La Fortuna Waterfall - Costa Rica - Catarata Fortuna

Attractions Costa Rica Arenal La Fortuna

While visitng the Arenal, La Fortuna area of Costa Rica, be sure to visit the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. La Catarata is managed by the Asociacion de Desarollo de La Fortuna (the local community development group) and is one of the northern zone area's most popular tours.

The La Fortuna Waterfall is 70m high and surrounded by lush rainforest. To view the waterfall you need to pass by the information bureau at the entrance (this has restrooms where you can change into swimming wear and a small shop). The entrance to the waterfall is $6, and used to maintain the 600m steep trail leading to the falls. The trail leads first to an overlook where there is an excellent view of the long falls cascading down a steep, forested canyon.

It approximately a 20 minute walk from the entrance to the natural pool at the base of the falls. Although swimming is no longer permitted in this pool you can swim in the river located close by. At the base of the waterfall, you will find huge rocks where you can sit, take great Costa Rica pictures, relax or have a picnic.

The Waterfall is located just 4km south of La Fortuna. The walk is not particularly scenic and it may be worth preserving your energy for the climb down to the waterfall by taking the 10 minute taxi ride to the entrance. There are also horse tours to the falls available by many outfitters across town.

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Arenal: Fire in the night sky
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Arenal Volcano National Park
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Costa Rica National Parks