Booking choice: The private waterfall and bridges day, from $249 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
La Paz Waterfall is on Route 126 in the mountains north of San José, on the way to Arenal. La Fortuna Waterfall is near La Fortuna town, at the foot of the volcano, down a long staircase.
The flagship Arenal Volcano Experience stops at La Paz. If La Fortuna Waterfall is on your list, you need a different tour.
The quick answer
The Arenal Volcano Experience and the zipline combos stop at La Paz Waterfall, seen on the drive north. Only the private day ($249) and the tours that start in La Fortuna go to La Fortuna Waterfall, which means about 530 steps down to the pool and an entry fee of about $20.
Which waterfall does the Arenal Volcano Experience visit?
La Paz Waterfall, a short stop on Route 126 on the way north; it does not visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
The itinerary lists La Paz Waterfall for about 15 minutes. It is a scenic photo stop rather than a swim. The Cinchona stop that follows adds a view of another waterfall across the canyon.
Happy with a scenic stop? Check dates for the Arenal Volcano Experience.
Check dates for the Arenal Volcano ExperienceWhat is La Fortuna Waterfall like?
A tall waterfall dropping into a jungle pool near La Fortuna town, reached by about 530 steps down through the forest.
The climb back up is the hard part. You can swim in the pool below the falls. The site is run by a local community association and opens 7 AM to 5 PM.
Which tours from San José go to La Fortuna Waterfall?
The private Hanging Bridges day, which spends about two hours there before the bridges and the Los Lagos hot springs.
It costs $249 per person with lunch and entry fees, and it is the only San José day here built around the waterfall.
La Fortuna Waterfall is a must? The private day walks you down to it, then over the Hanging Bridges.
Explore the private waterfall and bridges dayHow much does La Fortuna Waterfall cost?
About $20 for foreign adults in 2026; the tours that visit it include the fee.
Check the current fee on the day, as it can change. If you visit independently, arrive early: the trail and the pool get busier through the day.
Is La Fortuna Waterfall hard to reach?
Moderately: the steps are steep and wet, and the climb back up is the hard part.
Guests on La Fortuna tours that combine the waterfall with a volcano hike call the day tough, with a lot of steps. If your knees are a concern, the flagship's roadside La Paz stop is the easier choice. Shoes and kit: see what to bring.
Can you see both waterfalls in one trip?
Yes, if you stay in La Fortuna: take a San José tour that drops you in La Fortuna, then do a local waterfall tour the next day.
The Go Tours days can drop you at a central La Fortuna hotel (dinner is then not included). From there, the waterfall, volcano hike and hot springs tour or the waterfall and hot river tour covers La Fortuna Waterfall.
Staying in La Fortuna? The local tour adds the waterfall, a volcano trail and natural hot springs.
Check dates for the La Fortuna volcano hikeFrequently asked questions
Can you swim at La Paz Waterfall?
Not on the tour stop: it is a short scenic viewing stop on the road north.
Can you swim at La Fortuna Waterfall?
Yes, in the pool and the river below the falls, with care; the water is cold and the current can be strong near the falls.
Is La Paz Waterfall the same as La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
No. The tour lists La Paz Waterfall as a short stop with no ticket needed. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a separate paid park, and this tour does not list it.
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Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Private Arenal Day: Hanging Bridges & Waterfall
- Private guide and vehicle from San José hotels and Airbnbs (from about 6:30 AM)
- La Fortuna Waterfall entry (about 2 hours)
- Arenal Hanging Bridges entry (about 2 hours)
Arenal Volcano Experience: Full Day from San José
- Hotel pickup in San José (default 6:30 AM) and air-conditioned transport
- Bilingual guide, plus coffee or tea with local snacks
- Lunch near Arenal and a Costa Rican dinner on the way back
Waterfall, Volcano Hike & Natural Hot Springs
The hiking version: steep trail, waterfall swim, natural springs
