
Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs worth booking?
Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs is a 10-hour experience in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, from $260 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (4)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $260 per person
LA FORTUNA WATERFALL: To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, you hike a path of 530 steps, rest and hydration through a forest with native trees of the area. Taking pictures and finally take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. Tour duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. After finish this activity we enjoy a typical costarrican food. Hot springs tour: This tour start relaxing into the health mineral pools surround of naturally heated pool temperatures from 96°F-100°F (36°C – 38°C). Tour duration: 1 hour
What you get
About this experience
LA FORTUNA WATERFALL: To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, you hike a path of 530 steps, rest and hydration through a forest with native trees of the area. Taking pictures and finally take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. Tour duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. After finish this activity we enjoy a typical costarrican food. Hot springs tour: This tour start relaxing into the health mineral pools surround of naturally heated pool temperatures from 96°F-100°F (36°C – 38°C). Tour duration: 1 hour
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- AT LEAST 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Carbonated beverages
What you'll see and do
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Waterfall hiking: Climate zone are transition premontane tropical wet forest, part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located at 520 meters over the sea level, where there are sources of our mountains and the waters of the Fortuna River. To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, visitors must pass a path of 530 steps. Once in front of the waterfall take a refreshing swim in blue sky clear waters. Tour duration: 1.5 hours. After waterfall hike we have a lunch typical costarrican dish.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guanacaste Adventure & Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Terrible customer service, waste of our time
The driver didn't show up, I called and he said there was a mudslide so we couldn't go but there was a similar tour fircthe same pride. He finally picked us up 3 hours later. 5 hours driving, 2 hour tour. Not worth the $550 I paid for 2 people.
Response from the operator: Hello! Dear client Marjorie Hope so you are doing fine . I been in touch with viator customer service platform on email . I explain the weather conditions at arenal volcano is not good and was a mountain slide at Main Road and traffic stock by 10 hours. I gave the option to change the tour to a different rainforest area instead arenal volcano and you are agree with that. As well i told you i can gave you 100% money refund and you don't accept that because you want to do the excursion. Have a great day!
via Viator
Awesome thanks
I lost my go pro in the water the guide never gave up trying to find it .we finally found it at the closing of the park .100 % customer service
Response from the operator: Hello! Charles Thanks for your comments. My company tour Operator take care the clients always and i do the Best of me and crew also. Hope so you and friends contact me again to do another amazing tour in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. At your service
via Viator
Highlight of our trip
This was the best part of our trip! We started the day on a bus that took us ziplining from there we got to ride horses and then spent time learning about the local culture. We got to try coffee and sugar cane and saw / bought absolutely beautiful pottery. We finished the day with the most delicious meal that was our favorite meal of our whole 10 day trip. I'm still thinking of the star fruit 🤤 we finished they day with mud baths, hot springs and an exhilarating waterslide. We were recommending this excursion to everyone at our resort.
Response from the operator: Hello! Dear customer Thanks a lot for your comments. Was a pleasure to be with your family in this tour as well I feel good because you enjoyed. Hope so to see you soon in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 At your service
via Tripadvisor
A very good half-day worth of fun
As mentioned in the description, this tour consists of several parts: Zip lines: The zip lines were decent but if you're expecting the auto breaking feature like the one at Diamante, you will be disappointed. You'll be expected to break at times using a leather glove which is fine but it does require some interaction. Otherwise, you can walk the hanging bridge if zip lines aren't your thing, but you won’t be doing much more while waiting for everyone to finish. If it’s a busy day, you’ll spend some time waiting your turn at each of the platforms which get a bit crowded. The staff were nice enough and did a good job safety wise. Keep in mind to get to the first platform, you’ll have to hike several minutes up hill past the water slide, so bring something comfy to walk in that you won’t mind getting muddy. Water slide: Honestly, this thing was scary as hell. Any water slide that requires a helmet and an inner tube for protection should give you pause. You’ll have to hike back up the same path as the zip lines to get to the top of the 1200-foot water slide. Women are given a leather “diaper” to wear to provide a bit more protection. You sit in the concrete/clay slide with your elbows tucked into the inner tube and then an operator opens a hand raised water dam which unleashes all of the blocked water and shoots you down the slide. The slide isn’t perfectly straight so you bounce around like a ping pong for awhile while water is splashing all up around your head. At certain turns, you’ll almost flip over and then you’ll splash down into the pool wondering what just happened. If your arms slip out of the inner tube and hit the side of the slide, you’ll probably bang up your elbows pretty good. Or you can just skip this one. Coffee sampling with snack: This consists of visiting a local potter on site who makes a number of fired clay products such as vases, toys, and other decorative items. A coffee shop sits behind him where you can sample some of the different local coffees and even purchase bags for yourself. Ladies standing near the kiln will offer you a small sample of snacks in a banana leaf. The pottery items were all reasonably priced in my opinion. Lunch: Lunch was actually pretty good with a small buffet consisting of fish stew, rice, chicken, salad, spaghetti, beef, and dessert. Everybody seemed to enjoy their meals. You’ll also have access to coffee and juice. Horse back ride: The horses were all very well behaved and trained to follow the lead horse without much interaction from you. The trip was probably a solid 15 minutes or more to the hot springs at a nice leisurely pace with some very nice scenery. If you opt not to take the horses, you can ride the tractor down to the springs. The only physical part of it was getting off of the horse which the guides will help you do. Hot Springs: this was easily our favorite part of the whole experience. After changing into your swim suits, you’ll be asked to sit in a sauna for a few minutes to open up your pores. Then you get to slather volcanic mud all over yourself and stand on a platform to let it all dry. The view at the hot springs were amazing, being flanked on both sides by tall canyon walls and a river splitting it down the middle. Once your mud is dry, you shower off in some pretty cold water and can hop into the first of three hot springs (essentially, warm, hottest, and hot). The hottest (105 degrees Fahrenheit), was perfect on a rainy day and so relaxing. There are also two bars there that offer paid-for cocktails and other beverages, a snack bar area, a paid-for massage area and some sitting spaces if you’re hanging around and not in the springs. After you’re done, you take the tractor back to the entrance. Tip: If it’s the rainy season, consider bringing a poncho or raincoat. Lockers are provided at the entrance and the springs so don’t be afraid to bring a small bag for a change of clothes. Also, bring cash with you wherever you can. There are tip boxes for each of the events but if you locked up your belongings in one of the lockers, you’ll be hard pressed to get it and come back to some of the location. The potter and the coffee bar take credit cards as well as the photo guys. If you want to do the water slide and not hike barefooted in the dirt/mud, wear water friendly shoes. Bring bug spray, you’ll shower it all off before getting into the springs anyway.
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for your comments. I appreciate that and sorry about some inconvenient you have in this tour. At your service
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything Guanacaste Adventure & Travel runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Flamingo.
How much does Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs cost?
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Prices start at $260 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Flamingo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa Flamingo is not rushed.
Is Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Flamingo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa Flamingo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa Flamingo and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa Flamingo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa Flamingo?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Flamingo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flamingo, Guanacaste All Inclusive Catamaran Snorkel Adventure, Adventure Pass, Playa Flamingo Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Lunch, Cocktails. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa Flamingo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa Flamingo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs?
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Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; Entrance fees; and Lunch. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Carbonated beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 79 listed pickup locations in and around Playa Flamingo. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Rainforest "La fortuna waterfall" hike-swimming+ hot springs?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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