La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a small town in the Northern Highlands, full of fantastic outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery, natural hot springs, charming hotels and stunning volcano and rainforest views.
For these reasons, La Fortuna is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for first time visitors, families, couples, budget travelers and even repeat visitors.
If you are visiting La Fortuna, here is our guide to help you plan your visit to this adventure capital of Costa Rica.
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La Fortuna Know Before You Go
- Location: In the Alajuela province.
- Distance from international airport: ~3 hours from Guanacaste Airport (Liberia Airport) and San Jose International Airport by car
- How to get there: Direct public bus from San Jose, domestic flight from San Jose Domestic Terminal, private or shared shuttle, driving or a taxi-boat-taxi from Monteverde. Also can arrive as an interconnection from a Pacuare whitewater rafting tour from San Jose or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast.
- Airport: La Fortuna has its own domestic airport, 10 minutes outside downtown
- 4×4 Required? No.
- Main attractions: La Fortuna waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Lake Arenal, hot springs, free swimming holes
- Best things to do: Hiking, ziplining, waterfall rappelling, safari floats, cooking classes, chocolate tours and bird watching
- Weather: Hot and humid all year long (average 70-85° F or 21° to 29° C). As tropical rainforest, it can rain any time of the year, even during the dry season months (December through April). Rainy season is May through November.
- Safe destination in Costa Rica, especially for families, female travelers and solo travelers.
Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is an excellent home base to explore the surrounding natural attractions of the Arenal area.
Not only is it an adventure destination, but it’s a popular wellness destination.
Here are some of our recommended activities in La Fortuna.
We offer a small discount for La Fortuna tours, check it out in the link! Traveling with your family? Check out our post Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids or our specific La Fortuna 3 days itinerary which also works for 2 and 4 days.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of our favorite adventures in this area. It’s so much fun to rappel down waterfalls in the lush rainforest!
This activity is perfect for adventurous families as the minimum age is 5. Read about canyoning in Arenal and get our La Fortuna canyoning discount!
Craving even more canyoning adventure? Check out Rainforest Falls, a tour that combines cliff jumping, canyoning and swimming in a pristine river in a rural mountain.
Hanging bridges hike
There is a very nice private reserve called Mistico Hanging Bridges near Lake Arenal that has several hanging bridges. The bridges let you get high in the rain forest canopy for beautiful views and better wildlife watching opportunities.
La Fortuna waterfall
This emerald green waterfall is only 15 minutes from downtown and you can swim in the refreshing water.
Read our guide to visiting La Fortuna waterfall here. You can also visit El Salto, which is the free local spot downriver of the Fortuna River.
Hot springs
A visit to one of the hot springs in La Fortuna is a must! The naturally hot Tabacon river supplies water to the many popular hot spring resorts in the Arenal area, making La Fortuna a top wellness destination.
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is one of the most popular hot springs. Other nice options are the Springs Resort & Spa, Baldi Hot Springs Hotel, Ecotermales and Paradise.
If you’re on a budget, head to the free natural river El Choyin or one of the cheap hot springs called Termalitas (~4000 CRC entrance fee or around $8 USD per person).
If budget is no concern, The Springs Resort has one of the best hot springs resorts in La Fortuna. We offer a $5 USD discount for The Springs 2 day hot springs pass and the day pass is good for two consecutive days.
Sloth Walk
The Arenal area is home to both types of sloths found in Costa Rica. I have seen sloths many times in La Fortuna, many times in hotel properties. Read reviews to see what past guests say about the wildlife on the property.
If you’re staying at a hostel or hotel that isn’t surrounded by rainforest and want to see a sloth, you can book a full La Fortuna sloth tour with transportation and birding opportunities included.
Massage/Spa
Thanks to the gorgeous rainforest, impressive Arenal Volcano and naturally hot Tabacon River, La Fortuna is a town for wellness with many spas.
All the high end hotels have their own spas for a luxury indulgence, offering body wraps, facials, massages and bath soaks with beautiful views of the rainforest.
If you’re not staying at a high end hotel, there are small spas throughout town offering very reasonably priced services. You can find promotions like a 1 hour massage + mini facial for $35 USD per person or $35-40 USD per hour for a relaxing massage.
They also offer body wraps, manicures, pedicures and facials. We really like Hope and Asiel Spa, they offer very affordable rates in downtown La Fortuna (walk ins accepted).
For guys, The Shop – Barber Studio is a great locally owned barber shop with very reasonable prices. Get a haircut, drink and get a facial while chatting with the locals.
