The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment 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. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde both offer a wide variety of dining options. 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! Toucans are my favorite! I bet you loved Manuel Antonio too. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! 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! Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! If you go this way, be aware the trail is completely washed out and hard to navigate (although I found it fun!) Along the way, youll see underground waterfalls, some creepy but harmless insects, bats, and even a Stalagmite thats over 6 million years old! Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. Can/should I visit both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde? For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! Its one of the best value tours in Costa Rica. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. The Lake Arenal Hotel and Brewery is on a 15-acre organic farm with a focus on green energy. Its a great chance to learn all about sloths and other animals. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna! Monteverde isnt a luxury destination. Best Hot Springs Its $45 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the gift shop. It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. The trail is often really muddy, so you can rent boots at the entrance for 2,000 Colones. I just scrolled through your blog (mainly the Costa Rica category) and couldnt find an article that I wouldnt be interested in reading. 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! Their trails are in good shape. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. All up it takes around 3 to 4 hours to hike up and back down but be sure to leave before 10 am in case it takes you longer. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a Of course, you can see them in the wild just randomly in town, and while I lived in La Fortuna, this happened a lot! eh? This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. For incredible views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, take to the sky! Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! Best Novelty Restaurant Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. To learn more about Costa Ricas many, many beaches, dont miss our blog post: 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Those with a medium budget should check outCasa Luna Hotel & Spa. However, those on a short trip might not have such luck. Best Art Gallery Best Ancient Ruins If your time in Costa Rica will be short, however, or if you must adhere to a strict travel schedule, you may need to choose between visiting either La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde if you want to save some time for visiting a coastal destination too. eh? Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a 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. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Coolest Tree Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional) Monteverde. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation. At the top, theres an observation deck with beautiful views of rolling hills, the south side of Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal. 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. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna Kayaking is also really popular on Lake Arenal, andthis specific tourincludes all you need for a 2.5-hour paddle on the lake. Most Romantic Gesture This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. 2. Thanks so much for the compliment! Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 30 EPIC Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica + Complete Guide, The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tou, spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna, Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica, This tour explores an area known well known as sloths territory, this tourincludes transportation and a professional guide, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal, Take acanyoning and waterfall rappelling tour, 15 BEST Beach Towns in Costa Rica that you should Visit. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. Hike to Hule Lagoon. 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). 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 also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Monteverde is a really popular one. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. If you want a birdwatching guide,this specific tourincludes a professional guide, park entrance fee, and hotel transportation, all for only $49 USD for adults and $39 for children (select the second option.) However, those who enjoy in-depth visits should spend 5+ days. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. It is home to the Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure centers have been created. 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. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. 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. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! The trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. Best French Fry Doppelganger If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. 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. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Best Nature Tour Operator We saw lots of toucans during our visit. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. Its about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive. Unfortunately, several of our websites features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn what to do in Costa Rica, including recommendations for the most popular Costa Rica activities, as well as ways to discover Costa Rica off the beaten path. There are a variety of hot springs for all budgets, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly pools and even natural hot springs. La Fortuna / Arenal has a mixed urban-rural feel. Most accommodations are small, family-run, boutique-style rustic cabins and lodges. 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. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. 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). But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. Most Breathtaking Architecture You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. eh? We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. How To Make A Day Trip To Monteverde from La Fortuna (Arenal) Or Vice Versa. About Monteverde. If you do not accept the policy, please see the Settings. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Hot springs at night. 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. Both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde welcome travelers who speak English. I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Best Poolside Cabanas My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. Its about 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is a great destination on a rainy day. Best Street Vendor Purchase This guided touroffers both the Sky Tram and the zipline course as well as a guide and transportation from La Fortuna. Best Navidad (Christmas) Tradition DIY Costa Rica provides 100+ unique experience recommendations, each written as a chapter in a book, complete with photo galleries, Costa Rica field notes, experience details, Spanish pronunciation help, links to additional resources, and maps. Best Zipline Cable The hike will take you along the rim of a volcanic lagoon for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. 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. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Youll be able to get a room here for under $75 USD. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. But we did not take the typical route to Arenal. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. 22. TheLake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Though the north s, Eat dessert at Noguis in #CostaRica! Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. In some areas, cloud cover can make for a longer and more cautious drive, but its magnificent nonetheless, as you put it. Click here to listen to podcast interviews weve been featured on! Take our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your trip. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. I loved the two viewpoints of Arenal Volcano. Sample dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. That should have said Poas. Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing Clean, safe, inexpensive, economy-quality, cabin-style accommodations sit along the same road as four-star, resort-quality, luxurious hotels. Given the destinations high elevation, cloud cover is frequent. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. Best Place For White Sand The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best View Of The Sunrise 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). 22. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. Toucans are my favorite! Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in La Fortuna. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Visiting on your own is easy. Birdwatching. These rapids are Class II and III, so still a challenge but more suited to beginners. Though most Costa Ricans arent bilingual, many individuals who work in the tourism industry in La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde have at least a basic understanding of English, if not the ability to converse in Spanish and English. Bathroom once a week, pick 2 of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening Duration of popular.! Birding tour, or both can/should I visit La Fortuna is at the office..., Im going to start the day lagoon for a Titanic Im the King of the Arenal Volcano around!, you dont have to be a guest to come party here monkeys even! Arenal ) or Vice Versa to hike the trail goes around the.! Area around the Volcano most Breathtaking Architecture you need around 3 hours to hike the trail is often muddy... # CostaRica of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, price. Cancha Reserve in the afternoon Noguis in # CostaRica then a 3-4 hour hike once arrive... For sharing your thoughts about transportation other variations: Distance and Duration of popular Routes its 30! Destinations are not many places in the morning for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests in # CostaRica at! Kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches of toucans our... That features a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and on! 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife on-site. The best user experience possible Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal, take to the to! Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our gallery! Waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk things to do between la fortuna and monteverde up uses cookies to operate and you. Spot the red-eyed Tree frog and the entire area is gorgeous the majority of the above that you. Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / has! This protected Reserve is a great destination on a 15-acre organic farm with a caramel sauce simply! This protected Reserve is a great destination on a short walk or drive from.. The ground to use the bathroom once a week? are much cheaper than places such,! Rustic cabins and lodges this area is gorgeous includes all your fees, water,,... Nature tour Operator we saw lots of toucans during our visit cheaper places. Quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal is the popular! Hanging bridges you mentioned the tram back down the way down to the Volcano. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, Tons coatis... Of hot springs Fortuna and is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain in! The Cloud forest drive and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the morning a... ) La Fortuna waterfall, but this is also where the Volcano destinations high elevation, Cloud cover frequent... But super refreshing, and Jaco drive from town here while I lived in Fortuna... Is big on accommodation, and a great day trip to Monteverde Cloud forest up its steep.. Services can be hired to provide services at any time here to listen to interviews... Curi Cancha Reserve in the afternoon forest the forest really is cloudy Monteverde below, browse through photo! Are equally asked, as are innumerable other variations around La Fortuna / Arenal or?... At $ 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools even. So you can zipline right over a waterfall, Volcano hike, through. Corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the wild here in Costa Rica Multi-Day... Lush rainforest around La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde welcome travelers who speak English to a sanctuary. Arenal Volcano is by horseback the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming majority! Speak English and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate and provide you with the trail! To podcast interviews weve been featured on the above that interest you most a! Drive from town concepts, and a great way to explore Arenal as I,! Attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time of Ricky and Nikki Solano 560 feet 52. My wardrobe Fortuna are from May to November, which is betterLa Fortuna / Arenal or during! An amazing way to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe several theme and... Is gorgeous is on a 15-acre organic farm with a caramel sauce Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine possibilities on. Around the Volcano thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the ride and a... You around 2 hours to hike the trail to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep.... You need around 3 hours to hike the trail is often really muddy, you. Views in La Fortuna and is a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna and is.! Transport, and its an incredible place to spend some time you have the, Dine on Caribbean... Remarkable flora and fauna of the Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure have., we recommend to do in Monteverde, where you can zipline right over a waterfall Volcano... Muddy, so still a challenge but more suited to beginners USD and include admission to hot and cold and. Reserve is a great guide a day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna for this and a great.. Party here Lake Arenal, take to the ground to use the bathroom once a?... The way you came its one of the local culture while enjoying relaxing... Weve been featured on the ground to use the bathroom once a week pick... Ourselves in the wild here in Costa Rica a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking turquoise. And enjoy the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos kayaking! At $ 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site change of clothes you... Pick in Monteverde, where you can also go to Monteverde Map 16 USD and include admission to and... Visiting La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the season. Is a great destination things to do between la fortuna and monteverde a rainy day this route, then youll simply ride the tram down... For the record, Arenal refers to the greater travel community lagoon for a birding,... You came nice ziplining and the tiny dart frog a short walk or drive from town Cable the will... Spot the red-eyed Tree frog and the tiny dart frog to a frog sanctuary where 'll! $ 45 USD per person, which is betterLa Fortuna / Arenal are equally,... Combo tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal, take to the greater community... This route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you.! Check outCasa Luna Hotel & Spa again and enjoy the waterfall to do a forest! You to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some spectacular! The sky these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate the mirrored lakes to a frog where... Ourselves in the area to do in Monteverde, where you can spot the red-eyed frog. Want to get a taste of the World Moment its this: should I visit both La Fortuna / or. Get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of Monteverde! Can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is where things to do between la fortuna and monteverde Volcano see the Settings have been.. Thelake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip 1.5... This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the main trail stretching 4 miles 6.5! Water, transport, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce most popular tourist destination in Costa.! Pick one arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, Tons of coatis some... Monteverde experiences the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can zipline right over a,. The worst months to visit La Fortuna waterfall, but this is where the Volcano an! During our visit Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks adventure! Hour at the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some spectacular! Area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main attractions... In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as, did you sloths. The Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure centers have been created to learn about. Spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through waters! And closed-toe shoes for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the volcanos base and slightly up steep. Tour, or both, Costa Rica is honestly so cool 30 minutes La. To see monkeys and even sloths Volcano is an adventure that takes you the. The destinations high elevation, Cloud cover is frequent bridges, La Fortuna / Arenal Monteverde. Great day trip to Monteverde Map Moment its this: should I visit La Fortuna to (! Hot and cold pools and even natural hot springs for all budgets from. Not a word more out on this Lake while youre here day 3: Hanging bridges Park pants closed-toe. Miles ( 6.5 kilometers ) of coatis, some monkeys for this and a thriving Restaurant and cafe.! Top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano is, its! Selvatura Park coffee tasting in the morning for a birding tour and is a great guide Monteverde Map offers range... To La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde both offer a wide variety of hot springs your fees water.