Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna to waterfalls and hot springs: day trip

La Fortuna to waterfalls and hot springs: day trip

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 30m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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Reviews

About your trip

Venture into Costa Rica’s natural beauty starting with Cortez Falls, where cascading water, tropical scenery, a refreshing pool, and short forest trails offer a perfect outdoor adventure. Then continue to Kalambu Hot Springs for playful relaxation in warm pools, thrilling slides, and lush tropical gardens, combining fun and indulgence in one day.
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 €64
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€203

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 driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Cortez Falls and Kalambu Hot Springs, giving you time to enjoy the cascading waters, forest trails, pools, and slides at your own pace before bringing you back safely.

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 Cortez Falls and Kalambu Hot Springs should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €64
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€203

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in La Fortuna
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Cortez Falls
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - 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 Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Cortez Falls on private day trip from La Fortuna

A hidden jewel of Guanacaste’s forest that invites a refreshing escape into nature. Step through a short forest trail to a stunning cascade spreading across rocky cliffs, forming a natural pool ideal for swimming or wading. The broad flow and soft sandy edges create a serene oasis where visitors can pause, cool off in the refreshing water, or explore the surroundings. Take a moment to dip your feet, admire the cliffs, or stroll along the water’s edge, while birds call from the treetops and the gentle rustle of leaves adds to the jungle ambiance. The site is open daily but may close during heavy rain, so it is best to check the current opening status online before visiting: https://www.facebook.com/CatarataLlanosdelCortes

2
Kalambu Hot Springs
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Monday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Kalambu Hot Springs on private day trip from La Fortuna

Naturally heated pools, playful slides, and relaxed soaking come together in a lively hot springs setting. Set at the foothills of a volcanic landscape, this hot springs complex blends geothermal waters with a colorful, family-friendly water park atmosphere. Several thermal pools offer varying temperatures, making it easy to move between deep relaxation and gentle refreshment. Slides and interactive water features add an energetic layer, while a lazy river flows through landscaped tropical grounds. As evening approaches, soft illumination around the pools creates a more atmospheric mood, ideal for slowing down after a day of exploration. For a smooth visit, check current opening hours and ticket information online before arrival: https://www.kalambu.com/precios

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

Cortez Falls is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but may close during periods of heavy rainfall. Kalambu Hot Springs is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Always check the current opening status and ticket information online before your visit, especially during the rainy season. Admission fees for both attractions are not included in the Daytrip price.
Yes. The waterfall spreads across rocky cliffs into a broad, shallow pool with calm sections perfect for swimming and wading. Sandy edges allow visitors to relax along the banks and take in the surroundings. Note that the site may close temporarily during heavy rain. Check the official Facebook page before your visit to confirm current access and opening status.
Kalambu Hot Springs is located near Bagaces, Guanacaste, approximately 55 miles (90 km) from La Fortuna. the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road conditions. This trip visits Cortez Falls first, then continues to Kalambu, making it a full-day itinerary covering two distinct regions of Costa Rica.
Yes, this combination works well for families. Cortez Falls has a gentle trail and a safe, shallow pool, while Kalambu features slides and interactive water features that appeal to children. The pacing of the day allows time at each stop without feeling rushed. Both sites are child-friendly, and the variety of activities keeps the experience engaging across age groups.
Kalambu Hot Springs is a geothermally heated water park in the Guanacaste region. It features multiple thermal pools at varying temperatures, water slides, a lazy river, and landscaped tropical grounds. It suits a wide range of visitors, from families with children who enjoy the slides to adults looking for a relaxing soak. Evening visits offer a more atmospheric experience as lights illuminate the pools. Admission is not included in the day trip price.
The dry season from December through April offers sunny weather and reliable road conditions. Cortez Falls can run stronger during the rainy season (May through November), but the site may temporarily close in very heavy rain. Kalambu Hot Springs is open year-round and is an especially enjoyable stop in the evening. Arriving earlier in the day helps avoid peak crowds at both locations.
Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes, water shoes or sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket. You will be in and around water at both stops. For Kalambu Hot Springs, some visitors prefer to bring their own towel as rental options may vary. Cash or card is needed for admission fees at both locations. Meals and snacks are not included.
Cortez Falls, also called Cataratas Llanos del Cortes, is located near Bagaces in Guanacaste, about 50 miles (80 km) from La Fortuna. Google Maps puts the drive at roughly 1.5 hours. The falls are accessed via a short forest trail and are known for their wide curtain of water and calm natural pool, making them one of Costa Rica's most scenic swimming spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna to waterfalls and hot springs: day trip