La Fortuna Waterfall: The Complete Guide (Cost, Steps & Swimming)

The La Fortuna Waterfall is the photo everyone comes home with: a 70-meter ribbon of water dropping out of the rainforest into a turquoise pool. It's a 15-minute drive from town and easily one of the best half-days in the area. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

How much does it cost?

There's a park entrance fee paid at the top — roughly $18 USD per person at the time of writing (it has crept up over the years, so confirm the current rate before you go). If you'd rather not deal with transport and want a guide who knows the area, our La Fortuna Waterfall & Swim tour (from $45) covers the ride, entrance, and a local guide in one.

The hike: about 500 steps

From the entrance it's a steep, well-built staircase down to the base — around 500 steps. Going down is easy; the climb back up is the workout, so take your time and bring water. The whole thing takes most people 30–45 minutes plus however long you linger at the bottom.

Can you swim?

Yes — but read the water. The pool directly under the falls has a strong current and gets pushy when the river is high, so it's roped off at times. The calmer pools just downstream are perfect for a cool-off swim. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes if you have them, and a dry bag for your phone.

Best time to go

Early. Gates open in the morning and that's when the light is best, the crowds are thinnest, and the afternoon rain hasn't arrived. If you only do one thing before lunch on day two of your trip, make it this.

Want something quieter?

The main waterfall can get busy. For a more off-the-beaten-path version with far fewer people, our secret waterfall tour with a local (from $85) takes a small group somewhere the tour buses don't go.

Make a day of it

The waterfall pairs naturally with the hanging bridges and hot springs combo (from $75), or go big with the waterfall, volcano & hot springs combo (from $120) and knock out the headliners in one day. New to the area? Start with our guide to how many days you actually need in La Fortuna.

Where to stay

Blackout is right in the center of town, a short hop from the waterfall, and our front desk books the tour for you with no agency markup. Dorm beds start at $11 — see our rooms or book a bed.