Top Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Top Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos
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What to do and see in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Province of Alajuela: The Best Free Things to do
La Fortuna de San Carlos is at the center of an array of geological wonders. The nearby Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano, routinely bursting with lava and ash, and the Catarata de La Fortuna is a waterfall pouring from a seventy-meter cliff. The Tabacon Hot Springs are a relaxing intermission in the midst of the various spectacles, and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a blissful end to any day's excursion.
Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos
1. Souvenir Leo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By diverup1 - Langhorne, United States
The folks at the Tree House Hotel recommend that we stop here and we were glad we did. We purchased a few handmade items that Leo and his wife Marisol made themselves and were given a wonderful tour of their gardens that were full of orchids and other local flowers. Leo propagates many of the orchids himself and is proud of them. They also have several parrots that live freely in their yard and will give you an opportunity to hold them and take a photo. Not all of what they sell is handmade and you can find some of it in other shops, however, here you will definitely find wood carvings, jewelry, and other unique crafts that Leo and Marisol proudly call their own. We were happy to stop by this "mom and pop" souvenir shop and support this wonderful, local couple and we had a great time doing it. A highlight for me personally (as a beekeeper) was when Leo showed me his colony of tiny, non stinging pollinating bees that pollinate his orchids. He then walked me across the street to show me a few more that were living wild in some trees. We finished our time off there with a fresh coconut that leo offered us as a refreshing drink!
2. Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Costa Rica Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, that helps rescue, care, and place homeless dogs from Costa Rica into loving homes. At Costa Rica Dog Rescue we are always in need of volunteers! We offer morning and afternoon volunteer programs where you can walk, play, and spend time with our dogs, as well as assist with the care of our facilities.
Reviewed By helloactive - Edmonton, Canada
By chance at lava lounge in La Fortuna a poster was noticed and I was able to participate. This is a fund raiser so one pays. There are numerous dogs and they are taken care of but more donations would help a great deal. They do attempt to adopt out the dogs to other countries including Canada. I enjoyed walking the three dogs that I walked.
3. La Fortuna Rentals - Scooters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Rent a scooter and enjoy all the places that you want to visit in La Fortuna, saving money and time, with your own transportation. The best way to visit the Waterfall, the Hanging Bridges, the Hot Springs, the lake, the National Park...wherever! Includes full tank of gas, helmets and reflective bands.
Reviewed By andredecarvalhorocha
I have traveled in more than 65 countries and rarely I found an excellent service as this one! Mr. Hernan and Ms.Valentina are so lovely and gave me The best experience I've lived in Costa Rica. I've made great friends in La Fortuna de San Carlos!! Gracias Hernan y Valentina!!!! Increibles personas!!!
4. ChocoMuseo La Fortuna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Visitors may learn about the history of Cocoa, how and where it grows, and how chocolate is made. Choco Museo has its own artisan chocolate factory which makes chocolate from 100% organic Costa Rican cocoa beans. The museum also offers chocolate workshops of approximately 1.30 hours in duration in which participants get to make their own chocolate, as well as day tours to a nearby real Cocoa plantation.
Reviewed By Sian_Nick
Eva Maria gave a fantastic tour, so knowledgeable and friendly! We learnt so much about the production of chocolate, and got to taste lots of samples before buying some gifts to take home with us :-) A really lovely place to stop and look around for half an hour or so, or take advantage of a rainy day with a chocolate workshop!
5. Lake Arenal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,892 reviews
Reviewed By keithc989 - Lake Orion, United States
My wife and I recently visited La Fortuna and Arenal to see the volcano and beautiful waterfall. After our stay, we took the ferry across Lake Arenal on our way to Monteverde. The boat ride across the lake was quite tranquil and the Arenal Volcano provided the most scenic of backdrops!! Beautiful views surrounded us from each of 360 degrees. The countryside was lush and the rolling hills were breathtaking! Quite the bonus on our transfer between locations!
6. Coco Loco Art Studio & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Coco Loco is a FAIR TRADE work shop & gallery for fine local crafts & artwork with a special focus on Costa Rican indigenous culture. It is located 14 km SE of La Fortuna on national route 702 (La Fortuna-San Ramon). Besides indigenous arts & Boruca masks Coco Loco also exhibits the original artwork (arte DK) of the owner, Ruth Deiseroth-Kweton, who works in her studio next to the gallery. As a mixed-media artist Ruth uses any kind of material of the surrounding rainforest to paint and work on: wooden artefacts and surfaces, plant leaves, stones etc. She creates masks, vases, mirrors, crosses and paintings.
7. Rio Chollin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,091 reviews
If you talk with the locals they will tell you to go to Scratch River or the Free hot springs. This is perfect if you are travelling on a shoestring budget as it is FREE! To get there go to the yellow gate next to Tabacon Springs. You can park on the road shoulder and you will definitely see it. Walk down the path behind the gate and in a very short walk you will arrive at a bubbling hot creek. You can go 24 hrs a day but keep your items in your site. Leave your valuables at the hotel and just bring a towel and prepare to relax.
Reviewed By bye_jules - Athens, United States
I read about the free hot springs before I came to Costa Rica and to be honest I thought that it would be hard to find them and if I found them that I would feel unsafe. Well, neither was the case. Driving down the road back to La Fortuna from Cerro Chato it was very easy to spot the row of cars lining the road and hear the sound of rushing water. I confirmed with the guy, an unofficial parking attendant, who helped me park properly and legally on the mountain road and took $2 in exchange for "watching my car" and then I followed a few locals carrying towels. This place is a good mix of locals and travelers and it wasn't too busy when we went. You are basically sitting in a shallow river of warm water. The water feels clean and perfectly warm, like a bath that never runs cold but it was a great place to spend an hour after a long day of hiking!
8. Wood & Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
This is a fine wood work gallery, owned by a local artist that have 30 years giving art, making his own and at the same time exposin the most value works from other local artist around Costa Rica, a place where you will get art and experience. The is something there, for each of us!
Reviewed By frankieblue1 - Malibu, United States
Whenever we travel my wife and I collect art. Not to sound snobby, but we like the good stuff, actual real art, sometimes with a little “vacation art“ thrown in. (Difficult to avoid in the passion of the moment.) We went to many places on our trip looking for something unique and interesting. Most of it was the usual tourist fare which we tend to bypass. Stumbling upon the Wood and Art gallery was a refreshing experience! We found so many beautiful pieces curated by someone who has a great eye for art and interesting, unique pieces. His name is Geraldo. Not only is he helpful and informative...He is a great guitar player and if you’re nice he might even play for you! Thank you Geraldo we love our statue and are grateful to you for all your help. ¡Amor, arte, salud y larga vida para ti!
9. Onirica Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By janutsy - Boston, United States
Great art gallery, got a few items while sipping a mojito! They will also ship items I believe. Thanks guys!
10. Free Natural Hot Springs River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Akurtis28 - Nashville, United States
The coordinate points attached with Trip Advisor is a little off. Enter in Tobacon Resort on your GPS, and you’ll find it. It’s right past the second entrance of the resort. Attached are photos to make it easier to find. I recommend going early in the morning, and the few road side spots to park fill up fast. Highly recommend wearing crocs or good water shoes, as there are a lot of rocks that will hurt your feet without good shoes on. There was a little trash around which sucked, but not as bad as it could be. Pay the attendant a few dollars and leave your car and walk down. It’s really beautiful and highly recommend checking it out.