Volcano Hike (Arenal Volcano National Park or Private Reserves)
You can hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park or at the several private reserves nearby such as Arenal 1968, Mirador El Silencio or Arenal Observatory Lodge for great views of the Lake Arenal and volcano.
Other amazing activities in La Fortuna are canopy tours, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, a day visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park to see Rio Celeste and chocolate tours.
Read our other top picks for things to do in Fortuna and get our tours discount here!
Our recommendation: Rio Celeste is one of the best day trips from Fortuna that you can’t miss!
La Fortuna Resorts and Hotels
There are tons of places to stay in the La Fortuna area and Arenal Volcano area at every single price point. You can find cheap hostels from $20 USD a night per bed in a dorm to $850 USD a night luxury resort.
For lodging right in town, it is generally cheaper, ideal for budget travelers. There are a lot of hostel options. The closer you are to the volcano, the more high end the hotels become as those ones are more immersed in nature with amazing views.
Here are some recommended places to stay and you can read more details in our where to stay in La Fortuna post.
Best hotels on a budget (all in La Fortuna town)
- Hotel Las Colinas: Charming family run hotel conveniently located in downtown.
- Pura Vibra Hostel: Small cozy hostel located just 5 minute walk from downtown in a dead end street so quiet atmosphere. Dorm rooms.
- Xilopalo: Hotel in walking distance to town with a small pool, restaurant and game rooms. Nothing fancy but has AC and friendly staff. Restaurant is excellent and it has a view of the volcano, with bird feeders around.
- Arenal Poshpaker: A hostel right in town with a pool
- La Choza Inn and Hostel: Dorms and private rooms. Good hostel atmosphere. They offer their own shuttle pass to several attractions.
Mid to high range/luxury
- Hotel Magic Mountain – Great breakfast, nice pool area and comfortable/spacious rooms. About a 3 minute drive to town center.
- La Fortuna Lodge: 5 minute walk to town center but in a quiet local neighborhood. Comfy beds, rooms have a balcony. Adults only.
- Arenal History Inn: Mid range hotel with individual bungalows and a pool, close to town center.
- Volcano Lodge and Springs: Cozy and comfortable hotel with their own hot spring pools
- Arenal Kioro: Luxury hotel with spa, pool, exclusive hot springs and restaurant. One of the closest hotels to the volcano.
- Hotel Montana de Fuego: Hotel with villas and bungalows with their own on-site hot springs, restaurant and hiking trails
- Arenal Observatory Lodge – The closest to the volcano. Huge property with tons of trail, hanging bridges and waterfalls. Great rainforest lodge for birders and hikers. Near the national park, about 20 minutes from downtown.
- Royal Corin: Luxury hotel with their own hot springs and pools. Adults only.
- Nayara Springs: Ultra luxury rainforest adult only rainforest resort. Each bungalow has their own private plunge pool!
- Nayara Gardens Hotel: Beautiful family rainforest resort.They also have the Nayara Tent Camps for glamping.
- Los Lagos Hotel: Spacious rooms, on-site restaurants and their own hot springs. They have a special view point of Arenal Volcano on their property.
- Tabacon: A very well known luxury rainforest resort with beautifully appointed rooms.
- Amor Arenal: A luxury adults only (13 and up) with a spa, restaurant, gym, gorgeous rooms and a close view of Arenal Volcano. Highly recommended for couples!
- The Springs Resort & Spa: Luxury family friendly hotel with on-site restaurants, their own outdoor adventure center, animal sanctuary, two separate hot springs sections and beautiful rooms with a stunning volcano view.
There are also many Airbnbs and VRBO’s in the Arenal area. Tons of options to rent an apartment, studio or fully furnished houses.
Recommended La Fortuna, Costa Rica Restaurants
- El Coloso Arenal: Cheap local food. Big portions.
- Soda 5 Tejas: Cheap local food, buffet (pick and choose) style. Tastes like our mom’s home cooked food.
- Travesia: A Costa Rican restaurant focused on elevated local dishes and relaxing atmosphere. Always busy, make a reservation to guarantee your spot. The lava cake is delicious! We love their fish, risotto and chicken cordon bleu.
- Rainforest cafe: Across from Hotel Las Colinas, delicious empanadas, cake and coffee.
- Snappers Marisqueria: Great place for seafood.
- Marisqueria Del Carajo: Very reasonably priced and good seafood restaurant
- La Parada Restaurante and Pizzeria: Right in downtown, good local food and decent pizza
- Don Rufino: Great place for steak and seafood and for a nice dinner out.
