Ecological Reserve Fortuna Waterfall

A must do when in La fortuna! A quick morning activity that is 2-3 hours if you spend a good amount of time hanging out by the waterfall. Roughly 500 stairs to the waterfall but worth every second. The stairs are well defined and not difficult to walk on which is different than most hiking trails I’ve ever been on. We did see an older gentlemen (late 60’s or early 70’s) and the bottom of the waterfall with a splint and crutches and he had no problem getting around.
The waterfall is incredible and picturesque. It does get busy and people hang out at the base of the waterfall so I recommend getting there early as the place can get crowded pretty quickly. Parking lot is available but slightly small so I can imagine during the busy season it fills up fast.
The walk back up was tolerable, although there are numerous platforms to rest and take a breather on if needed. I do not believe you need to be fit to do this activity. It might take slightly longer and require more breaks but generally “healthy” individuals should have no problem with the stairs and hike.
At the main entrance there is a gift shop, bathrooms, showers, and food/drinks available for purchase. Additionally, there is an orchid trail which I imagine is beautiful when the orchids are in full bloom (they weren’t during the time of year that we were there).

This was absolutely amazing. Fair warning it really is 538 steps down and there is only one way back up… the way you came. So be ready. But if you make the trek you won’t be disappointed. The most amazing view of the waterfall, great swimming and just a break from the heat overall. 10/10 we will come here every time we visit la fortuna. Make the stop it’s worth it!!!

Beautiful. Don’t miss the orchid trail at the top/start of the trail down. Unfortunately it’s $18.00 USD but the parking is free. No guides thankfully just go at your own pace. I wouldn’t recommend it for people with cardiac issues like myself. I didn’t make it down but my family did.

🌟𝕃𝔸 𝔽𝕆ℝ𝕋𝕌ℕ𝔸 𝕎𝔸𝕋𝔼ℝ𝔽𝔸𝕃𝕃🌟
---> COSTA RICA<--
》La Fortuna Waterfall was absolutely stunning! The name means “Fortune,” "Luck". This waterfall is fed by the Tenorio River. The view of the waterfall spilling out from a cliff at the base of the dormant Chato volcano and plummeting 70-meters (230-feet) before hitting a tropical pond that’s surrounded by the rich, green rainforest along the Arenal Mountain range is an awe-inspiring experience!《

$16 a person for entry, free parking but lot is small.
Orchid garden, butterfly garden and restaurant also inside along with bathroom, lockers and drinking water.
500 well maintained steps down to waterfall and river swimming area, and beautiful views on the way down. Not too bad on the way up if you take your time. Remember it is a rainforest and can dump rain at any time.

Amazing place to visit. The walk down to the base is only five minutes and really well paved. Highly recommended

Absolutely incredible. Stunning gorgeous walk down to the jungle floor and the glorious catarata la fortuna!! Worth every penny!

Got to enjoy the lovely atmosphere here June2022. Well kept and friendly staff. Was not over crowded at all during my stay.

The waterfall is absolutely incredible and also surrounding nature is amazing. There are some ancient places and wildlife as well.

Don't let the stairs scare you. The hike to the bottom of the falls and a quick dip in the river is a great experience.

Although it is a short hike, but very impressive with rewarding waterfall and swimming.

Stunning

Absolutely breathtaking. Have a family of 7 and everyone loved it. The stairs were really long(around 500) but our 4 year old climbed every one by herself which isn't normal. She must've been having a great time. The kids loved playing downstream in the water. It was pretty rocky by the waterfall so I'd recommend watershoes.

Go early. Opens at 7am. It's beautiful to have this wonder all to yourself

Beautiful hike down to the base of the falls, and incredible views all the way down. You can get in the water at the base - or at least no one stopped us when we were there.

It's a lot of steps to get there but if you're healthy, its worth it and incredible. The base of the waterfall is accessible and you can get in the water and get very close to it. The "canyon" that the base is in, is similar to a horseshoe shape, with the walls of the canyon, seemingly closing in around you at the base. Very cool.

Beautiful place, the waterfall is breathtaking be prepared for the uphill stair climbing.

Lots of steps but so worth it. Amazing waterfall! Cold water feels nice in the heat. Must be sure-footed to get over the rocks to the waterfall. Really fun place. Has a safer swimming spot off to the left of the fall. Try swimming up to the waterfall. :)

There is a super friendly dog that is usually at the falls, we got a kick out of him. This place is great, though. Beautiful, like all of Costa Rica.

Well organised entrance. Nicely designed steps (yes, those infamous 500 steps) with resting areas. Waterfall was well worth it! Not a heck of allot of parking.