Getting your transportation worked out ahead of time seems to be one of the keys to success. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. 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. If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. Is the value of your Costa Rica trip worth $5.99? Best Novelty Restaurant Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. If you have a question or comment about our article above or Costa Rica travel in general, please post it in our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, our sister website, where you can also access our private Costa Rica recommendations, our Costa Rica Destination Tool, and our Costa Rica Recommendations Map. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. Reservations are requiredif you want to come here on your own. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. Birdwatching. Toucans are my favorite! The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. Theres certain, Snap photos from incredible viewpoints! Best Coastal Tour Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! Best Fruit Smoothie But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Best Surf Town Kayaking is also really popular on Lake Arenal, andthis specific tourincludes all you need for a 2.5-hour paddle on the lake. There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! Most Convenient Waterfall To Visit, Best Airport Must-Try Fruit (Cooked) This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. Monteverdes downtown core, known as Santa Elena, has a taxi stop; theres a bus station just down the road from Santa Elena. Typically, youll see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and lots of birds! Please note, this tour does not include transport. 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. If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. You do not want to get stuck on this trail in the dark! Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! The weather begins to get better in December, and by January, you get more clear days. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. The area is home to a vast chunk of Costa Ricas protected land space and offers a number of nature reserves, most notably the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and the Childrens Eternal Rainforest. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Although I love the beaches in Costa Rica, coming to explore the mountains and volcanoes is a highlight not to be missed. Best Zipline Cable This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. The forum Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum is closed to new topics and replies. Best Beach Hostel Inc.), Our Costa Rica trip planning 101 e-course, Itinerary / Trip Planning: Getting Started. All the craft beer here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100% solar electricity and bio-diesel. For incredible views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, take to the sky! Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. Related Read: Heading to Monteverde? WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Spread your wings and visit the small town of El Castillo, which is home to thelargest butterfly conservatoryin Costa Rica. 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. Thanks for the great information! Monteverde isnt a luxury destination. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. 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. Best Place For White Sand Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws Register today to start browsing! In addition to writing this Costa Rica Travel Blog, were the team behind several other Costa Rica-based projects, including: our business, Pura Vida! 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! Road construction along the route is ongoing; to date, the road is paved as far north as Guacimal. 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. This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. eh? Below are some of them. Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park. If you plan to arrive at Monteverde from the south via Road 606, sections of the drive between the Pan-American Highway (Highway 1) and Monteverde are mountainous, curvy, and bumpy in places. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Below are some of them. Be prepared to get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you have one! While youre here, go to theLava Loungeon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. 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. 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. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. I stayed for a week with a group of friends, and Danilo and his family are among the most hospitable and fun people Ive ever met. 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! This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. Since transportation is one of the trip items that travelers tend to stress about the most, its smart to make transportation arrangements in advance to minimize surprises during the trip. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. Best Extreme Hike The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. 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. 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! Click here to listen to podcast interviews weve been featured on! The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Looking for a writer, blogger, travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor? If you want to do a guided tour, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! The tour also includes transportation (its about a two-hour drive) and lunch. Birdwatching. If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. That should have said Poas. The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. 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. Best Place To See Crocodiles For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. The Free Natural Hot Springs River (as its called) is a public river that runs through theTabacon Hot Springs Resort one of the most luxurious hot springs in La Fortuna. ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets! Lovely photos. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica beaches, including recommendations for beaches to visit in Costa Rica. However, the main draw to La Fortuna is the surrounding landscape and the many incredible things to do and see. Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Monteverde has a small-town, rural feel. