If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve already heard about La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s one of the most photographed natural attractions in the country—and for good reason.
Towering rainforest walls. A dramatic 230-foot cascade. Emerald-blue water you can actually swim in.
What many travelers don’t realize is that you don’t need to stay in the busy tourist zone of La Fortuna to experience this iconic waterfall. In fact, some of our guests tell us the best way to visit La Fortuna Waterfall is as a day trip—while staying somewhere quieter, more spacious, and far more relaxing.
That’s exactly why so many of our guests choose Bella Vista Private Resort as their home base in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna Waterfall is about 2 hours from Bella Vista Private Resort, making it an ideal adventure day—followed by an evening back at your own private resort with an infinity pool, volcano jacuzzi, and space to truly unwind.
What Is La Fortuna Waterfall?
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural landmarks, located just outside the town of La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano.
The waterfall drops roughly 230 feet (70 meters) into a natural swimming hole surrounded by dense rainforest. A well-maintained trail with about 500 steps leads you down to the base, where visitors can swim, relax on the rocks, and take in one of the most beautiful scenes in the country.
Why It’s So Popular
- Dramatic single-drop waterfall
- Clean, cool, swimmable water
- Lush jungle surroundings
- Easy access and good infrastructure
It’s a “wow” experience for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
How Far Is La Fortuna Waterfall from Bella Vista Private Resort?
La Fortuna Waterfall is approximately 2 hours by car from Bella Vista Private Resort, depending on traffic and stops.
And this distance is actually a huge advantage.
Here’s why:
- Close enough for a comfortable day trip
- Far enough to avoid La Fortuna’s crowds, congestion, and inflated lodging prices
- Allows you to enjoy multiple regions of Costa Rica without packing up and moving hotels
Our guests regularly leave Bella Vista after breakfast, spend the day exploring La Fortuna and Arenal, and return in time for sunset, a home-cooked meal, and a soak in the volcano jacuzzi.
Why Not Stay in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is beautiful—but it’s also one of Costa Rica’s most tourist-heavy destinations.
Many travelers are surprised by:
- Dense hotel clusters
- Limited space for large groups
- High nightly rates for basic accommodations
- Traffic and tour congestion
Hotels near La Fortuna Waterfall are designed for couples and small families, not groups.
At Bella Vista, we regularly host groups of 14–28 people, and almost all of them tell us the same thing:
“We’re so glad we didn’t stay in La Fortuna the whole time.”
The Bella Vista Advantage: Space, Privacy, and Comfort
Bella Vista Private Resort isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a destination in itself.
A True Private Resort for Groups
- 4 separate buildings on 2.5 private acres
- Sleeps up to 28 guests
- No shared spaces with strangers
- Gated entrance and complete privacy
After a full day hiking La Fortuna Waterfall and exploring Arenal, coming “home” to Bella Vista feels like a reward.
Can you swim in La Fortuna Waterfall
It depends on the weather. The workers will let you know if it is safe to swim there when you are there.
The Perfect La Fortuna Waterfall Day Trip Itinerary
Here’s how most of our guests experience La Fortuna Waterfall while staying at Bella Vista:
Morning
- Breakfast at the resort (or prepared by our manager)
- Scenic drive through the countryside
- Arrive at La Fortuna Waterfall mid-morning
Midday
- Hike down the waterfall trail
- Swim and relax at the base
- Lunch in La Fortuna town
Afternoon Options
- Hot springs near Arenal
- Arenal Volcano viewpoints
- Chocolate or coffee tours
Evening
- Return to Bella Vista
- Pool time, pickleball, or gym
- Dinner together at the resort
- Sunset views and jacuzzi soak
You get the best of La Fortuna—without sacrificing comfort.
Central Valley Location = More Variety
Bella Vista is located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, a region known for its mild climate, panoramic views, and central access to the country’s top attractions.
From the resort, you can easily reach:
- La Fortuna Waterfall (≈2 hours)
- Black sand beaches like Playa Caldera (≈35 minutes)
- Wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and rivers (within 1 hour)
- San José International Airport (≈1 hour 10 minutes)
Staying in one central location lets you explore more of Costa Rica, not just one tourist town.
Hotels vs Bella Vista for La Fortuna Visitors
Staying Near La Fortuna:
- Smaller hotel rooms
- Limited common space
- Higher per-night costs
- Crowds and noise
Staying at Bella Vista:
- Private estate with multiple buildings
- Shared living spaces for groups
- Infinity pool, gym, pickleball courts
- Full-service coordination
- Quiet nights and cooler temperatures
For large families, retreats, and multi-generational groups, Bella Vista is simply the better base.
Full-Service Planning Makes the Difference
One of the biggest reasons guests choose Bella Vista is our on-site resort manager, Patricia.
She helps coordinate:
- Transportation for your La Fortuna day trip
- Tour recommendations and timing
- Group meals before or after excursions
- Vehicle rentals or drivers
Instead of juggling hotel concierges and tour desks, you have one trusted local point of contact.
Perfect for These Types of Travelers
Bella Vista is ideal if you’re visiting La Fortuna Waterfall as part of:
- A large family vacation
- A corporate or leadership retreat
- A pickleball or wellness retreat
- A wedding group trip
- A friends’ adventure getaway
If your group wants to experience La Fortuna without living out of hotel rooms, Bella Vista is the answer.
Why Guests Love Returning to Bella Vista After La Fortuna
After a long day of adventure, our guests consistently say they love:
- Jumping into the infinity pool
- Relaxing in the volcano jacuzzi
- Cooking or sharing meals together
- Watching the sunset over the valley
- Having space to spread out and unwind
It’s the contrast—big adventure by day, total relaxation by night—that makes the experience special.
Experience La Fortuna Waterfall Without the Crowds
La Fortuna Waterfall is absolutely worth visiting.
But where you stay can completely change how much you enjoy it.
By choosing Bella Vista Private Resort:
- You avoid tourist congestion
- You gain space, privacy, and comfort
- You experience more regions of Costa Rica
- You enjoy a resort built for groups—not hotel rooms
Book Your Stay Near La Fortuna Waterfall—The Smart Way
If La Fortuna Waterfall is on your Costa Rica itinerary, make Bella Vista Private Resort your home base.
📍 Central Valley, Costa Rica
🚗 ~2 hours to La Fortuna Waterfall
🏡 Private resort for 14–28 guests
👉 Visit bellavistacostarica.com to check availability
📞 Or call +1-480-206-1209 to plan your stay
See one of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls—then come back to a place that feels like it was built just for your group.