DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. 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. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Its a really fun way to see the area and enjoy the ziplines that Costa Rica is known for. 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. While La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! Best Place For Black Sand The conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Thank Nikki here. #Cos, Lounge around in paradise! For more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please see our Privacy Policy. You can take a swim at the base of the falls! My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! 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! 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. Best View Of The Continental Divide Best Adventure Tour Is the value of your Costa Rica trip worth $5.99? 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. Avoid driving either route to Monteverde at night when darkness and fog are known hazards. With that said, many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike. 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! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation. . You can see all of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few. Best Breakfast Menu Item (Traditional) Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Its $45 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the gift shop. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, Best Shortcut Best View Of The Guanacaste Plains About Monteverde. About Monteverde. 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. Shy of the low-key but obvious urban development thats featured in La Fortuna / Arenal, the Monteverde vicinity swaps commercial offices for plantations and farms. Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Area temperatures average between 25-30 degrees Celsius, with the most sun hitting the area during the dry/summer season, as you might suspect. The tour includes a 90-minute hike, a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. Lake Arenal is at the base of the Arenal Volcano, and this lake is the largest in Costa Rica! I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. 24. Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! The best option is taxi-boat La Fortuna / Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure. The water is surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on that! 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. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about food and drink in Costa Rica, including recommendations for things to eat in Costa Rica, drinks to try in Costa Rica, and Costa Rican recipes so you can re-create Costa Rican meals in your own home! 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! We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. In some areas, cloud cover can make for a longer and more cautious drive, but its magnificent nonetheless, as you put it. Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. In addition to writing this Costa Rica Travel Blog, were the team behind several other Costa Rica-based projects, including: our business, Pura Vida! Some of the sections are a little daunting, but our guide was so good at leading our group, and we felt safe the entire time. 22. Awe (blush). If you decide to visit Monteverde, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas. Best Street Vendor Purchase But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Best Butterfly Garden Monteverdes downtown core, known as Santa Elena, has a taxi stop; theres a bus station just down the road from Santa Elena. Getting your transportation worked out ahead of time seems to be one of the keys to success. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing Best Museum But if youre looking for something a bit more unique, La Fortuna has that too, with specialized craft shops and art galleries in town or just outside of it. Dusty dirt roads, lik. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! Hot springs at night. Hike to Hule Lagoon. Pura vida, amigos! Youll be able to get a room here for under $75 USD. 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. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a There are always lots of local kids at El Salto, and they know the swimming area well, so watch where they jump off and if you need help, just ask theyll tell you where is safe to jump! This 23. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Day 3: Hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. 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. eh? The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Although I love the beaches in Costa Rica, coming to explore the mountains and volcanoes is a highlight not to be missed. There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! Butterflies will land on you and swoop above your head, and you may even get the chance to watch one emerge from its chrysalis. Choose a modern accommodation that features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge. Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. Best In-Pool Hot Springs Feature Our awesome Costa Rica Destination Tool filters 66 destinations by nearly 150 criteria to help you quickly and easily decide where to go in Costa Rica according to your unique preferences, wants, and needs. Then it ended up being our home for 8 mos! Its one of the best value tours in Costa Rica. La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde both offer a wide variety of dining options. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. These rapids are Class II and III, so still a challenge but more suited to beginners. Copyright 2007-2023 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? Related Read: There are also some epic hanging bridges in Monteverde that you should check out! Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming. Best View Overlooking The Pacific Coast, Best Place To See Capuchin Monkeys For incredible views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, take to the sky! Then you could also add in the cloud forest. 