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. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition Thank Nikki here. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about coming and going from Costa Rica, including Costa Rica packing information, Costa Rica souvenir information, and tips for practicing responsible, sustainable tourism. Best Soda Restaurant (Caribbean) Read our disclosure policy for more info. This zipline tour is one of the best andhas you ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall, an experience not offered by other tours. 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. La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal, Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay Around Monteverde. 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. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blogincluding its 300+ articlesis entirely voluntary! Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. This 23. 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. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! Its a 2.5 hour guided walk that includes transport from La Fortuna, your entrance ticket, and an expert guide for only $45 USD. The most convenient way for those without a car is to hike from theGreen Lagoon Lodgenear the La Fortuna Waterfall entrance. I bet you loved Manuel Antonio too. I personally visited Arenal Volcano National Park on a tour simply because I love having a guide to learn all about the volcano. This fun, and somewhat scary experience, takes you underground to explore the cave with an expert guide. Unlike some other Costa Rica blogs, we do not to sell your personal information, and we choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog so we can keep your visit as distraction- and junk-free as possible. The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. Best Hummingbird Garden It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Best Place For Black Sand The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that! Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93F to 152F (doesnt it sound dreamy?!). Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws They are such unique animals, and the area around La Fortuna is a great place to see them. 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. Or another favorite is the Chili Birra, a blonde ale with a spicy kick from campana chilis grown on the farm. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. Before then, Arenal was Costa Ricas most active volcano, which began with a major eruption in 1968. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! Bring closed-toe shoes so you can explore the trails around here and other exhibits, including the exotic frog habitat, plant gardens, and greenhouses. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. So, do as the locals do and explore some of the free things to do in La Fortuna! Below are some of them. Best Extreme Hike See the rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large raft. Their trails are in good shape. 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. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about spending money in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica payment policies, Costa Rica currency exchange, using USD in Costa Rica, tipping information, and more. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. The best option is taxi-boat Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. This blog may contain affiliate links. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Compared to the abundance of diverse accommodation options found in the La Fortuna / Arenal area, the range of hotel variety in the Monteverde area is short. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Your SPAM-FREE visit to OUR FREE WEBSITE is more important to us than making money off your clicks. 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. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. 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). For more information, please visitDIY Costa Rica. Costa Rica Itinerary: 5 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 4 nights and 5 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 8 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 7 nights and 8 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 10 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 9 nights and 10 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 12 days in Costa Rica(i.e., 11 nights and 12 days in Costa Rica)Costa Rica Itinerary: 15 days in Costa Rica (i.e., 14 nights and 15 days in Costa Rica). The large pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. Dusty dirt roads, lik. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Best Zipline Cable Then you could also add in the cloud forest. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. Best Beach Hostel Birdwatching. The trail through the forest is 3.2 kilometers/2 miles long, and although the 6 hanging bridges are the main attraction, theres lots more to see. (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.). Best Hanging Bridge 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! In the park, there are 14 bridges that you can visit, with 6 of them being hanging bridges. Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! To help plan your upcoming trip, heres everything I learned in this guide to visiting La Fortuna including the 30 best things to do in La Fortuna! However, those with a vehicle can also drive out there and park at the bridge. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. 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. I stayed for a week with a group of friends, and Danilo and his family are among the most hospitable and fun people Ive ever met. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! Monteverdes downtown core, known as Santa Elena, has a taxi stop; theres a bus station just down the road from Santa Elena. Planning a trip to Costa Rica? What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? La Fortuna / Arenal has a mixed urban-rural feel. http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. Youll taste farm-fresh coffee and chocolate right where they are made. Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. eh? Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. With that said, many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Because of this, its illegal to climb to the top of the Arenal Volcano. Excluding the hour-long hike required to reach the biological station, the hike from there to El Castillo is another approximate 6 hours. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Toucans are my favorite! If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. It includes snacks and Costa Rican moonshine to sip as the sky changes colors in the evening. 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.). 24. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. We first met, Take a road trip to a beach! It has a relaxed, reggae vibe, and the live music here is the main draw. 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! Best Theatre Great photos and a wealth of info! Best View Of The Sunset 2. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. 22. Best Place To Hear Howler Monkeys Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. At the top, theres an observation deck with beautiful views of rolling hills, the south side of Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal. It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! The lodge has an incredible view of the volcano, and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths. 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. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! In fact, I loved La Fortuna so much that I moved there at the start of 2022 and spent lots of time exploring the surrounding area. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS: Are you curious to know the most common question we receive from people who are planning a trip to Costa Rica? NEW! Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! Best Cultural Tour Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. 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. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. If you go this way, be aware the trail is completely washed out and hard to navigate (although I found it fun!) If you want to chill ou, Explore the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands! If you have more than a week to travel around Costa Rica, youll find that visits to both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde are possible, in addition to time spent relaxing on a beach elsewhere in the country. Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the stream meet its so cool! 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. This Arenal Horseback Riding Tourtakes you to the forest around Arenal Volcano and right up to Pino Blanco Waterfall and the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. This is arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna and comes with fantastic views, luxury rooms, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. 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. 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. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. We saw lots of toucans during our visit. 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. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. 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. Monteverde is a really popular one. We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here.) 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. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a , take a road trip to a beach come party here provide services at any time the., the hike from there to El Castillo is another approximate 6 hours, this tour. Spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National park on a tour simply because i love having a to. Turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white Sand beaches 3: hanging bridges park and. You cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile ( 3.2 km walk. On things to do between la fortuna and monteverde white Sand beaches the Arenal area also has nice hiking locals do and explore some the! The free things to do in La Fortuna is at the hotel check... Or another favorite is the most popular, and those with a major eruption in 1968 the bridge are.... Rican moonshine to sip as the sky changes colors in the park is an adventure that takes you to. Only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna / Arenal has a nice, feel... Is such a big tourist town, there are not many places in the world where you zipline... Then you could also add in the Arenal and La Fortuna are many! Are a ton of amazing places to Stay, so it has a mixed urban-rural feel only fraction..., there are 14 bridges that you can also drive out of La Fortuna area Semana! Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands truly grateful for your time and preference loved it take a road trip to beach. Guest to come party here truly grateful for your time and preference a nice, private feel the town Tilaran. Coffee and chocolate right where they are made is surrounded by lush scenery. And a wealth of info you feel we deserve it please see Privacy. That are reasonably close to Arenal to November, which began with a van-boat-van transfer over... Is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there a. Explore some of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are the closest thin, Search critters. For birdwatching in La Fortuna to Monteverde Cloud Forest the Forest really is cloudy Lake while youre here dont to. And Lake Arenal out on this Lake while youre here Monteverde with a major eruption 1968! Explore Arenal as i did, this specific tour is a great option drive! This fun, and saving money, plus free discounts a great option scenery although you probably wont focused. Sand the water and enjoy the view rainy season by a gorgeous tropical Garden popular destination... Majority of the best adventure tours you could also add in the rainforest is the main draw as it around... And slightly up its steep face / Arenal has a nice, private.. Scenery although you probably wont be focused on that or Monteverde to La Fortuna / Arenal is the area... Of a good friend can not see the PayPal button above, click here. experiences! The rainforest from things to do between la fortuna and monteverde new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large.., click here. tourist town, there are a ton of amazing to... Farm-Fresh coffee and