La Fortuna Waterfall: Guided hike with farm lunch

Summary

Hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall & tasting farm life near Arenal

You’ll hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall with a local guide, swim in cool river water beneath towering cliffs, then visit La Finquita Farm for a traditional Costa Rican lunch made from organic ingredients grown right there. With hands-on moments and real conversations along the way, this is one day trip from Arenal you’ll remember long after your shoes dry out.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you hear water before you see it? That’s how it started for me at La Fortuna Waterfall — the sound was everywhere, echoing through the trees. Our guide, Diego, pointed out a toucan overhead just as we started down the steep steps (I lost count after fifty). The air got cooler and heavier with every step, and by the time we reached the river, my shirt was sticking to my back. There’s this moment when you first catch sight of the waterfall — it’s huge, almost too much to take in all at once. I remember Diego laughing as I tried to pronounce “Catarata” properly (I didn’t even come close), but he just grinned and waved us toward the water.

I dipped my feet in first — cold enough to make me gasp. Swimming in that river with spray on my face and the roar behind me felt like being inside a storybook. You can’t get too close to the actual fall (the current is wild), but even from a distance, it’s something else. There were a few locals there too, kids splashing around and shouting in Spanish. The rocks are slippery; I nearly wiped out once but caught myself on a mossy boulder. My legs were shaking by the time we climbed back up — those stairs don’t mess around.

Lunch at La Finquita Farm was honestly not what I expected — in a good way. We walked past rows of vegetables and Diego explained how they use compost made right there on the farm. The food tasted fresh in a way that’s hard to describe; maybe it was just hunger after all that hiking, but even the rice had flavor. The owner showed us these jars full of something bubbling (microorganisms for the soil, apparently) and let us try some homemade cheese. I still think about that cheese sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Fortuna Waterfall and Farm Visit

• Explore La Fortuna Waterfall and viewpoint
• Tour La Finquita Farm & Restaurant

Top questions

How difficult is the hike to La Fortuna Waterfall?

The path is about 300 meters and very steep but safe; travelers should be physically fit.

Can you swim directly under La Fortuna Waterfall?

No, swimming is allowed in the river but not near the base of the waterfall due to strong currents.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Finquita Farm & Restaurant is included.

Are entrance tickets and transportation provided?

Yes, both entrance fees and transportation are included with your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but please inform if kids under 12 years are coming; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I bring for swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall?

A swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes for hiking, and maybe an extra shirt since you’ll get wet or sweaty.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off by local transport, entry tickets for both La Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm & Restaurant, an expert guide throughout, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch made from organic ingredients grown right on the farm before heading back in comfort.