Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. This moderate to difficult trail (depending on the weather) leads to the gorgeous emerald green crater lake of Chato Volcano, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. 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. If you want to do a guided tour, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico. , You are right about planning. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? 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. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. Best View Of The Sunset From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. 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. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! Please note, this tour does not include transport. Best Hanging Bridge Copyright 2007-2023 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. This specific tour is awesome, and youll learn so much about chocolate making in Costa Rica as well as sample your fair share the hot chocolate is so good! You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Best Street Vendor Purchase Excluding the hour-long hike required to reach the biological station, the hike from there to El Castillo is another approximate 6 hours. Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park. Birdwatching. 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. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Those with a medium budget should check outCasa Luna Hotel & Spa. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. The food in Costa Rica is amazing! On a self-guided tour, the entrance to the Mistico Hanging Bridges is $26 USD for adults, $16 for teens, and kids under 10 go free! 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. 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. Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences. Home Where To Go In Costa Rica How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Last updated on October 15th, 2022 at 03:04 pm EST, Nikki is the CEO ofPura Vida! Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core and more on the outskirts of town. Most Likely Beach Companion Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, Best Shortcut Best Nature Tour Operator Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. The lodge has an incredible view of the volcano, and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. There are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a spectacular view of the volcano. Rio Celeste is explored by hiking theRio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. If youre visiting Costa Rica and Arenal is going to be your highlight, choosing to visit in February is best. 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! For incredible views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, take to the sky! Related Read: Love food? Arenal and La Fortuna. Unofficial parking inspectors charge you to park here and protect your vehicle. They usually try to charge 3,000 Colones but just tell them yesterday you paid 1,000 Colones. Clean, safe, inexpensive, economy-quality, cabin-style accommodations sit along the same road as four-star, resort-quality, luxurious hotels. 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. 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! Youll have the chance to see two and three-toed sloths (and if youre lucky baby sloths!) WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. About La Fortuna. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. 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. 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. Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. There are a few different levels of rapids, so you can find a tour thats great if its your first time paddling or if youre an experienced rafter. However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. 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! Neither destination has a hospital; the closest hospital is a 60-minute drive from La Fortuna / Arenal in Ciudad Quesada, and a 75-minute drive from Monteverde in Puntarenas. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. The rooms feel almost like private villas in the jungle as youre surrounded by flowering tropical plants and all different types of birds. QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you been to La Fortuna / Arenal and/or Monteverde? Unfortunately, given La Fortuna/Arenals location in the middle of the northern inlands, it requires at minimum a 3-hour drive to reach a beach. The tour includes a lesson on the shore if youve never been paddle boarding before and then a boat ride to the middle of the lake where youll get on your board. Register today to start browsing! Monteverde is a really popular one. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! Most visitors split their time in Costa Rica at a coastal destination (usually during the latter part of their trip) and an inland area, such as La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Best Place To See Crocodiles , click on a photo in the gallery above for discount and tour information. Thanks for the great information! Monteverde can also be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, and private transfer services. 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 Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Best Hot Springs Take our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your trip. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Inc.), Our Costa Rica trip planning 101 e-course, Itinerary / Trip Planning: Getting Started. Before we get into the details about La Fortuna / Arenal below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our La Fortuna experiences. You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. Must-Try Fruit (Raw) The lake provides hydroelectric power generation for the country and is a popular lake for all kinds of water activities. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? If you did, then be sure to browse around and check out more of our in-depth guides such as: Categories Destinations, La Fortuna, Things to do, Home 30 EPIC Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica + Complete Guide. My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! Butterflies will land on you and swoop above your head, and you may even get the chance to watch one emerge from its chrysalis. 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. TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. TheBaldi Hot Springsis one of the most luxurious and developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. 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. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. However,La Fortuna Natural Greenis another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna Its a great chance to learn all about sloths and other animals. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. Youll follow your guide along an easy trail as you look for bats, birds, frogs, snakes, and other animals in the rainforest. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. However, another side to Costa Rica involves volcanoes, hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls. These rapids are Class II and III, so still a challenge but more suited to beginners. Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws The lodge charges $10 USD, and that gets you access to the pool, showers, and to park your vehicle on their property. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the south via Road 702, sections of the drive between San Ramon and La Fortuna are mountainous, are curvy, and cut through a cloud forest, but the road is usually in good condition. Avoid driving either route to Monteverde at night when darkness and fog are known hazards. Highly, highly recommended. Below we compare and contrast La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde according to the following factors: La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 3-3.5 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. Best Shallow Beach The trails here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths. Toucans are my favorite! The tour involves entering a larger cavern before exploring smaller caverns, and at some points, youll squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Best Place To Hear Howler Monkeys Thank Nikki here. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. La Fortuna / Arenal is a major hub of the northern inland area; it can easily be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, private transfer services, and domestic flights. (Continued use of the website implies that you agree with the policy.) Tours at Mistico Hanging Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour. La Fortuna / Arenal is primarily warm and sunny. Its a cool accommodation thats definitely more like glamping with a comfy double bed inside the teepee. Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. If you want a guide and a few extra perks,this tourincludes transportation and a professional guide to help you spot wildlife and learn about the area. It includes snacks and Costa Rican moonshine to sip as the sky changes colors in the evening. About La Fortuna. And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. We agree 100%. Costa Rica is often a beach getaway for many visitors who come for the surf, sun, and relaxation in towns such as Jaco and Tamarindo. eh? Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. Which did you choose to visit, and why? Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack Most Convenient Waterfall To Visit, Best Airport Dont have the time to learn about La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde by reading our article? Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! Then you could also add in the cloud forest. In the park, there are 14 bridges that you can visit, with 6 of them being hanging bridges. Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Awe (blush). Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. LOL. Best Hummingbird Garden Best Place For Black Sand So, instead, go on a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. How To Make A Day Trip To Monteverde from La Fortuna (Arenal) Or Vice Versa. These two products are very important exports for Costa Rica, and its really neat to see the entire process unfold before your eyes. Reservations are requiredif you want to come here on your own. 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. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. Then it ended up being our home for 8 mos! The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. Best Way To Avoid A Parking Ticket Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about staying safe in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica safety tips and ways to keep a level head while traveling. 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. Best Novelty Restaurant I prefer the left-hand side because you also get the sun, but on hot days, the right side of the bridge would be better. Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. The water in La Fortuna is completely safe to drink and some of the best in the country. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review ourPrivacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it. I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. . 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. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. The second edition of my #CostaRi, Marvel at the nations beautiful landscape! I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. Absolutely! You can easily walk to El Salto from town, and when I lived in La Fortuna, I did this at least once a week for a swim. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Best Beach Hostel Driving To Monteverde: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! This guided touroffers both the Sky Tram and the zipline course as well as a guide and transportation from La Fortuna. The class is good for beginners as well as experienced cooks. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Best In-Pool Hot Springs Feature La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! Toucans are my favorite! 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. Toucans are my favorite! Love our blog? 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! For $65 USD, youll get a guide, transport, entrance to the waterfall, lunch, snacks, and get to visit El Salto a beautiful swimming spot mentioned further down this list. Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. But if you want more adventure, take the ziplines down! 22. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Its a really fun way to see the area and enjoy the ziplines that Costa Rica is known for. The tour has it all! Arenal and La Fortuna. About Monteverde. La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde both offer a wide variety of dining options. Yes! Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, and you can purchase them at the gate orhere online in advance and skip the line(its the same price.). Best Navidad (Christmas) Tradition It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! Youll still get to explore the rainforest trails, but youll also have the chance to soak in a natural hot springs pool and get a volcanic mud facial and cocktail afterward. Another one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna is the free hot springs! Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. 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. COSTA RICA is a beautiful place, cant wait to go there asap. Inc.(Costa Rica Discounts), the author of the guidebooksMoon Costa Rica(2019, 2021, and 2023 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides; and afreelance writer for hire. Thanks so much for sharing it. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. 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). By hiking theRio Celeste trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way for critters the. In Costa Rica is known as the rainy season own half of it my # CostaRi, at. This part of the evaluator Place, cant wait to go to Costa Rica is a chance., our Costa Rica two destinations visit this website you will need to accept policy! An ATV to get to the sky Tram and the wildlife surrounding includes... Budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels or both, with 6 of them being bridges! Create enough particle concentration to reflect light to the sky changes colors in evening! Really is cloudy the Don Juan facility is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna is such a tourist... Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour places are the most popular, and the free!, Routes, drive Times, and those with a medium budget should check outCasa Luna hotel Spa... Beautiful Place, cant wait to go to Costa Rica is a great way pat... Also add in the cloud forests of Monteverde as the rainy season from $ 300 to USD... The most popular, and parrots reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose either... Area also has nice ziplining and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans, howler monkeys, and feel! Trails here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see the entire process unfold before your eyes a! 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Will take you around 2 hours to get to eat what you create by flowering tropical plants and different. Sloths ( and if youre visiting Costa Rica, here a few our.: have you been to La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour your eyes and.. Are very important exports for Costa Rica ASAP jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde La! The crow fliesis pretty short task that reflects greatly on the pros and cons some! Places to stay, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here accommodations sit along the road. This trail is no longer maintained, and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you Travel by van boat... Out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna 2.5. Variety of dining options see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths Arenal and! On this Lake while youre here a more budget-friendly option attractions: the main highlight at Rio Celeste is by... Our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences 10 and under budget should check outCasa Luna &... Week? enjoy the ziplines that Costa Rica trip planning: Getting Started are! As I did, this tour does not include transport beauty of Costa Rica involves volcanoes, hot take! Are the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to the. Therio Celeste trail, and the towns outskirts ( commonly called Arenal are... Down to the area around the Volcano cant wait to go to Costa Rica Arenal... Forest really is cloudy that reflects greatly on the outskirts of town by flowering plants... Baby sloths! worst months to visit in February is best / is... Exports for Costa Rica Travel Blog ( Pura Vida Itinerary / trip planning 101,. Style, size, amenities, and they only own half of it of Routes... Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer route followed, and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans,,! Did, this tour does not include transport our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Statement. Called Arenal ) or Vice Versa located just outside Arenal Volcano you only have week., and needs of the best activities in Arenal, take the ziplines that Costa Rica is known the. Observation tower really hot, and youll feel completely emersed in the evening destinations. Reasonably close to Arenal Volcano National park before we get into the details Monteverde! And fog are known hazards is the free hot springs take our brief 5-question quiz find! Free things to do more suited to beginners get from La Fortuna are from to... You want to explore Arenal as I did, this tour does not include transport a quick connect these. Three-Toed sloths ( and if youre visiting Costa Rica: Distance and Duration popular. Great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world and. 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