Lovely photos. Which did you choose to visit, and why? Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Most Likely Beach Companion Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. Their trails are in good shape. Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. You are then free to explore at your own pace, and 2 hours is more than enough time. Please note, this tour does not include transport. They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. . The Free Natural Hot Springs River (as its called) is a public river that runs through theTabacon Hot Springs Resort one of the most luxurious hot springs in La Fortuna. Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. 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.). If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. Though the north s, Eat dessert at Noguis in #CostaRica! And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Every post intrigues me! Best Butterfly Garden Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. 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). This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. If you do not accept the policy, please see the Settings. . Spread your wings and visit the small town of El Castillo, which is home to thelargest butterfly conservatoryin Costa Rica. The towns elevation is approximately 300 meters above sea level, though some attractions sit at higher elevations. Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. The trail through the forest is 3.2 kilometers/2 miles long, and although the 6 hanging bridges are the main attraction, theres lots more to see. 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. A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. Their trails are in good shape. Regardless of which tour you choose, white water rafting is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and few destinations offer rafting this good! Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Great tip! Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. 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. The best part is, transport from La Fortuna is included. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! Yes! What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Monteverde does not have a domestic airport, so flying to/from the destination is not an option. This guided touroffers both the Sky Tram and the zipline course as well as a guide and transportation from La Fortuna. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. It was closed for a while after the earthquake, but its open now and provides a beautiful, scenic drive. We strive for quality, not quantity, and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. The modern, Go SCUBA diving at Isla del Coco! Company owners can make or break their business, so its great to learn about the people behind the enterprise. Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. 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. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. This coffee and chocolate touris on a family farm owned by Don Juan where youll see coffee and cacao crops and get to taste the finished product. During the wet/winter/green season, the area remains warm and mostly sunny, with occasional cloud cover and rain showers. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. However, those with a vehicle can also drive out there and park at the bridge. You can see all of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few. With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. Related Read: Heading to Monteverde? The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. We, Eye ancient ruins! If you have more than a week to travel around Costa Rica, youll find that visits to both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde are possible, in addition to time spent relaxing on a beach elsewhere in the country. Taking a little piece of La Fortuna home with you is a great way to remember your time here. Best Beach Hostel Monteverde is a really popular one. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. The owner here, Ruth, also has her personal art studio here, so you may even see the creativity in action! Arenal and La Fortuna. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. Instead we chose Pias and Peace Lodge. Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). Avoid driving either route to Monteverde at night when darkness and fog are known hazards. Because of this, its illegal to climb to the top of the Arenal Volcano. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Luckily, our guide kept us safe! On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. About La Fortuna. A sign at the @BananaBe, Drink pipa fria! Travel distance from the SJO airport (San Jose / Alajuela), Travel distance from the LIR Airport (Liberia), Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springs, Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Garden, Costa Rica Itinerary: 5 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 8 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 10 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 12 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 15 days in Costa Rica, our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, Pura Vida! There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. Best Fruit Smoothie There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! This blog may contain affiliate links. Youll have the chance to rock climb up a hidden rainforest canyon and rappel along a thrilling course that includes the Monkey Drop canyon zipline and four waterfall descents. La Fortuna / Arenal is a major hub of the northern inland area; it can easily be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, private transfer services, and domestic flights. . There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! Another one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna is the free hot springs! Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Hmmm I am aware of a hiking option between the two areas, but the connection isnt a quick one so perhaps your friend is thinking of something different. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. If you need to book a tour,this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice. You can get a taxi or drive yourself from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee and begin hiking. Youll also enjoy a view of the Arenal Volcano from the kitchen, and toucans are always spotted here, so bring your camera. Rooms here range from $200 to 300 USD per night. Both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde welcome travelers who speak English. Best Aerial Tram Ride Monteverde. It definitely has a fun party vibe, especially on the weekends! Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. 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. Located around 1.5 hours north of La Fortuna. Monteverde. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna! Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. Costa Rica Itinerary: 5 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 4 nights and 5 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 8 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 7 nights and 8 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 10 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 9 nights and 10 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 12 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 11 nights and 12 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 15 days in Costa Rica (i.e., 14 nights and 15 days in Costa Rica). If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. 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. The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. Best Yoga Pose Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Arenal and La Fortuna. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys Best Adventure Tour To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review our Privacy Policy, then click the button to accept it. About La Fortuna. If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best! Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? Given that Monteverde and La Fortuna are unique destinations both worthy of a visit, deciding whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your vacation may be one of the toughest and most stressful trip-planning decisions youll make. If you did, then be sure to browse around and check out more of our in-depth guides such as: Categories Destinations, La Fortuna, Things to do, Home 30 EPIC Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica + Complete Guide. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. Click here to access the FREE La Fortuna / Arenal discounts! There are 12 different ziplines on this tour, and be prepared for a bit of a hike to get to the first zipline and in-between each one as well. Kids over the age of four are also able to take part. Most Addictive Local Pastime, Best Donation Item To Bring From Home Its a destination for adventure. The dinner was also so tasty and one of the best local meals I enjoyed in Costa Rica! Visiting on your own is easy. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Neither destination has a hospital; the closest hospital is a 60-minute drive from La Fortuna / Arenal in Ciudad Quesada, and a 75-minute drive from Monteverde in Puntarenas. 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. But if you want more adventure, take the ziplines down! WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, and you can purchase them at the gate orhere online in advance and skip the line(its the same price.). In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. eh? 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 learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica destinations, including recommendations for cities, towns, and communities to visit in Costa Rica. eh? There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! Best Historical Site I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us, Thank you for commenting, airport transfers london! Hot springs at night. Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. eh? I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. 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. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , One attraction th, Tour a #coffeeplantation! 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. Youll learn how to make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! Their trails are in good shape. Best Breakfast Menu Item (Traditional) 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. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Best Hummingbird Garden Tons of coatis, some monkeys. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Theres also a beautiful garden full of orchids and a few parrots who live in the yard that you can take photos with. 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. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. Best Intermediate Hike Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about food and drink in Costa Rica, including recommendations for things to eat in Costa Rica, drinks to try in Costa Rica, and Costa Rican recipes so you can re-create Costa Rican meals in your own home! Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! The tours are set up so there are protected areas and trails made of cement, so you can do this tour on a sunny or rainy day. If you plan to arrive at Monteverde from the north via Road 606, the drive between Tilaran and Monteverde is curvy and bumpy in places. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. 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 plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the west via Road 142, the drive between Tilaran and La Fortuna is fairly flat but curvy. Best Opportunity To Take A Selfie If youre enthralled by nature, including its sights, sounds, and inhabitants, youll love Monteverde. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. All the craft beer here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100% solar electricity and bio-diesel. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Best Mascot 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. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! Monteverde can also be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, and private transfer services. If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Exploring the suspended bridges and nature trails should take about three hours. The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that!
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