- La Casa de la Hormiga soda: Cheap local restaurant, we like their breakfast.
- Chocolate Fusion: Cute cafe and bakery with coffee, chocolate, ice cream and pastries.
- Piura: Very good Peruvian restaurant. Great place for meat, seafood, ceviche, etc.
- Restaurante Pollos Fortuenos: Delicious chicken, burgers, nachos and sandwiches.
- Mercadito Arenal: Nice food court with pizza, tacos, burgers, sushi and a bar. The burger place, La Canalla is super good.
- Soda Viquez: Another decent local restaurant next to Rainforest Cafe.
- Spectacolar Cantina: Mexican food and beer, fun atmosphere. Roadside in town.
- Soda Garra-Pata: Great place for barbecue and steak, a local favorite and one of ours for meat and traditional Costa Rican casados.
- Organico Fortuna: Vegetarian and vegan food. Great coffee, smoothies, desserts and fresh breakfasts
- Soda Nene: A well known place for local food. Awesome ceviche and coconut flan.
- Fortuna Pub: Enjoy craft beer with delicious bar food and fun games. Also has vegetarian options.
La Fortuna Town
La Fortuna is a cute Costa Rican town. It used to primarily be a farming community but thanks to its proximity to many natural attractions including the active Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and La Fortuna waterfall, it became the main tourism hub of the Arenal area after the 1968 eruption.
From wherever you are in La Fortuna, you can get a view of Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna downtown is one of our favorite local parks in Costa Rica because of how picturesque it is.
When the volcano is clear, it is truly an impressive sight to see!
Although Fortuna is a popular tourist destination, you still get a good local vibe. One interesting fact about this town is that majority of the businesses are owned by local Costa Ricans which is a rare occurrence in the touristic areas of Costa Rica.
As one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, the months of December – April are extremely busy. You will need to pre-book your tours and hotels for these dates.
May, June, September, October and November are in the low season with less tourists.
July and August are busy months. Not as busy as December through April, but not as quiet as September or October.
Video of the Town
Here is a walking video of downtown (no editing, ambient sound at night).
Location of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela province, 140 (87 miles) kilometers from Juan Santamaria (San Jose) International Airport and 143 kilometers (89.1 miles) from Guanacaste Airport.
How to Get to La Fortuna
By public bus
There is a direct bus from San Jose to La Fortuna at 8:40 AM from Terminal Atlantico Norte in downtown San Jose.
If you can’t make the direct bus, you can take a bus from San Jose – San Ramon – La Fortuna or San Jose – Ciudad Quesada – La Fortuna.
From Guanacaste (like Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playas del Coco), you need to get to Liberia first. Then take the bus to Canas (one every thirty minutes from 8:30 AM to 3PM), then to Tilaran (one every hour from 5AM to 10AM, 11:30AM, 13:00,15:30 and 17:00) and then to Fortuna (one at 7 AM and 12:30PM).
By shuttle
You can book a private shuttle to La Fortuna from San Jose and Liberia for around $220 USD one way.
Want to book a private transfer? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you schedule yours!
Shared shuttles from San Jose and Liberia to La Fortuna are available. Normally two schedules a day (1 AM and 1 PM). Get 10% off your Interbus shared shuttle here!
Air
La Fortuna has its own local airport just 5 minutes away from town. A domestic flight with Sansa Air is around 20 minutes from San Jose and costs around $110 USD one way.
Driving
Driving to Fortuna from Liberia and San Jose takes around 3.5 hours one way in a rental car. You can read about the Guanacaste to Arenal drive and the driving San Jose to Arenal in these posts.
If you’re coming from Guanacaste, it is possible to stop by Rio Celeste on the way to see the sky blue river, the driving time is a little bit longer, like 30 minutes total.
Make sure to take advantage of our Costa Rica car rental discount and read our driving in Costa Rica tips here!
Boat
If you are coming from Monteverde, you can take the taxi-boat-taxi across Lake Arenal. Costs approximately $50 USD per person.
Adventure transfers
You can also take a white water rafting trip as an interconnection. Some rafting companies offers the one day white water rafting Pacuare tours where they can pick up in either San Jose or Puerto Viejo and drop off in La Fortuna (get $5 off this tour here). They can also go vice versa to pick up in La Fortuna and drop off in San Jose/Puerto Viejo.
Driving from Guanacaste to La Fortuna (from Tamarindo/Playas del Coco) Video
We made a video of us driving from Tamarindo to La Fortuna including places to stop for food, coffee, drinks and bathroom. Check our full blog post here for details: Driving from Guanacaste to La Fortuna.
