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Nature, adventure, and epic views don’t have to cost a fortune in La Fortuna. Here’s how to do it for less.

La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most naturally stunning regions—home to the Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and steaming hot springs. But with all the zipline tours, spa resorts, and guided hikes, it can quickly feel like you have to spend a ton. Not true! There are plenty of affordable and free things to do in La Fortuna.

While guided tours and activities have their perks (and we loved many of them!), here are the best free and budget-friendly activities that prove La Fortuna doesn’t have to break the bank.

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Totally Free Things to Do in La Fortuna

Soak in the Free Hot Springs

Yes, there is one place in La Fortuna where you can soak in natural hot springs for free instead of paying for it. Just outside the famous Tabacón Resort is a public access point to the same geothermal river.

Put “Free Natural Hot Springs River” in your Google Maps. It’s also known as the El Choyin Springs. You’ll see tons of cars parked along the roadside and people climbing over the guardrail to get down to the river.

Bring water shoes (the rocks can be slippery), keep your valuables on you, and don’t leave anything visible in your car (theft is a known problem here).

Our friends Kenny & Wendy went to El Choyin and they said it was terrific. It’s popular and scenic, but it gets very crowded in the afternoon and on weekends. A week-day morning is perfect!

Try the El Salto Rope Swing

A local favorite just minutes south of town on Route 702, the El Salto Rope Swing. Brave jumpers use the rope swing to fly or flip into the Río Fortuna below, while spectators cheer them on from the riverbank. Can you say “Tarzan”?

It’s totally free, wildly entertaining, and a great way to cool off. Afterwards, swim in the river or hang out with friends on the rocks. I recommend wearing water shoes and stay alert for slippery surfaces.

I wasn’t brave enough to do it, but I watched for quite awhile and took video of the people having a blast!

Dozens of swimmers relax on the rocks and in the water at the El Salto Swing. This is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna, for both locals and visitors. — Click to watch video of the jumpers!

People-Watch at the La Fortuna Town Square

Grab a smoothie or an ice cream cone and find a bench at the town’s Parque de La Fortuna. It’s a beautiful town square with an enormous tree in the corner – I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a huge tree!

The Square also gives you a front-row seat to daily life in La Fortuna, with Arenal Volcano as a backdrop. The people-watching includes both locals and tourists, hanging around the square.

Kari’s Tip: If you will be there for more than a couple minutes, look for a kiosk and pay for parking. We got scolded not doing that when we were there.

An enormous tree sits on the corner of the park in the middle of the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Stroll Through Downtown La Fortuna

Wander the colorful streets, window-shop at all the local souvenir shops, and get your picture taken at the I ❤️ La Fortuna town sign. The views of the Arenal Volcano are especially beautiful at sunset.

A colorful sign says I heart La Fortuna, surround by lush greenery.

Budget-Friendly Activities Under $30

There are some fantastic low-cost things to do in La Fortuna without emptying your wallet. All of these activities cost under $30 USD per person

Hike the 1968 Trail at Arenal Volcano National Park

Named after the year of Arenal’s major eruption, the 1968 trail network takes you past hardened lava flows, jungle paths, and incredible volcano overlooks. Choose from several routes, from short loops to longer treks.

With a self-guided hike, all you have to pay for is the National Park Entrance fee. Here’s a guide to buying tickets to Costa Rica National Parks.

Swim at the La Fortuna Waterfall (Self Guided)

Lots of the paid tours in La Fortuna include a stop at the 230′ La Fortuna Waterfall. But if you want to go on your own, the Waterfall Admission Ticket is less than $30.

Start at the platform on top, then descend 500+ stairs to reach this iconic waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool. Swim near the base if conditions allow. It’s a steep climb back up those 500+ stairs, but totally worth the effort.

Kari’s Tip: Bring your swimsuit, water shoes, and a towel.

Book the Admission to the La Fortuna Waterfall

A couple of tired hikers stand on a platform in front of the La Fortuna Waterfall after climbing down 500 steps! — Our friends Kenny and Wendy by the La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges (Self Guided)

The Mistico Hanging Bridges park features 16 bridges (including 6 hanging suspension bridges) taking you through the rainforest canopy. In the middle, the hanging bridges sway back and forth, giving you a bit of an unsteady feeling. But it’s so beautiful to be surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest.

Doing a self guided tour at Mistico is the perfect budget friendly way to experience the park. The morning time slot is a little more expensive (slightly over $30), but the afternoon time slot comes in under $30.

