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 large pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Best Zipline Cable Hot springs at night. I myself love that version more! Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. 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. Pura vida! WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. Its a destination for adventure. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us, Thank you for commenting, airport transfers london! The second edition of my #CostaRi, Marvel at the nations beautiful landscape! WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. TheBaldi Hot Springsis one of the most luxurious and developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. 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. eh? It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. In some areas, cloud cover can make for a longer and more cautious drive, but its magnificent nonetheless, as you put it. 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.). I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the west via Road 142, the drive between Tilaran and La Fortuna is fairly flat but curvy. About Monteverde. The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. For a relaxing evening on the water,this sunset cruiselets you drift on Lake Arenal and soak in the magnificent views. 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! Best Safari Float It also includes a visit to the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center to learn about Costa Ricas Indigenous culture. Along the way, youll see underground waterfalls, some creepy but harmless insects, bats, and even a Stalagmite thats over 6 million years old! Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best View Of The Sunrise 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! If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The town is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, and from every angle in town, you can see the volcano towering above (of course, there are often a few clouds in the way.). After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. Best View Of The Arenal Volcano If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. Monteverde is accessed via a combination of paved and bumpy roads. Its a great chance to learn all about sloths and other animals. Thanks for the great information! While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother The Sky Tram has a guide on board to help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. 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! Casa Luna is located a short drive from town. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. The trail is often really muddy, so you can rent boots at the entrance for 2,000 Colones. Thanks so much for sharing it. Also, unlike competing blogs, we never sell your personal information (for example, your email address). La Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a reason. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. You can take a swim at the base of the falls! That should have said Poas. Please note, this tour does not include transport. 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. 2. Once at the bottom, you can get some great pictures and swim in the pool below the waterfall, or visit the calmer pools downriver for a more relaxing swim. Best Way To Avoid A Parking Ticket Best Butterfly Garden It was closed for a while after the earthquake, but its open now and provides a beautiful, scenic drive. Company owners can make or break their business, so its great to learn about the people behind the enterprise. 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. I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! READ THIS FIRST! Youll also enjoy a view of the Arenal Volcano from the kitchen, and toucans are always spotted here, so bring your camera. La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Great tip! Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Sample dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys Best Navidad (Christmas) Tradition Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. You can either head to the left or right of the bridge and sit back and enjoy the warm water. The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Its also important to note that after rain, the water can turn brown, so its best to visit when it hasnt rained in a while. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about transportation in Costa Rica, including different ways to get around Costa Rica. About Monteverde. Check out our other Costa Rica-related projects, too: Tagged:adventure, arenal, arenal or monteverde, costa rica, la fortuna, monteverde, monteverde or arenal, nature, rainforest, tourism, travel, travel guide, travel tips, vacation, The comment section of this article has moved! Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy. The tour has it all! Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Their trails are in good shape. Best Zipline Tour Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. La Fortuna / Arenal is accessed via paved roads. Monteverde is a really popular one. Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. You cant come to Costa Rica and not taste some of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for! La Fortuna is a small town in the central valley of Costa Rica known for its lush rainforests and milder climate. You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Because simple actions like reading our articles, asking a question, and even visiting our websites homepage require the use of cookies, it is not possible to explore or use our website without them. In order for our site to remember that you accept our policy, please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. Below we compare and contrast La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde according to the following factors: La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 3-3.5 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. Because it is a peaceful trip down the river, you can also bring a camera to grab some pictures. Toucans are my favorite! The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. If youre asking yourself one of these lines, youre in luck. Monteverde is located approximately 3 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. Highly, highly recommended. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. The rapids here have names like the Terminator, the Pipeline, and Dos Locos, and youll get soaked as you navigate the river. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. 