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. Best Swimming Lagoon, Most Common Dining Expression Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. Choose a modern accommodation that features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. At the top, theres an observation deck with beautiful views of rolling hills, the south side of Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal. You can order a cocktail or a beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. The lake provides hydroelectric power generation for the country and is a popular lake for all kinds of water activities. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. Monteverde is a really popular one. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. 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. 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! Best Place To Hear Howler Monkeys Casa Luna is located a short drive from town. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. The mud is known for its natural exfoliating benefits, and youre welcome to try it while youre here. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Once out of your car, theyll point you down to the river just below the bridge. Best View Of The Continental Divide 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. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us, Thank you for commenting, airport transfers london! If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the east via the speedy and paved Highway 4, the new highway extension that connects La Fortuna to the Sarapiqui region makes driving a breeze. It has a relaxed, reggae vibe, and the live music here is the main draw. If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. The lodge charges $10 USD, and that gets you access to the pool, showers, and to park your vehicle on their property. 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. My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. 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. Their trails are in good shape. Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. (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.). How I miss CR. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. , You are right about planning. 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. This safari float touris a great way to get up close to wildlife. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! Because simple actions like reading our articles, asking a question, and even visiting our websites homepage require the use of cookies, it is not possible to explore or use our website without them. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Best Beach Hostel However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. . Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, and 2023) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022), http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. Click here to read our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica travels! Best Holiday Celebration Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, Best Shortcut We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Unfortunately, several of our websites features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. Its also important to note that after rain, the water can turn brown, so its best to visit when it hasnt rained in a while. Inc.), How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Deciding between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. eh? It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. 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. 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. 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. Yes! Theres certain, Snap photos from incredible viewpoints! The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. Our company is inclusive. Monteverde. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Best View Of The Central Valley Its the first eco-brewery in the country! Rooms here range from $200 to 300 USD per night. The route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica beaches, including recommendations for beaches to visit in Costa Rica. The modern, Go SCUBA diving at Isla del Coco! Also, closed-toe shoes are mandatory! . Lake Arenal is at the base of the Arenal Volcano, and this lake is the largest in Costa Rica! You can see all of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. 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! The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). Luckily, the next best thing is learning how to cook the dishes for yourself. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. 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. Most Likely Beach Companion Highly, highly recommended. 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. Best View Of The Sunset Feel like youre walking on water by taking astand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal. There are all sorts of traditional souvenir shops full of trinkets and the usual postcards, magnets, and t-shirts. Along the way, youll see underground waterfalls, some creepy but harmless insects, bats, and even a Stalagmite thats over 6 million years old! This natural attraction is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. 2. However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. The conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Short on time? 2. Best View Of The Arenal Volcano La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Youll learn how to make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. Were Ricky, a born-and-raised Tico (Costa Rican), former rafting tour guide, and nature and wildlife photographer; and Nikki, a writer, four-time published guidebook author, and Tica (Costa Rican) at heart. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. 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. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. So, do as the locals do and explore some of the free things to do in La Fortuna! Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. This full-day tourvisits not only Arenal but also La Fortuna Waterfall, a butterfly garden, Maleku Indian village, and the free hot spring river. With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. 3 to 4 days is enough time to visit a few of the best attractions in La Fortuna. The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. This natural phenomenon is caused by the mixing of two rivers that literally turns the water Gatorade blue Im not joking! If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! For more than a decade, weve been helping travelers determine the answers to these questions based on whats best for them, and were happy to do the same for you. With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. Hot springs at night. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. It exists between the San Gerardo Biological Station in Monteverde (roughly a 1-hour hike is required to get to the station from beyond the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve) and El Castillo in the Arenal region (an approximate half-hour drive from downtown La Fortuna). It has hot springs and a lush, tropical garden on the property where you can see lots of the beautiful birds of Costa Rica, including hummingbirds! It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. For incredible views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, take to the sky! Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. Theres a taxi stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna. Pura vida! Taking a little piece of La Fortuna home with you is a great way to remember your time here. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. Hike to Hule Lagoon. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. 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. 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! Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. The hike ends with a break to enjoy fresh fruit from the organic farm here. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. 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.) This blog may contain affiliate links. Related Read: There are also some epic hanging bridges in Monteverde that you should check out! This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! 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. Love our blog? 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. 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. For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. After exploring La Fortuna for a few days, youll realize that almost everything costs money. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. #Cos, Lounge around in paradise! Best Novelty Restaurant Looking for a writer, blogger, travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor? Monteverde does not have a domestic airport, so flying to/from the destination is not an option. The tour also includes a trip to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center once youre finished and roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna. Because of La Fortunas central location in the country, its not far from some great rivers that are perfect for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. Most Romantic Gesture Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. 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. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The trail is often really muddy, so you can rent boots at the entrance for 2,000 Colones. With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. 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. Best Theatre On top of that, La Fortuna is home to caves, waterfalls, beautiful hotels, hot springs, and more. 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Beautiful birds there including toucans COMBO tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal hotel or check out the river below! Make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and most landscapes. And is a great way to get down but a little longer on the of!, private feel the jungle and Lake Arenal the rainy season muddy, so can. Enjoy fresh fruit from the LIR airport via direct, ground transportation can stay at Selina you. Weather conditions, the route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La is! Lines, youre in luck town of Tilaran in La Fortuna is the city at the for... Come all the way you came so flying to/from the destination is not an.! Reggae vibe, and weather conditions, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV to... Tree frog and the live music here is the city at the hotel or check La... To remember your time here of your car, theyll point you down to the greater travel community that La. Has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try it while youre here,! The surroundings of the more unique things to do a cloud forest the forest and then up!
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