Skip to content

Green Season Magic: Why La Fortuna is at Its Best During Costa Rica’s Rainy Season

While most travelers flock to Costa Rica during the dry season, savvy visitors know that La Fortuna’s green season (May through November) oers the most spectacular and authentic Costa Rican experience. Far from being a limitation, the green season transforms La Fortuna into a lush paradise where nature comes alive, crowds disappear, and every adventure becomes more thrilling.

Nature at Its Most Spectacular

Waterfalls in Full Glory

During green season, La Fortuna Waterfall transforms from impressive to absolutely breathtaking. The 230-foot cascade thunders with increased volume, creating a more powerful and dramatic spectacle. The mist rises higher, the pool at the base is fuller, and the surrounding rainforest glows with an emerald intensity that’s impossible to capture during drier months.

The increased water flow makes swimming at the base even more exhilarating, while the cooler temperatures from the cloud cover provide perfect conditions for the hike down and back up.

Arenal Volcano’s Dramatic Moods

Green season brings Arenal Volcano’s most photogenic moments. Cloud formations wrap around the iconic cone, creating mystical scenes that change throughout the day. When the clouds part—often in the late afternoon or early evening—the reveal of the volcano against stormy skies creates some of the most dramatic photography opportunities you’ll find anywhere in Costa Rica.

Rainforest Awakening

The rainforest during green season is nature’s masterpiece in full display. Every shade of green imaginable paints the landscape, from the bright lime of new growth to the deep emerald of mature canopy. Wildlife activity peaks as animals take advantage of abundant food sources, making this the best time for spotting sloths, toucans, frogs, and countless other species.

Perfect Weather for Hot Springs

Here’s a secret that locals know: green season is actually the best time to enjoy hot springs in La Fortuna. The warm thermal waters feel incredible against the backdrop of cooler, fresh air that comes with afternoon showers. There’s something magical about soaking in natural hot springs while gentle rain falls around you, creating a sensory experience that’s both invigorating and deeply relaxing.

At Choyín Río Termal, green season visitors enjoy:

  • Cooler air temperatures that make the thermal waters feel perfect
  • Refreshing afternoon breezes that enhance the thermal experience
  • Dramatic sky backdrops for unforgettable photos
  • Lush, vibrant surroundings that make every moment feel like a nature documentary

Adventure Activities at Their Peak

  • Ziplining Through the Clouds

Green season ziplining oers a completely dierent thrill. Racing through cloud forests with mist swirling around you, visibility that changes from clear to mysterious in moments, and the fresh scent of rain-washed vegetation creates an adventure that’s impossible to replicate during dry season.

  • Waterfall Rappelling and Canyoning

The increased water flow during green season makes waterfall rappelling more exciting and visually stunning. The power of the water, the lush surroundings, and the cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for these adrenaline-pumping activities.

  • Hiking with Rewards

While trails might be muddier, the payo is enormous. Wildlife sightings increase dramatically, the forest sounds are richer, and the fresh, clean air makes every breath feel rejuvenating. Plus, you’ll often have trails to yourself, creating a more intimate connection with nature.

Fewer Crowds, More Authentic Experiences

Green season means experiencing La Fortuna as locals do. Restaurants aren’t packed, attractions have shorter lines, and you can actually enjoy conversations with local guides and shop owners without the rush of peak season crowds. This creates opportunities for more authentic cultural exchanges and personalized experiences.

Better Value for Your Adventure

Many accommodations and tour operators oer their best rates during green season, meaning you can enjoy premium experiences at more accessible prices. This is particularly valuable for families or groups looking to maximize their adventure budget.

The Rain Reality: It’s Not What You Think

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the rain. Green season rains in La Fortuna typically follow predictable patterns:

  • Mornings are often clear and perfect for activities
  • Afternoons may bring refreshing showers, usually lasting 1-3 hours
  • Evenings often clear up, providing stunning sunset opportunities and perfect stargazing conditions

Rather than all-day downpours, you’re looking at refreshing afternoon showers that cool the air and create rainbow opportunities. Many visitors find this rhythm actually enhances their experience—active mornings, relaxing afternoons (perfect for hot springs!), and beautiful evenings.

Green Season Hot Springs Strategy

Smart green season visitors plan their days around the natural rhythm of the weather. Here’s the perfect La Fortuna green season day:

Morning (7 AM – 12 PM): Take advantage of clear skies for hiking, ziplining, or visiting La Fortuna Waterfall. The cooler temperatures make physical activities more comfortable.

Afternoon (1 PM – 5 PM): Head to Choyín Río Termal as clouds gather. There’s nothing quite like soaking in warm thermal waters while cool rain falls around you. Our covered restaurant areas ensure you can enjoy delicious meals regardless of weather.

Evening (6 PM onwards): As skies clear, enjoy dinner with stunning volcano views and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.

