Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica accommodations, including recommendations for where to stay in Costa Rica. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Best Ways To Travel From La Fortuna To Monteverde (Or Vice Versa). Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! Best Surf Town 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. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! But we did not take the typical route to Arenal. The towns elevation is approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, though some attractions are located at higher elevations. There are also parking attendants here, and they charge around 1,500 colones. This natural attraction is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. The Sky Tram has a guide on board to help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you. Coolest Tree The tour has it all! Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! Luckily, our guide kept us safe! About La Fortuna. La Fortuna is a small, calm town that offers some great places to eat, lively bars, and lots of souvenir shopping. (Continued use of the website implies that you agree with the policy.) Best Place To Hear Howler Monkeys Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93F to 152F (doesnt it sound dreamy?!). Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. There are a few other trails that lead from one area (Monteverde) to the other (La Fortuna/Arenal) but they are longer in length, hike duration, and require an overnight stay, so I doubt these are what your friend had in mind. They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. Your SPAM-FREE visit to OUR FREE WEBSITE is more important to us than making money off your clicks. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Best Hummingbird Garden Though the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have crystalline beaches and warm water, Costa Ricas inlands invite exploration of wildlife-rich rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems. 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. You can see all of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few. Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition 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 chill ou, Explore the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands! Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blogincluding its 300+ articlesis entirely voluntary! The trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates theCosta Rica Travel Blog, created the online communityDIY Costa Rica, built theCosta Rica Destination Tool, and designed theCosta Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. It also includes a visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center to learn about Costa Ricas Indigenous culture. About Monteverde. 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 a question or comment about our article above or Costa Rica travel in general, please post it in our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, our sister website, where you can also access our private Costa Rica recommendations, our Costa Rica Destination Tool, and our Costa Rica Recommendations Map. See you there, amigos! Keep an eye out for wildlife too. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Register today to start browsing! Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. The best option is taxi-boat Most accommodations are small, family-run, boutique-style rustic cabins and lodges. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. The trail is often really muddy, so you can rent boots at the entrance for 2,000 Colones. What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! Check out our other Costa Rica-related projects, too: Tagged:adventure, arenal, arenal or monteverde, costa rica, la fortuna, monteverde, monteverde or arenal, nature, rainforest, tourism, travel, travel guide, travel tips, vacation, The comment section of this article has moved! Best Nature Tour Operator I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. Do you know that your spam-free reading experience is most important to us? On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! 24. We love this photogeni, Swim at the base of a waterfall! How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. The food in Costa Rica is amazing! If youre just setting out on this journey, review our introductory Costa Rica trip-planning resources first. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Coco Loco Art Studio and Galleryis a fair-trade gallery with original artwork from local artists. La Fortunas weather can be unpredictable, and oftentimes, the volcano is completely covered in clouds. La Fortuna / Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure. Best Coffee Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. A sign at the @BananaBe, Drink pipa fria! A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. 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. Thanks so much for the compliment! After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. 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! eh? 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. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about transportation in Costa Rica, including different ways to get around Costa Rica. , click on a photo in the gallery above for discount and tour information. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Monteverde isnt a luxury destination. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! Before then, Arenal was Costa Ricas most active volcano, which began with a major eruption in 1968. Most are also run by themes, plugins, and other add-ons to our website that we do not and cannot control, which means the cookies you receive are mainly provided by third parties. You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. Pura vida! The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation. Most of the nicer beaches are anywhere from a 3.5-hour drive to a 6-hour drive away from La Fortuna. Click here to access the FREE La Fortuna / Arenal discounts! However, those on a short trip might not have such luck. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Road construction along the route is ongoing; to date, the road is paved as far north as Guacimal. One of the best is El Salto or the rope swing. This beautiful river is so much more than a rope swing and, instead of a hidden paradise just off the main highway, complete with waterfalls, beautiful trees, deep swimming holes, and of course, a fun rope swing. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. Kayaking is also really popular on Lake Arenal, andthis specific tourincludes all you need for a 2.5-hour paddle on the lake. 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): Today's the day! Distance from La Fortuna. Best Place To Scuba Dive Best Art Gallery Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! For more information, please visitDIY Costa Rica. A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. The forum Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum is closed to new topics and replies. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica luxury travel, including recommendations for high-end accommodations in Costa Rica. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. This 23. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and is $110 USD per person. 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. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Also, closed-toe shoes are mandatory! Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. All up, you spend around 45 minutes in the cave and come out with a ton of knowledge and lots of smiles we had such a great time! For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. Best Late Night Restaurant 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. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. You can take a swim at the base of the falls! PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks 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. In fact, the guides know the trees they love to hang out in, so fingers crossed! 22. Click here to access the FREE Monteverde discounts! Best Poolside Cabanas Area temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. Most Romantic Gesture Best Place To Feed Pigeons Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. . Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. Looking for a writer, blogger, travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor? I love the incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from the secluded pools in the lower section. To help plan your upcoming trip, heres everything I learned in this guide to visiting La Fortuna including the 30 best things to do in La Fortuna! WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). The lodge charges $10 USD, and that gets you access to the pool, showers, and to park your vehicle on their property. The tour also includes transportation (its about a two-hour drive) and lunch. Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here.) The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Driving To La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! 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