How to Get Around La Fortuna, Costa Rica
You can easily walk around La Fortuna downtown. The main bus station is in downtown next to the Mega Super in the big plaza.
However, unless you are staying in downtown La Fortuna, renting a car is the best way to access all the attractions of the Arenal area on your own schedule, since they are all spread out.
Unfortunately, there aren’t direct buses or shuttles to the attractions like the hanging bridges park, the waterfall or national park.
You can find plenty of red taxis in La Fortuna. Estimated prices are from town center to Fortuna waterfall, at least $15 USD one way and at least $20 USD to the national park one way.
There is Uber in La Fortuna and you can find Ubers in downtown La Fortuna. From downtown to La Fortuna Waterfall, a taxi/Uber costs around $4 USD per way. To the Mistico Hanging Bridges park, it’s around $35 USD one way.
These are price estimates, actual costs may vary. Very cost efficient way to get around and super cheap, but there are limited Ubers so you may not be able to get one or it may take awhile to call one.
Also remember you need data on your phone to call an Uber and some places like the national park do not have any service or data inside.
Renting a Car
If you have a rental car, there is plenty of street parking in the town center. Please make sure to download the epark CR app to pay for the parking. The parking attendants are very happy to throw out parking tickets like candy if you don’t, regardless if you’re a tourist or local.
A parking ticket is around 9000 CRC or $18 USD.
There is also a secure public parking lot right in town as well that costs 700 CRC per hour (~$1.40 USD).
There is a gas station in town, a couple blocks from the park. Get our Costa Rica car rental discount here!
You can also rent scooters, there are rentals for ~$45 USD per 24 hours by Hotel Regina.
IMPORTANT. If you are driving around La Fortuna town center where the park is, the road suddenly turns into a one way at the corner of Ruta 702 and Route 142. There are two signs that says “NO HAY PASO” with an X over the arrow. Do not drive down this road as it is a one way.
La Fortuna Weather
The weather experiences typical dry and rainy tropical seasons. During dry season (December to April), the temperature is around low 80s° F (26° C) during the day and cools off at night to a comfortable 70° F (21° C).
Since it is the tropical rainforest, this area is very humid and it can rain anytime of the year, even during the dry season.
Although January is technically the start of the dry season, the first few weeks tends to rain quite a bit.
During rainy season (May through November), the temperature stays in the high 70s° F and low 80s° F (25°-28° C). This area rains a fair amount in rainy season, receiving about 15 feet (4.5 meters) a year.
The typical day in rainy season will be sunny in the morning, off and on rains during the day and rainy at night/evening.
The rainiest months are September and October in the Arenal Volcano area and La Fortuna.
What to Pack for La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is hot and humid all year round. Whether you’re visiting for one night or a few days, you have to bring a lightweight rain jacket, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, fitness/workout clothes (dry fast, lightweight, moisture wicking, odor resistant) and a hat.
Shoes: We recommend a good pair of running/walking shoes if you are hiking and water shoes or closed toed hiking sandals if you are going to go rafting/tubing/water activities. Should have completely closed shoes.
If you forgot water shoes or don’t have any, you can buy water shoes from most of the souvenir stores and also the supermarkets like Super Christian. They cost around $8-18 USD.
If you’re visiting in rainy season, you will also need a waterproof backpack or rain cover. Read our guide to packing for rainy season in Costa Rica to be prepared. You can also check our Costa Rica packing list for more tips.
Shopping
There are several souvenir stores in town such as Green Forest Souvenir, Cianikal Galeria, Souvenir Leo, Wood & Art Gallery, Mercado Artesania and the Galeria Estudio Art.
I like the store Bambamboo for eco-friendly clothing. Galeria Estudio Art has very pretty glass pieces made by a Costa Rican glass blower, Erick Araya.
You can get pre-paid SIM cards at the Kolbi office or the Tecnocell store.
Supermarkets
There is a fruit and veggie stand called Sarchisenos and there are several supermarkets called Super Christian #1 and #2.
There are also big and small supermarkets, such as Mega Super, Super Market Arenal, Maxi Pali and a Super Rovi for supermarket needs including produce, meat, toiletries and other basics.
Read more about grocery shopping in Costa Rica.
Banks
There are plenty of banks with 24 hour ATMs. There is a Bac San Jose and Banco Nacional by the gas station.
Laundry
Two places called Tuanis and Burbajas in downtown.
