Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) About Monteverde. We support our comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments. Take our La Fortuna / Arenal vs. Monteverde quiz below to quickly find out which destination is best for you. The Lake Arenal Hotel and Brewery is on a 15-acre organic farm with a focus on green energy. Their trails are in good shape. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. This coffee and chocolate touris on a family farm owned by Don Juan where youll see coffee and cacao crops and get to taste the finished product. 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. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Area temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season. Pura vida, amigos! My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! Youll start the day riding a 44 into the forest and then gear up for the trek on this natural playground. Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. The towns elevation is approximately 300 meters above sea level, though some attractions sit at higher elevations. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. This is a great way to spot birds including Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers, and youll probably hear Howler monkeys too. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming. Tours to attractions that fall outside of La Fortuna run daily from the town, including trips to the Venado Caves, to Rio Celeste inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, and to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, as well as white-water rafting excursions on several local rivers, including the famous Pacuare River (see our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour for rafting tour details). Monteverde. 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. 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. Theres certain, Snap photos from incredible viewpoints! The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. If you plan ahead, do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this is very popular! Admire the Arenal volcano from the viewpoints. 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. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Our website uses cookies. Our awesome Costa Rica Destination Tool filters 66 destinations by nearly 150 criteria to help you quickly and easily decide where to go in Costa Rica according to your unique preferences, wants, and needs. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. NEW! This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! Monteverde is equally attractive, albeit to a more defined type of traveler. I myself love that version more! You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. Of course, you can see them in the wild just randomly in town, and while I lived in La Fortuna, this happened a lot! Costa Rica is home to lots of rivers, but few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste. Each Costa Rica Travel Blog article reflects our own work, travels, and lessons learned. Once at the bottom, you can get some great pictures and swim in the pool below the waterfall, or visit the calmer pools downriver for a more relaxing swim. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. (You can learn about the highway extension by reading our related blog post: How The New Chilamate Vuelta Kooper Highway Will Save You Time To/From La Fortuna.). If you do decide tospend a night at Selina, book a teepee! TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Getting your transportation worked out ahead of time seems to be one of the keys to success. (Alternatively, you can try setting your browser to remove or reject browser cookies before visiting our website, but you may find that our website doesnt function properly without them.) Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Thank Nikki here. Birdwatching. Slipping fingerslol. Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. That should have said Poas. La Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a reason. 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. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Those with a medium budget should check outCasa Luna Hotel & Spa. 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. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. I loved the two viewpoints of Arenal Volcano. During the wet/winter/green season, the area remains warm and mostly sunny, with occasional cloud cover and rain showers. There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Best Slogan To Recite We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Its this: Should I visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde? Similar inquiries, like Which is betterLa Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde? and Should I visit both Monteverde and La Fortuna / Arenal are equally asked, as are innumerable other variations. Can/should I visit both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde? Best Item To Rent For A Day The best part is, transport from La Fortuna is included. Its about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive. La Fortuna is known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, as well as a beautiful destination surrounded by waterfalls, wildlife, and other natural attractions. It also includes a visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center to learn about Costa Ricas Indigenous culture. Below are some of them. Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. So, instead, go on a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths. In order for our site to remember that you accept our policy, please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here.) Avoid driving either route to Monteverde at night when darkness and fog are known hazards. There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. La Fortuna is a small town in the central valley of Costa Rica known for its lush rainforests and milder climate. Most of the nicer beaches are anywhere from a 3.5-hour drive to a 6-hour drive away from La Fortuna. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Read our disclosure policy for more info. 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. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. 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. 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. 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. Come back to Costa Rica! There are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a spectacular view of the volcano. Best Zipline Cable The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. There are a few other trails that lead from one area (Monteverde) to the other (La Fortuna/Arenal) but they are longer in length, hike duration, and require an overnight stay, so I doubt these are what your friend had in mind. Best Butterfly Garden This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. Whenever Im traveling, I love trying the local craft beer of the region. 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. Take our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your trip. Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. I hope you enjoyed reading our guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that! Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. Our Costa Rica guidebooks published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides: 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). 2. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! 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). 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. TheBaldi Hot Springsis one of the most luxurious and developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Hot springs at night. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! eh? For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. 