10 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (Summer Guide) 

Are you planning a summer adventure in La Fortuna in Costa Rica? Summer in La Fortuna is perfect if you are looking for some laid-back time and adventures that don’t feel rushed. 

It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and water experiences that let you experience the rainforest at an easy, comfortable pace. With warm weather, greener views, flowing rivers, and a slower vibe overall, summer makes La Fortuna feel relaxed, fun, and surprisingly easy to travel.

But how will you know what the best things are to engage in here? Don’t worry! We’ve listed down the top best things to do in La Fortuna that will definitely be worth every minute spent.

Why Summer Is a Smart Time to Explore La Fortuna

So, why summer in La Fortuna? Summer in La Fortuna is often called the green season. It’s the season that feels alive with glowing forests, strongly running forests, and waking rivers. You might also experience rain in short afternoon bursts, but not all-day washouts.

Here, mornings stay active, afternoons slow down. This is why many La Fortuna tours are designed to start early and wrap up before the heaviest rain. When planned right, summer feels flexible, not restrictive.

Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Before we jump into the list, there’s something you should remember. IIn summer, prioritize experiences that involve water, forest cover, or activities that naturally fit changing weather conditions. That’s where La Fortuna shines.

1. Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River

Rafting is not just an exciting activity, but one of the most memorable things to do in La Fortuna. The rivers are fuller, which adds excitement, but the Balsa River remains approachable for beginners and families.

Safety briefings explain everything in clear, simple steps. Kids learn paddle commands fast. Parents relax once they see how controlled it feels.

If you want to have the best experience, Costa Rica Rios offers this. It works so well in summer because water levels are ideal and the scenery is at its greenest.

2. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall 

Summer rain feeds La Fortuna Waterfall, making it powerful and dramatic. La Fortuna Waterfall plunge awaits down 500 steps. The walk down is quite steep, but it is manageable if you take it slowly and wear the right footwear.

As you swim, you’ll see the mist rising, giving a magical spectacle. People usually spend more time here than planned, which is a good sign.

If you’re wondering, is this safe after rain? The answer is yes, but only when conditions are monitored. Avoid heavy rain days and go earlier in the day.

3. Guided Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

Canyoning is one of those activities that sounds extreme until you watch how it’s done. In reality, it’s structured, well organized, and surprisingly accessible.

Summer is the best season for it because waterfalls are flowing. Rappels will feel smoother, and the environment just feels alive yourself rappelling alongside a huge waterfall. This is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Costa Rica Rios offers canyoning trips that are carefully planned and safety focused, making this a good option for families with teens who want something adventurous but controlled.

4. Arenal Volcano National Park Walks

Hiking Arenal Volcano trails tops the must-dos. Hiking near the Arenal Volcano doesn’t mean climbing it. Trails stay well-marked and shaded, which helps in the summer heat.

Morning walks offer cooler air and better wildlife sightings. Clear trails and signage make it easier to notice plants, birds, and lava formations you might otherwise miss.

Trails wind past lava fields scarred from the 1968 eruption, now blanketed in ferns. With patience and quieter trails, visitors often spot howler monkeys they would otherwise miss. During summer, days are shorter, which means cooler hikes. But remember to pack rain gear as showers can hit really fast.

5. Relax in Hot Springs After a Rainy Afternoon

Next, dip into natural hot springs fed by the volcano. Waters glow turquoise, steaming at the perfect temperature. Resorts pipe them into pools with swim-up bars. 

If you’re planning to go here, consider going midweek to dodge peak crowds. Once you’re at the destination, try staying till the sunset as the sunset feels private.

Families often schedule hot springs for late afternoon or early evening. This balance is why La Fortuna works so well as a summer base.

6. Zip-Lining Through the Rainforest Canopy

If you’re up for some adventure, try zip-lining, which is a favorite among the visitors here. Zip-lining delivers excitement without taking up an entire day. Forest canopy keeps things cooler, even in summer.

One of the best zip-lining experiences you will experience is at La Fortuna Waterfall.  You’ll swing through the lush green forest while listening to the soft sounds of the water falling. 

Safety briefings are thorough and done before the session. Harnesses are checked twice. This activity fits neatly between morning adventures and relaxed afternoons.

7. Wildlife Spotting Along Forest Trails

If nature is your thing, we would highly recommend you for a nature walk. Summer greenery makes wildlife easier to spot, not harder. Frogs, birds, monkeys, and insects become more active. Walks through forest trails naturally move at a slower pace. Kids learn to look closely instead of rushing ahead.

Places like Cano Negro and Hanging Bridges offer a great spectacle of wildlife. You’ll see wildlife camouflaged in nature, showing a very different side of La Fortuna. From unique plants to birds, monkeys, and alligators, you’ll see variety here.

This is one of the quieter things to do in La Fortuna, which often leaves the biggest impression.

8. Multi-Day Adventure Across Multiple Regions

Are you feeling too enthusiastic and feel that just one day would not be enough to explore the place? This option is best for you. Many people like bundling experiences that go on for multiple days. Think of it like a mini vacation in Costa Rica that doesn’t just show you La Fortuna, but also other beautiful places. 

In this tour, you’ll be visiting Turrialba, Pacuare River, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio. The entire tour will be planned for you. From stays to activities, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. This approach works well in summer because the itinerary is designed with flexible pacing based on weather patterns and travel distances.

Costa Rica Rios specializes in this kind of flexible planning, which removes guesswork.

9. Swimming at Natural Pools

Summer calls for something to keep you cool throughout the day, but there’s something warm and even better. Go to the Baldi Hot Spring or Natural Hot Spring pools. This natural pool offers not just a warm and cozy place to swim, but also a bright scenery to soak in the beauty of nature.

Not every summer day needs a big activity. Locals often spend afternoons near rivers and swimming holes. Always check local conditions and follow posted safety advice, as water levels can change after rain.

10. Simply Slow Down and Stay Put

This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked. One of the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is to stop adding too many plans. Summer invites slower travel. Rain creates natural pauses. Families who embrace this enjoy the trip more.

Just sit on a porch of your resort, watch clouds move, listen to the forest, and wind up your day.

How to Choose the Right Mix of Activities

When planning, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Do we want more water or more walking?
• How old are our kids?
• Do we want structure or flexibility?

Answering these honestly helps you choose experiences that fit summer conditions instead of fighting them.

Discover La Fortuna a Little More!

La Fortuna rewards travelers who plan lightly but wisely. If you picture your family rafting a jungle river in the morning and listening to rain tap the roof in the afternoon, the real question becomes simple. Which of these summer experiences feels most like your kind of day?

FAQs

Q1: What is La Fortuna known for?

La Fortuna is renowned for outdoor adventures like hiking, hot springs soaks, and rainforest explorations. Its proximity to natural wonders draws adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Q2: What are the top things to do in La Fortuna?

Key attractions include visiting La Fortuna Waterfall for swimming, hiking Arenal Volcano National Park trails, and crossing Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. Ziplining, hot springs, and wildlife tours at EcoCentro Danaus rank highly among visitors.

Q3: What’s the best time to visit the Arenal Volcano?

Early mornings provide the clearest views and cooler hikes; afternoons often bring clouds. Year-round access is possible, but the dry season (December-April) is ideal for trails.