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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to get to La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is located in the Central Northern part of Costa Rica, more precisely in the Alajuela province. You can either get to Lafortuna by car (easier) or by public transportation.
BY CAR
“Just be aware that depending on the roads you take, you will need to cross mountain roads with big uphills and downhills on not paved roads. This is why, a 4×4 may be needed, especially during the rainy season (from May to October).”
BY BUS
If you decide to visit Costa Rica by public transportation exclusively, the good news is La Fortuna is well-served. However, you will need to arm yourself with patience. Indeed, the bus HUB for La Fortuna is a small village called San Ramon, in the province of Alajuela. From San Ramon, there is a direct bus to La Fortuna downtown. The journey takes about 4 hours.
“I highly recommend downloading the free Mobile app called Moovit. Thanks to the app, you can find the bus routes. Keep in mind that sometimes the app is not very accurate with bus stop locations or timetables. But it’s a start!”
How long to stay at La Fortuna?
La Fortuna has so much to offer with beautiful hiking trails, stunning views, nice atmosphere combined with thrill-seeking adventures! In other words, you can’t get bored during your stay in La Fortuna. That’s why, I advise you to stay for at least 4 days (3 nights). Of course, if you have more time (great!), I would suggest you spend a minimum of a week there.
Where to stay at La Fortuna?
Lodging in La Fortuna is separated into two different zones. Having said that, you will find all the luxury resorts located out of town. Indeed, most of the lodges are situated from 10 minutes to even a 30-minute drive away from La Fortuna downtown. But in compensation, you are immersed in nature, and that is priceless!
Here are some of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica, check it out!
If you prefer staying right in the middle of town, then you will find what you are looking for here, with smaller hotels and hostels.
How to move around La Fortuna?
BY CAR
no hesitation when saying that the car is definitely a must while in La Fortuna. Indeed, the region is not well-served in terms of public transportation, unfortunately. In other words, except for the direct bus that will drop you off in La Fortuna downtown, there is no other public bus that goes around the region. As a result, it can be a bit tricky to visit the must-sees of La Fortuna without your own mean of transportation. That’s why, I sincerely think it is necessary to have a car while discovering the La Fortuna region.
Don’t hesitate much longer and book your car at the best prices now!
BY TAXI
In case you don’t have the budget for renting a car, you can still move around La Fortuna on foot (close to your accomodation) or by taxi. However, the trips can be quickly at a high rate. For instance, a ride from La Fortuna downtown to Arenal Observatory Lodge costs $25 US one way. Having said that, if you still decide to move around by taxi, I suggest you use the Uber app during your stay in La Fortuna. On a side note, the Uber app doesn’t work everywhere in Costa Rica but fortunately, it works around this region. You might have a slightly cheaper ride with the app.
What to do in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is packed with so much to do, from exploring the rainforest, observing the magnificent active Arenal volcano, and ziplining! You won’t get bored during your stay here, trust me!
Also, if you don’t have a car and decide to join guided tours, don’t forget to book your experience here!
Mirador El Silencio
PRICES
5 colones / US$ 8.00 (cash only)
DETAILS
open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Bogarin trail
“I highly recommend this place to see sloths in their natural element. In addition to that, the Bogarin trail is an easy loop, so it suits everyone! As always, you can hire a guide if you want to, but sincerely we didn’t take a guide and saw so many animals by ourselves.”
PRICE
self-guided hike: US$ 15 per adult
guided tour: US$ 55 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Arenal Observatory Lodge
PRICE
US$ 12 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
La Fortuna waterfall
“The waterfall is easily accessible by car (on a paved route) or by taxi/Uber (for a few dollars).”
PRICE
US$ 18 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
El Salto waterfalls
“El Salto waterfall is also a great place to meet locals as this is their meeting point.”
Sloth's territory
PRICE
observation tours: US$ 28 per adult
DETAILS
daily hikes starting at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Mistico Arenal hanging bridges
One of the most popular places in La Fortuna, and I understand why! Mistico Arenal hanging bridges has ten regular bridges and six long hanging bridges. In addition to the different bridges, you can spot a lot of wildlife along the trail. The path is paved and easy to walk on. No need to put on your hiking shoes, even though you are immersed in the forest!
Book your guided tour with a pick-up at your hotel!
Since the park is one of the most famous places, I would suggest visiting the place starting at 2:30 pm, which let you have two entire hours to explore the park!
“If you are afraid of heights, this place is definitely not for you!”
PRICE
self-guided tour: US$ 26 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm
Jungle night tour
We experienced such a great jungle adventure with Ecco Terra Costa Rica by walking through the primary forest at night. At first, it can seem a little bit scary but frankly, it is such a great experience to see wildlife during the night.
The tour operator gives you lights so you can spot wildlife by yourself. This is so interesting to learn all the behaviors of these different species. Guess what? We even saw a baby sloth playing in the tree with its mum! Otherwise, this place is ideal to spot rainforest frogs from blue jeans frogs to glass frogs!
“I suggest you wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself. Moreover, put on hiking shoes or rubber boats if you have (even better)!”
PRICE
US$ 55
DETAILS
tour starts from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Free hot springs near Tabacon Resort
“No surprise if I tell you that the place gets quite busy during the day, so you should go there early to save your spot!”
Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste)
Therefore, you have two options to visit this magical place:
- You book a guided tour starting from La Fortuna which includes transportation (the price should be about $ 120 US per person)
- You stay at Bijagua de Upula, a small village close to Tenorio National Park. From there, you need to take a taxi (no Uber is available in the area). It will be around $ 10 US one way.
PRICE
US$ 12 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 2:00 pm)
Tapir Valley Reserve
If you stay at Bijagua de Upula or you are around the area with a car, I advise you to visit Tapir Valley Reserve after Rio Celeste. Indeed, this huge private reserve is packed with wildlife. It is also the ideal place to do a night tour and to spot tapirs (an endemic mammal from Costa Rica). Moreover, this is a great location to have a bird-watching tour early in the morning.
Note that you can only visit Tapir Valley Reserve with a guide.
PRICE
bird watching tour: US$ 75 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
SPring Paradise Bijagua Reserve
Still, if you are around Tenorio National Park with a car or even stay at Bijagua de Upula for a night or two, you should take a guided tour at Spring Paradise Bijagua Reserve. The park is located close to Upula downtown and on the road to Tenorio National Park. You can only visit the reserve with a guide either during the day or the night, you choose!
PRICE
US$ 30 per adult
DETAILS
open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
In conclusion
Anyway, I hope I have inspired you to add La Fortuna to your bucket list next time you visit Costa Rica. Don’t forget to check out all my posts related to Costa Rica to get more inspiration!
Sending you lots of love,