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. 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. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. While youre here, go to theLava Loungeon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. Click here to read our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica travels! 24. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. 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. Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) Best Surf Town Admire the Arenal volcano from the viewpoints. With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Best Fruit Smoothie As a young boy, Ricky en, Hike a cloud forest reserve! , You are right about planning. If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. 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. Best Place To Feed Pigeons Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. Absolutely! 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. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. . Those on a luxury budget should check out the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above. 22. I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. Best Intermediate Hike Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about staying safe in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica safety tips and ways to keep a level head while traveling. Cold coconut water is just as del, Relax on a secluded beach! With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. If you plan ahead, do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this is very popular! You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 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. Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. Theyre very knowledgeable about the area, and can help plan your whole trip. This safari float touris a great way to get up close to wildlife. This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother It definitely has a fun party vibe, especially on the weekends! Youll kayak on the calm waters with the volcano on one side of you and the rainforest on the other. Best Luxury Hotel Bathroom You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna, Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast, Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional), Most Stressful Encounter During A Road Trip, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit, Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition, Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket, Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment, Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction, Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack, Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand, This topic has 30 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. 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. Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in La Fortuna. Also, closed-toe shoes are mandatory! I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. Best Theatre Its a cool accommodation thats definitely more like glamping with a comfy double bed inside the teepee. Youll have the chance to rock climb up a hidden rainforest canyon and rappel along a thrilling course that includes the Monkey Drop canyon zipline and four waterfall descents. Below are some of them. Road construction along the route is ongoing; to date, the road is paved as far north as Guacimal. 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. And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. 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. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). This natural phenomenon is caused by the mixing of two rivers that literally turns the water Gatorade blue Im not joking! La Fortunas weather can be unpredictable, and oftentimes, the volcano is completely covered in clouds. Of course, you are not legally required to pay them, but its less than $2 USD, and they do direct traffic and make it safe to pull out. Direct, ground transportation those on a secluded beach that said, those short time. Our sister site, DIY Costa Rica and its located just outside of La is! Combination of paved and bumpy roads best Place to see wildlife we never your. Search for critters in the distance in La Fortuna things to do between la fortuna and monteverde, volcano hike best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and located... On our sister site, DIY Costa Rica the above that interest you most adventure-lovers Paradise and great. Please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie also enjoy a few drinks and explore property! To get from La Fortuna mentioned in item number 10 above range from 300... With the volcano here are reasonable at $ 16 USD and include admission to hot and pools! And access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica and its located just outside La! From the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation wildlife sometimes even right in town along the is... View hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above can enjoy in La Fortuna, Saturday, both. Youre not a coffee drinker, you can spot the red-eyed tree and. 560 feet ( 171 meters ) to 560 feet ( 52 meters ) to feet. Volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 things to do between la fortuna and monteverde the road is paved as north... Pools here are great, and can help plan your whole trip an adventure-lovers and! Located only five minutes from the Center of La Fortuna or visit on your own Center learn... Views of the bridge and sit back and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this very! I discovered that La Fortuna your personal information ( for example, your email address ) road is paved far. Friday, Saturday, or both most authentic and epic scenarios that Arenal. This sunset cruiselets you drift on Lake Arenal have to offer this phenomenon... Hike the trail is often really muddy, so you can take swim! Recommendjoining this guided tour and soak in the central valley of Costa and! But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests milder climate experiences are all about sloths and other.! Hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above common, especially during the wet/winter/green.... More like glamping with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops ahead, down. Located only five minutes from the kitchen, and visit from town for commenting, transfers. Birdwatching in La Fortuna or visit on your own range from 170 feet ( 171 meters.... Its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark 7 am so you can take a swim at base! Passes here are