Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna day trip to butterfly gardens and Blue Falls

La Fortuna day trip to butterfly gardens and Blue Falls

Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 1
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 2
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 3
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 4
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Private ride with a local driver

8h
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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Reviews

About your trip

Experience the lush diversity of Costa Rica on a single immersive journey. Wander through a vibrant butterfly sanctuary, then follow rainforest trails to dramatic waterfalls and serene cascades. From shaded forest paths to misty plunge pools, this trip offers a rare chance to connect with nature in vivid, memorable ways.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €57
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€179

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in La Fortuna whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Your Daytrip driver picks you up in La Fortuna, takes care of all the driving, waits nearby while you explore independently, and brings you back comfortably at the end of the day.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden and Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €57
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€179

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in La Fortuna
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 20 min - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden on private day trip from La Fortuna

Wander among colorful butterflies and let yourself be surrounded by their delicate, fluttering presence. Follow shaded paths as dozens of native butterfly species flit around, revealing the delicate beauty of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Guided tours provide insight into butterfly life cycles, their ecological roles, and the conservation efforts that sustain them. Educational displays explore the rainforest’s flora and insect populations, deepening understanding of this intricate ecosystem. In this serene setting, butterflies may even land on visitors, creating moments of quiet wonder and connection. With careful attention to conservation and the harmonious coexistence of plants and wildlife, Alas del Destino offers an intimate, restorative experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. To make the most of your trip, check current opening hours and ticket information before visiting.

2
Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 h 30 min - admission not included
Monday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Catarata del Toro & Blue Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna

Marvel at dramatic plunges and serene turquoise cascades, wandering rainforest trails that reveal the power and beauty of these stunning waterfalls. Embark on a complete waterfall experience, combining the dramatic plunge of Catarata del Toro with the vibrant cascades of Blue Falls. Well-marked trails wind through cloud forest, where orchids, bromeliads, and tropical birds occasionally appear along the paths. Visitors can feel the mist from Catarata del Toro, explore the natural pools at Blue Falls, and immerse themselves in the tranquil rainforest atmosphere. Both sites highlight conservation-focused tourism while offering steep trails that reward explorers with unforgettable views and moments of quiet reflection. Check current opening hours and ticket information online before visiting: https://www.catarata-del-toro.com/tickets/

Back to La Fortuna
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

The main Blue Falls trail involves some moderate hiking, including stairs and uneven terrain as you descend into the canyon to reach the falls and the blue pool. While it is achievable for most visitors with average fitness, it is not suitable for those with significant mobility challenges. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, as paths can be slippery.
The Blue Falls of Costa Rica park is located roughly 28 miles (45 km) from La Fortuna town, typically about a 50-minute to 1-hour drive through mountain roads via Zarcero. The roads are scenic but winding, making a private driver a practical choice for navigating the route comfortably, especially for those not familiar with rural Costa Rican roads.
Yes, Poza Azul, the striking blue pool within the Blue Falls eco-park, is a designated swimming area where visitors can take a dip in the vivid, mineral-colored water. The swimming area is supervised, and entry to specific areas near the main cascade may be restricted depending on water levels. Bringing a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes is recommended.
The butterfly gardens in and around La Fortuna are home to dozens of native Costa Rican species, most famously the striking Blue Morpho butterfly, known for its brilliant iridescent wings. You may also spot Owl butterflies, Swallowtails, and various other tropical species depending on the season. The gardens are typically small, enclosed spaces designed to allow close-up observation of butterflies at all life stages, including eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalises.
Costa Rica uses the colon (CRC), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted at most paid attractions, including eco-parks and butterfly gardens. Credit cards are accepted at many venues, but it is wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases, tips, or smaller venues. Check individual attraction websites for current ticket prices before your visit.
The Blue Falls of Costa Rica (also known as Catarata del Toro or Las Gemelas) is a privately owned eco-park in Alajuela province featuring a spectacular 300-foot waterfall, two colorful sister falls (one turquoise, one emerald green), and a vivid blue swimming pool called Poza Azul. The property sits at higher elevation and combines waterfalls, wildlife trails, and stunning scenery in a less-crowded setting than more popular attractions.
Butterflies are most active during warm, sunny mornings, so visiting the gardens between mid-morning and early afternoon gives you the best chance of seeing them in flight. Overcast or rainy conditions can make butterflies less visible. La Fortuna's rainforest climate means afternoon showers are common, so planning an early-day visit to both stops tends to work well.
The Arenal and Alajuela region is one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse areas. Visitors can expect to see a range of tropical wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, sloths, and poison dart frogs depending on the time of day and season. The butterfly gardens offer guaranteed close-up encounters with native species in a protected environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna day trip to butterfly gardens and Blue Falls