Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. 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. Please note, this tour does not include transport. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best View Of The Sunrise Youll want to plan for an entire day for this from La Fortuna. In fact, I loved La Fortuna so much that I moved there at the start of 2022 and spent lots of time exploring the surrounding area. 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. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. LOL. Most visitors split their time in Costa Rica at a coastal destination (usually during the latter part of their trip) and an inland area, such as La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. If youre staying at the resort, access to the hot springs is free, or if you arent a guest, you can purchase a day pass with dinner or lunch for $89 USD, or with both for $110. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about saving money in Costa Rica, and to access free discounts for Costa Rica tours, hotels, car rentals, and shuttle services. Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. This specific tour is awesome, and youll learn so much about chocolate making in Costa Rica as well as sample your fair share the hot chocolate is so good! The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. However, if they arent luxurious enough, check outThe Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children. Hike to Hule Lagoon. TheLake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. 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. While youre here, go to theLava Loungeon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn what to do in Costa Rica, including recommendations for the most popular Costa Rica activities, as well as ways to discover Costa Rica off the beaten path. 24. Area temperatures average between 25-30 degrees Celsius, with the most sun hitting the area during the dry/summer season, as you might suspect. Pura vida, amigos! Located around 1.5 hours north of La Fortuna. One of the best places to visit so you can experience this is La Fortuna located below Arenal Volcano, only a few hours north of San Jose in Central Costa Rica. Be prepared to get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you have one! Typically, youll see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and lots of birds! 2 Full Days in Monteverde. Monteverde is accessed via a combination of paved and bumpy roads. 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. These two products are very important exports for Costa Rica, and its really neat to see the entire process unfold before your eyes. TheArenal ATV Tourtakes you to a private farm right next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Company owners can make or break their business, so its great to learn about the people behind the enterprise. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. The area is home to a vast chunk of Costa Ricas protected land space and offers a number of nature reserves, most notably the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and the Childrens Eternal Rainforest. If you find our content valuable, and you'd like to thank us for making the trip-planning process easier and your Costa Rica vacation more enjoyable, please consider making a small donation ($1, $2, $3, or an amount of your choosing) to our blog. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. Youll taste farm-fresh coffee and chocolate right where they are made. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Our Costa Rica guidebooks published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides: Our Moon Costa Rica guidebook, 2023 edition (a full-country guide out September 2023 but currently available for pre-orderpaperback and e-book versions), Our Moon Best of Costa Rica guidebook, 2022 edition (a selective best of guide currently available for purchase in stores worldwide and through online retailerspaperback and e-book versions), Our Moon Costa Rica guidebook, 2021 edition (a full-country guide currently available for purchase in stores worldwide and through online retailerspaperback and e-book versions), Our Moon Costa Rica guidebook, 2019 edition (a full-country guide currently available to purchase in stores worldwide and through online retailerspaperback and e-book versions). We, Eye ancient ruins! If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. Best Place To See Coatis 2. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna, Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast, Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional), Most Stressful Encounter During A Road Trip, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit, Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition, Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket, Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment, Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction, Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack, Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand, This topic has 30 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated. I myself love that version more! Best Navidad (Christmas) Tradition Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. 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. I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. 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! There are also parking attendants here, and they charge around 1,500 colones. Copyright 2007-2023 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! WebYou can have a volcano, a trail below, waterfalls, a lake, and a plethora of many other natural wonders all at an arms reach from La Fortuna. The conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Toucans are my favorite! The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! If your time in Costa Rica will be short, however, or if you must adhere to a strict travel schedule, you may need to choose between visiting either La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde if you want to save some time for visiting a coastal destination too. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. Below are some of them. Great photos and a wealth of info! Youll still get to explore the rainforest trails, but youll also have the chance to soak in a natural hot springs pool and get a volcanic mud facial and cocktail afterward. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. Its one of the best value tours in Costa Rica. It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. If you need to book a tour,this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice. Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). The Sky Tram has a guide on board to help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you. This 23. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about coming and going from Costa Rica, including Costa Rica packing information, Costa Rica souvenir information, and tips for practicing responsible, sustainable tourism. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93F to 152F (doesnt it sound dreamy?!). Best Theatre Thanks so much for sharing it. Youll also enjoy a view of the Arenal Volcano from the kitchen, and toucans are always spotted here, so bring your camera. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. Best Place For Black Sand The tour also includes transportation (its about a two-hour drive) and lunch. Best Surf Town The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit Its a destination for adventure. There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. The tour also includes a homemade lunch in a local familys home and a stop to view waterfalls that reach up to 590 feet at the Toro Hydroelectric Project. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal, Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay Around Monteverde. It should come as no surprise that La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top attractions in La Fortuna. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Best Butterfly Garden 2 Full Days in Monteverde. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. DIY Costa Rica provides 100+ unique experience recommendations, each written as a chapter in a book, complete with photo galleries, Costa Rica field notes, experience details, Spanish pronunciation help, links to additional resources, and maps. Birdwatching. With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. eh? Tours at Mistico Hanging Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour. The lodge has an incredible view of the volcano, and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths. In fact, the guides know the trees they love to hang out in, so fingers crossed! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica destinations, including recommendations for cities, towns, and communities to visit in Costa Rica. 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. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. 3 to 4 days is enough time to visit a few of the best attractions in La Fortuna. Because it is a peaceful trip down the river, you can also bring a camera to grab some pictures. You do not want to get stuck on this trail in the dark! Then you could also add in the cloud forest. Lake Arenal is at the base of the Arenal Volcano, and this lake is the largest in Costa Rica! Can/should I visit both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde? To learn more about Costa Ricas many, many beaches, dont miss our blog post: 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. Their trails are in good shape. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (they close at 4 pm.). Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. Inc.(Costa Rica Discounts), the author of the guidebooksMoon Costa Rica(2019, 2021, and 2023 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides; and afreelance writer for hire. The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. Both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core and more on the outskirts of town. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. We love this photogeni, Swim at the base of a waterfall! Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS: Are you curious to know the most common question we receive from people who are planning a trip to Costa Rica? If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the south via Road 702, sections of the drive between San Ramon and La Fortuna are mountainous, are curvy, and cut through a cloud forest, but the road is usually in good condition. Best View Overlooking Arenal Lake Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. La Fortuna / Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure. This fun, and somewhat scary experience, takes you underground to explore the cave with an expert guide. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! The best option is taxi-boat So, instead, go on a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. It was closed for a while after the earthquake, but its open now and provides a beautiful, scenic drive. . But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. La Fortuna is a small town in the central valley of Costa Rica known for its lush rainforests and milder climate. However, those on a short trip might not have such luck. (You can learn about the highway extension by reading our related blog post: How The New Chilamate Vuelta Kooper Highway Will Save You Time To/From La Fortuna.). I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. For more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy Policy. I just scrolled through your blog (mainly the Costa Rica category) and couldnt find an article that I wouldnt be interested in reading. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. The hike ends with a break to enjoy fresh fruit from the organic farm here. Admire the Arenal volcano from the viewpoints. Related read: If you love horseback riding, you should check out the best things to do in Playa Flamingo. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Unofficial parking inspectors charge you to park here and protect your vehicle. They usually try to charge 3,000 Colones but just tell them yesterday you paid 1,000 Colones. Avoid driving either route to Monteverde at night when darkness and fog are known hazards. Short on time? The route from Arenal / La Fortuna to Monteverde is easy and is as follows Take Route 142 to Lake Arenal and follow the road along the edge of the lake. Is the value of your Costa Rica trip worth $5.99? Best Luxury Hotel Bathroom From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. The majority of streets in and around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. The water temperatures range from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), and the main area has a swim-up bar and waterslide. 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. But we did not take the typical route to Arenal. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Every post intrigues me! They also include a delicious breakfast. Monteverde doesnt have a line-up of car rental agencies, but most car rental agencies in Costa Rica can deliver cars to Monteverde or pick up cars in Monteverde for a fee. Driving To Monteverde: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! Not unlike La Fortuna, the area offers a wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options, but the presence of tourism in the vicinity is understated. See you there, amigos! If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. The weather begins to get better in December, and by January, you get more clear days. Given the destinations high elevation, cloud cover is frequent. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Inc., home to hundreds of discounts for Costa Rica day tours, our best of Costa Rica compilation DIY Costa Rica, which includes our Costa Rica Destination Tool and our Costa Rica Recommendations Map, our free Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course, and our awesome Costa Rica travel guidebooksMoon Best of Costa Rica, 2022 edition (a selective best of guide; available now), Moon Costa Rica, 2023 edition (a full-country guide; out September 2023 but currently available to pre-order), Moon Costa Rica, 2021 edition (a full-country guide; available now), and Moon Costa Rica, 2019 edition (a full-country guide; available now)published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides. Theres also a beautiful garden full of orchids and a few parrots who live in the yard that you can take photos with. If you do not accept the policy, please see the Settings. , click on a photo in the gallery above for discount and tour information. The route from Arenal / La Fortuna to Monteverde is easy and is as follows Take Route 142 to Lake Arenal and follow the road along the edge of the lake. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. Best Mascot WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about spending money in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica payment policies, Costa Rica currency exchange, using USD in Costa Rica, tipping information, and more. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Pura vida! The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. 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. La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde? Tons of coatis, some monkeys. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and is only $76 USD for adults and $57 for children. During the wet/winter/green season, the area remains warm and mostly sunny, with occasional cloud cover and rain showers. The modern, Go SCUBA diving at Isla del Coco! Best Swimming Lagoon, Most Common Dining Expression Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? Monteverde. The tour is early at 6 am as thats the best time to see birds here. There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! Most Romantic Gesture We agree 100%. Best Nature Tour Operator The 870-acre property is the home to the Arenal Observatory Lodge a scientific research station turned hotel but you dont have to be a guest here to enjoy it. Best Ancient Ruins In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. #Cos, Lounge around in paradise! eh? Best View Of The Central Valley Rooms here range from $200 to 300 USD per night. Because of this, its illegal to climb to the top of the Arenal Volcano. Its owned by Costa Rican couple Leo and Marisol, who sell handmade items, including wood carvings and jewelry using natural materials like coconut, wood, seeds, and gourds. La Fortuna is home to several car rental agencies; most will allow you to pick up or return a car in La Fortuna for free. Instead, go to Monteverde at night majority of streets in and around Elena! 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