Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaWaterfalls and Wildlife: Day trip from La Fortuna

Waterfalls and Wildlife: Day trip from La Fortuna

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

4h 15m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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About your trip

Start your trip with the cascading waters of La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoying swimming and tropical scenery for a refreshing adventure. Then explore Ecocentro Danaus, where guided walks reveal sloths, frogs, birds, butterflies, and other creatures, offering an up-close look at Costa Rica’s rainforest biodiversity in a calm, educational setting.
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 €32
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€102

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

Travel seamlessly from your accommodation to La Fortuna Waterfall and Ecocentro Danaus with your driver, pausing to swim, explore trails, and observe rainforest wildlife before a comfortable return 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 La Fortuna Waterfall and Ecocentro Danaus should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €32
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€102

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in La Fortuna
You choose the pickup spot.
1
La Fortuna Waterfall
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Monday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna Waterfall on private day trip from La Fortuna

One of Costa Rica’s most iconic waterfalls, where rainforest paths lead to a dramatic plunge into emerald waters. La Fortuna Waterfall offers a rewarding rainforest experience that blends scenery, movement, and refreshment. A well-maintained stairway descends through dense greenery, gradually revealing the full height of the 70-meter cascade as it drops into a deep natural pool below. At the base, visitors can cool off in calmer river sections downstream or linger on the rocks to take in the mist and surrounding jungle. Upper viewpoints provide sweeping perspectives over the valley and forest. For a smooth visit, please check current opening hours and ticket information online before your trip: https://www.cataratalafortuna.com/book-now.php?id=1&lgn=es

2
Ecocentro Danaus
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 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 Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna

A serene rainforest refuge where wildlife and nature thrive. Step onto winding rainforest trails and discover a vibrant sanctuary of Costa Rican wildlife. Observe sloths lounging in the treetops, red-eyed tree frogs clinging to leaves, and iguanas basking in the sun. Stroll through the butterfly garden to see brilliant morphos and heliconias in flight, explore medicinal plants, and pause by tranquil wetlands where caimans and turtles quietly inhabit serene waters. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, pointing out hidden creatures and explaining the ecology behind the lush surroundings. Trails are gentle and accessible, making it an ideal stop for photography, learning, and slow-paced exploration. Check current opening hours and ticket information online to ensure a smooth visit: https://www.ecocentrodanaus.com/en/es-tourlist

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.

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5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
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4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Yes. Ecocentro Danaus offers guided walk experiences where naturalist guides point out camouflaged wildlife and explain the surrounding ecosystems. These guides are particularly skilled at spotting animals that most visitors would walk right past. Admission and any guided tour fees are not included in the day trip price. Check the Ecocentro Danaus website for current schedules, prices, and tour options before your visit.
The descent to La Fortuna Waterfall involves a well-maintained stairway through lush vegetation. Going down takes around 20 minutes, but climbing back up is moderate to strenuous and can be tiring in the heat. Visitors with knee or mobility issues should consider this before visiting. Sturdy footwear with grip is strongly recommended, especially after rain when steps may be slippery.
La Fortuna Waterfall has a small on-site cafe near the entrance where visitors can grab light meals and refreshments. Ecocentro Danaus does not have a full restaurant but may offer basic snacks. Neither location is included in the day trip price for meals. It is a good idea to eat a solid breakfast before heading out and to bring snacks and plenty of water for the day.
Yes, this trip works well for families. La Fortuna Waterfall is a dramatic and memorable experience for children, and the swim at the base adds an adventure element. Ecocentro Danaus is particularly engaging for young visitors, with easy trails and a good chance of spotting colorful frogs and sloths up close. The pacing allows time at each stop without the day feeling rushed.
Ecocentro Danaus is a rainforest wildlife sanctuary near La Fortuna with guided trail walks through natural habitats. Visitors commonly spot two-toed and three-toed sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, iguanas, caimans, and various bird species. A butterfly garden showcases bright tropical species in flight. The trails are gentle and well-maintained, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural landmarks. A 70-meter cascade drops into a deep emerald pool set within dense rainforest. A well-maintained stairway leads to the base, where visitors can swim in calmer sections downstream. Upper viewpoints offer wide views over the valley. Most visitors consider it a highlight of any trip to the Arenal area.
The waterfall opens at 7 a.m., and arriving early is the best way to enjoy it with fewer people around. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be busiest as day visitors arrive. Going on a weekday also helps. For Ecocentro Danaus, mornings offer cooler conditions and more active wildlife. Both sites are open daily, but hours and fees should be confirmed online before visiting.
Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes for La Fortuna Waterfall, along with shoes with good grip for the stairway. Insect repellent and sunscreen are essential. Light, long-sleeved clothing is a good option for the wildlife walk at Ecocentro Danaus to minimize insect exposure. Bring cash or a card for admission fees at both stops, which are not included in the trip price.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaWaterfalls and Wildlife: Day trip from La Fortuna