Swapping Sand for Steam: My La Fortuna Adventure
After soaking up all the beach life I could handle, I found myself craving something different. Don’t get me wrong, sun, sand, and surf are always great, but I needed some mountains, some jungle, maybe even a volcano? So, on a bit of a whim, I packed up and headed to La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Yep, I did it last minute, and surprise, most places were fully booked. But hey, sometimes winging it leads to the best stories, right?
First Stop: Lake Arenal Jungle Resort & Brewery
This wasn’t exactly where I planned to stay, but it turned out to be a quirky little experience.
The resort has a bit of history. It started way back in the '90s as Tilawa Hotel, dreamed up by this beer-loving architect named Jean Paul. Think ancient palace vibes with bold ochre colors and dramatic columns that kind of make you feel like you’re in an archaeological fantasy novel or maybe a craft beer commercial.
Over time, they added pickleball courts, trails, a brewery (yes, really), and all sorts of eco-tourism touches. It’s now called the Lake Arenal Jungle Resort & Brewery.
I stayed in one of their Standard Rooms with a lake view. It was fine. Nothing too fancy, a bit out of my style, but clean and comfortable. Honestly, the staff were the best part. Super friendly, very welcoming, and they helped me check in late without any issues. That goes a long way when you’re traveling solo.
Okay, this is where things started to feel extra special.
Airbnb 1: Bird Paradise with Volcano and Lake Views
This cozy little casita was pure magic. Every morning, I’d sit on the patio with coffee in hand, watching toucans and hummingbirds flit around like it was a scene from a nature documentary. I mean, have you ever seen a Mot Mot? They look like they’re wearing eyeliner.
The place was tucked inside a gated community, super peaceful, and just a short drive from a local pickleball hub. Tanyia and Rod, the hosts, were amazing. Warm, helpful, and just genuinely thoughtful people. The kitchen was fully stocked, the house was lovely, and the view didn’t feel real.
Ever stayed somewhere so peaceful that it makes you question your city life choices?
Airbnb 2: Hidden Jungle Home with Private Hot Tub
This one had a totally different vibe. Built from shipping containers, surrounded by wild greenery, and complete with a bubbling hot tub just waiting for you after a day of exploring.
Wildlife wasn’t just a feature, it was right there. Sloths, iguanas, and birds came and went like you were living inside a jungle soundtrack.
There wasn’t a volcano view from inside the house, but step out to the driveway and boom, postcard moment. Also, a big shoutout to the hosts for their awesome communication and help with planning things. It made everything super smooth.
The Tour That Had It All
Since I was short on time and wanted to see as much as possible, I joined a full-day tour that covered pretty much everything. If you're ever in La Fortuna for only a couple of days, this is a great option.
Here's how it went:
Místico Hanging Bridges – We started the day with a jungle hike that included 14 suspension bridges. Our guide Mario spotted a pit viper and an iguana before I even knew what to look for.
La Fortuna Waterfall – This one’s a leg workout. You go down 520 steps to reach the base of a 210-foot waterfall. Totally worth it, especially if you take a dip at the bottom.
Lunch at Rainforest Café – A good mid-day break with solid food and a chill vibe.
Arenal Volcano Hike – We hiked the El Silencio trail by the ancient lava flows. Clouds moved across the volcano, giving it this wild, mysterious feel. And yes, it rained. We were in the rainforest, after all.
Mario, our guide, made the day. He knew so much about the area and the wildlife and made the whole experience really fun and relaxed. Highly recommend.
Final Thoughts
La Fortuna really surprised me. I came looking for a volcano and a break from the beach, and I ended up with unforgettable mornings full of birdsong, long hikes, s and cozy places to stay. Would I go back? No doubt. What about you? Have you ever swapped palm trees for jungle trails just to see what would happen? If Costa Rica’s on your list, definitely don’t skip La Fortuna. Your legs might be tired from the climbs, but your heart will be full.
