Waterfall · La Fortuna, Alajuela La Fortuna Waterfall
A waterfall of about 70 meters (230 feet) near town, reached by 530 steps down to the river. It is run by ADIFORT, La Fortuna's community development association, which puts the ticket money into local projects.
What to know
Plan on 530 steps down and the same 530 back up, and wear shoes with good grip.
Open every day from 7 am to 5 pm. Entry is USD 20 for foreign visitors, and children under 8 enter free.
You can swim at the base of the falls. Follow the park staff's safety instructions.
Quick facts
- Height
- About 70 m (230 ft)2
- Steps
- 530 each way2
- Hours
- Every day, 7 am to 5 pm1
- Entry, foreign visitors
- USD 20 (February 2026)2
- Entry, children under 8
- Free1
- Run by
- ADIFORT, La Fortuna's community development association2
- On site
- Bathrooms, showers, a restaurant, a gift shop and an accessible viewpoint1
Where to stay and eat nearby
Our hotel and restaurant picks for La Fortuna, with booking, Tripadvisor and map links.
More in La Fortuna
La Fortuna
The town at the foot of Arenal Volcano and the first base on the 10-day route. Four nights here cover the volcano, the hot springs and La Fortuna Waterfall without rushing.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The protected area around Arenal Volcano, with marked trails and viewpoints that face the volcano. It covers 12,124 hectares and is run by SINAC, Costa Rica's national parks system.
Sources
- Catarata Río Fortuna: 530 escalones hacia la aventura y la naturaleza, Teletica, April 14, 2025
- Cada entrada cuenta: Catarata Río La Fortuna financia desarrollo social, educativo y ambiental, Delfino.cr, February 17, 2026
Last verified: October 8, 2026. Sources checked Oct 8, 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so check official sources before you travel.