Sample La Fortuna Itineraries
We recommend to spend at least 3 nights in La Fortuna so you can have 2 full days to enjoy the area. Here are some sample itineraries for your full days.
Remember, you can perfectly visit La Fortuna without a car and book tours with roundtrip transportation to maximize your time there.
Nature and wildlife lovers
Day 1: Full day of hiking and wildlife at the Arenal Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park hike to see the highlights of the area. Then hot springs at night. Best done as a tour or you can go on your own if you have a car.
Day 2: Do a sloth walk tour in the morning and safari float in the afternoon.
Adventure
Day 1: Canopy tour in the morning and whitewater rafting Class iii rapids for a full day of adventure. (If you do not want to zipline, do a full day whitewater rafting Class iv rapids instead).
Day 2: Stand up paddle board at Lake Arenal in the morning. Afternoon relax and go to the natural hot springs in the evening. If you want to see animals, take a night walk.
Family Activities
Day 1: Go ziplining in the morning and then spend the rest of the afternoon/evening at the Springs hot springs. They offer a 2 day pass and they have a waterslide in the pool section, super fun for kids. If you’re staying a hotel with their own hot springs, omit The Springs and go horseback riding or visit Proyecto Asis to volunteer or tour their animal sanctuary.
Day 2: Go for a safari float in the morning to see wildlife. Then visit the Springs hot springs again that afternoon for the rest of the day for more relaxation and hot spring fun. *If you are already staying a hotel with their own hot springs, then omit The Springs and pick another activity like chocolate tour or cooking class or a night walk.*
Why We Love Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna has the perfect balance of touristic and local. With reasonably priced restaurants, souvenir stores, hotels and hostels, visitors will have everything they need within walking distance.
La Fortuna is one of our favorite places in all of Costa Rica. Anyone can find something they will love about Fortuna!
There is so much to do and see and you get a wonderful experience of the lush rainforests, volcano and pura vida lifestyle of the Costa Ricans.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Dave says
hi, we rented a car with Adobe through your link and was wondering if you have a suggestion on somewhere to stop between Liberia and Arenal. We get our car at 8am and can’t check in until 3pm in Arenal.
Thanks
Sammi says
Yes we have a post all about this drive and recommended stops: Driving to Arenal from Guanacaste
Michelle Torres says
You mention a 1hr+mini facial deal, can you advise where this was? I’m going this coming May and would love to do something like this.
Sammi says
Yes many of the local spas in downtown FOrtuna often have some promos or cheap massages, like Harmony, Asiel
Gala Stude says
Hello!
I am LOVING your blog — thank you so much! It is so helpful in trying to figure out all things Costa Rica.
I’m about to book a car through you and want to do a few tours.
Do you offer the Fortuna tour that does the float trip, waterfall and then volcano hike on your website? I LOVE the idea of the more secluded float trip but the travel time seems to make that one hard to do while experiencing the rest of the area. We only have one full day and two half days in Fortuna so I was thinking of doing self guided hanging bridges on the first day with a little walk around town, full day tour on the second and mellow morning at hotel the last day.
We’re staying at Lost Iguana, traveling with two teen boys 13 and 15. We start in Rincon de la Viejo and are doing the zip line in that area. We’re then headed to Monteverde & Samara.
Thanks for the advice!
yeison says
Hello Gala,
Thank you for your message, I see that we are already talking via email 🙂
Dwight H. says
We were in La Fortuna at the end of July. Very much a tourist town, but right at the volcano, and lots to do. It rained a LOT when we were there, and very hard at times. You just have to embrace it.
We did the Rio Blanca River Safari (slow, no rapids, or motors). We also hiked the volcano at the national park, and booked a cooking class at the last minute. I’ve posted feedback on those individual blogs if interested. All the roads in and around LF were pretty good.
FYI – If you’re driving there from Monte Verde, or plan to drive there after LF, get 4WD and some patience!
Heather says
Hello! We’re visiting La Fortuna in mid-June and we’re planning to do the hanging bridges at 8am and the Original Arenal ATV Volcano Experience at 11:00 AM. The ATV experience ends around 1:30 PM and we will be VERY hungry by then considering breakfast will be at 7am (we have kids). Do you think there is time to eat something between the bidges and the ATV experience, and are there any food options nearby? Thank you!!
