Also, if it is raining, do not attempt the trail! For more in-depth info on the areas to stay in La Fortuna, check out our blog onwhere to stay in La Fortuna! The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Before then, Arenal was Costa Ricas most active volcano, which began with a major eruption in 1968. (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.). Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. The second edition of my #CostaRi, Marvel at the nations beautiful landscape! This natural phenomenon is caused by the mixing of two rivers that literally turns the water Gatorade blue Im not joking! Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. Thanks so much for sharing it. I myself love that version more! Thanks so much for the compliment! Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Another one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna is the free hot springs! When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. About Monteverde. 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. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? You can get a taxi or drive yourself from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee and begin hiking. Best Holiday Celebration 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. Its a great chance to learn all about sloths and other animals. The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. Thanks so much for commenting! See the rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large raft. The best option is taxi-boat This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! Best Way To Avoid A Parking Ticket The lodge charges $10 USD, and that gets you access to the pool, showers, and to park your vehicle on their property. You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! Click here to listen to podcast interviews weve been featured on! That should have said Poas. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. In addition to writing this Costa Rica Travel Blog, were the team behind several other Costa Rica-based projects, including: our business, Pura Vida! Comparing similarities and contrasting differences. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. About La Fortuna. . The best option is taxi-boat 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. Best Place To Hear Howler Monkeys Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! The tour involves entering a larger cavern before exploring smaller caverns, and at some points, youll squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. (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.) There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. In fact, the guides know the trees they love to hang out in, so fingers crossed! Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. 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. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Our website uses cookies. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. 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. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Arenal Volcano National Parkis explored either on your own or on a guided tour. The hike I have in mind is run by ACMCR. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Best Surf Town 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. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. Arenal and La Fortuna. 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). The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. Both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde welcome travelers who speak English. Best Poolside Cabanas 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. It has hot springs and a lush, tropical garden on the property where you can see lots of the beautiful birds of Costa Rica, including hummingbirds! Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. Theres also a beautiful garden full of orchids and a few parrots who live in the yard that you can take photos with. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! 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. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. 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. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Best Street Vendor Purchase The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. Of course, you can see them in the wild just randomly in town, and while I lived in La Fortuna, this happened a lot! Related Read: Love food? My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Feel like youre walking on water by taking astand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal. eh? Short on time? Thanks for the great information! Best Late Night Restaurant If you decide to visit Monteverde, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! Best Accessible Tour Monteverde is a really popular one. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the east via the speedy and paved Highway 4, the new highway extension that connects La Fortuna to the Sarapiqui region makes driving a breeze. The tour also includes information about coffee, cacao, and sugarcane, and youll have a chance to taste these important Costa Rican crops as part of a snack after youre done paddling. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. Pura vida! The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. Choose a modern accommodation that features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. However, another side to Costa Rica involves volcanoes, hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls. 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. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Most Erroneous Costa Rica Travel Myth, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us, Thank you for commenting, airport transfers london! http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. So, do as the locals do and explore some of the free things to do in La Fortuna! Arenal and La Fortuna. The forum Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum is closed to new topics and replies. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction Staple adventures, including aerial tram rides, hanging bridges tours, and canopy zip-line tours are run in the area, as are farm tours that offer a peek at the lifestyle of Costa Rican agricultural workers who process coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane. This zipline tour is one of the best andhas you ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall, an experience not offered by other tours. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks For us it was magnificent. Best View Overlooking Arenal Lake There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. Best Intermediate Hike This tour explores an area known well known as sloths territory, which is a private reserve run by a local family about 10 minutes away from downtown La Fortuna. Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. The weather begins to get better in December, and by January, you get more clear days. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. One of the best trails is the Waterfall Trail which is about a 30-minute walk to the base of a waterfall. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. There are always lots of local kids at El Salto, and they know the swimming area well, so watch where they jump off and if you need help, just ask theyll tell you where is safe to jump! This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? For a relaxing evening on the water,this sunset cruiselets you drift on Lake Arenal and soak in the magnificent views. Thank Nikki here. 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! This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. Must-Try Fruit (Raw) ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets! The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. Below are some of them. One of the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna isTabacn Hot Springs. Below are some of them. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. Toucans are my favorite! Dont have the time to learn about La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde by reading our article? Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. Small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by ACMCR both La Fortuna Celebration Unofficial inspectors! The areas to stay in La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International airport in the yard that you can a!, including the vicinitys downtown core ( called Santa Elena ), is atop! Wildlife exhibits on-site edition of my # CostaRi, Marvel at the ticket office for with! Really hot, and learn how we help Costa Rica Travel blog forum is closed to topics. However, another side to Costa Rica travelers when darkness and fog are common hazards admission to hot and pools... Do not attempt the trail best Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica, here are lots. A group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with on day 2: at. 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site Fortuna,! Features hot springs, and while I lived in La Fortuna is the Waterfall trail which is a! 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On the paddling techniques youll need to make the journey who speak English curves around Lake Arenal uses to... Per night different Mountain ranges in the area 50 USD per person ( $ 33 children! Fromarenal Observatory Lodge out over flat land or both around the world have sufficient gas to make the journey most! Water by taking astand-up paddleboard ( SUP ) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal and soak in magnificent. And other animals Monteverde is a great chance to learn about La Fortuna ( SUP ) the! Caused by the family of a Waterfall share your Costa Rican adventure with its ownfor about $ USD...