La Fortuna Waterfall drops into a jungle canyon a short drive from town, and it is the one sight nearly every Arenal visitor puts on the list. A local community association runs the site.
Getting to the base means about 500 to 530 steps each way. Going down is easy; coming back up is the workout. Swimming is allowed in the pool below the falls when conditions allow, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes. If the stairs are too much, the viewpoint at the top has no stairs at all and still shows you the falls.
With little kids, or anyone who would rather not walk in, there are two good alternatives. A wagon ride from age two takes in a lookout point and the waterfall, and a horseback ride from age seven reaches the falls. The gate opens at 7 am, and in high season it pays to be early.
What to bring. Swimsuit, towel, water shoes or sandals with a strap, a dry change of clothes, and water for the climb back up.
Before you book, one honest note. These prices are each operator's own published rates, which we last checked in October 2026, and they move with the season. We book this with a local operator we trust, and their confirmation is the final word on price, timing, pickup, and what you get. If a detail matters to your trip, whether that is a dietary need, a mobility question, a birthday, or a tight flight, ask us before you book and we will confirm it with them directly rather than guess.
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