Sammi says
Hi Heather, we don’t work with or are familiar with Original Arenal ATV but there are lots of restaurants in and around La Fortuna. Maybe ask the ATV tour company if they have a restaurant or can include lunch. Or try to buy some snacks and pastries and bring them with you
Jackie says
Hi, love your site! we are heading to La Fortuna for 3 nights in February. We are hoping to do one type of tour but really want to support a local tour company. Is there one you would recommend? Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi, yes we work with a Costa Rican tour operator actually and give small discounts for their tours, you can find it here: https://mytanfeet.com/special-deals/la-fortuna-arenal-tours-discount/
ann schmidt says
Thanks for the recommendation of Organic Fortuna. We went two days in a row! The food is so fresh, yummy and the menu very diverse. Even if you don’t love eating super clean and healthy – there are options 🙂
Great service as well. HIGHLY recommended
Carman says
Next June we’ll be driving from San Jose to La Fortuna, with luggage in the rental car. Can you recommend safer places to stop and sight see/hike/eat on the way with secured parking lots?
Sammi says
Hello Carman, you can check our driving San Jose to Arenal post.
Ryan Biddulph says
What an inspired guide guys. We’ve not been to La Fortuna during our 2 trips to Costa Rica but will make it there eventually.
Ryan
Nadine says
Hello!
We will be in La Fortuna/Arenal area from Dec. 24 to Dec. 28. Do you know of any special Christmas events going on? Thank you!
Sammi says
Theres always festivities on the 24th and 25th, probably will be a local parade around that time
Leana says
We are arriving at San Jose Airport at 10:51am. I am trying to figure out what time to schedule the shuttle, assuming we will want to grab some quick lunch to eat or take with us on the private shuttle before heading to Arenal. Any recommendations?
Sammi says
if you’re booking a private shuttle, they should allow a stop along the way for food – you should ask your provider
Camilla Sverdlin-Højer says
Hello
Thank you for SO much useful information on your website 🙂
We are a family of 4 (two teenagers) going to CR in just 3 weeks from now. We are staying 4 nights at the Volcano lodge (one of your recommendations) and since there are nice pools hot springs at the hotel we are wondering what we need to do while in Arenal/Fortuna and what we can Experience just as Well somewhere else. Like riverrafting, coffee farms etc. That I Think we will wait until we are in one of the more cheap locations in grecia or Monteverde.
So we Think Mistico Hanging bridge garden, La Fortuna Waterfall and maybe a horseride to Arenal Volcano is a must? (We are renting a car) and otherwise just enjoy the hotel and surroundings.
Any suggestions will be much appreciated 🙂
BR
Camilla
Sammi says
Hello Camilla, you can check our Things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna post for ideas. We hope you have a nice time
Jessica says
I’ll be in La Fortuna for one week, three weeks in total this March-April. I am traveling with my small dog and wondering if you had any pet-friendly restaurant or cafe recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Sammi says
Hi Jessica, I believe Mercadito is dog friendly, La Cava and Pollos Fortuenos 2 (the one with the kid playground and parking lot) Have a good time
Neil says
I’m planning a trip next month and looking to stay one night at a hotel with private springs – two work for my dates and in my price range – Arenal Springs Resort and Kioro (+$100).
Since it’s only one night not to fussed but any insight into which has the better hot springs.
Sammi says
I personally liked the Kioro better
Neil says
Thanks! Some reviews said the springs at Kioro aren’t hot. Is there another hotel you think has the best private springs within that price range? Or is Kioro the best bet?
Sammi says
Hi Neil, I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with others for private springs, you can check Google reviews
Sammi says
You could also check out Amor arenal I believe they also have some private pools
Neil says
Thank you so much for your help. Have booked Kioro based on your recommendation
I’m sure it will be great!
Maddy says
Hello!
I am currently staying in Coco but planning to head to head to La Fortuna on February 19th. I am wondering what the best mode of transportation would be to get me there if we do not have a car. Do you have a set 5 day itinerary for La Fortuna and Arenal Area? We are hoping to spend the last leg of trip there before flying home from Liberia on February 25th. Please let me know if you have any insight!! I love your blog, it is so helpful!
Sammi says
Hi Maddy, I don’t have a specific 5 day itinerary but we have some 1-3 days and with itinerary here: Things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna
If you don’t have a car, the best and easiest way would be a shuttle whether a shared or private if you’re staying in hotels central to town. If you don’t want to share the vehicle with others, then a private shuttle is the next best option.
Amber says
Hi, how do you get from La Fortuna to Samara? Is there a bus that doesnt go via San Jose? Thanks!
