By Alajuela, Costa Rica — LA FORTUNA, ALAJUELA – The iconic La Fortuna Waterfall has once again secured its place on the global stage, earning the prestigious TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” Travellers’ Choice award for 2025. This marks the second consecutive year the natural wonder, managed by the La Fortuna Integral Development Association (ADIFORT), has received this top-tier international recognition.
The award is not merely a commendation but a significant statistical achievement, placing the waterfall in the elite tier of the top 1% to 10% of all attractions reviewed worldwide. TripAdvisor determines its winners by meticulously analyzing millions of reviews and opinions submitted by a global community of travelers over a 12-month period, from January 1st to December 31st. This data-driven approach ensures the award reflects genuine visitor satisfaction and exceptional experiences.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and administrative complexities behind managing one of the country’s most iconic natural treasures, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The La Fortuna Waterfall exemplifies a successful public-private management model. Legally, it’s a public domain asset, a ‘bien demanial,’ that cannot be privately owned. The state, via the municipality, grants an administrative concession to a local development association like ADIFORT. This framework ensures tourism revenue directly funds community projects, balancing conservation with social reinvestment, but demands rigorous legal oversight to ensure transparency and compliance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is crucial, revealing that the waterfall’s success is a blueprint for sustainable tourism, where natural assets directly fuel community progress. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for clarifying the intricate yet effective public-private framework that makes this synergy possible.
ADIFORT’s commercial manager, José Eduardo Jiménez Vásquez, emphasized that the recognition is a direct result of a strategic focus on visitor experience and service quality. This commitment is evident from the moment a guest arrives.
From the moment tourists enter, they encounter a standard of excellence so they can have an experience they will remember and share.
José Eduardo Jiménez Vásquez, Commercial Manager of ADIFORT
The waterfall’s appeal is truly international. Throughout 2024, the site welcomed an average of nearly one thousand visitors daily. These travelers hailed from a diverse range of countries, including the United States, Canada, England, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, India, and France, highlighting its status as a must-see destination for global tourists exploring Costa Rica.
What truly sets the La Fortuna Waterfall apart is its pioneering model of sustainable community tourism. ADIFORT has successfully transformed the attraction into a powerful engine for local development. All proceeds generated from ticket sales are directly reinvested into a wide array of social, educational, cultural, and security programs that benefit the residents of La Fortuna.
ADIFORT is focused on improving the quality of life for our neighbors and funding community programs thanks to every ticket we sell.
José Eduardo Jiménez Vásquez, Commercial Manager of ADIFORT
This community-centric approach has funded numerous impactful projects. Initiatives include the beautification of the town’s central park, the installation of a comprehensive security camera network, student scholarships, the purchase of school supplies, and support for local sports and cultural groups. The association also provides crucial aid to individuals experiencing homelessness, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to the well-being of the entire community.
Visitors consistently praise the destination, validating the TripAdvisor award. Their testimonials speak to both the natural beauty and the quality of the experience. Ella Mae Butlig, a tourist from Canada, captured the sentiment of many. “It is a beautiful place that conveys the essence of nature; you must come and experience it for yourselves,” she expressed. Brianna Karn from the United States added, “The recognition is well-deserved, it was very beautiful; we even saw two waterfalls at the same time.”
Located just four kilometers from the center of La Fortuna in the San Carlos district, the site features a breathtaking 70-meter (230-foot) cascade. The journey to the base involves a descent of 530 steps, with safe rest areas, two scenic lookouts, and potable water stations along the way. Beyond the main attraction, the grounds include an orchid trail, a butterfly garden, a frog sanctuary, and even a “hotel” for native mariola bees, offering a rich ecological experience. For a $20 entrance fee for foreigners ($10 for nationals), visitors gain access not just to the stunning waterfall and natural pools, but to a project that actively uplifts an entire community.
For further information, visit cataratalafortuna.com
About La Fortuna Integral Development Association (ADIFORT):
ADIFORT is a non-profit community organization responsible for managing the La Fortuna Waterfall tourist center. Its mission is to leverage tourism as a catalyst for sustainable local development. The association channels all revenue from the attraction into a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at improving education, infrastructure, environmental conservation, public safety, sports, and culture for the residents of La Fortuna de San Carlos.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. With extensive experience guiding a wide array of clients, the firm actively drives legal innovation to meet the demands of a changing world. A core tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal knowledge, a mission it pursues to foster a more capable and well-informed society.