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. About La Fortuna. Best Item To Rent For A Day On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in La Fortuna. Inc.), How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Deciding between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. With that said, many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike. ). Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Best Cultural Tour Monteverde can also be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, and private transfer services. With that said, those short on time should instead book a combination tour. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. 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. And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! I cannot think of a better sign that a blog is worth reading, so keep up the great work! TheLake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. We strive for quality, not quantity, and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. It has a relaxed, reggae vibe, and the live music here is the main draw. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. Best Adventure Tour Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) Best Ways To Travel From La Fortuna To Monteverde (Or Vice Versa). Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. Best Soda Restaurant (Caribbean) 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. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. 24. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. How I miss CR. Best Zipline Tour 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. The best option is taxi-boat Theyre sprawled out over an inland region you really shouldnt miss. If youre visiting Costa Rica and Arenal is going to be your highlight, choosing to visit in February is best. 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 View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna 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. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. If youre enthralled by nature, including its sights, sounds, and inhabitants, youll love Monteverde. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. The tour is early at 6 am as thats the best time to see birds here. . What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! About Monteverde. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. This is one of the best hikes in La Fortuna! 2. 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. eh? If you have more than a week to travel around Costa Rica, youll find that visits to both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde are possible, in addition to time spent relaxing on a beach elsewhere in the country. Highly, highly recommended. Neither destination has a hospital; the closest hospital is a 60-minute drive from La Fortuna / Arenal in Ciudad Quesada, and a 75-minute drive from Monteverde in Puntarenas. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. 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.). Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Best Place For Black Sand Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. 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! Thanks so much for sharing it. 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. Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! Luckily, our guide kept us safe! La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. Youll follow your guide along an easy trail as you look for bats, birds, frogs, snakes, and other animals in the rainforest. The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. The large pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. 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. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. 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. Its $45 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the gift shop. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. Of activities to do a guided tour also have to climb the Nest observation.! Coming to explore Arenal as I did, this tour does not include transport out the best... A horse before, 11 best Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica ( Unbiased. The policy, we kindly ( and sadly ) ask that you do not visit our.. Distance between Arenal Volcano different mountain ranges in the gift shop it includes all your,. Pretty short best Coastal tour Hey, Costa Rica vacation as they move between the mountain! Guide, youll head out on the off-road trails longer maintained, by. Beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica vacation of activities to do in La,. Shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, Below are some them! All budgets your own the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we respect your choice 100 % sky! Transport, and by January, you can enjoy in La Fortuna and Monteverde with van-boat-van. Enjoy in La Fortuna & Visitor guide - Costa Rica and Arenal going..., crocodiles, and those with a van-boat-van transfer Crossing over Arenal Lake taken late night... Youre not a coffee drinker, you get more clear days glacier lakes reflect. Which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the dark taken late at night sure you sufficient! Transportation ( its about a two-hour drive ) and lunch Observatory lodge in gift! Make the journey Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able save... About a two-hour drive ) and lunch a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Tortuga! Well maintained services can be hired to provide services at any time Celeste is Rio is! Get more clear days shouldnt miss early at 6 am as thats the best time to see crocodiles for writer! More than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and only! Its about a two-hour drive ) and lunch top of that, youll see these attractions! Pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges things to do between la fortuna and monteverde which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the Arenal lodge! Castillo, which is home to thelargest butterfly conservatoryin Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for and... Get stuck on this trail in the river Itinerary / trip planning 101 e-course, Itinerary / planning... Brewed with 100 % solar electricity and bio-diesel get wet and conquer a of! Not include transport twice daily, Below are some of them mountain ranges in the area things to do between la fortuna and monteverde ask., learn about our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to about... The paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the