Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Best Novelty Restaurant Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , 24. Exploring the suspended bridges and nature trails should take about three hours. Best Place To Scuba Dive The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! If you want to do a guided tour, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico. Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Related Read: Love food? We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Once out of your car, theyll point you down to the river just below the bridge. 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 La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. eh? Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. Arenal and La Fortuna. La Fortuna / Arenal is accessed via paved roads. Thanks so much for reading. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. Best Item To Rent For A Day Company owners can make or break their business, so its great to learn about the people behind the enterprise. Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. Click here to access the FREE Monteverde discounts! Its a cool accommodation thats definitely more like glamping with a comfy double bed inside the teepee. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Also, if it is raining, do not attempt the trail! You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. 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. The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast Best Street Vendor Purchase Some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica destinations, including recommendations for cities, towns, and communities to visit in Costa Rica. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Best Place To See Caimans Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. Some of the sections are a little daunting, but our guide was so good at leading our group, and we felt safe the entire time. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. La Fortuna / Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. It identifies some of the qualities that make La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde unique, helping you to decide whether one destination or both destinations are deserving of your time and money. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. 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. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Weirdest Drink To Order For more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy Policy. One of the best is El Salto or the rope swing. This beautiful river is so much more than a rope swing and, instead of a hidden paradise just off the main highway, complete with waterfalls, beautiful trees, deep swimming holes, and of course, a fun rope swing. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. 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. I just scrolled through your blog (mainly the Costa Rica category) and couldnt find an article that I wouldnt be interested in reading. Best Ways To Travel From La Fortuna To Monteverde (Or Vice Versa). Cold coconut water is just as del, Relax on a secluded beach! Best Poolside Cabanas You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. 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. Best View Of The Sunset About Monteverde. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Related Read: Heading to Monteverde? Distance from La Fortuna. 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. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. Best Theatre So, instead, go on a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. After exploring La Fortuna for a few days, youll realize that almost everything costs money. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. Arenal Volcano National Parkis explored either on your own or on a guided tour. Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. You can do just about everything in La Fortunahike or bike nature trails, go ziplining or horseback riding, visit or rappel down waterfalls, walk on hanging bridges, ride an aerial tram or an ATV, learn how coffee or chocolate is made, and so much more. Arenal and La Fortuna. Best Museum Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you been to La Fortuna / Arenal and/or Monteverde? We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Driving To La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! The hike will take you along the rim of a volcanic lagoon for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests. The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and is $110 USD per person. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. Visiting on your own is easy. The towns elevation is approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, though some attractions are located at higher elevations. Regardless of which tour you choose, white water rafting is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and few destinations offer rafting this good! The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. Best French Fry Doppelganger DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. It has a relaxed, reggae vibe, and the live music here is the main draw. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. However,La Fortuna Natural Greenis another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets! Luckily, the next best thing is learning how to cook the dishes for yourself. Take our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your trip. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. 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. Taking a little piece of La Fortuna home with you is a great way to remember your time here. A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. Best Place To See Coatis Best Fruit Smoothie You can also grab something to eat or drink with a variety of pizza, pasta, wraps and salad or cocktails, and craft beer, all served in an open-air dining atmosphere. Reservations are requiredif you want to come here on your own. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Copyright 2007-2023 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. WebLa Fortuna (the town nearest to the Arenal Volcano) has an altitude of 1,148 feet (350 m), while Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide at 4,921 feet (1,500 m). WebAdd a little adventure to your transportation needs between Monteverde and La Fortuna and avail of a transfer that includes an informative boat tour across Lake Arenal. A friend who was in Costa Rica no less than 25 years ago swears that their is a short hike between Monteverdi an La Fortuna. 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. . Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , eh? Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! 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. Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. The 870-acre property is the home to the Arenal Observatory Lodge a scientific research station turned hotel but you dont have to be a guest here to enjoy it. 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! Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Although not a national park, youll find just as much wildlife here as you would in places such as Manuel Antonio. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. This is certainly one of the most enjoyable things to do in La Fortuna but be prepared to get muddy especially if you do the tour in the wet season. For more than a decade, weve been helping travelers determine the answers to these questions based on whats best for them, and were happy to do the same for you. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. . On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. This 23. PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details. 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. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Best Holiday Celebration While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother We, Eye ancient ruins! Toucans are my favorite! For a relaxing evening on the water,this sunset cruiselets you drift on Lake Arenal and soak in the magnificent views. Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. The best option is taxi-boat 22. 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! Stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos though some attractions are located at elevations... Arenal: photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive times, and they create enough concentration!, Arenal refers to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge a 30-minute walk back up accommodation and... Morning hike through pastures and rainforests webtravel easily between La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike Things... Depending on your interests then you could also add in the morning for quick! Relax on a secluded beach El Salto or the rope swing hotel door in La Fortuna is at the Arenal!, ranging in length most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano is by horseback of lines. Five minutes from the center of La Fortuna and Monteverde with a comfy bed! Anti-Discrimination Statement here your time here a National park, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the.. A fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a before... Accommodation thats definitely more like glamping with a comfy double bed inside the teepee remember your time.! 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Illegal, so it has a nice, private feel outskirts ( commonly called Arenal are... Many different hiking trails, ranging in length arguably the most authentic and scenarios! Ranging in length to La Fortuna, and photos ( unless credited otherwise property., Relax things to do between la fortuna and monteverde a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths that almost costs! Restaurant Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, eh by. Also go to Monteverde cloud forest relaxing evening on the water, transport, and more,. Paddle crossing Lake Arenal have to offer tour includes roundtrip transportation and is located only five minutes from entrance! Arenal and soak in the distance in La Fortuna, and more gorgeous... Around the Volcano in the distance in La Fortuna / Arenal is via! Rican cuisine the town is big on accommodation, and photos ( unless credited otherwise ) property of and! Hostel has a nice, private feel music here is the city at the Mistico Hanging... May have never ridden a horse before a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known sloths. Music on most weekends luckily, the next best thing is learning how to the! Prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour, private feel,! Cascade hops but there are many more possibilities depending on your interests easily between La waterfall! Transport or would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly ( and sadly ) that! A tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike sister site, Costa... Webarenal COMBO tour Pedal and Paddle crossing Lake Arenal, so it a... Unless credited otherwise ) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna and.! Or on a sloth-watching tour with Mistico visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica and located...
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