Sammi says
From my knowledge the most straightfoward way is Fortuna – San Jose – Samara, otherwise it’ll be more buses. You can check the website Rome2Rio and see what they say (or Moovit)
Nicole says
Hi! I love reading all of your advice and love this blog! I’m planning a trip with 17 adults (I know, sounds crazy) and I have the transportation and stay in Guanacaste figured out, but was wondering what would be the best hotel to stay in for a large group in La Fortuna for two nights? We plan on all getting rooms but was curious which hotel would fit best for a group of friends rather than honeymooners. We want to stay with hot springs if possible! Thank you in advance for your advice 🙂
Sammi says
I would check Baldi, Royal Corin or the Springs! The Springs is a luxury hotel but they have a huge house that may work out for your group if you’re not traveling on a strict budget.
Ali says
I plan on being there in early September, will it still be enjoyable ?
Sammi says
It is, just make sure to bring a rain jacket and I would schedule your activities in the morning
Jenna McHugh says
Thank you so much for all of your tips. I have used your website extensively to plan our trip to Costa Rica next month with our family of 5. I can’t thank you enough for all of your recommendations!
Sammi says
You’re welcome Jenna, we’re so glad to hear that!
Joie says
My son and I are planning to arrive on June 16th our flight lands at 7:30 pm we would love to visit la fortuna … I haven’t braved enough to drive..
what means of transport would you advice to use to get to la fortuna at night?
Would it be better to spend a night in San Jose and if yes where?
Thanks in advance.
Best,
J
Sammi says
Hi Joie, in your case the only option to get to La Fortuna the day you land is by a private transfer. Otherwise you can spend a night in San Jose and take a public bus or shared shuttle the next morning.
Ben Littlechilds says
Yes, i rented a car through you guys lol.
We are thinking Volcano Lodge now.
Sammi says
I’ve heard that one is nice and they have their own pools for guests which is better. Los Lagos is also very nice!
Ben says
Hello!
Thanks again for the car rental help!
Going for my second time to Fortuna to do some hikes…lay in the not-so-secret free hot spring river, waterfall hike, and look for sloths on Bogorin.
We have 2 nights before the cloud forest, and are wondering if we should stay either in town at Secreto, or just outside at the Arenal Oasis Ecolodge. Any others you highly recommend under $150/night? Thanks!
Sammi says
If you don’t have a car, Secreto is better as it’s in town. If you have a car, you can check the many hotels outside of La Fortuna such as Arenal Oasis EcoLodge (we also have other hotel recommendations in this post) since you have a car to get around.
Tanya says
We (couple heading there for my 50th birthday vacation) are heading to the La Fortuna area July 28-July 31 next summer. We have narrowed the hotels down to Hotel Los Lagos, Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience or Paradise Hot Springs Resort. All three are in our budge t and we will have our own rental car to get around if needed. Do you have an opinion on which has better views/hot springs on site?
Sammi says
We haven’t personally stayed at all three but I know a lot of people like Volcano Lodge. Los Lagos is also super nice too, we have done an inspection on that property. Los Lagos hotel has their own viewpoint on their property of the volcano which is very nice as it overlooks a small pond and the volcano.
Robert Low says
Hi guys been following you for 2 yrs now. Is it feasible to rent a place in La Fortuna for 4 or 5 months.??? And where would I even look?
Sammi says
Hi Robert, you can, I would check with any of the real estate offices in La Fortuna (they have the international ones) or if you check Airbnb/VRBO, you can see if there are rentals you like and contact the owner if they will do longer term rents.
Lora says
Odd question, but is the sun still intense in La Fortuna… sunburn easily?
Sammi says
Sun is actually intense in Costa Rica everywhere as we are 8-12 degrees from the equator and Fortuna does get hot during the dry season.
Denise & Ryne says
Great article! We really love Costa Rica, but La Fortuna was a little difficult for us as budget travelers, just because there’s almost nothing free left to do. We had to search really hard to make this trip affordable. Thank you for all the information you’ve given! Next time, we’d like to go to Corcovado. Would you recommend going there?
yeison says
Hello Denise,
Corcovado is one of our favorite places, but tours and activities there are more expensive than in La Fortuna, to go inside the park it’s required to have a tour guide, then the cost to get to the park and lodging will depend on which station you want to visit (La Leona, San Pedrillo, Sirena), for example, to go from drake to San Pedrillo the rate from tour operators goes around $120 per person and around $160 from Uvita.
The only park I know works by donations is the Cahuita National Park located in the Caribbean.
