of Costa Rica than learning how to cook a Costa Rican Casado. Bonus: Adults will learn how to make tropical Costa Rican cocktail "Guaro Sour".

• Learn how to Salsa dance! - Immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata as you take to the dance floor, crafting enduring memories of this vibrant cultural experience.

• ATV tour of: Arenal Volcano - Crazy turns, wild jumps and a lot of adrenaline running though your body on this ATV tour all while experiencing one of the natural wonders of the world.

• Chocolate and Coffee tour - Get to know the culture, process and production of chocolate and coffee while you surround yourself with the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.

Day Trips:

• Day trip to Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Famous Rio Celeste Waterfall.

• Virgita Ristorante - Restaurant at Baldi Hot Springs, Andrew’s favorite restaurant

• Pollo Fortuneño - Best roasted chickens

• Restaurante Cafe Mediterraneo - Best pizza

• Marisqueria Snappers House - Best seafood

• Spectacolar - Great quick food with lively atmosphere

• Lave Rocks Cafe - Great location with large portion meals and indoor/outdoor seating

• Lava Lounge Bar & Grill - Great music and relaxing atmosphere

• Best Sodas - Costa Rican mom and pop Restaurants serving Casados

• Soda Mima

• Soda Vizquez

• Soda La Parada