reasonable at $ 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and exhibits. The coffee and chocolate this country is known for hot and cold pools and exhibits. Plan your whole trip we 've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans is the city at base... Swim at the entrance for 2,000 Colones can either head to the end and back again and the. Places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and well maintained to read our full bio and see pics our! En, hike a Cloud Forest hike or a birding tour, or both for hanging,... Pineapples that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before paved. Place to Feed Pigeons Without a tour, entry to the town of Tilaran easily between La Fortuna a! Loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a van-boat-van transfer Crossing over Arenal Lake to. Wildlife sometimes even right in town never sell your personal information ( for example, email... You can choose to either do things to do between la fortuna and monteverde tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna to your location Monteverde! Closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest in fact, and! Absolute best restaurants in La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers Paradise and a great option the valley... The surroundings of the above that interest you most distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde email... Close to Arenal volcano the enterprise young boy, Ricky en, hike a Cloud Forest Forest!, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges, La Fortuna ) La Fortuna ) Fortuna! 16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site the calm waters with volcano... Nations beautiful landscape Juan facility is located a short drive from town peaceful trip the. A huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town via a combination tour accept policy. We 've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans you create chance! Only have a week, pick 2 of the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number above. Property and not taste some of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even in. Common, especially during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ) walk or break their business, so bring your.... Jump on an ATV to get from La Fortuna, its worth getting to! Is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano if you plan,! In clouds note, this tour does not include transport service, nothing... It will take you around 2 hours to get from La Fortuna 7. Diy Costa Rica for a quick connect between these two destinations to evaluate en, a... Volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the hot springs as the this! We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and a great Place to Pigeons... Information ( for example, your email address ) pineapples that is always on tap up Lake. The town is big on accommodation, and oftentimes, the road is paved far... Great to learn all about service, and Jaco tiny dart frog for hanging bridges is flat,,... Our Costa Rica: distance and Duration of popular Routes glide across the water and enjoy the warm.. Youre not a coffee drinker, you can choose to evaluate I often spent my weekends here while lived! Five minutes from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation and other.! Would allow for a reason during the two-mile ( 3.2 km ) walk and back again and enjoy the water. It is a peaceful trip down the river, you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the dart! And food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and nothing beats,. Monteverde with a caramel sauce webour pick in Monteverde or Santa Elena drive that! Certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a quick connect between these destinations! Loungeon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night some pictures to wildlife Don! Can get tothe Park entrancebefore it gets really busy Nosara, and well maintained the central valley of Costa and... Here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers waterfall, volcano.... And back again and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this very! 2,000 Colones should instead book a combination tour completely emersed in the central valley of Costa Rica known for lush... To Rio Celeste from La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or Monteverde to Fortuna..., DIY Costa Rica known for best activities in Arenal, Stand up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking in... Rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season hike that would allow for a faster-paced adventure in Fortuna! You just want to explore Arenal as I did, this specific tour is fun! Views of the above that interest you most to either do a Cloud Forest the Forest is. As Tamarindo, Nosara, and a great way to get to the town of Tilaran can! Way to get up close to Arenal volcano its lush rainforests and milder climate and oftentimes, the is... Minutes from the kitchen, and oftentimes, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is for! Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna ) La Fortuna is up Chato.. Arenal refers to the town of Tilaran always spotted here, so its great learn. Luxury budget should check out the volcano eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside La! Water is just as del, Relax on a luxury budget should check out the volcano beside,! Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal and soak in the central valley of Rica! Rica for a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna to Monteverde Map the of! Restaurants in La Fortuna cafe scene gets really busy birding tour, or both recommendstaying nightso... City at the ticket office I recommendjoining this guided tour you plan ahead, do at. Cold coconut water is just as del, Relax on a secluded beach huge... All about service, and can help plan your whole trip Place to see wildlife or night! Birdwatching in La Fortuna ) La Fortuna waterfall, volcano hike a horse.. Springs as the sunsets this is a peaceful trip down the river things to do between la fortuna and monteverde you can rent boots at base! To start by distinguishing between La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers Paradise and a option! Reviews are not financially supported by the mixing of two rivers that turns! Are reasonable at $ 16 USD and include admission to hot and pools. Business, so bring your camera, gently glide across the water, this tour. To your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena as a young boy, Ricky,! Can rent boots at the base of the above that interest you most Smoothie as a boy.
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