Costa Rica Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit: Explore La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano & Rio Celeste
- Ankitha
- Mar 28, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Over the summer, we set off on a South American adventure, visiting Ecuador, Colombia, and finally Costa Rica. The draw to Costa Rica was twofold: the stunning waterfalls and the country’s dedication to eco-tourism. Eco-friendly travel is increasingly popular here, and Costa Rica perfectly combines adventure, nature, and sustainability.
In this Costa Rica travel guide, I’ll share our itinerary, travel tips, and highlights from San Jose Costa Rica, La Fortuna Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano, and the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Costa Rica Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from June to September, when temperatures are mild. The busiest months start in July, when U.S. and European families travel for summer vacations. While slightly warmer, this period allows you to enjoy the lush landscapes in their full glory. Avoid December’s rainy season unless you enjoy tropical downpours.
Flights, Visa, and Getting Around San Jose Costa Rica
We flew with Avianca, which offers comfortable flights within South America, including great in-flight entertainment and friendly service.
For Indians, a visa on arrival is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Make sure to carry your return ticket for immigration purposes.
Spanish is the official language, so learning a few key phrases helps. Words like Buenos Días (good morning), Hola (hello), and Cuánto (how much) make interactions easier.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, and while the Costa Rican Colón is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Getting around Costa Rica is easier with a car, especially if you plan to visit La Fortuna Costa Rica and Rio Celeste Waterfall. We rented a car from Hertz at San Jose Costa Rica airport, presented our Dubai/US driving licenses, got insurance, and were on our way within 45 minutes.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language in all Central and South American countries. Mr. A and I are quick to learn languages. We enjoyed learning a few useful Spanish words. Buenos Dias (good morning), adios (bye), hola (hello or hi), Si (yes), cuanto (how much), salida (exit), entrada (entrance), caliente leche (hot milk) and numbers from 1 to 10.
CURRENCY
Travel Insurance is always recommended. Costa Rican Colon is the official currency. They also accepted dollars though.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna Costa Rica
Our trip focused on nature, so we stayed at the Chachagua Rainforest Eco-Lodge near La Fortuna. This eco-lodge was like stepping into the Amazon rainforest—with lush greenery, wild animals, lakes, and a pool. The lodge offered great food and easy access to La Fortuna Costa Rica and Arenal Volcano, making it the perfect base for our adventures.
COSTS + GETTING AROUND
Costa Rica seemed to be slightly more expensive than some of the other countries we visited during our trip. It is also easy to book custom day trips in Costa Rica.
Renting a Car and Safety Tips in Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica made our trip easier, especially for accessing remote locations like Rio Celeste. Standard rental procedures apply, and insurance is highly recommended.
Costa Rica is generally safe, but standard travel precautions are advised:
Keep your belongings secure.
Carry essential documents.
Avoid large sums of cash.
Being alert lets you enjoy Costa Rica without worries.
Things to Do in Costa Rica
Beyond waterfalls and volcanoes, Costa Rica offers a variety of activities for all travelers:
Hiking in La Chorrera Waterfall
Wildlife spotting in rainforest reserves
Snorkeling or diving along the coast
Yoga retreats in Arenal or near eco-lodges
Exploring San Jose Costa Rica city attractions
From adventure seekers to nature lovers, there’s something for everyone.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Costa Rica
Costa Rican cuisine is traditionally meat-based, but there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. We enjoyed local bean rice, boiled plantains, corn, and vegan tacos at our lodge and nearby restaurants.
Eating healthy in Costa Rica is easy, especially in eco-lodges and urban centers like San Jose Costa Rica.
What to Pack for Costa Rica
We visited in June, so rainy days were common. Pack the following:
Long pants and full-sleeve shirts
Poncho or rain jacket
Water-resistant trekking shoes
Bug repellent
Swimwear for hot springs
Being prepared ensures you can enjoy both rainforest hikes and relaxing moments at eco-lodges.
HIGHLIGHTS
“Bienvenido a Costa Rica. Pura Vida!” As soon as you enter the airport, you will hear “Pura Vida” a lot. It actually means “pure life”.. as you make your way through the lush green fields and endless mountains it’s easy to see why they say this.
