La Fortuna Central Park
Also known as: Parque de La Fortuna · Parque de la Parroquia de La Fortuna
The heart of town, with benches and gardens. On clear days Arenal Volcano rises behind the church, and that photo costs nothing.
What you can do for free
- Relax and watch local lifeSit on a bench and watch town life go by.
- See and photograph the volcanoPhotograph the church with Arenal Volcano behind it on a clear day.
- Learn local historyVisit the Catholic church facing the park, if it is open, quietly and without interrupting services.
- Traditions and eventsDuring the Christmas season, see the lights ADIFORT puts up (verified editions: 30 November 2024 and 15 November 2025).
The central park is La Fortuna's main square and where almost every visitor starts finding their bearings. Facing it is the town's Catholic church (it appears on maps as Parroquia San Juan Bosco) and, when the clouds allow, the cone of Arenal Volcano rises behind it. That view of the church with the volcano is one of the most recognisable photos of the area.
Few people know that, according to the San Carlos Municipal Council (March 2026), the land is registered to the La Fortuna Integral Development Association (ADIFORT) and works as private property set aside for public use. ADIFORT manages it and announced plans to remodel it in 2026, so some areas may be under construction when you visit.
In November and December the park fills with lights. For the 2025 edition ADIFORT switched on 68,500 lights, with free activities on opening night. The 2026 dates have not been announced yet; we will add them to the events page once there is a source.
How to get there
It is right in the middle of town. If you are staying downtown, you can walk there. It is the point we measure every other distance in this guide from.
Permitted access
A public-use park with no admission fee in any source we checked. We found no information about opening hours or night-time closing.
Terrain and conditions
An urban park with gardens, according to travel guides. We have no verified accessibility data for wheelchair users.
What to bring
- A camera or phone in case the volcano clears.
- An umbrella or rain jacket. It rains for much of the year in the Northern Zone.
Precautions
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The volcano is often covered by clouds. A clear view is not guaranteed.
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If you go into the church, respect Mass and religious services.
What we don't know yet
- Opening hours of the park and church, and Mass times (we found no parish source).
- Status of the remodelling ADIFORT announced for 2026.
- Official parish name confirmed by the parish or the diocese.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources. The date is when we checked them.
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Municipalidad de San Carlos – Concejo Municipal, Acta 15-2026 (sesión ordinaria 9 de marzo de 2026)
Official
The land belongs to ADIFORT and works as private property for public use (Municipal Council answer, March 2026).
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Thoroughly Travel
Travel guide
The town square and church as a free activity to relax and people-watch.
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Costa Rica Vibes — 30 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna
Travel guide
Photo of the church with the volcano from the park; the volcano is often clouded over.
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Two Weeks in Costa Rica
Travel guide
The town is centred on a park with gardens and a large church.
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El Observador CR
Local media
ADIFORT manages the park; 2025 Christmas programme.
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El Observador CR
Local media
68,500 lights and free activities at the 2025 lighting.
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San Carlos Digital
Local media
Date of the 2024 Christmas lighting.
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Delfino.cr
National media
ADIFORT plans to remodel the central park in 2026.
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OpenStreetMap — Parque de La Fortuna (vía 62238193)
Map
Location of the park.
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OpenStreetMap — Parroquia San Juan Bosco (vía 253145257)
Map
The name the church has on OpenStreetMap.
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ICT – Guía turística Llanuras del Norte (inglés), p. 8
Official
The ICT cultural calendar mentions a parade in honour of Saint John Bosco in January.
Nearby
El Salto swimming hole (Fortuna River)
Around La Fortuna · 1.8 km · 3 min
A cold-water pool under the Fortuna River bridge, known for its rope swing. It is free and public, but two people died here in 2026. Read the precautions before you go.