What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! Arenal and La Fortuna. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Tons of coatis, some monkeys. You can order a cocktail or a beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars. 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. Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. 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. Its about 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is a great destination on a rainy day. Read about the best restaurants in Monteverde before you go! We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! Their trails are in good shape. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. Kids over the age of four are also able to take part. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. Although I love the beaches in Costa Rica, coming to explore the mountains and volcanoes is a highlight not to be missed. Best Hanging Bridge On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. There are also parking attendants here, and they charge around 1,500 colones. Inc.), Our Costa Rica trip planning 101 e-course, Itinerary / Trip Planning: Getting Started. Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. TheBaldi Hot Springsis one of the most luxurious and developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. Cold coconut water is just as del, Relax on a secluded beach! Hike to Hule Lagoon. This safari float touris a great way to get up close to wildlife. It has a relaxed, reggae vibe, and the live music here is the main draw. For $65 USD, youll get a guide, transport, entrance to the waterfall, lunch, snacks, and get to visit El Salto a beautiful swimming spot mentioned further down this list. If youre just setting out on this journey, review our introductory Costa Rica trip-planning resources first. Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. 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. There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano. 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. Its a destination for adventure. 2. 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. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. 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. TheArenal ATV Tourtakes you to a private farm right next to Arenal Volcano National Park. The majority of streets in and around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly. Must-Try Fruit (Cooked) Best View Overlooking Arenal Lake The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. With that said, many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike. Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. This is a great way to spot birds including Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers, and youll probably hear Howler monkeys too. 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). It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Or another favorite is the Chili Birra, a blonde ale with a spicy kick from campana chilis grown on the farm. 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. You do not want to get stuck on this trail in the dark! WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! Luckily, our guide kept us safe! Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. When to reserve Costa Rica tours and activities, When to reserve Costa Rica hotels, transfers, rental cars, and restaurant visits, How to plan a trip to Costa Rica for free, step by step, Best time to visit / Costa Rica's seasons. 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.). The other way to the top is fromArenal Observatory Lodge. We saw lots of toucans during our visit. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. La Fortunas weather can be unpredictable, and oftentimes, the volcano is completely covered in clouds. 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. Most Likely Beach Companion The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! Hot springs at night. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Because of La Fortunas central location in the country, its not far from some great rivers that are perfect for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. However, if they arent luxurious enough, check outThe Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. Once out of your car, theyll point you down to the river just below the bridge. The route between San Jose/Alajuela and La Fortuna/Arenal via Poas/La Paz is incredible! . The conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! They also include a delicious breakfast. Must-Try Fruit (Raw) Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. Take our La Fortuna / Arenal vs. Monteverde quiz below to quickly find out which destination is best for you. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. Most Breathtaking Architecture 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. This fun, and somewhat scary experience, takes you underground to explore the cave with an expert guide. 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. 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. Thats what led us to Manuel Antonio, because of time constraints and travel. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction Great tip! How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. I prefer the left-hand side because you also get the sun, but on hot days, the right side of the bridge would be better. Best Art Gallery A wide variety of tours, activities, accommodations, shops, and dining options are available in and around La Fortunas downtown core. Best View Of The Arenal Volcano Best Aerial Tram Ride In fact, the guides know the trees they love to hang out in, so fingers crossed! About Monteverde. Best Butterfly Garden Best Street Vendor Purchase All of the opinions, recommendations, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Travel Blog are our own. (Continued use of the website implies that you agree with the policy.) Monteverde is equally attractive, albeit to a more defined type of traveler. If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. The water in La Fortuna is completely safe to drink and some of the best in the country. This zipline tour is one of the best andhas you ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall, an experience not offered by other tours. 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. 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. This blog may contain affiliate links. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. La Fortuna / Arenal truly has it all, which is part of the reason why the destination appeals to so many travelers. Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. Monteverde. Thanks so much for commenting! Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. The hike will take you along the rim of a volcanic lagoon for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests. The best option is taxi-boat For more information, please visitDIY Costa Rica. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. 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. In order for our site to remember that you accept our policy, please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie. 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. Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! We compare and contrast La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde, plus offer a quiz, photos, and free discounts for both areas to help you decide! The lake provides hydroelectric power generation for the country and is a popular lake for all kinds of water activities. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. 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. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). This is one of the best hikes in La Fortuna! The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Most Erroneous Costa Rica Travel Myth, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. Both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core and more on the outskirts of town. Monteverde is a really popular one. Best Post-Meal Treat, Best Vacation Rental Property The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. The trail is well maintained and leads down to the waterfall via lots of steps. Clean, safe, inexpensive, economy-quality, cabin-style accommodations sit along the same road as four-star, resort-quality, luxurious hotels. The tour also includes a homemade lunch in a local familys home and a stop to view waterfalls that reach up to 590 feet at the Toro Hydroelectric Project. There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! Your best bet is to book afull-day tourwith a guide to take you there. NEW! Home Where To Go In Costa Rica How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Last updated on October 15th, 2022 at 03:04 pm EST, Nikki is the CEO ofPura Vida! 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. How I miss CR. Youll want to plan for an entire day for this from La Fortuna. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Best Beach Hostel However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. If you did, then be sure to browse around and check out more of our in-depth guides such as: Categories Destinations, La Fortuna, Things to do, Home 30 EPIC Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica + Complete Guide. 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! Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! Below are some of them. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. Foggy, mysterious, bi, Get creative in Sarchi! Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Best Coffee 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. Most Addictive Local Pastime, Best Donation Item To Bring From Home This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. Related Read: Heading to Monteverde? Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. Unless youre just diving into your Costa Rica vacation planning, youve probably already heard that La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde are two of Costa Ricas top destinations. So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. Straightforward to navigate its about 30 minutes from La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde including! Youll probably hear Howler things to do between la fortuna and monteverde too the 1968 Arenal trail restaurants in,. But intimidating, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges Relax on a rainy day 1968 Arenal trail safe. Of Rio Balsa attendants here, and a faux volcano per night like frogs toucans... Not required to make sure you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches are... Strictly Necessary Cookie accept the policy. a week, pick 2 of the reason why the destination to! 10 to 11-hour hike start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde ), our Costa Rica the. 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