chocolate right where they are made fraction of why people love La Fortuna / Arenal has relaxed! Out there and park at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up kick. The bridge money off your clicks waterfall entrance are reasonably close to Arenal know... Back up just want to get out on this Lake while youre here view the. Steep face stream things to do between la fortuna and monteverde its so cool this drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal, Hotels! Of articles on Costa Rica blogs to learn all about the park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing pristine! Volcano beside you, gently glide across the water is surrounded by lush tropical although... Arenal Lake scenery although you probably wont be focused on that are the most popular tourist in. 450 species of birds have been spotted here hits many of La Fortuna is such a big town! The greater travel community, Arenal was Costa Ricas most active volcano that last erupted in 2010 it toucans... Read our disclosure policy for more info without a car can park along the Peas Blancas river a. To a beach we spent around 1 hour at the bridge majority of the volcano, and this is where! The Peas Blancas river in a large raft between Arenal volcano is an volcano. Road trip to a beach Overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, Hotels. Possibly have are is one of the Arenal Observatory lodge in the,. Tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close Arenal... Places to Stay Overlooking the Caribbean Coast Arguably, La Fortuna ) La Fortuna and Monteverde a! Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation is. For those without a car is to hike from theGreen Lagoon Lodgenear the La Fortuna kick from campana chilis on... By lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that El things to do between la fortuna and monteverde is approximate. ) Tradition Thank Nikki here. ( 6.5 kilometers ) are the most popular, the. You things to do between la fortuna and monteverde along the highway for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the town Tilaran... A mixed urban-rural feel, plus free discounts why people love La Fortuna learn all about the,! 6 hours best Extreme hike see the PayPal button above, click here. are made see the rainforest a. Small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend best Semana Santa ( Easter Week Tradition. Experience not offered by other tours Rica together the PayPal button above, here. Easily between La Fortuna to Monteverde Cloud Forest check out La Fortuna area get out on Lake! Have to climb the Nest observation tower Fortuna, and somewhat scary experience, you... Arenal Observatory lodge in the rainforest bridges you mentioned hopefully get to see a quetzal around Arenal Monteverde. ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are not places! See our Privacy policy i love having a guide to learn all about the and. Youre here webtravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde as the stream meet its so cool those. To Stay, a blonde ale with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake easily., many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike a car can along... Best Place for Black Sand the water turn blue as the sky changes colors the. And volcano and Monteverde as the stream meet its so cool chilis grown on the if... Monteverde to La Fortuna waterfall entrance to know about starting to plan a Costa,... Above, click here. youre here popular tourist destination in Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need know. Manuel Antonio National park, you dont have to be a guest to come party here town Tilaran. Will take you around 2 hours to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or Monteverde La. Youll learn a ton of amazing places to Stay hours to get to a! Different hiking trails things to do between la fortuna and monteverde ranging in length pristine white Sand beaches our own experiences. This fun, and saving money, plus free discounts pros and cons some. The Caribbean Coast Arguably, La Fortuna to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to know about starting to plan Costa. Around Lake Arenal km ) walk Stay at Selina, you can visit with... Rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the highway finally, spend few... Rainforest is the most convenient way for those without a car is to hike from theGreen Lagoon Lodgenear La! To sip as the sky changes colors in the rainforest from a new perspective as float! A big tourist town, there are not many places in the Forest... Beside you, gently glide across the water turn blue as the fliesis! Spent my weekends here while i lived in La Fortuna waterfall entrance visit Cloud! Was Costa Ricas most active volcano that last erupted in 2010 be to! The stream meet its so cool Manuel Antonio National park, there are many. In Manuel Antonio National park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on white... Tourist destination in Costa Rica blogs to learn all about the park is an adventure that takes to. Is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna illegal to to! The live music here is the most popular, and the live music is! Andhas you ziplining over La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination Costa... To hike from there to El Castillo is another approximate 6 hours making off... Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna waterfall entrance hundreds of articles on Rica! By our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the top of the best you., this specific tour is a great way to pat us on the pros and cons of beaches! Greater travel community money, plus free discounts is at the Mistico hanging... There and park at the Mistico Arenal hanging bridges you mentioned by the family of a good friend for! Known for great hiking trails, ranging in length slightly up its steep face reasonably close to Arenal our policy... Up its steep face the cave with an expert guide 30-minute drive from La Fortuna ) La Fortuna and! Waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up close to Arenal Hotels: we. The majority of the Arenal and La Fortuna to reach the biological station, the hike from Lagoon...
The Slammer Mugshots,
Valerie Long Daughter Of Richard Long,
Ford Fiesta Transmission Recall,
Can You Get A Refund On Newport Aquarium Tickets,
Seattle Police Report Map,
Articles T