This country epitomizes pure, unadulterated love for nature. Especially the waterfalls. I haven’t seen as many impressive waterfalls anywhere else (besides Iceland). Costa Rica reminded us how to be truly alive. On day one of our trip, it was already looking like a natural playground for hikers, animal lovers, snorkelers, and anyone who feels happiest in nature.
Exploring Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall
Our first day was all about waterfalls and volcanoes. The La Fortuna Waterfall is a 75-meter tall marvel, easily one of the most photographed in Costa Rica. Entrance costs $15 per adult. The path to the waterfall is simple but can be slippery during rainy season.
The 75 meter tall Fortuna is easily one of the most photographed falls in the country... so naturally it was a little more crowded than I would have hoped but it was a beautiful place and well worth the hype. Since the path was slippery, we could not go up further to get an aerial shot of the fall but I would highly recommend you do that if you go when there are no rains. We spent close to 2 hours exploring the area before heading to the Arenal Volcano Park.
Next, we visited Arenal Volcano, a famous landmark visible from La Fortuna on clear days. While visitors cannot hike the volcano itself, the surrounding national park offers trails through dense forests, exotic plants, and stunning landscapes. Pro tip: the Rio Agua Caliente hot springs inside the park are perfect for unwinding with incredible views.
People cannot hike the park itself but can walk through the national park to experience first-hand the stunning landscape and exotic plant life of the amazon.
Fun fact: we spotted a giant Ceiba tree in the park, the only tree to survive all of Arenal’s volcanic eruptions.
Pro tip: there is a little known hot spring called Rio Agua Caliente inside the park. The views are otherworldly - one of the best places to unwind. Pack a swim sit and jump in!
Fun fact: as we made our way through the park, we took a detour and right in the middle of the park is this stunning giant Ceida tree which has a fascinating history. It's the only tree here that has survived all of Arenal’s volcanic eruptions. How amazing is that?
LA FORTUNA - RIO CELESTE
Our last day in La Fortuna started off hilariously. We started our day at around 9.. when we typed in Rio celeste on the maps, it took us to a place in the middle of nowhere.. no complaints though. It was so off the path that the only person there was a person on a horse. Easily one of the most unforgettable drives we have done. What with getting lost and crossing a rickety old wooden bridge with our car.
We finally made it to the park at around 12 and it started to drizzle just as we started our trek. The Rio Celeste Waterfall sits inside the Tenorio National Park. We did this trip nearly 9 months back but I still remember every vivid detail just like it was yesterday. It was magnificent..
Since we visited when it was pouring we couldn’t see the turquoise blue water this place is famous for. Luckily, there was a lot more to the place. Before we made our way all the way down to the park, we were surrounded by a beautiful dense green forest.
The park is also at an elevation so it is known as a rainforest and is home to tons of wildlife.
Hiking to Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio National Park
On our last day in La Fortuna, we ventured to the Rio Celeste Waterfall, located in Tenorio National Park. The journey itself is an adventure, with winding roads and rustic bridges.
The waterfall is famous for its turquoise blue water. While heavy rains dulled the color during our visit, the surrounding rainforest and wildlife made the trek unforgettable. The trail is challenging, with muddy paths and steep steps, but being surrounded by pristine nature was worth every step.
Rio Celeste Waterfall is a highlight for anyone visiting Costa Rica, and we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
If you are looking for a tropical adventure - look no further than the Rio Celeste, it’s just the cream of the crop when it comes to waterfalls in Costa Rica.
SAN JOSE
We were ready to head to our next country. It was a clear day and the drive to airport took about 5 hours with a quick stop for lunch.
Final Thoughts on Costa Rica Travel Guide
Costa Rica left us in awe of its natural beauty, from Arenal Volcano to the turquoise waters of Rio
Celeste Waterfall. Staying in eco-lodges and exploring lush rainforests made us appreciate sustainable travel and how a country can prioritize nature without sacrificing comfort or adventure.If you want a mix of eco-tourism, adventure, and vibrant culture, start with Costa Rica. From waterfalls to volcanoes, this small Central American country offers experiences that are unforgettable.
Drop your comments below and show some love. Feel free to shoot me an email with your feedback.
Cheers,
Anki
To explore more South American destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.
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