Anelise says
Hola Yeison, estoy muy confundida intentando organizar las actividades en la fortuna y monteverde ya que las encuentro srepetidas y no me gustaría pagar 2 veces para hacer cosas iguales. Donde me recomendas hacer canopy/tirolinas y puentes colgantes? Leí varias opiniones y muchas de ellas no hablan bien de esos lugares en ambas ciudades. Tengo 3 días en la fortuna y 2 en monteverde en enero. Muchas gracias por aclararme las ideas.
yeison says
Saludos Anelise,
Gracias por leer nuestro blog.
Como mencionas en tu comentario puedes encontrar las mismas actividades en en ambos destinos (Monteverde y La Fortuna), la diferencia pricipal entre ambos lugares son las vistas y tipo de bosque vas a encontrar y el nivel de adrenalina. Una de mis canopies favoritos es el del Sky Trek en La Fortuna tiene unas vistas muy bonitas del Lago, pero el canopy con el mejor salto de tarzan que he hecho esta en Monteverde y se llama 100% Aventura.
Mi recomendacion en estos casos es ver que nivel de “adrenalina” o aventura quieres experimentar, y basado en lo que quieras buscar el mejor lugar que cumpla tus expectativas. Los lugares más populares para puentes colgantes es Mistico en la Fortuna y Selvatura en Monteverde para mi gusto.
Sammi says
The Arenal Volcano National Park , Mistico Arenal hanging bridges, Arenal 1968 and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves. All have entrance fees.
Amy Muller says
Can you list two or three 1 hour to 2 hour hikes that would be free ( except for park entry fees, of course) for LaFortuna and for Monteverde? I’m having trouble figuring out which hikes are free or not. Thanks for all your help! -Amy
Lynn Geier says
We recently went to Costa Rica and enjoyed our trip very much. I saved many of your Pinterest posts and you did not steer us wrong at all. We rented a car through your site. We did many of the things you recommended and it was all good. We stayed at Casa Luna just out of LaFortuna and it was very good. We stayed in Playa Grande for two days at the Playa Grande Park Hotel and Villas and it was not at all what was advertised. We were very disappointed there. Thank you for all you posts and the excellent direction for us there.
Sara Gregg says
You mention La Choza hotel has a shuttle pass to get to the major sights- do you have to stay at the hotel to use the shuttle? Or are there other buses and shuttles to all the main attractions?
Sammi says
Hi Sara, I don’t believe you have to be a guest to purchase the pass (last time I checked). There are no buses or shuttles to the attractions in Arenal, the only way is driving or taxi.
yeison says
Hello Meilani, thank you for reading our blog!
You might find 90% of the souvenirs on all the souvenir shops, the only unique ones are the ones you will see that are made at the moment on the different locations you will be, but basically it’s the same thing. You can read our recommendation for souvenirs here: Best Costa Rica souvenirs.
Enjoy your trip!
Meilani says
Thank you Yeison!
Meilani says
I’ll be spending 10 days in Costa Rica visiting San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo and Manuel Antonio with one carry-on pack. Do I wait until right before I leave to buy souvenirs? In other words, will the same things be sold in every town? Or are there special items that can only be purchased in each town?
Jody says
Hello all,
I’ll be staying in the Arenal area. Is a rental recommended? What’s the nearest beach? Thanks
Sammi says
The nearest beach is about a 3.5 hour drive away on the Guanacaste coast. You can get a rental depending on what you’re doing and where you’re going, if you want to visit the beach from Arenal, renting a car is the best way because you’ll have to take multiple buses. Or you can take a shuttle.
yeison says
Hello Jessica, you can find taxis in La Fortuna downtown but if you want to get around la fortuna and go to different places maybe the rent a car option will be a cheaper, for example if you in La Fortuna downtown and you want to go to the National park a taxi might charge you from $30 to $40 each way and there are some small sedans that you can rent for around $30 with insurance included. if you are staying in a hotel that is not in downtown they will charge you around $1.5 to $2 per kilometer We have some rent a car deals if you want to take a look: Costa Rica car rental discount
If you are planning on paying tours, you don’t have to worry about transportation because most of the tours include transportation.
Jessica Nielsen says
Are there taxis to get around or do we need a rental car?
Anand says
I am sure you get this asked often, but can you get by Costa Rica wit English? I’m assuming at least the smaller towns like La Fortuna will need you to speak the local languages.
Sammi says
Many Costa Ricans speak English and in touristic areas, you can get by with English. La Fortuna is small but incredibly touristic so nearly all locals speak English since they all work in tourism
Agness says
You have it all covered, perfect! Now travelling to Costa Rica is going to go smooth and easy! 🙂