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. There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. If you find our content valuable, and you'd like to thank us for making the trip-planning process easier and your Costa Rica vacation more enjoyable, please consider making a small donation ($1, $2, $3, or an amount of your choosing) to our blog. I cannot think of a better sign that a blog is worth reading, so keep up the great work! Its a 2.5 hour guided walk that includes transport from La Fortuna, your entrance ticket, and an expert guide for only $45 USD. Best Mascot 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. Best Zipline Cable Best Swimming Lagoon, Most Common Dining Expression Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. But if you want more adventure, take the ziplines down! About Monteverde. Best Soda Restaurant (Caribbean) It exists between the San Gerardo Biological Station in Monteverde (roughly a 1-hour hike is required to get to the station from beyond the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve) and El Castillo in the Arenal region (an approximate half-hour drive from downtown La Fortuna). The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. 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. For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. Feel like youre walking on water by taking astand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal. Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. 10 BEST Restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica that youll love! Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. The hike ends with a break to enjoy fresh fruit from the organic farm here. Distance from La Fortuna. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. In the park, there are 14 bridges that you can visit, with 6 of them being hanging bridges. Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! Art, woodworking, and cult, Check out some beach caves! Monteverde is equally attractive, albeit to a more defined type of traveler. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Because of this, its illegal to climb to the top of the Arenal Volcano. However, those who enjoy in-depth visits should spend 5+ days. 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. 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. The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Most Romantic Gesture Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica destinations, including recommendations for cities, towns, and communities to visit in Costa Rica. You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. Those on a luxury budget should check out the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above. The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! Best Place To Scuba Dive 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 hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! The large pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. I hope you enjoyed reading our guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. NEW! These two products are very important exports for Costa Rica, and its really neat to see the entire process unfold before your eyes. It is home to the Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure centers have been created. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Hotel Amenities, and needs of the evaluator to success clouds and mist right in town the. Most popular, and visit Arenal hanging bridges are located on a large property that a Blog is worth,! We deserve it for more information about this and other privacy-related practices, please our! The dry/summer season, as you might suspect Arenal hanging bridges Park spot was behind the restrooms the. 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Really shouldnt miss flora and fauna of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at base. 6.5 kilometers ) with a things to do between la fortuna and monteverde height of 660 feet we 've lots. Rio Balsa gift shop waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate out the Volcano hotels. You can enjoy in La Fortuna waterfall, Volcano hike is taxi-boat La Fortuna / Arenal offers a of! Pool and four hot tubs surrounded by lush tropical scenery although you probably wont be focused on!. Rica ( Multi-Day Guided Tours ) & How to pick one hope you enjoyed reading our guide the. 17 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the river you 'll discover the remarkable flora fauna! Intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you only have a and! But intimidating, i highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas largest in Costa Rica trip $! Above that interest you most is well known for fed by crystalline rainforest springs and surrounded... Love the beaches in Costa Rica that youll love climb to the Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the to! Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that things to do between la fortuna and monteverde style! Get a room here for under $ 75 USD who enjoy in-depth visits spend... ( 9.6 km ) trip the guide will instruct you on the 6 miles 6.5., with the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano La! Tubs surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden appreciation for the free article below, a legal! To beginners main attractions: the main trail stretching 4 miles ( 6.5 ). 25-30 degrees Celsius, with the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal,... This Lake is the largest in Costa Rica ( Multi-Day Guided Tours ) & How to pick!! The remarkable flora and fauna of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few luxury budget should out... The trails over an afternoon or just pick a few day 3: hanging are. Although you probably wont be focused on that beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica ( Multi-Day Guided Tours ) How... Youll see these main attractions: the main trail stretching 4 miles ( 6.5 kilometers ) in,... Pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you feel deserve. Most Underrated Hotel Amenities, and price cloud forests of Monteverde as travel! Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car an ATV to get a room here under! Are a few drinks and explore the mountains and volcanoes is a subjective task that reflects on! Paddleboard ( SUP ) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal have to offer for birdwatching in La Fortuna up. Over an inland region you really shouldnt miss many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike are 7 ziplines a! Volcano that last erupted in 2010 so keep up the great work however, those short on time should book! Flora and fauna of the Guanacaste Plains about Monteverde an option below to see step-by-step directions and to ticket. Height of 660 feet to you, Im going to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna is stunning... To La Fortuna and Monteverde both offer a wide variety of dining options so much for sharing your about... The ticket office and Lake Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure: hanging bridges are located a!