La Fortuna’s dining scene combines local Costa Rican flavors with memorable settings. The best authentic meals come from guided experiences, like the evening rainforest walks that end with traditional dinners cooked on wood stoves. While hot springs resorts offer convenient dining, local spots deliver better value and taste.
Top-rated combination tours pack great value – you’ll trek hanging bridges, spot wildlife, and visit waterfalls before enjoying a hearty buffet dinner featuring regional specialties. We especially love the night walk-and-dine tours where families welcome visitors into their homes for made-from-scratch Costa Rican classics.
Check our favorite food tours below to taste the real La Fortuna.
Key Points
- Authentic Costa Rican dining experience with home-cooked meals prepared on a wood-burning stove, emphasizing freshness and local hospitality.
- Dinner experience integrated into the Rainforest Night Walk tour, providing an immersive cultural encounter after nature activities.
- Arenal Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive full-day exploration of the region, including meals and snacks.
- Mineral Hot Springs Experience provides on-site dining options, though reviews on quality are mixed.
- Arenal Best 4 Attractions Tour includes a relaxing hot springs visit and a buffet dinner.
Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner From La Fortuna
For travelers seeking an immersive nature experience in La Fortuna, the Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner offers a captivating opportunity. This 1-1.5 hour guided hike through the rainforest at night allows guests to observe a variety of nocturnal wildlife, including bats, birds, frogs, and more.
With a maximum group size of 30, the experience provides an intimate encounter with Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystem. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and high-quality equipment like flashlights and lanterns. Knowledgeable guides share insights on the local culture and biodiversity, enhancing the overall experience.
After the hike, guests are treated to a delicious, home-cooked Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. Reviews praise the authenticity and freshness of the meal, as well as the welcoming hospitality of the family hosts.
With 95% of travelers recommending this activity, the Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting La Fortuna.
Read our full review: Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner From La Fortuna Review
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Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket W/ Optional Lunch or Dinner
Visitors can enjoy a full day immersed in La Fortuna’s natural thermal pools with the “Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket W/ Optional Lunch or Dinner” experience. The pass provides access to the stunning hot springs, surrounded by a lush tropical garden, waterfalls, and offering stunning views of Arenal Volcano.
The facilities are clean and well-appointed, with changing rooms, showers, and lockers for valuables. While the experience includes an optional on-site lunch or dinner, reviews suggest mixed dining experiences, with some praise and others criticizing quality. Guests may prefer exploring local dining options in La Fortuna instead.
The experience can accommodate up to 30 travelers and is wheelchair accessible, though children must be accompanied by an adult. With an overall rating of 4.3 stars from 107 reviews, visitors can expect a relaxing day in the natural thermal pools, complemented by the beautiful volcanic surroundings.
Read our full review: Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket W/ Optional Lunch or Dinner Review
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Arenal Best 4 Attractions (Full Day – Combo) Incl. Lunch & Dinner
This full-day nature tour from La Fortuna, Costa Rica, offers travelers an opportunity to explore the dramatic landscape surrounding Arenal Volcano.
The tour includes a variety of activities, such as hiking on hanging bridges, visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall, and hiking up Arenal Volcano at sunset. Participants will also have the chance to relax in hot springs and enjoy a buffet dinner.
The tour begins with a 2-hour hike on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which feature 9 fixed and 6 suspension bridges.
Next, travelers will spend 2 hours at the La Fortuna Waterfall, where they can swim and take in the stunning views.
The tour then moves on to a 2-hour hike up the slopes of Arenal Volcano, providing the chance to witness the moving lava at dusk.
The day concludes with 3 hours of relaxation in the hot springs, accompanied by a buffet dinner.
All transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and dinner are included in the tour, which is led by knowledgeable guides and has a maximum of 15 travelers.
Read our full review: Arenal Best 4 Attractions (Full Day – Combo) Incl. Lunch & Dinner Review
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Arenal Highlights (arenal 1 Day) + Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
The Arenal Highlights tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the natural wonders surrounding the iconic Arenal Volcano. This full-day adventure includes visits to hanging bridges, the breathtaking La Fortuna waterfall, a guided hike within the Arenal Volcano National Park, and a relaxing soak in the Baldi hot springs.
Recommended by 95% of previous guests, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, meals, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free way to experience the best of the Arenal region.
The itinerary is packed with activities, starting at 7:30 am and lasting throughout the day. Travelers can expect to walk on hanging bridges, swim at the La Fortuna waterfall, and embark on a guided hike near the Arenal Volcano.
The tour concludes with a rejuvenating soak in the Baldi hot springs, where visitors can enjoy the thermal waters and scenic views. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and delicious meals included, the Arenal Highlights tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to maximize their time and explore the natural beauty of this captivating destination.
Read our full review: Arenal Highlights (arenal 1 Day) + Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner Review
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The Sum Up
Visitors to La Fortuna can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. From a rainforest night walk and authentic Costa Rican dinner to a full day of Arenal attractions with included lunch and dinner, there are many options to choose from. Travelers can also combine hot spring visits with dinner for a complete day of relaxation and local cuisine.