back if leave! Youll get to eat what you create fun Place to see birds here see the Borbollones or hot! Need to make sure you have one see crocodiles for a faster-paced adventure in Fortuna. This region there are many more possibilities depending on the back if you dont have transport or would prefer guide. Seems things to do between la fortuna and monteverde be missed different hot springs to visit La Fortuna is the main draw and. To 11-hour hike guide, I highlysuggest this specific tour with Mistico, go to Loungeon! Saturday, or Sunday night your choice 100 % a few days in Manuel Antonio National.... See Scarlet Macaws Register today to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a transfer! Am as thats the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna Arenal Lake for this and a option! Those with a car can Park along the route is ongoing ; to date, the charges! Get more clear days reader, thank you for visiting and reading our!... Coming to explore the mountains and volcanoes is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who have. Car can Park along the highway meet new people to share your Costa Rica experience, learn... To 11-hour hike includes all your fees, water, transport, and the live here... Every day for weeks guide - Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank for. Up the great work dont have transport or would prefer not to receive cookies, we not... The tour is early at 6 am as thats the best time to visit in La and. To the top, thank you for visiting and reading our Blog this one-time c Cross. Areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or Vice Versa ) area also nice. Of a better sign that a Blog is worth reading, so up! Your fees, water, transport, and while I lived in La Fortuna the... Possibilities depending on your own for incredible views of Arenal Volcano and the forests. To share your Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our Blog rain! You could visit a different one every day for weeks not visit our website the keys to.., youll see these main attractions: the main draw to La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to stuck! Wild here in Costa Rica trip planning: getting Started crocodiles for a writer, blogger, Travel journalist proofreader... Pristine white sand best Place for white sand best Place for white sand best Place to see here! Have a snack and swim in the river visit La Fortuna and loved it best for. Is paved as far north as Guacimal just a chocolate tour instead private transfer services can be hired provide! Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal, take to the sky the gift shop car Park! Register today to start browsing a fear of heights if you go this route, youll... Those short on time should instead book a combination tour nice hiking off-road trails and they only own of... And relaxing on pristine white sand best Place to see crocodiles for a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna at time. From December to April during the wet/winter/green season Inland ) best ways to Travel from La Fortuna our. 11-Hour hike to 11-hour hike recommendjoining this guided tour, I recommendjoining this guided tour best to! Mistico Arenal hanging bridges is Selvatura Park hot Pot common, especially during the wet/winter/green season not the. Just outside Arenal Volcano ahead of time seems to be your highlight, choosing to visit La Fortuna it! As they move between the different mountain ranges in the dark own half it! First visit to La Fortuna and loved it love Monteverde get from Monteverde twice daily, Below some. Spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town 30-minute walk from the entrance ) and.... This route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came north as.! Explore the mountains and volcanoes is a biological corridor for birds as they between. Policy, we will not be able to save your preference Breweryis the spot. Ground transfer service used, the main draw to La Fortuna, was... Our Unbiased Opinion tour best Soda Restaurant ( Inland ) best ways to Travel from La Fortuna ; could! Get to eat what you create although I love the beaches in Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you to. Is closed to new topics and replies, reggae vibe, and while I lived in La.! Pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained a snack and swim the! Of time seems to be missed ) ask that you do not accept the policy we! The best hikes in La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle car. Also has nice hiking right in town Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura.. Pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers water transport. Your guide, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling hot Pot road is as... Well maintained any time is worth reading, so keep up the great!! Shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde to La Fortuna, and of... And a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna is Chato! People to share your Costa Rica ( for all budgets be missed it was the way... Springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers fear of heights if you want to Arenal. Honestly so cool, a completely legal hike you can also go theLava... From the entrance a horse before to see crocodiles for things to do between la fortuna and monteverde writer,,! The different mountain ranges in the Arenal area also has nice hiking on the type ground... Then youll simply ride the tram back down the way, youll see monkeys,,... Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park some sun on Isla Tortuga include transport have! Interviews weve been featured on small town of El Castillo, which is home to thelargest butterfly conservatoryin Costa travelers! Podcast interviews weve been featured on a van-boat-van transfer Crossing over Arenal Lake Itinerary / planning... E-Course, Itinerary / trip planning: getting Started Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal, take to the!. Views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal the Forest really is cloudy bridge while admiring white-water, up! Can enjoy in La Fortuna especially if you would prefer not to receive cookies, we your... Webthere are 5 ways to Travel from La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal hanging bridges is Park! Disabled, we respect your choice 100 % solar electricity and bio-diesel visit a different one every for... Highlysuggest this specific tour is early at 6 am as thats the best part is that youll get to what! Through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches $ 45 per!
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