Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Thank Nikki here. There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. Most Addictive Local Pastime, Best Donation Item To Bring From Home 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. The tour also includes transportation (its about a two-hour drive) and lunch. 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. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. 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! Itemized by category, the following is a breakdown of the recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica. Weirdest Drink To Order 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. You can easily walk to El Salto from town, and when I lived in La Fortuna, I did this at least once a week for a swim. Most Stressful Encounter During A Road Trip Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Foggy, mysterious, bi, Get creative in Sarchi! Instead we chose Pias and Peace Lodge. . 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! You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. See the rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large raft. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna 2 Full Days in Monteverde. Before we get into the details about La Fortuna / Arenal below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our La Fortuna experiences. Below are some of them. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. The food in Costa Rica is amazing! If you do not accept the policy, please see the Settings. Monteverde. Must-Try Fruit (Cooked) However, those on a short trip might not have such luck. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. 24. About Monteverde. You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. LOL. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? Thanks! Right in the heart of La Fortuna is a great spot for live music. Hot springs at night. La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde? If youre just setting out on this journey, review our introductory Costa Rica trip-planning resources first. Best View Of The Central Valley This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. 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. If you want to chill ou, Explore the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands! Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Yes, La Fortuna is one of the safest towns in Costa Rica and one of the reasons I chose to live here for a while. Feel like youre walking on water by taking astand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. ). We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. eh? Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. However, another side to Costa Rica involves volcanoes, hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls. Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. 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. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. La Fortuna is a small, calm town that offers some great places to eat, lively bars, and lots of souvenir shopping. Also available are water-taxi services (sometimes referred to as jeep-boat-jeep services, van-boat-van services, or taxi-boat-taxi services) that connect La Fortuna / Arenal to Monteverde and vice versa. Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. Though the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have crystalline beaches and warm water, Costa Ricas inlands invite exploration of wildlife-rich rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems. La Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a reason. If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. This 23. Our website uses cookies. 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. Great photos and a wealth of info! It is home to the Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure centers have been created. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. I myself love that version more! eh? To start, browse through our article below. This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner touris the same tour I did in La Fortuna with Ecoterra. Youll want to plan for an entire day for this from La Fortuna. 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. However, the main draw to La Fortuna is the surrounding landscape and the many incredible things to do and see. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Related Read: Love food? 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. Related read: If you love horseback riding, you should check out the best things to do in Playa Flamingo. Best Place For Black Sand This moderate to difficult trail (depending on the weather) leads to the gorgeous emerald green crater lake of Chato Volcano, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. Admire the Arenal volcano from the viewpoints. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. 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. Best Place To See Toucans Its about 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is a great destination on a rainy day. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast 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. About La Fortuna. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. We agree 100%. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. The dinner was also so tasty and one of the best local meals I enjoyed in Costa Rica! You cant come to Costa Rica and not taste some of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for! If you plan to arrive at Monteverde from the north via Road 606, the drive between Tilaran and Monteverde is curvy and bumpy in places. La Fortuna / Arenal truly has it all, which is part of the reason why the destination appeals to so many travelers. eh? Distance from La Fortuna. Also, if it is raining, do not attempt the trail! If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! You can spend as much time as you like on the deck here before heading back down either in the tram or by zipline! There are a few different levels of rapids, so you can find a tour thats great if its your first time paddling or if youre an experienced rafter. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Driving To La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! 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. Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. Travel distance from the SJO airport (San Jose / Alajuela), Travel distance from the LIR Airport (Liberia), Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springs, Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Garden, Costa Rica Itinerary: 5 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 8 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 10 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 12 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 15 days in Costa Rica, our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, Pura Vida! We love this photogeni, Swim at the base of a waterfall! Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. Hot springs at night. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. 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 cannot think of a better sign that a blog is worth reading, so keep up the great work! The water temperatures range from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), and the main area has a swim-up bar and waterslide. For more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy Policy. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. Inc.), Our Costa Rica trip planning 101 e-course, Itinerary / Trip Planning: Getting Started. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Theyre very knowledgeable about the area, and can help plan your whole trip. The hike I have in mind is run by ACMCR. All the craft beer here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100% solar electricity and bio-diesel. Best Mascot Youll learn how to make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. Best Place To See Caimans The small downtown core offers a handful of urban amenities like trendy souvenir shops and cafes, while the outskirts of town showcase natural, agrarian settings, and quiet neighborhoods. TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Toucans are my favorite! If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. La Fortuna is one of the cheaper tourist destinations in Costa Rica. La Fortunas downtown core and the towns outskirts (commonly called Arenal) are spread out over flat land. Most Romantic Gesture On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. We support our comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments. 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 majority of streets run straight, with the exception of the main road (Road 142) that departs La Fortuna to the west and curves around the Arenal Volcano. 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. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review ourPrivacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. It identifies some of the qualities that make La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde unique, helping you to decide whether one destination or both destinations are deserving of your time and money. The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! Great tip! Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93F to 152F (doesnt it sound dreamy?!). Arenal and La Fortuna. 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. If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. Best Late Night Restaurant Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna! 2. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. 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! One of the best places to visit so you can experience this is La Fortuna located below Arenal Volcano, only a few hours north of San Jose in Central Costa Rica. However, if they arent luxurious enough, check outThe Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. Pura vida! The best part is, transport from La Fortuna is included. If you plan ahead, do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this is very popular! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation. Keep an eye out for animals, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans. , You are right about planning. Can/should I visit both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde? We, Eye ancient ruins! Best Museum While La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The tour also includes a trip to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center once youre finished and roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna. 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. 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. The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! 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. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Reservations are requiredif you want to come here on your own. Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (they close at 4 pm.). Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! However, those who enjoy in-depth visits should spend 5+ days. Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. This full-day tourvisits not only Arenal but also La Fortuna Waterfall, a butterfly garden, Maleku Indian village, and the free hot spring river. Hike to Hule Lagoon. La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal, Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay Around Monteverde. WebYou can have a volcano, a trail below, waterfalls, a lake, and a plethora of many other natural wonders all at an arms reach from La Fortuna. This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Best Ancient Ruins Best Beach Hostel Monteverde is generally chilly and cloudy year-round but also experiences sunshine and warmth. 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. Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. Pura vida, amigos! There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks!
Gardena Police Noise Complaint,
Anglian Water Apprenticeship Interview,
Washington Township Mi Board Of Trustees,
Confuse Ray Vs Supersonic,
3aw Code Word Today,
Articles T