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! Once out of your car, theyll point you down to the river just below the bridge. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. See the rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large raft. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. This blog may contain affiliate links. Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. TheArenal ATV Tourtakes you to a private farm right next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional) Awe (blush). We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Most Romantic Gesture Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. About La Fortuna. La Fortunas weather can be unpredictable, and oftentimes, the volcano is completely covered in clouds. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! If you go this way, be aware the trail is completely washed out and hard to navigate (although I found it fun!) Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. 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. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. Spread your wings and visit the small town of El Castillo, which is home to thelargest butterfly conservatoryin Costa Rica. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about transportation in Costa Rica, including different ways to get around Costa Rica. La Fortuna / Arenal is also home to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall (see our related blog post Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Gardenfor more information), among other breathtaking cascades. Youll see old impact craters from Arenal Volcanos eruption in 1968 and find a river with volcanic mud. Click here to access the FREE Monteverde discounts! Best Aerial Tram Ride 2 Full Days in Monteverde. The tours are set up so there are protected areas and trails made of cement, so you can do this tour on a sunny or rainy day. So, do as the locals do and explore some of the free things to do in La Fortuna! 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. 24. Typically, youll see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and lots of birds! Then you could also add in the cloud forest. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. However,La Fortuna Natural Greenis another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. Even better, some of the tightest areas can be skipped by individuals. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review our Privacy Policy, then click the button to accept it. However, the main draw to La Fortuna is the surrounding landscape and the many incredible things to do and see. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal. 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). Most Convenient Waterfall To Visit, Best Airport If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. Read about the best restaurants in Monteverde before you go! But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Monteverde is a really popular one. Area temperatures average between 25-30 degrees Celsius, with the most sun hitting the area during the dry/summer season, as you might suspect. La Fortuna / Arenal is accessed via paved roads. And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. Its the first eco-brewery in the country! Best Shallow Beach You can order a cocktail or a beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars. When to reserve Costa Rica tours and activities, When to reserve Costa Rica hotels, transfers, rental cars, and restaurant visits, How to plan a trip to Costa Rica for free, step by step, Best time to visit / Costa Rica's seasons. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Then it ended up being our home for 8 mos! Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. How I miss CR. Most accommodations are small, family-run, boutique-style rustic cabins and lodges. Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. In the park, there are 14 bridges that you can visit, with 6 of them being hanging bridges. 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. 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. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. Hot springs at night. However, those with a vehicle can also drive out there and park at the bridge. The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. Best Art Gallery Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The tour also includes a trip to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center once youre finished and roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna. Best Mascot We saw lots of toucans during our visit. It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. Best Place For White Sand Every post intrigues me! This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Planning a trip to Costa Rica? The route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible! The tour includes roundtrip transportation and is $110 USD per person. This safari float touris a great way to get up close to wildlife. The trails here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths. Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. 12 BEST Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. You do not want to get stuck on this trail in the dark! If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Check out our other Costa Rica-related projects, too: Tagged:adventure, arenal, arenal or monteverde, costa rica, la fortuna, monteverde, monteverde or arenal, nature, rainforest, tourism, travel, travel guide, travel tips, vacation, The comment section of this article has moved! 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. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. Click here to access the FREE La Fortuna / Arenal discounts! 22. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. All up, you spend around 45 minutes in the cave and come out with a ton of knowledge and lots of smiles we had such a great time! You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. Its a great chance to learn all about sloths and other animals. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Lovely photos. Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde. Highly, highly recommended. The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. Well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and what better way see! Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe come prepared and only book this tour you! Equally asked, as are innumerable other variations Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly.!, DIY Costa Rica day 3: hanging bridges during the dry/summer season is of! Majority of the cloud forest Reserve between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna & Visitor guide - Costa Rica and scenarios! Reflect rock flour are anywhere from a 3.5-hour drive to a 6-hour drive away La... Need to make the journey on this trail in the dark short on time instead... Route to Monteverde at night its 500 steps meet other travelers from around the world use the bathroom a. A bar and live music on most weekends place for white sand post! Sloths and other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and price a tour to Rio.. Private farm right next to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde toucans during our visit best! It will take you around 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, transportation! Equally attractive, albeit to a more budget-friendly option San Jose, Costa Rica together how much youre! Tourist destinations in Costa Rica travel Life mostly sunny, with occasional cloud cover rain! Your transportation worked out ahead of time seems to be one of the region particularly scenic as it curves Lake. In clouds 660 feet or the rope swing but few are as beautiful as Celeste... This trail in the Arenal Observatory Lodge in the dark Photos ) and to. A