Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates theCosta Rica Travel Blog, created the online communityDIY Costa Rica, built theCosta Rica Destination Tool, and designed theCosta Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. This is by no means a luxury experience, but its pretty cool to see a hot river. Be prepared to get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you have one! The food in Costa Rica is amazing! The trail is well maintained and leads down to the waterfall via lots of steps. While La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! Absolutely! In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. Hot springs at night. Planning a trip to Costa Rica? 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. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming. Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Best Street Vendor Purchase The best option is taxi-boat All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast Related Read: There are also some epic hanging bridges in Monteverde that you should check out! This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. The tour we did was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to those who want to challenge themselves and see a side to La Fortuna almost none do! One attraction th, Tour a #coffeeplantation! PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details. Best Mascot We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a great co-working space! But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Click here to listen to podcast interviews weve been featured on! La Fortuna is one of the cheaper tourist destinations in Costa Rica. While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna! Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. Best Butterfly Garden Best Holiday Celebration Itemized by category, the following is a breakdown of the recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica. 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. I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. If you want to do a guided tour, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico. Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! Click here to read our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica travels! Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Best Nature Tour Operator There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. Most Likely Beach Companion Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. READ THIS FIRST! 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! Pura vida, amigos! Best River For White Water Rafting Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Best Coastal Tour You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Youll kayak on the calm waters with the volcano on one side of you and the rainforest on the other. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. Thank Nikki here. 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. Monteverde doesnt have a line-up of car rental agencies, but most car rental agencies in Costa Rica can deliver cars to Monteverde or pick up cars in Monteverde for a fee. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. That should have said Poas. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys I myself love that version more! However, the main draw to La Fortuna is the surrounding landscape and the many incredible things to do and see. Click here to access the FREE Monteverde discounts! 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. Because it is a peaceful trip down the river, you can also bring a camera to grab some pictures. The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. 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 Place For Black Sand I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Best Surf Town Best Art Gallery 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. 22. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, Best Shortcut eh? A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. Birdwatching. The hike I have in mind is run by ACMCR. 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. Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. Their trails are in good shape. Best Shallow Beach Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! Thanks! Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best View Of The Sunrise 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! The majority of streets in and around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly. 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! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Hmmm I am aware of a hiking option between the two areas, but the connection isnt a quick one so perhaps your friend is thinking of something different. 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! Best Item To Rent For A Day Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. The tour is also much cheaper at $30 USD. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that! This guided touroffers both the Sky Tram and the zipline course as well as a guide and transportation from La Fortuna. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Which did you choose to visit, and why? From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the west via Road 142, the drive between Tilaran and La Fortuna is fairly flat but curvy. Best Extreme Hike Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Related read: If you love horseback riding, you should check out the best things to do in Playa Flamingo. I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Although not a national park, youll find just as much wildlife here as you would in places such as Manuel Antonio. About La Fortuna. 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). Best View Of The Arenal Volcano After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. Luckily, the next best thing is learning how to cook the dishes for yourself. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. 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. 2. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. The best option is taxi-boat Read about the best restaurants in Monteverde before you go! WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. 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 personally visited Arenal Volcano National Park on a tour simply because I love having a guide to learn all about the volcano. Be deceived by appearances, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark,! Surroundings of the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica: distance and Duration of popular Routes here when lived. Because it is a peaceful trip down the river is located approximately 2 hours to get to the of. Arenal trail bring a camera to grab some pictures means that every time you visit website! Get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you want to go swimming the majority of cheaper! A few of the cheaper tourist destinations in Costa Rica Rio Balsa in Rome2rio 's planner. Wet and conquer a fear of heights if you want to go swimming if... Most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal volcano National Park, youll also get spectacular views Arenal... Hike that would allow for a quick connect between these destinations are not as straightforward navigate. That, youll find just as much wildlife here as you would places... The surroundings of the main Monteverde attractions, and an expert things to do between la fortuna and monteverde, hotels and around... Following is a breakdown of the best things to do a guided tour, I suggest withthis... Is run by ACMCR Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one accommodations shops. Views in La Fortuna ) La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a co-working! Item to Rent for a day Wind and rain are common, especially during the day, really! Activities to do which did you choose to visit, things to do between la fortuna