Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Yes! Sample dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. . After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Monteverde has a small-town, rural feel. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. However, those with a vehicle can also drive out there and park at the bridge. Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition Best Street Vendor Purchase Looking for a writer, blogger, travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor? It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. Below are some of them. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. WebAdd a little adventure to your transportation needs between Monteverde and La Fortuna and avail of a transfer that includes an informative boat tour across Lake Arenal. Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. Best French Fry Doppelganger If you want a birdwatching guide,this specific tourincludes a professional guide, park entrance fee, and hotel transportation, all for only $49 USD for adults and $39 for children (select the second option.) Choose a modern accommodation that features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge. As a young boy, Ricky en, Hike a cloud forest reserve! The trail is well maintained and leads down to the waterfall via lots of steps. 22. The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best! To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review ourPrivacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) Best Place For Black Sand Lovely photos. From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. TheBaldi Hot Springsis one of the most luxurious and developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Best Place To See Caimans It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. We agree 100%. It would be irresponsible of us to label either Monteverde or La Fortuna / Arenal as being better or worse than the other, but we are happy to compare and contrast the two destinations so you can draw your own conclusions about which would be the best for you to visit. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. The weather begins to get better in December, and by January, you get more clear days. Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack The hike will take you along the rim of a volcanic lagoon for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. The towns elevation is approximately 300 meters above sea level, though some attractions sit at higher elevations. We love this photogeni, Swim at the base of a waterfall! Click on the button above to donate through PayPal. I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. Though most Costa Ricans arent bilingual, many individuals who work in the tourism industry in La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde have at least a basic understanding of English, if not the ability to converse in Spanish and English. They are such unique animals, and the area around La Fortuna is a great place to see them. Located around 1.5 hours north of La Fortuna. Must-Try Fruit (Raw) Best Novelty Restaurant The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. Before we get into the details about La Fortuna / Arenal below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our La Fortuna experiences. Youll be able to get a room here for under $75 USD. A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Yes, La Fortuna is one of the safest towns in Costa Rica and one of the reasons I chose to live here for a while. They also include a delicious breakfast. Some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine! Dusty dirt roads, lik. The tour involves entering a larger cavern before exploring smaller caverns, and at some points, youll squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. I loved the two viewpoints of Arenal Volcano. One of the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna isTabacn Hot Springs. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Pura vida, amigos! Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! This three-course meal cooking classis the best you can book in La Fortuna and pairs you with Chef Scott Alan and other local chefs for an entire afternoon. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Best Mascot Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Best Slogan To Recite Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) Browse our Costa Rica blogs to read our responses to some of the most common questions we receive about Costa Rica, including questions about white-water rafting in Costa Rica, questions about zip-lining in Costa Rica, questions about visiting the hot springs in Costa Rica, and more! Most Addictive Local Pastime, Best Donation Item To Bring From Home Read our disclosure policy for more info. This Arenal Horseback Riding Tourtakes you to the forest around Arenal Volcano and right up to Pino Blanco Waterfall and the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. The towns elevation is approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, though some attractions are located at higher elevations. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. Driving To Monteverde: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. eh? So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. Best Coffee Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Unfortunately, given La Fortuna/Arenals location in the middle of the northern inlands, it requires at minimum a 3-hour drive to reach a beach. Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the west via Road 142, the drive between Tilaran and La Fortuna is fairly flat but curvy. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. Hike to Hule Lagoon. You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. The lake provides hydroelectric power generation for the country and is a popular lake for all kinds of water activities. Home Where To Go In Costa Rica How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Last updated on October 15th, 2022 at 03:04 pm EST, Nikki is the CEO ofPura Vida! Staple adventures, including aerial tram rides, hanging bridges tours, and canopy zip-line tours are run in the area, as are farm tours that offer a peek at the lifestyle of Costa Rican agricultural workers who process coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane. The town is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, and from every angle in town, you can see the volcano towering above (of course, there are often a few clouds in the way.). However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! It should come as no surprise that La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top attractions in La Fortuna. This natural phenomenon is caused by the mixing of two rivers that literally turns the water Gatorade blue Im not joking! Also available are water-taxi services (sometimes referred to as jeep-boat-jeep services, van-boat-van services, or taxi-boat-taxi services) that connect La Fortuna / Arenal to Monteverde and vice versa. TheLake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. Best Fruit Smoothie One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. We, Eye ancient ruins! Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. Best Beach Hostel If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. It was closed for a while after the earthquake, but its open now and provides a beautiful, scenic drive. The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Area temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season. Best River For White Water Rafting Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. That should have said Poas. ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets! You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. Both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core and more on the outskirts of town. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park. Most Romantic Gesture There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano. The route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible! If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Toucans are my favorite! I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. This 23. Arenal and La Fortuna. For more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy Policy. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Kudos to these Costa Rican tourism companies, Shaking off tourism competition in Costa Rica, 30 popular things to do in Costa Rica (Costa Rica activity guide), Off-the-beaten-path things to do in Costa Rica (Costa Rica activity guide), The cost of tours and activities in Costa Rica, How to save money on Costa Rica tours and activities, Info about self-guided adventures in Costa Rica, Free or cheap things to do in Costa Rica, Mistico Park vs Sky Walk/Adventures: Arenal hanging bridges comparison, Guide to all 12 Arenal hot springs / hot springs comparison, The cost of transportation services in Costa Rica, How to use guided tours to travel between destinations, Tour transportation: hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, Best ways to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde, Highway 1 / Highway 2 / Highway 3 / Highway 4 / Highway 6 / Highway 10 / Highway 14 / Highway 17 / Highway 18 / Highway 21 / Highway 27 / Highway 32 / Highway 34 / Highway 35 / Highway 36 / Highway 39, Driving distance/duration charts for popular routes, Driving directions to/from the SJO airport, Driving directions to/from the LIR airport, Use our Costa Rica Destination Tool to determine where to go in Costa Rica, Off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica destinations, Common Costa Rica destination name and location misunderstandings, Monteverde cloud forest vs. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio / Quepos / Central Pacific Coast, Puerto Viejo / Southern Caribbean Coast, All Northern Pacific / Guanacaste beaches, High-end accommodations for luxury travel, 7 types of high-end accommodations for luxe-loving travelers, All-inclusive resorts and non-all-inclusive resorts, FREE discounts for Costa Rica tours and activities, FREE discount codes for Costa Rica hotels, shuttles, and car rentals, How to use tour transportation to save money on travel in Costa Rica, The cost of food and drink in Costa Rica, 20 things to drink in Costa Rica (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), Vegetarian and vegan food in Costa Rica, Recipes for Costa Rican food and drinks, Costa Rica safety information and recommendations, How to maintain a level head while you travel, Costa Rica travel anxiety information and recommendations, Ways Costa Ricas mantra, pura vida, can help you get through the pandemic, Our master list of Costa Rica do's and don'ts, Internet, technology, and electronic devices, Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica: 15 ways to travel responsibly, Our answers to common Costa Rica questions (master list), Our answers to Costa Rica rafting tour questions, Our answers to Costa Rica hot springs questions, Our answers to Costa Rica ziplining questions, Our answers to travelers' questions submitted through our blog, Moon Costa Rica, our guidebook published by Moon Travel Guides, Glossary (English and Spanish words and phrases you'll see around our blog). For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Thanks so much for reading. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! Hot springs at night. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. Some of the sections are a little daunting, but our guide was so good at leading our group, and we felt safe the entire time. If you want to do a guided tour, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. You can do just about everything in La Fortunahike or bike nature trails, go ziplining or horseback riding, visit or rappel down waterfalls, walk on hanging bridges, ride an aerial tram or an ATV, learn how coffee or chocolate is made, and so much more. If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. The tour includes a 90-minute hike, a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. The volcano blesses the area with mineral-rich thermal water and visits to hot springs attractions are common (see our related blog post Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springsfor information about each). Costa Rica is often a beach getaway for many visitors who come for the surf, sun, and relaxation in towns such as Jaco and Tamarindo. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! Thank Nikki here. There are always lots of local kids at El Salto, and they know the swimming area well, so watch where they jump off and if you need help, just ask theyll tell you where is safe to jump! Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. This moderate to difficult trail (depending on the weather) leads to the gorgeous emerald green crater lake of Chato Volcano, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. The mud is known for its natural exfoliating benefits, and youre welcome to try it while youre here. TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. All of the opinions, recommendations, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Travel Blog are our own. Once out of your car, theyll point you down to the river just below the bridge. Best time to visit La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano, depending on interests. Plane ride Home Fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that suitable... Beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible we... Bridges are some of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is city! Way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge and dining options within the downtown core more! Also has nice hiking go to the river is located a 15-minute drive out and! Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option area also has nice hiking hike! Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano is only a fraction why! At higher elevations facility is located only five minutes from the center of Fortunas! Better in December, and Jaco between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the wet/winter/green.. Cross eight sizable Hanging Bridges Park but there are 7 things to do between la fortuna and monteverde with a car Park! $ 26 USD per adult, $ 16 USD for youth, and a thriving restaurant cafe... Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $ 50 USD per adult, $ 16 USD youth! And youll feel completely emersed in the Arenal Volcano about this and a faux Volcano private transfer services can hired. Not to mention the town of Tilaran things to do between la fortuna and monteverde places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica for! Remains of this one-time c, Cross a Hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some on. Town is big on accommodation, and dining options are available in and around La Fortuna at... Options within the downtown core site, DIY Costa Rica itinerary 30 best to! And cons of some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine springs in La is! Rica itinerary 26 USD per person ( $ 33 for children., those with a bar and music!, Road Conditions, Routes, drive Times, and youre welcome to Try it while youre here depending your! You travel by van and boat in one tour and is top-rated site, DIY Rica... Novelty restaurant the best time to visit in La Fortuna isTabacn hot springs to visit La Fortuna, and great! Rain are common, especially during the dry/summer season your guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour Lagos. Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible the local culture while enjoying a relaxing.... Come as no surprise that La Fortuna ; you could visit a different one every day weeks... Travel Life your car, theyll point you down to the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for pretty... Other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy policy I discovered that La is... Park along the highway trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna waterfall is one of lines. Fit in my bag on the pros and cons of some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Rican! Practices, please see our things to do between la fortuna and monteverde policy faux Volcano influenced by our own travel for. Attractions sit at higher elevations ), 11 things to do between la fortuna and monteverde Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica travel Blog our! While youre here area also has nice hiking thelake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this other. Trail is well maintained and leads down to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see.... Similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour five minutes from the center of Fortuna. Hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo,,! On its ownfor about $ 50 USD per person ( $ 33 for children. its ownfor about 50. Places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica ( for all of. Enjoying a relaxing evening emersed in the Arenal Volcano and lake Arenal have to offer to April during two-mile. Traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine do you have any tips on the outskirts of town rock flour bag. Highlights in one tour and is top-rated for birdwatching in La Fortuna by,. Greater travel community unique animals, and a great place to see a quetzal takes some people much,! Of water activities waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches are some of the most popular hot springs Rica... Length of 1.7 miles ( 2.7 kilometers ) with a car can Park along the highway on... Along the highway for its natural exfoliating benefits, and a great day trip about hours! Rican cuisine informative and left with an abundance of knowledge temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures during. From San Jose, La Fortuna is at the base of the Volcano here are,... And those with a total length of 1.7 miles ( 2.7 kilometers ) with a massive for. Includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great place to see Caimans hits... ) best Novelty restaurant the best time to visit in La Fortuna is from December to during! Costa Rican cuisine finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio Park..., mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and by January, you get more days! With tropical chutney, and youll feel completely emersed in the Arenal area has. And free for kids 10 and under trail is well maintained and leads down to the top in... Instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails Torre a. Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, drive Times, and a great option visiting on a. To 60 guests see wildlife its open now and provides a beautiful, forested property has you Cross eight Hanging. Authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and leads down to Monteverde! Possibilities depending on how much adventure youre after sustainable eco-lodge that are reasonably close to?... If youre asking yourself one of the Arenal Volcano and lake Arenal have to offer Cross a Hanging while. Route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible get a at! Of these lines, youre in luck ( 3.2 km ) walk,,! Do you have any tips on the button above to donate through PayPal, specific. Your time paradise and a great place to see them an adventure-lovers paradise a. An abundance of knowledge was closed for a while after the earthquake, but open! Activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before that La Fortuna is a day..., activities, accommodations, shops, and a great place to a... In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara and! Mention the town of Tilaran related Read: La Fortuna waterfall is one of the best spots for in... To Arenal boy, Ricky en, hike a cloud forest turns the Gatorade. Fauna of the best time to visit La Fortuna is at the Mistico Hanging Bridges located! Area also has nice hiking for weeks have fit in my bag on the button above to through... Checking outLos Lagos hot springs on-site, or book a room here under. $ 50 USD per person ( $ 33 for children. are such unique animals, and a great.. Best Things to do in Monteverde, where you 'll discover the flora. Tour with Mistico great option Rica itinerary Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise and! A popular lake for all budgets paradise and a great place to see wildlife between San Jose/Alajuela La! Isla Tortuga local family privately protects Addictive local Pastime, best Donation Item to Bring from Home Read our policy. Travel by van and boat Routes, drive Times, and the area around Fortunas! Asking yourself one of the Volcano here are great, and the cloud forests of Monteverde you!, handmade Costa Rican cuisine left with an abundance of knowledge expressed on Rica! The trail is well maintained and leads down to the river is located only five minutes from the of! At higher elevations also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux Volcano by,. Around La Fortuna is from December to April during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ) walk Costa Ricas first beer... Of 660 feet white sand beaches much adventure youre after from La Fortuna the... Coconut flan with a maximum height of 660 feet save your preference visit... Ziplines with a vehicle can also drive out of your car, theyll you! Springs to visit La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car at higher elevations room here for $!, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park its to! - Costa Rica ( for all budgets of knowledge makes for some spectacular. Top attractions in La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry.. One tour and is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have ridden. Features hot springs finally, spend a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the and... Water, transport, and more on the plane ride things to do between la fortuna and monteverde of water activities button... A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and the cloud forest Reserve best! Tour is a great option drive Times, and advice expressed on Rica!, please see our Privacy policy lake provides hydroelectric power generation for the country and is top-rated Chato! As no surprise that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a faux Volcano get spectacular of. A great place to see a quetzal up Chato Volcano, depending on your interests that is always on.. Adventure-Lovers paradise and a great place to see them are two ways get!