Surrounded by tropical forests and volcanoes with geothermal hot springs is a wonderful blend for a healing destination. La Fortuna offers a plethora of mineral-rich hot springs, resorts, spas, gardens and wildlife immersed in nature. It is a place to slow down and rejuvenate your well-being. I recently tapped into this wellspring for a getaway and experienced La Fortuna as the heart of Costa Rica wellness travel. So, read on to learn about why you should visit this area for a healthy retreat.
About La Fortuna, Costa Rica
“La Fortuna” means in English “The Fortune,” named after the mineral-rich, fertile soil in the area. It is less than 10 km (6mi) from the 5,480 (1,670 m) peak of Mount Arenal. Arenal is known for being one of the top 10 most active volcanoes in the world. It lies adjacent to Lake Arenal the country’s largest hydroelectricity project, the Lake Arenal Dam.
The Cerro Chato is a dormant volcano, which had an eruption thousands of years ago, creating the way for La Fortuna Waterfall. Both volcanoes are located in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Numerous hot springs flow throughout La Fortuna, coming from the geothermal activity from the Mount Arenal. The mineral rich warm waters, ranging from 30 to 50 degrees C or 85 to 120 F, naturally heat the Tabacon River, Ecotermales Hot Springs and various hot springs located in resorts and hotels. Therefore, the wellness tourism is booming here with abundant geothermal sources for spas and wellness resorts.
My 2 Days in La Fortuna
I was on a 17-day Central American tour with Intrepid Travel. We spent 2 days in Monteverde, then took a shuttle and small boat across Lake Arsenal to La Fortuna. When we drove through La Fortuna for the first time, I decided right away that this would be a destination for rejuvenation and wellness travel. With all the hot springs, resorts and spas amidst the pristine natural setting it was obvious what to do.
So, I enjoyed the La Fortuna Waterfall and a day at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. Even more, I went to the Tabacon spa for a massage with sound healing. My accommodation at Hotel Faro Arsenal was outside town in a forest with tropical gardens, exotic birds and even 2 resident sloths to enjoy. The essence of nature and wildlife was very grounding for me at this hotel. Overall, I left La Fortuna feeling rejuvenated and refreshed for the rest of my Costa Rican adventures.
How to Enjoy Costa Rica Wellness Travel
in La Fortuna
There are numerous ways to tap into nature for health and well-being in La Fortuna. Popular things to do that are naturally healing include the Hot Springs Resorts and Spas, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Park Arenal Hanging Bridges and Sloth Walking Tours.
Hot Springs Resorts and Spas
The hot springs in La Fortuna offer a fortune of experiences to soak up wellness travel. There are many opportunities to enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich hot springs that filter throughout the area from Mount Arenal. Even more, there are numerous resorts and spas for all budgets.
Just a 15-minute drive west of La Fortuna are a free or luxury option for hot springs right next to each other. The Free Natural Hot Springs River is downstream from the luxurious Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. Obviously, the free option is more budget friendly, however, expect more crowds and less amenities.
I took an Uber to the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, where I got a day pass.
Like many things in Costa Rica, I recommend reserving weeks in advance a day pass for resorts. I didn’t and Tabacon told me they were full. So, I decided to go there anyway and try to see if there were cancellations. The Free Natural Hot Springs River was my Plan B, in case they didn’t let me in. However, being a solo traveler, the resort thankfully squeaked me in for a day pass costing just $85.
I spent about 5 hours at Tabacon soaking up the hot natural mineral springs and wandering the beautiful Shangri-La Gardens. I loved all the river falls here, accessible for rejuvenating with hot water pressure. The water temperatures range from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C). One area offers a swim-up bar and waterslide. I even did a 90-minute massage and sound healing treatment at the spa. It felt like paradise in an open hut, surrounded by running water and lush gardens with the sound healing and massage.
Lastly, I ate my dinner outside at their restaurant with numerous healthy options. I loved my delicious lentil and quinoa salad with pumpkin soup. Overall, this was the ultimate wellness travel experience for me.
With so many to choose from, here are other options in La Fortuna area:
Baldi Hot Springs
Nayara Springs
EcoTermales Hot Springs
Paradise Hot Springs
Titoku Hot Springs
Kalambu Hot Springs
Los Laureles Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano National Park
The heart of this region is the Arenal Volcano, so it only makes sense to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Many other attractions mentioned here overlap with the park, such as, La Fortuna Waterfall and Mistico Park. Besides Arenal Volcano, the park also has the Chato Volcano with a crater lake. The park is filled with hiking trails and known for being an incredible place for birdwatching. Most of the 850 species that live in Costa Rica can be found here. The park is open 8 am to 4 pm with an entrance fee of $15 USD for adults and $5 for children.
La Fortuna River Waterfall
In the tropical wet forest of the Arenal Volcano National Park is La Fortuna River Waterfall. This lush park with orchid gardens and wildlife, such as, Howler Monkeys offers numerous ways to enjoy the 70 m high waterfall. There is nothing like the lush botanical paradise and ions from the falls to boost your vitality.
At the entrance, there is a bar and restaurant with incredible views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscapes from above. 530 steps guide you down to the crystal-clear pool where the water falls. Anyone can swim in the pool of refreshing waters.
There is even a zip-line that offers incredible views of the falls. The waterfall is open from 7 am to 5 pm with an entrance fee of $18 for adults and $5 for children.
Mistico Park Arenal Hanging Bridges
Located in Arenal Volcano National Park, the Mistico Park is a haven for exploring nature. It provides incredible biodiversity in a forest setting where many ecosystems coexist, including the highland and lowland flora and fauna. The main trail is 2 miles with 16 bridges, tunnel and pristine waterfall. Also, the park offers various tours for birdwatching, night walk and horseback riding.
Sloth Walking Tours
For many people, seeing the elusive sloth is on their bucket list. These rare animals only live in Central and South America. Plus, connecting with wildlife is always grounding and good for our health. Especially, the sloth teaches us to slow down and be present. There are Sloth Walking Tours with guides taking you to places where they live in their natural habitat.
We were very fortunate to have a couple resident sloths living at our accommodation, Hotel Faro Arenal. As shown in this photo, one cutie was just 4 meters from our outdoor breakfast table. Because this experience was so intimate, I didn’t feel the need for a Sloth Walking Tour.
Healthy Food Options
Costa Rica Wellness Travel
One of the best healthy restaurant options is the Organico Fortuna, a family-owned business with the wise motto that food is medicine. Their eclectic menu offers many choices with delicious foods made with fresh and organic ingredients. Mercadito Arenal is a gourmet food court with a variety of restaurants and bars. Don Rufino gets lots of raving reviews for being one of the best overall restaurants in La Fortuna.
Accommodations
I really loved my stay at Hotel Faro Arenal just a 15-minute walk from La Fortuna town center. It’s far enough away that it is quiet, nestled in the forests, yet a short walk into town. This hotel is nice yet reasonable for the budget-minded traveler with no frills. I loved the outdoor breakfast included with the resident sloth just 4 meters away in the tree. There is a walking trail and swimming pool on site, surrounded by beautiful gardens with tropical trees and birds.
Luxury options include the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and The Volcano Lodge both with their own hot springs, spas and wellness resort. However, rooms range from $300 to $400 per night.
Enjoy La Fortuna!
Costa Rica Wellness Travel
With the abundance of forests, flora and fauna, hot springs, volcanoes and waterfalls, La Fortuna is the ultimate getaway for wellness travel. However, Costa Rica is at the tipping point for overtourism, so be sure to book far ahead for your dream vacation. If your travels bring you to La Fortuna, please share any tips below in the comments.
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