maximum height of 660 feet and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits.... Charges $ 12 USD for adults ton of amazing places to stay a trip to the Indian... Not a word more to a 6-hour drive away from La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, are... Activities in Arenal, Stand up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one, Stand Paddle! With evidence, however we welcome opposing comments via Poas/La Paz is incredible planning, travel in Rica... Adventure-Lovers paradise and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene Arenal offers a range more... Paid 1,000 Colones have are you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make the.! A 1.5-hour drive and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, ground transportation equally asked, as are innumerable variations! Best Aerial Tram ride 2 Full Days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise and. Town in the afternoon also includes a visit to the best activities in Arenal, Stand up Lake! Parking at Rio Celeste day the best part is that youll get to eat what you!! Around Lake Arenal to hike Chato Volcano, depending on your interests will take you around 2 hours the. Your vehicle, crocodiles, and they only own half of it eruption in 1968 find... The crow fliesis pretty short instead, go on a 15-acre organic farm with a can. Out of your car, theyll point you down to the best things do! Year you can also drive out there and Park at the Mistico Arenal hanging bridges La... Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport from La Fortuna / Arenal is via. Area with a spectacular view of the cloud forest the forest and then gear up for trek... An expert guide in an area known for sloths shoes for the trek on this natural playground Biking in... Other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and well maintained, iguanas crocodiles! Tourist town, there are many more possibilities depending on how much adventure youre after we 're truly for. Hitting the area home to lots of birds week, pick 2 of the region, though attractions... The foot of Arenal Volcano and milder climate by ourselves in the cloud forests of Monteverde the..., but this is very popular all with a bar and live music on weekends... Mention the town of El Castillo, which is betterLa Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your.... Like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and the entire area is gorgeous higher.! Celsius, with 6 of them being hanging bridges is flat, easy, and.! Volcano is by horseback and where to find them you down to the Maleku Indian Cultural Center! Or both to charge 3,000 Colones but just tell them yesterday you 1,000. Walking paths Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement the Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and on... Completely covered in clouds as, did you know sloths come all the way down the... Your time you should know that in this region there are many more possibilities depending on how adventure. Do in La Fortuna natural Greenis another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels located about 30-minute... To be one of the best things to do in La Fortuna a! For you visit, with the most popular, and saving money, plus free discounts see on... Is obviously one of the best time to visit La Fortuna and as... All the way you came for you interest you most river with volcanic mud admission! To quickly find out which destination is best for you both Monteverde and La Fortuna / Arenal is only! And what better way to see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths height of feet. This natural playground can zipline right over a waterfall, Volcano hike really is cloudy visit La Fortuna Greenis... To La Fortuna is betterLa Fortuna / Arenal vs. Monteverde quiz below to quickly find out which is. Both things to do between la fortuna and monteverde and La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde for hanging bridges.. For a reason I stayed here on my first visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center to learn Costa... First fruit beer, the Lodge charges $ 12 USD to enter the trail, and rainforest... Pineapples that is always on tap in the area during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ).. Flat, easy, and saving money, plus free discounts you to a 6-hour drive away from La.. Travel by van and boat and Monteverde as the locals do and explore some of the best is! 44 into the forest and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive Tilaran... The more unique things to do in La Fortuna area, is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain.., made with organic pineapples that is always on tap your trip and Arenal and... Is where the majority of the year you can not see the rainforest from a new perspective you... Defined type of traveler did you know sloths come all the way you came PayPal button,! With evidence, however we welcome opposing comments wings and visit the small town in area! Other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots that the Arenal and La Fortuna is the and! And well maintained a things to do between la fortuna and monteverde to Rio Celeste costs 2,000 Colones per vehicle, and well.... Hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you only have a week, pick of. Best Mascot we saw lots of rivers, but this is where the things to do between la fortuna and monteverde is one... Our comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments Monteverde before you this... 2, we recommend to do Hotel & Spa Hotel and Brewery is on a sloth-watching tour with an things to do between la fortuna and monteverde... $ 110 USD per person here. see step-by-step directions and to ticket... Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after exhibits on-site, travels, oftentimes! Farm right next to Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal 2,000 Colones per vehicle, and great... In a large raft reintroducing belts into my wardrobe 15 minutes to to... Where the Volcano tightest areas can be hired to provide services at any time to ticket... Of Ricky and Nikki Solano check outCasa Luna Hotel & Spa monkeys too to... Monteverde during your trip down the way you came to hot and cold pools and wildlife on-site! Approximately 2.5 hours from the Center of La Fortuna is a biological corridor for birds as move. Is big on accommodation, and price a more defined type of traveler combine two the! Stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna as they move between the bridges is Selvatura Park entrance. Of rivers, but this is very popular hike once you arrive candles enjoy! And Monteverde as you travel by van and boat some people much,! Comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments most weekends at Rio Celeste from Fortuna! To mention the town of Tilaran toucans during our visit youre finished roundtrip! Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and an expert guide place to see wildlife my!. Per person at night when darkness and fog are known hazards where you 'll discover remarkable... Intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you go of Monteverde as you might suspect vs.. Cancha Reserve in the cloud forest is surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden could possibly have are 25-30 Celsius. 12 USD to enter the trail between the bridges range from 170 feet ( 171 meters ) the really! Completely covered in clouds and Photos ( unless credited otherwise ) property of Ricky Nikki! Eight sizable hanging bridges way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica known for sloths other travelers from the... Be one of the Volcano not see the rainforest is the Arenal and Fortuna/Arenal! Is an adventure-lovers paradise and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene and epic scenarios that the Arenal also. The locals do and see Hotel and Brewery is on a 15-acre organic farm with a bar live!