What to Pack for Green Season Success

  • Quick-dry clothing for comfort during brief showers
  • Waterproof phone case to capture those dramatic storm photos
  • Light rain jacket (though many visitors find they barely use it)
  • Good walking shoes with grip for potentially muddy trails
  • Sense of adventure to embrace the dynamic weather patterns

The Wildlife Advantage

Green season is when Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity truly shines. Birds are more active, mammals are easier to spot as they move between water sources, and the amphibian life (including the famous red-eyed tree frogs) is at its peak. Night tours during green season oer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country.

Photography Paradise

For photography enthusiasts, green season in La Fortuna oers unparalleled opportunities:

  • Dramatic cloud formations around Arenal Volcano
  • Lush, saturated greens that make every landscape photo pop
  • Rainbow opportunities after afternoon showers
  • Moody, atmospheric lighting that creates professional-quality shots
  • Wildlife activity at its peak for animal photography

Your Green Season La Fortuna Adventure Awaits

Don’t let misconceptions about Costa Rica’s green season keep you from experiencing La Fortuna at its most magical. This is when the country shows its true colors—literally and figuratively. From the thundering waterfalls to the mystical volcano views, from the abundant wildlife to the perfect hot springs weather, green season oers an intensity of experience that the dry season simply can’t match.

At Choyín Río Termal, we celebrate green season as the perfect time to experience our thermal waters. The combination of warm springs, cool air, dramatic skies, and lush surroundings creates moments of pure Costa Rican magic that our guests remember forever.

Ready to experience La Fortuna’s green season magic? Visit us at www.choyin.com or call +506 8622-0131 to plan your perfect green season adventure. Come discover why those in the know consider this the best time to fall in love with Costa Rica’s natural wonders.

RESERVATIONS, CANCELLATIONS AND PAYMENT POLICIES

  • Individual and group reservations can cancel 15 days prior to arrival without penalty.
  • More tan 10 people are considered a group.
  • The cancellation deadline without penalty is 15 days.
  • Any cancellation made less than 15 days before arrival at the resort will result in a penalty of 100% of the cost of your reservation.
  • By confirming the reservation process, you authorize Choyín Río Termal to charge the total amount of your reservation to your credit card on the date to receive payment.
  • We reserve the right to cancel reservations for visitors with inappropriate conduct, or who, as a result of their conduct, may disturb or affect the services of other clients.
  • Once payment has been made, you must send a copy of the deposit or transfer to reservas@choyin.com; to proceed to guarantee the reservation, if a copy of said payment is not received, the reservation could be canceled due to lack of guarantee.
  • All cancellations and modifications must be requested in writing to reservas@choyin.com
  • Last minute reservations may require payment directly upon arrival at the resort.
  • For reservations during the Christmas – New Year period (December 18 – January 8) and Easter, the payment is made 45 days before the arrival date.
  • The rates are shown in the first instance rates before tax, the second rate includes 13% VAT.
  • Cancellation of Christmas – New Year period (December 18 – January 8) made 44 days before arrival at the resort is penalized 100%. Applies to individual or group reservations.
  • If you do not show up, a 100% penalty applies. Applies to individual or group reservations.
  • Non-guaranteed reservations will be automatically released.
  • Loss of the locker key will result in a charge of ¢30,500.
  • Failure to return your towel will result in a charge of ¢12,200.
  • On December 31, the thermal complex closes at 10:00 p.m., dinner service will be available with a special menu.
  • In accordance with Costa Rica’s Law 9028 Smoke-Free Environment effective March 2012, smoking in all public areas, whether internal or external, is strictly prohibited.
  • For group reservations, different policies and conditions apply according to each group.

CHILDREN POLICY

  • Children from 0 to 5 years old, free.
  • From 6 to 11 years old pay child rate.
  • From 12 years old, they pay the normal adult rate.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Constant supervision is required for persons under 16 years of age.
  • Water shoes are highly recommended.
  • Food or drinks purchased outside the Choyín Río Termal cannot enter the complex.
  • Pets are not accepted.

Privacy policy

1. Information We Collect:
1.1. Registration Information:
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, and other contact details when you register on the website.


1.2. Browsing Information:
We collect information about your device and browsing behavior, including IP address, browser type, approximate geographical location, and visited pages. This data is used to enhance user experience and for statistical analysis.

2. Use of Information:
2.1. Service Improvement:
The collected information is used to personalize your experience on our website, enhance our products and services, and provide more relevant content.


2.2. Communication:
We may use your contact information to send updates about our services, marketing communications, and respond to your inquiries as part of customer service.

3. Data Protection:
3.1. Security:
We implement measures to safeguard the personal information we collect and maintain encrypted. We never store credit or debit card data, and all transactions are securely handled by the bank.


3.2. No Sharing with Third Parties:
We do not share your personal information with third parties, except when required by law.


3.3. Updates:
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Significant changes will be notified through our website.


Your use of our website implies acceptance of this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through the provided channels