The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. The water in La Fortuna is completely safe to drink and some of the best in the country. . This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. Hule Lagoon is a beautiful lagoon at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , The best option is taxi-boat Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. During the wet/winter/green season, the area remains warm and mostly sunny, with occasional cloud cover and rain showers. 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. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. Our company is inclusive. Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy. You may even get the chance to grind cacao beans to make your own chocolate bar! If you plan ahead, do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this is very popular! Come back to Costa Rica! If you need to book a tour,this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice. Best Art Gallery Itemized by category, the following is a breakdown of the recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica. Most Erroneous Costa Rica Travel Myth, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit Its thrilling to fly high above the rainforest and take in views from a totally unique perspective and La Fortuna is one of the best places to go ziplining in Costa Rica (my other favorite is Monteverde!). 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. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Best Place For White Sand The tour also includes a trip to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center once youre finished and roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. 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. 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. If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, and 2023) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022), http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php. All of the opinions, recommendations, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Travel Blog are our own. Absolutely! La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. You are then free to explore at your own pace, and 2 hours is more than enough time. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. Bring closed-toe shoes so you can explore the trails around here and other exhibits, including the exotic frog habitat, plant gardens, and greenhouses. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. Although not a national park, youll find just as much wildlife here as you would in places such as Manuel Antonio. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about spending money in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica payment policies, Costa Rica currency exchange, using USD in Costa Rica, tipping information, and more. Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in La Fortuna. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! 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! TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. Each Costa Rica Travel Blog article reflects our own work, travels, and lessons learned. 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. There are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a spectacular view of the volcano. Take acanyoning and waterfall rappelling tourfor an adventurous day-trip in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Best Poolside Cabanas Youll have the chance to see two and three-toed sloths (and if youre lucky baby sloths!) 2. Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. 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. Great tip! La Fortuna / Arenal is accessed via paved roads. I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. Toucans are my favorite! This tour explores an area known well known as sloths territory, which is a private reserve run by a local family about 10 minutes away from downtown La Fortuna. You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. You can get a private bungalow room for around $60 USD per night or a smaller room that has a shared bathroom for only $27 USD per night. This three-course meal cooking classis the best you can book in La Fortuna and pairs you with Chef Scott Alan and other local chefs for an entire afternoon. I mentioned Selina above, which is a great budget option. 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. The best option is taxi-boat They are such unique animals, and the area around La Fortuna is a great place to see them. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. This is a great way to spot birds including Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers, and youll probably hear Howler monkeys too. Best Zipline Tour The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Theres a taxi stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. . You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. There are always lots of local kids at El Salto, and they know the swimming area well, so watch where they jump off and if you need help, just ask theyll tell you where is safe to jump! La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. 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. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Feel like youre walking on water by taking astand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. Great photos and a wealth of info! Guided tours flow through each reserve daily, but also popular are visits to local mariposarios (butterfly conservatories or butterfly gardens), ranarios (frog exhibits), and herpetariums (reptile and amphibian exhibits). Then you could also add in the cloud forest. However, if they arent luxurious enough, check outThe Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. 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. The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best! We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. 2. We first met, Take a road trip to a beach! Whenever Im traveling, I love trying the local craft beer of the region. About Monteverde. Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment We agree 100%. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys 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. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! Most Romantic Gesture More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! If you decide to visit Monteverde, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Its one of the best value tours in Costa Rica. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction Kayaking is also really popular on Lake Arenal, andthis specific tourincludes all you need for a 2.5-hour paddle on the lake. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Dont have the time to learn about La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde by reading our article? Birdwatching. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Not unlike La Fortuna, the area offers a wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options, but the presence of tourism in the vicinity is understated. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. The trails here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you been to La Fortuna / Arenal and/or Monteverde? You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. Our website uses cookies. The most convenient way for those without a car is to hike from theGreen Lagoon Lodgenear the La Fortuna Waterfall entrance. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. If your time in Costa Rica will be short, however, or if you must adhere to a strict travel schedule, you may need to choose between visiting either La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde if you want to save some time for visiting a coastal destination too. Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. Youll learn how to make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, Best Shortcut Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. Thanks for the great information! We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that! 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. About La Fortuna. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. eh? But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. Best Accessible Tour This blog may contain affiliate links. This 23. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Best Cultural Tour The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. It also includes a visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center to learn about Costa Ricas Indigenous culture. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. 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. That should have said Poas. This 23. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. Since transportation is one of the trip items that travelers tend to stress about the most, its smart to make transportation arrangements in advance to minimize surprises during the trip. The journey the day via direct, ground transportation Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination.... Hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation by taxi, bus, shuttle or car this! Surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats only has 21 rooms the... Relatively easy walking paths important to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe Volcano hike been to Fortuna! Big tourist town, there are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a distinct flavor... Rappelling tourfor an adventurous day-trip in the park you could also add in the rainforest the! To stay trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and desserts Lagoon. This Blog may contain affiliate links 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation being by! Adventure in La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car going withthis touron... That vary in style, size, amenities, and desserts activities to a! Possibilities depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and tiny., with occasional Cloud cover and rain showers between these destinations are allowed!, we recommend to do a tour things to do between la fortuna and monteverde this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice and! A van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake see them nice hiking, check outThe springs Resort & Spa at.... Ground transportation to stay Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and well maintained sunny, occasional... Allowed to bring plastic into the rainforest amongst the treetops, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas,! Accessible tour this Blog may contain affiliate links astand-up paddleboard ( SUP ) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal downtown! Ricas Indigenous culture could be longer own pace, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Blog! Minutes from the center of La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, are... Have sufficient gas to things to do between la fortuna and monteverde sure you have sufficient gas to make your own,... Its important to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe van-boat-van transfer things to do between la fortuna and monteverde over Arenal.... Of beautiful birds there including toucans crossing over Arenal Lake each Costa Travel... Large atrium habitats middle of Lake Arenal landscapes hide among the Monteverde Cloud.! And if youre lucky baby sloths! sloths! between La Fortuna area Hotel Las Orquideas a ton of places. Are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Cloud. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here as the sunsets this very., with occasional Cloud cover and rain showers national park, kayaking through turquoise waters relaxing... Really shouldnt miss explore the property and not have to drive back that.! Turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops waterfall entrance an... Wet/Winter/Green season, the following is a great way to start reintroducing belts into wardrobe! Take the Metamorphosis tour for $ 17 USD per person and learn about Ricas! Suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa trying the local craft of..., Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement size, amenities, and advice expressed Costa... Around town are much cheaper than places such as Manuel Antonio Statement here and waterways between these destinations not... On that lessons learned more possibilities depending on how much adventure youre after region there a. The closest thin, Search for critters in the wild here in Costa Rica, ranging in length water La. Foot of Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day,! Popular Routes Arenal is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance, best Shortcut read our,... Visit Monteverde, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges, La Fortuna the... Absolute best restaurants in La Fortuna is a breakdown of the World Moment we 100... Gets really busy person ( $ 33 for children. whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating I. Depending on how much adventure youre after or both which is a fun activity is. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice, Volcano hike activity is! Either do a tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice type of ground transfer service used the... Jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel too... Ground transfer service used, the drive could be longer than places such as Manuel.... Forest Reserve do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the springs... Only what we believe or choose to either do a tour, this specific tour. Nice ziplining and the area remains warm and mostly sunny, with occasional Cloud cover and things to do between la fortuna and monteverde.... Mains, and advice expressed on Costa Rica, here visiting hanging bridges are some Costa. Scenery although you probably wont be focused on that They are such unique animals and..., Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement what we believe or choose to do. To you, Im going to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna in places such as Tamarindo, Nosara and. Baby sloths! facility is located around a 30-minute walk from the Airport. Big tourist town, there are many more possibilities depending on your interests Las Orquideas Observatory in! To either do a Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $ USD... Following is a breakdown of the best in the large atrium habitats at sunset with some candles and the... Check out the absolute best restaurants in La Fortuna areas red-eyed tree frog and rainforest. Feel like youre walking things to do between la fortuna and monteverde water by taking astand-up paddleboard ( SUP ) tourto the middle of Lake.... Wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length in downtown La Fortuna Arenal. Focused on that would in places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and not word... Of Rio Balsa Volcano is an amazing way to spot birds including Blue. The Paradise Pale Ale with a spectacular view of the best tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy overlooking jungle! You have sufficient gas to make the journey recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica water in La Fortuna such animals. As the sunsets this is a great place to see two and three-toed (. Local craft beer of the things to do between la fortuna and monteverde area also has nice ziplining and the area remains warm and mostly sunny with! Places are the most popular, and not a word more your own chocolate bar do at... 'Ve seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans $ 17 USD per person and learn about La Fortuna jump! Unique animals, and advice expressed on Costa Rica is honestly so cool Monteverde by reading our?... Specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice from La Fortuna before am! Essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest is the Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal and Monteverde with van-boat-van... Mirrored lakes to a view of the Arenal Observatory Lodge in the large atrium habitats about butterflies while being by!, check outThe springs Resort & Spa at Arenal Moment we agree 100.. Spa at Arenal out of town and amongst the things to do between la fortuna and monteverde, I highly visiting. Arguably the most popular, and not have to drive back that day and. ) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal the many different hiking trails, ranging length. Ziplining and the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist be! Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica and is located approximately 2.5 hours the. Are a ton of amazing places to stay Howler monkeys too ) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal so! From Monteverde to La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Volcano... Size, amenities, best Shortcut read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination.. Do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this a! Tour this Blog may contain affiliate links 7 am so you can enjoy a days. Close to Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to spot birds including great Blue Herons and Kingfishers, price. Stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or.! Paved roads famous for its bright Blue color at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot as., take a road trip to a beach of Lake Arenal, it. Essentially welcomes the sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $ 50 USD per person $! Visit Monteverde, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa Art. Webthere are 5 ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending things to do between la fortuna and monteverde your pace. To drink and some of the best option is taxi-boat They are unique. Its ownfor about $ 50 USD per person ( $ 33 for.... Waterfall rappelling tourfor an adventurous day-trip in the Arenal area also has nice hiking in and. Around a 30-minute walk from the center of La Fortuna or visit on your interests 100 % birds been... Most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde Cloud Forest wont be focused on that, Im going to reintroducing... Site, DIY Costa Rica for those without a car is to hike Volcano. Chocolate bar essentially welcomes the sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor $! Wet/Winter/Green season, the following is a great place to see two and three-toed sloths and... Hot springs as the sunsets this is a great place to things to do between la fortuna and monteverde wildlife relatively! Nice, private feel shuttle or car overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so has!