La Fortuna, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is the gateway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. It is a town that has developed in the Arenal Volcano and is located just 3 to 4 hours from San Jose and the Juan Santamaria International airport and 2.5 hours from Liberia’s international airport. “La Fortuna” is Spanish for “The Fortune”, got its name due to its its sparing from the Arenal Volcano’s eruptions. This town provides all the services like 24 hour gas station, banks and ATMs, pharmacies, clinics, supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, bars, ice cream vendors, souvenir shops and many more.

La Fortuna town is centered around a beautiful park with colorful gardens and a large church. Arenal Volcano is the main star of the town and it provides the backdrop and can be seen from almost every vantage point. There are many hotels, restaurants, shops on the streets surrounding the central park.

Climate:

In La Fortuna, you will not experience four season that means you can expect close to 12 hours of daylight at any time of the year. You will find intense sunlight during the dry season and there is a resulting higher average temperature of above 25 C (77F). During the wet season, you will experience higher levels of humidity which may be perceived as very warm. In La Fortuna area, the annual average temperature is between 20 C and 26 C (68 F to 78 F).

Accommodation:

El Silencio del Campo:

El Silencio del Campo, one of the best-rated locations in Fortuna, has a cozy atmosphere for the visitor. They are more than willing to provide services that exceed all expectations. This lovely lodge about 4km west of town has 24 stand-alone cabins which are simple and comfortable. Rooms are featured with air conditioning, cable television, coffee maker, a safe box and a small refrigerator. El Silencio del Campo packs in privacy and comfort for families and couples.

Call: (506) 2479-7055
http://www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com/eng/index.html

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens:

Looking for the perfect combination of luxury and exploration? Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens might be your answer. Nayara gives you the opportunity to experience the wondrous natural surroundings of the Arenal Volcano. Their tropical gardens and pristine rainforests helps you discover Costa Rica’s ecological heart. This resort features 3 restaurants, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. Bungalows at Nayara Hotel Spa and Gardens feature local hand-woven fabrics and solid handcrafted wood furniture. Bungalows have private balconies overlooking the rainforest and volcano. Other amenities include a swim-up bar, a spa tub, and massage/treatment rooms.

Call: (506) 2479-1600
http://www.arenalnayara.com/index.html

Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat:

Situated on 26 acres with spectacular viewing of the Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna, this secluded resort offers rooms and suites with comfortable, orthopedic, queen sized beds with Egyptian cotton sheets. Those rooms also have balconies overlooking the panoramic vista of Arenal and Cerro Chato. You will also get a microwave, the dining area also has a refrigerator. This lodge offers free WiFi. This property also featured with a garden, a terrace, a tour desk. In Lava Lizard on-site dining, you can enjoy delicious meals which are prepared with locally grown ingredients. You can enjoy private horseback riding, professional guide service, on site spa and 2 km of on site nature trails.

Call: +506 2478 0023
http://www.leavesandlizards.com/

Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul:

Situated 1.5 km from the beautiful town of La Fortuna on the way to the waterfall, this hotel provides comfort, peace and harmony. Surrounded by exotic gardens, birds and wildlife typical of the region, this hotel offers rooms with cable TV, air conditioning and a private terrace and balcony. It also offers minibars, premium bedding, and coffee makers. Bur guests need to contact in advance to reserve a rollaway/extra bed.

Call: +506 2479 7360
http://ranchocerroazul.com/

Tree Houses Hotel:

Tree Houses Hotel, a bed and breakfast hotel conveniently located off the main road that runs through La Fortuna and around the Arenal Volcano, sits at eye level with the tree sloths, monkeys, and other arboreal wildlife. If you are looking for remote environs, you would you happy to know that the location of Tree Houses Hotel is securely out of the orbit of the central La Fortuna tourist hub. They have 5 tree houses on 8 acres which are surrounded by a 70 acre wildlife refuge. There are a waterfall, pools to swim and a beautiful river. To ensure highest level o comfort each tree house features A/C, refrigerators, warm water showers, and safes.

Call: 011 (506) 2475-6507
http://treehouseshotelcostarica.com/
More info: http://www.costaricajourneys.com/tree-houses-hotel/

Restaurants

Chifa La Familia Feliz

Located at the Side of Costa Rica Decents Tours Office, Chifa La Familia Feliz is a Peruvian restaurant. It serves two main peruvian cuisine traditional Cuisine or the peruvian Criollo and Chifa. This Restaurant is wheelchair accessible. They accept most of the common credit cards including American Express, Mastercard & Visa cards. They offer Free Wifi. The best thing is their Creative dishes & unique flavors, 100% phenomenal in every way. The Chef will make you feel that he is cooking just for you.

Call: 8469 6327 / 2479 8867

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chifalafamiliafelizcostarica/
More Info: http://chifalafamiliafeliz.com/

La Parrilla de Maria Bonita

Even though it is off the main road about 300 meters west of the main square, La Parrilla de Maria Bonita is a little difficult to find. But it’s definitely worth finding. Their cuisine include Steakhouse,  Lebanese, Grill, Latin, and Mediterranean. They have vegetarian options like hummus, falafel, salads, soups, etc. If you are looking for gluten free foods, they offer some options gluten free, like steaks. fish, chicken and appetizers. but not a lot of Lebanese food.