Lush tropical rainforest goes up the side of the mountain. — Click to watch the Video of Bill crossing the swaying bridge.

Bill pauses mid-bridge at Mistico Park, taking in the sweeping jungle views—an iconic part of any La Fortuna itinerary. — Click to watch the Video of Bill crossing the swaying bridge.

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Look for Birds at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails

One of the best birdwatching and hiking spots in the area is the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. A Day Pass gives you access to their extensive rainforest trails, the canopy-level Nest observation tower, and panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal from the Observation Deck, all for under $30.

They have a restaurant on-site if you want to extend your visit with a meal. We just brought sandwiches with us and ate them on the observation deck.

Time your visit for early afternoon when they put out fruit for the birds. Hundreds of birds descend in a feeding frenzy for about an hour.

Book the Arenal Observatory Lodge Day Pass

Colorful blue bird with a golden head and black mask sits on a wooden branch. Bird-watching is also one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna. — Golden Hooded Tanager

For more on Costa Rica birds, check out my complete post about where to find them.

Search for Wildlife on the Bogarin Trail (Self-Guided)

Located right in La Fortuna town, the Bogarin Trail is an easy trail that winds through secondary forest and is a great place to spot sloths, toucans, and frogs. Going self-guided is a fantastic option if you want a quiet nature walk without leaving town.

Kari’s Tip: Don’t forget your phone or camera—there are tons of chances for incredible photos and videos!

Eat at Costa Rica Soda

One of the most affordable things to do in Costa Rica is eat at Soda restaurant. These casual dining options offer a broad range of traditional Costa Rican food at an affordable cost, often under $10 per person. Our favorite soda in La Fortuna was Restaurante Tiquicia, just south of town on Route 702, near the El Salto Rope Swing.

It’s where the locals eat so if you can’t find one on your own, ask a local where their favorite place to eat is. Here’s my complete guide to Costa Rica sodas.

The Interior of the soda restaurant shows a tile floor in shades of red and orange, tables and chairs for guests and lights hanging from the ceiling.

Quesadilla with sour cream and pico de gallo in separate bowls. — Bean Quesadillas – $8

Budget Tips for La Fortuna Travelers

Start early. Many attractions get crowded later in the day.
Pack snacks and a reusable water bottle. Food at tourist sites can be pricey.
Use a waterproof dry bag if you’re visiting rivers or hot springs.
Ask your hotel about shuttle services to avoid parking hassles.

FAQs About Visiting La Fortuna

Q – How many days should I spend in La Fortuna?
A – Minimum, 2–3 days will let you hit the highlights: an adventure tour, a hanging bridge or waterfall, and a hot spring. If you can, 5–7 days will let you explore more deeply, and actually find time to relax between activities. We were lucky enough to be there for two whole weeks.

Q – Besides the Free and Cheap Activities, what else is there to do?
A – La Fortuna offers a ton of both nature and adrenaline activities for people of all ages and interests. White water rafting, Ziplining, bird-watching, sloth finding and more. Check out our complete guide of things to do in La Fortuna here.

Q – What’s the difference between La Fortuna and Arenal?
A – Great question—and one that many people are confused about.

Arenal refers to the massive volcano, the national park, and the surrounding region (including the man-made Lake Arenal).
La Fortuna is the main town: it’s where you’ll find tour offices, shops, restaurants, and lots of hotels.
The highway between the town and the volcano (Route 142) is filled with resorts, hotels, restaurants and hot springs spas.

Q – How do you pronounce Arenal?
A – Another very common question. It’s pronounced: “AIR-uh-nahl”

Q – Where should I stay in La Fortuna?
A – There are hundreds of lodging options in the Arenal and La Fortuna area—from 5 star resorts to budget hostels. I’ll save you hours and hours of research: Here are the 10 best places to stay in La Fortuna, sorted by budget.

Final Thoughts: Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting on a Budget?

Absolutely. With so many free and affordable things to do, La Fortuna offers huge value for nature lovers, wildlife watchers, and adventure seekers alike. You can splurge on a couple of bigger items, then take advantage of all these free and budget-friendly activities.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or as a family, this destination proves you don’t need a big budget to have a big experience.

Want to explore Costa Rica on a budget? Check out our other posts on:

More Info on Costa Rica

Here are some more posts about Costa Rica, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.

La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano Area

Manuel Antonio / Quepos Area

Monteverde / Santa Elena Rainforest Area