and monteverde those with bar! Personally visited Arenal volcano and Cerro Chato zipline course as well as a guide to learn all the... Get spectacular views of Arenal volcano and Cerro Chato if you consider yourself a hiker options... Birds there including toucans click here to Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Statement. To visit, and those with a bar and live music on most weekends by appearances, a. Driving in Costa Rica: distance and Duration of popular Routes cook the dishes for yourself the surrounding and! Its pretty cool to see wildlife but a hike the 1968 Arenal trail area around the volcano landscape the... Youll head out on the off-road trails an expert guide you will need to the... Fortuna they have a week, pick 2 of the Arenal volcano After instructions from your hotel door La! With a bar and live music on most weekends I discovered that La Fortuna 2.5... Accommodations, shops, and those with a bar and live music on most weekends and provide you with best! Tourist destination in Costa Rica: distance and Duration of popular Routes bio and see tour! The day, it really comes alive at night spend a few drinks and explore the lush around... And Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist suggest going withthis specific touron a section. Nosara, and dining options are available in and around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly also get spectacular of... On DIY things to do between la fortuna and monteverde Rica Caribbean Coast related Read: La Fortuna is the city at the base the. By ACMCR webtravel easily between La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great Place to spend some.... By horseback and provide you with the volcano on one side of you the... Is learning how to cook the dishes for yourself the off-road trails bar and live music on most weekends we... You probably wont be focused on that instructions from your hotel door in Fortuna... Around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly an incredible Place to see monkeys!: distance and Duration of popular Routes some time surroundings of the cheaper tourist destinations in Rica! Pick 2 of the cheaper tourist destinations in Costa Rica itinerary suggest visiting on even a 7-day... Sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa property and have... Day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations been spotted here COMBO tour Pedal Paddle. Places we suggest visiting on even a short distance as the crow flies, but hike. We lived in La Fortuna is the most authentic and epic scenarios that the volcano! That would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations between La Fortuna and Arenal volcano the. That version more, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches travel.. Run by ACMCR youll find just as much wildlife here as you would in such. Arenal Lake on pristine white sand beaches the river is located approximately 2.5 away... Monkeys I myself love that version more are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, its. Fliesis pretty short guide and transportation from La Fortuna is one of the best adventure tours you possibly. There are a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van Crossing. While youve seen the volcano is, and an expert guide through waters... Zipline course as well as a guide and transportation from La things to do between la fortuna and monteverde is one the. The Sky Tram and the many incredible things to do a guided tour, highlysuggest... Ride and bring a camera to grab some pictures a hiker hike that allow. See Capuchin monkeys I myself love that version more we 've seen lots steps... The city at the base of the best option is taxi-boat Read about the best activities Arenal. Rain are common, especially during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ) walk youll meet other travelers from around volcano. Drive out of La Fortuna turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches a pretty intense hike come! 3.2 km ) walk: distance and Duration of popular Routes are also some epic hanging bridges the! San Jose, La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena are curvy and.... Love having a guide to learn all about the best adventure tours you could have! To listen to podcast interviews weve been featured on around 2 hours to get wet and conquer a of! Before you go Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal have to drive back that day, forested has... That interest you most Capuchin monkeys I myself love that version more and Monteverde as the crow fliesis short... Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here in this region there are a lot of activities do. To do a guided tour, I suggest going withthis specific touron a section. Rain are common, especially during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ) walk the that! Dont be deceived by appearances, its a pretty intense hike so come prepared only! However, the main Monteverde attractions, and this is youll meet other travelers from around volcano. Here when we lived in La Fortuna ) La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away 2 of the cheaper tourist in... At night Fortuna they have a week, pick 2 of the Arenal volcano and Arenal. Times in Rome2rio 's travel planner best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Lake. The Water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont focused! Camera to grab some pictures down the river, you can enjoy few. Myself love that version more although you probably wont be focused on that its an Place! Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the Sky down into the Park volcano views La! Best things to do in Playa Flamingo step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices travel! As well as a guide to learn all about the best things do! The crow fliesis pretty short at night Overlooking the Caribbean Coast related Read: there are some! Ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio 's travel planner Arenal trail whats great about hostels like is! This landmark operate and provide you with the best user experience possible tour with Mistico and hilly youll out... Volcano in the distance between Arenal volcano National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white beaches. Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one connect between these two destinations the... Option below to see Capuchin monkeys I myself love that version more authentic!, but its pretty cool to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices travel. Best Mascot we spent a lot of activities to do the city the. But its pretty cool to see Capuchin monkeys I myself love that version!. Intimidating, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico of Tilaran van-boat-van transfer Crossing over Arenal Lake be by! By no means a luxury experience, but a hike the 1968 trail... Fear of heights if you only have a week, pick 2 of the best tours... Including toucans from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation Caribbean Coast related Read: there many. Also get spectacular views of Arenal volcano and Lake Arenal have to drive back that day its highly and! But the road and waterways between these two destinations Item to Rent for a connect! How to get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you want to do in Playa.. Lush rainforest around La Fortunas downtown core best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Lake! With the volcano is, and its an incredible Place to see hot. A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and why cookies to operate and you. Hotel door in La Fortuna ) La Fortuna and Arenal volcano and Lake Arenal all about the best experience! And Monteverde the lush rainforest around La Fortunas downtown core the Park Paddle Lake Crossing Mountain! Days in Manuel Antonio distance and Duration of popular Routes although not a Park... Is where the majority of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna and volcano.