Call: +506 2479 7625
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaParrilladeMariaBonita/

Restaurante Cafe Mediterraneo:

Cafe Mediterraneo is a restaurant & pizzeria that overlloks the best view of the Majestic Arenal Volcano. It is a very romantic, very serves great Cappuccino, excellent Italian pizza, salad, Pasta, accompanied with a glass of wine, or just enjoy a sangria or a mojito.

Call: +506 2479 7497
https://www.facebook.com/Restaurante-Cafe-Mediterraneo-236095429903623/?rf=291882637626778

Inspira Cafe Restaurante:

This cafe restuarant serves Central American, Contemporary cuisines. Its menu includes Gluten Free options and vegetarian friendly dishes. For enjoying Local cuisine you can visit this restaurant. It is a perfect place for enjoying a dining on a budget. You can visit this place with a large group, your family and kids. It is also ideal for a romantic date, special occasions and business meetings.

Call: +506 2479 7139

Pollo Fortuneno:

This restaurant is perfect for families, kids, and also large groups. It serves local cuisines. You can enjoy dining on a budget. You can try grilled chicken and also other local foods here. It has just a basic menu, you choose either chicken or ribs. Its just a matter of what combo you want with what sides.

Call: +506 8991 0217

Novillito’s Steak House:

This steakhouse offers Latin, Central American, Spanish and Costa Rican dishes. This place is perfect for arranging special occasion. You can visit this place with your kids, families and large groups. You can try Local cuisine at this place.

Call: +506 2479 8606
https://www.facebook.com/pg/novillitos/about/?ref=page_internal

Que Rico:

Situated right in front of the Arenal Volcano, 6.5 kilometers west from La Fortuna Catholic Church, Que Rico restaurant is an excellent Italian and Costa Rican Restaurant. It offers Italian and Costa Rican cuisine. You can ask for delivery service, and enjoy its pizza at home.

Call: (506) 2479-1020
http://www.quericoarenal.com/en

Marisqueria Snapper’s House:

In La Fortuna, Marisqueria Snapper’s House is the best seafood restaurant with best price and excellent service. It is an ideal place for visiting with families with kids. At this place you can enjoy having your food on a budget. It serves local cuisine, Costa Rica, Central American and Spanish cuisine. It is also perfect for arranging special occasions.

Call: +506 2479 8100
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Marisqueria+Snappers+House&init=public

Don Rufino:

In the Arenal area, Don Rufino has forged its outstanding reputation as a preferred dining spot over 10 years. It serves delicious dishes which are prepared by beautifully mixing the best local flavors with those of the world cuisine. It features 6 prix fixe menus for different tastes and budgets.

Call: +506 2479-9997
http://www.donrufino.com/

Nightlife:

Lava Lounge:

This La Fortuna hot spot tends to be the most popular bar in town though there are a few bars scattered around the central park. It has local and imported beers plus plenty of cocktails to get you in the mood for live music, every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 to 10. From 9 to 11 am you can enjoy an unorthodox happy hour.

Call: 2479–7365
http://www.lavaloungecostarica.com/

Kazan:

Situated beside the Cascada restaurant, Kazan is a central bar in La Fortuna where locals and tourists alike gather to watch the game over a cold beer. It has loud music, tie-dye and tiki huts. It serves 2-for-1 cocktails from 5 to 7, free Wi-Fi, and a kitchen serving late-night quick bites.

Vagabondo Reggae Bar:

You can chill out at this super-relaxed reggae bar with a cheap beer and good vibes. It is located about 2km west of town. Behind the lion’s face, you’ll find a dimly lit bar where you will meet both Ticos and tourists, playing pool and (maybe) dancing.

Call: 2479-8087
http://vagabondocr.com/

Attractions:

Arenal Volcano:

Considered as the youngest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, Arenal is locate 9.3 mi southwest of the La Fortuna district. It is one of the seven historically active volcano of the country and one of the main attractions of the area that attracts many tourists each year.

La Fortuna Waterfall:

Surrounded by amazing plantation, this waterfall has the water source from Fortuna river. The area is rich in its biodiversity as it is very close to the Arenal National Park. Situated 5,5 kilometers from La Fortuna San Carlos, the entire waterfall can be reached after  around 20 minutes of hike.

Activities:

Trip to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs:

This tour will allow you to go close to the Arenal volcano and amazed by exploring its surroundings. Then you can take a lunch in La Fortuna and visit Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort where yo can enjoy some relaxed time in its naturally heated pools.

White Water Rafting to the Rio Balsa:

If you are water sport lover, you can go for a white water rafting tour to the Rio Balsa and enjoy paddling through its class II and III rapids. While flowing through the rainforest, you can also enjoy exploring the amazing beauty of the surrounding area and spot several species of wildlife and birds.

Canyoning:

Adventure lovers can go for canyoning in the lost canyon close to the Arenal Volcano and enjoy rappelling down cliffs next to three wonderful waterfalls. There they can enjoy swimming in the refreshing pools, enjoy solitary time or hike through the green rainforest and explore its amazing beauty. During this tour, they can also know about the geological history of the area.

SkyTrek Ziplining:

Though there are many ziplining tour options to enjoy in the area, the most amazing is the Skytrek that will allow you to enjoy the most amazing views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. While flying  600 feet high above the ground through the air, you will experience a thrilling adventure.

Trip to the Hot Springs:

You La Fortuna tour will not complete without visiting to the hot springs. Due to the Tabacon river offers, this area is famous for hot springs. There are may resorts and hotels which have their own hot springs but if you want to soak in the hot thermal pools for free you can visit the public entrance of Tabacon river and enjoy soothing your body.