The story
La Fortuna lies at the foot of the near-perfect cone of Arenal, the volcano whose nightly lava glow drew travelers here for decades until it entered its current resting phase in 2010. Even now, in its relative silence, the volcano dominates every conversation and every view. Look up toward the horizon.
That symmetrical peak, often draped in a crown of white mist, is the heart of this region. It is a silent guardian that has shaped the history, the landscape, and the very soul of the people who live here. Before the mid-twentieth century, this town was a quiet, isolated farming community known as El Tapón, or The Cork.
The residents eventually renamed it La Fortuna, meaning The Fortune, in honor of the remarkably fertile volcanic soil that allowed their crops to flourish. That name took on a much deeper, more somber meaning on the morning of July 29th, 1968. After being dormant for centuries, Arenal erupted with a violent, unexpected force.
While the villages of Tabacón and Pueblo Nuevo were tragically buried under ash and heat, the winds and the geography of the land spared La Fortuna. The town was, quite literally, fortunate. As you walk through the central park, take a moment to look at the iconic white church.
On a clear day, the volcano rises directly behind it, creating one of the most photographed vistas in all of Costa Rica. This park is the social heart of the community, where the scent of blooming hibiscus mixes with the aroma of fresh coffee from nearby cafes. Just a few miles away, the power of the earth is still palpable.
You can feel it in the heat of the many thermal rivers and hot springs that ribbon through the valley. This water is heated by magma deep underground, traveling through the veins of the mountain to provide a natural sanctuary for weary travelers. If you head toward the sound of rushing water, you will find the La Fortuna Waterfall.
Here, the Tenorio River plunges two hundred feet down a sheer cliff into a brilliant turquoise pool, surrounded by the emerald walls of the rainforest. Today, the black scars of old lava flows are being slowly reclaimed by vibrant green ferns and orchids. Howler monkeys and colorful toucans have returned to the slopes that were once covered in fire.
La Fortuna is no longer just a place to watch a volcano; it is a place to experience the incredible resilience of nature. As you explore, remember that you are standing on ground that is constantly being reborn, shaped by the magnificent giant that sleeps just overhead.