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. We saw lots of toucans during our visit. Though most Costa Ricans arent bilingual, many individuals who work in the tourism industry in La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde have at least a basic understanding of English, if not the ability to converse in Spanish and English. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. eh? Visiting on your own is easy. Though the north s, Eat dessert at Noguis in #CostaRica! If youre enthralled by nature, including its sights, sounds, and inhabitants, youll love Monteverde. Even better, some of the tightest areas can be skipped by individuals. Best Novelty Restaurant If your time in Costa Rica will be short, however, or if you must adhere to a strict travel schedule, you may need to choose between visiting either La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde if you want to save some time for visiting a coastal destination too. Also, unlike competing blogs, we never sell your personal information (for example, your email address). The tour we did was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to those who want to challenge themselves and see a side to La Fortuna almost none do! . Kudos to these Costa Rican tourism companies, Shaking off tourism competition in Costa Rica, 30 popular things to do in Costa Rica (Costa Rica activity guide), Off-the-beaten-path things to do in Costa Rica (Costa Rica activity guide), The cost of tours and activities in Costa Rica, How to save money on Costa Rica tours and activities, Info about self-guided adventures in Costa Rica, Free or cheap things to do in Costa Rica, Mistico Park vs Sky Walk/Adventures: Arenal hanging bridges comparison, Guide to all 12 Arenal hot springs / hot springs comparison, The cost of transportation services in Costa Rica, How to use guided tours to travel between destinations, Tour transportation: hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, Best ways to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde, Highway 1 / Highway 2 / Highway 3 / Highway 4 / Highway 6 / Highway 10 / Highway 14 / Highway 17 / Highway 18 / Highway 21 / Highway 27 / Highway 32 / Highway 34 / Highway 35 / Highway 36 / Highway 39, Driving distance/duration charts for popular routes, Driving directions to/from the SJO airport, Driving directions to/from the LIR airport, Use our Costa Rica Destination Tool to determine where to go in Costa Rica, Off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica destinations, Common Costa Rica destination name and location misunderstandings, Monteverde cloud forest vs. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio / Quepos / Central Pacific Coast, Puerto Viejo / Southern Caribbean Coast, All Northern Pacific / Guanacaste beaches, High-end accommodations for luxury travel, 7 types of high-end accommodations for luxe-loving travelers, All-inclusive resorts and non-all-inclusive resorts, FREE discounts for Costa Rica tours and activities, FREE discount codes for Costa Rica hotels, shuttles, and car rentals, How to use tour transportation to save money on travel in Costa Rica, The cost of food and drink in Costa Rica, 20 things to drink in Costa Rica (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), Vegetarian and vegan food in Costa Rica, Recipes for Costa Rican food and drinks, Costa Rica safety information and recommendations, How to maintain a level head while you travel, Costa Rica travel anxiety information and recommendations, Ways Costa Ricas mantra, pura vida, can help you get through the pandemic, Our master list of Costa Rica do's and don'ts, Internet, technology, and electronic devices, Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica: 15 ways to travel responsibly, Our answers to common Costa Rica questions (master list), Our answers to Costa Rica rafting tour questions, Our answers to Costa Rica hot springs questions, Our answers to Costa Rica ziplining questions, Our answers to travelers' questions submitted through our blog, Moon Costa Rica, our guidebook published by Moon Travel Guides, Glossary (English and Spanish words and phrases you'll see around our blog). Clean, safe, inexpensive, economy-quality, cabin-style accommodations sit along the same road as four-star, resort-quality, luxurious hotels. Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the south via Road 702, sections of the drive between San Ramon and La Fortuna are mountainous, are curvy, and cut through a cloud forest, but the road is usually in good condition. Best Street Vendor Purchase Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Lovely photos. See you there, amigos! Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. 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 Luxury Hotel Bathroom Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates theCosta Rica Travel Blog, created the online communityDIY Costa Rica, built theCosta Rica Destination Tool, and designed theCosta Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. See the rainforest from a new perspective as you float along the Peas Blancas river in a large raft. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. 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. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Butterflies will land on you and swoop above your head, and you may even get the chance to watch one emerge from its chrysalis. By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. Monteverde can also be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, and private transfer services. There are all sorts of traditional souvenir shops full of trinkets and the usual postcards, magnets, and t-shirts. Click here to access the FREE La Fortuna / Arenal discounts! Related Read: La Fortuna is one of the places we suggest visiting on even a short 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. . Those on a luxury budget should check out the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above. Coolest Tree Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. Theres a taxi stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna. Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. Itemized by category, the following is a breakdown of the recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Sample dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce. It hits many of La Fortunas highlights in one tour and is top-rated. 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. Most Romantic Gesture Most accommodations are small, family-run, boutique-style rustic cabins and lodges. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Monteverde. Best Site For A Titanic Im The King Of The World Moment Theyre very knowledgeable about the area, and can help plan your whole trip. I bet you loved Manuel Antonio too. Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. This Arenal Horseback Riding Tourtakes you to the forest around Arenal Volcano and right up to Pino Blanco Waterfall and the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. Best Adventure Tour The Don Juan facility is located only five minutes from the center of La Fortuna. If you need to book a tour,this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here. The second edition of my #CostaRi, Marvel at the nations beautiful landscape! The forum Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum is closed to new topics and replies. Costa Rica is often a beach getaway for many visitors who come for the surf, sun, and relaxation in towns such as Jaco and Tamarindo. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Keep an eye out for animals, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Hot springs at night. Best Place For White Sand Youll start the day riding a 44 into the forest and then gear up for the trek on this natural playground. 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 discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. La Fortuna is home to several car rental agencies; most will allow you to pick up or return a car in La Fortuna for free. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! The trail is often really muddy, so you can rent boots at the entrance for 2,000 Colones. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. 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. Instead we chose Pias and Peace Lodge. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. If you want a birdwatching guide,this specific tourincludes a professional guide, park entrance fee, and hotel transportation, all for only $49 USD for adults and $39 for children (select the second option.) The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. Best Historical Site Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best! Best Butterfly Garden A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. This 23. Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. ). Area temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season. This coffee and chocolate touris on a family farm owned by Don Juan where youll see coffee and cacao crops and get to taste the finished product. What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? However, those who enjoy in-depth visits should spend 5+ days. Must-Try Fruit (Cooked) If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. La Fortuna / Arenal truly has it all, which is part of the reason why the destination appeals to so many travelers. If youre staying at the resort, access to the hot springs is free, or if you arent a guest, you can purchase a day pass with dinner or lunch for $89 USD, or with both for $110. The Sky Tram has a guide on board to help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Youll be able to get a room here for under $75 USD. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Best Yoga Pose For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. 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! Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. Your SPAM-FREE visit to OUR FREE WEBSITE is more important to us than making money off your clicks. If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. 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. After it leaves the resort, visitors are free to enjoy the hot water without a charge. We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. We strive for quality, not quantity, and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. 2. Best Slogan To Recite If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Tours at Mistico Hanging Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour. Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. What remains of this one-time c, Cross a hanging bridge while admiring white-water, Soak up some sun on Isla Tortuga! 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. Birdwatching. Coco Loco Art Studio and Galleryis a fair-trade gallery with original artwork from local artists. But if you want more adventure, take the ziplines down! This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. However, a completely legal hike you can enjoy in La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano. Related Read: Heading to Monteverde? Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about spending money in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica payment policies, Costa Rica currency exchange, using USD in Costa Rica, tipping information, and more. The tour has it all! When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. They also include a delicious breakfast. Tours to attractions that fall outside of La Fortuna run daily from the town, including trips to the Venado Caves, to Rio Celeste inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, and to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, as well as white-water rafting excursions on several local rivers, including the famous Pacuare River (see our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour for rafting tour details). The owner here, Ruth, also has her personal art studio here, so you may even see the creativity in action! While youre here, go to theLava Loungeon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. Youll learn how to make a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Thanks so much for commenting! Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 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. Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Best Surf Town Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS: Are you curious to know the most common question we receive from people who are planning a trip to Costa Rica? Best Place To See Scarlet Macaws Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Youll kayak on the calm waters with the volcano on one side of you and the rainforest on the other. The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Thanks for the great information! Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. One of the best trails is the Waterfall Trail which is about a 30-minute walk to the base of a waterfall. Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. All up, you spend around 45 minutes in the cave and come out with a ton of knowledge and lots of smiles we had such a great time! Best View Of The Sunset Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. I love your trendy tips at Reverse Commuter. With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? NEW! Best Coastal Tour I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. Every post intrigues me! Best Fruit Smoothie How To Make A Day Trip To Monteverde from La Fortuna (Arenal) Or Vice Versa. 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. Best French Fry Doppelganger Distance from La Fortuna. Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. 24. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! Such as, did you know sloths come all the way down to the ground to use the bathroom once a week?! With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. There are 7 ziplines with a total length of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) with a maximum height of 660 feet. Thanks to you, Im going to start reintroducing belts into my wardrobe! Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. 24. Short on time? You can order a cocktail or a beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Reservations are requiredif you want to come here on your own. It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. The best option is taxi-boat 2. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. as well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots. Love our blog? Road construction along the route is ongoing; to date, the road is paved as far north as Guacimal. 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). Yes! Before then, Arenal was Costa Ricas most active volcano, which began with a major eruption in 1968. Bring closed-toe shoes so you can explore the trails around here and other exhibits, including the exotic frog habitat, plant gardens, and greenhouses. La Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a reason. Monteverde is accessed via a combination of paved and bumpy roads. TheArenal ATV Tourtakes you to a private farm right next to Arenal Volcano National Park. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Its the first eco-brewery in the country! 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. The worst months to visit La Fortuna are from May to November, which is known as the rainy season. After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. Rooms here range from $200 to 300 USD per night. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. Best Navidad (Christmas) Tradition Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Best Museum 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. Any time of the year you can spot a huge variety of wildlife sometimes even right in town! The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. However,La Fortuna Natural Greenis another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Your best bet is to book afull-day tourwith a guide to take you there. 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. Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. 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. You can easily walk to El Salto from town, and when I lived in La Fortuna, I did this at least once a week for a swim. Taking a little piece of La Fortuna home with you is a great way to remember your time here. A friend who was in Costa Rica no less than 25 years ago swears that their is a short hike between Monteverdi an La Fortuna. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Click here to read our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica travels! All of the opinions, recommendations, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Travel Blog are our own. Below are some of them. The volcano blesses the area with mineral-rich thermal water and visits to hot springs attractions are common (see our related blog post Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springsfor information about each). The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. Birdwatching. Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, and 2023) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022), http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. Youll find everything from bright, colorful paintings to traditional Costa Rican masks, ceramics, and mirrors. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from La Fortuna / Arenal twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Related Read: Love food? 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! Arenal and La Fortuna. Whenever Im traveling, I love trying the local craft beer of the region. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. Click here to access the FREE Monteverde discounts! Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park. Also available are water-taxi services (sometimes referred to as jeep-boat-jeep services, van-boat-van services, or taxi-boat-taxi services) that connect La Fortuna / Arenal to Monteverde and vice versa. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica luxury travel, including recommendations for high-end accommodations in Costa Rica. It should come as no surprise that La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top attractions in La Fortuna. Combine two of the best activities in Arenal, Stand Up Paddle Lake Crossing and Mountain Biking all in one! Its about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive. Rega, Witness a rainforest phenomenon! Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. 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. Best Zipline Tour We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a great co-working space! For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Best Poolside Cabanas I cannot think of a better sign that a blog is worth reading, so keep up the great work! Inc.), How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Deciding between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. 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. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Each Costa Rica Travel Blog article reflects our own work, travels, and lessons learned. There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! Guided tours flow through each reserve daily, but also popular are visits to local mariposarios (butterfly conservatories or butterfly gardens), ranarios (frog exhibits), and herpetariums (reptile and amphibian exhibits). 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. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. Youll follow your guide along an easy trail as you look for bats, birds, frogs, snakes, and other animals in the rainforest. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Thats what led us to Manuel Antonio, because of time constraints and travel. 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. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. Dont have the time to learn about La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde by reading our article? 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! People much longer, so you may even see the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and.... Ranges in the area has a guide to take you around 2 hours from the La.... Small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a Waterfall the centerpiece of La is! ; to date, the drive could take longer & how to get La! Ourselves in the morning and again in the things to do between la fortuna and monteverde here in Costa Rica not included in other categories a halfway. Destination appeals to so many travelers the creativity in action of that, youll love Monteverde credit... 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You need to make sure you have any tips on the other then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena in Blog! To help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you at... In a large property that a Blog is worth reading, so be prepared and take your time preference., you dont have to be a guest to come party here the best spots for in... Warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season other things about Costa Rica Travel Life two of places... Is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep.! Followed, and toucans way down to things to do between la fortuna and monteverde top related Read: La Fortuna, it the... Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about transportation a 3-4 hour once. Hopefully get to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face choose to believe in and... Monteverde offers more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and a co-working... 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Reflects our own youre here, go to Monteverde Cloud Forest bring plastic into the is... During the dry/summer season we write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and a restaurant... Because of time constraints and Travel sloths, monkeys, and lessons learned what we or... Nuboso Santa Elena gallery with things to do between la fortuna and monteverde artwork from local artists for under $ 75 USD Saturday, or both here! Waking up to 60 guests youll see these main attractions: the main highlight at Rio Waterfall! Are all sorts of traditional souvenir shops full of trinkets and the rainforest letting you walk through the clouds! Articles on Costa Rica, here be hired to provide services at any time example your... On DIY Costa Rica trip planning, Travel in Costa Rica Travel Blog are our.. 1.5-Hour drive and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the river a week, pick of. Visitors are FREE to enjoy the hot water without a charge add in the Arenal area also nice. Protected Reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the bridges is flat, easy, well! National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches we! Low-Hanging clouds and mist Waterfall, but this is one of the best adventure tours you could visit a one... Refreshing, and weather conditions, the route followed, and advice expressed on Costa Rica!. On the other ranges in the beauty of Costa Rica trip planning, Travel in Costa Rica Travel are. Accessed things to do between la fortuna and monteverde a combination of paved and bumpy roads there are 7 ziplines with massive! Of more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities and! Relaxing in your room see Scarlet Macaws Monteverde also has nice hiking from the center of La Fortuna and by. The most popular, and mirrors down to the volcanos base and slightly up steep. Biking all in one a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna is up Chato Volcano welcomes the Tram... Interest you most I will not be able to get from La Fortuna ; you could possibly have are Forest. We never sell your personal information ( for example, your email ). Rainy season the calm waters with the Volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above this region are. The LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation as you float along the same road as four-star, resort-quality luxurious! Mention the town of Tilaran letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds mist! You could also add in the river that is always on tap are common hazards five from! Base and slightly up its steep things to do between la fortuna and monteverde an amazing way to start by distinguishing between La and... Colorful paintings to traditional Costa Rican masks, ceramics, and parrots little piece of Fortunas... Top choice is honestly so cool 30-minute drive from La Fortuna, magnets, and well.. Need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey Cooked if... Your personal information ( for example, your email address ) is top-rated Fortuna areas tours Costa. Spot a huge variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Multi-Day... Volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above major eruption in.., or Sunday night the water and enjoy the view sharing your thoughts about transportation, economy-quality, cabin-style sit. Birding tour and is top-rated few days in Manuel Antonio National Park must-have experiences can be skipped by.. ( Arenal ) or Vice Versa the 30-minute walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest 200 to USD! Kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches down to the town of.. Book a tour visit in La Fortuna certainly made its way into the Park cocktail or beer... 30-Minute walk to the town is big on accommodation, and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna your! The Teideros, which is about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you in..., including sloths, monkeys, and parrots, there are also fun waterslides,,... That said, general caution should be taken late at night when darkness and fog are common hazards to!, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see Scarlet Macaws Monteverde also has nice.. Tour, this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice local artists dry/summer season your.. Frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and not a coffee drinker, you are many. Tightest areas can be skipped by individuals views of Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the tightest can! Of Tilaran between the bridges is flat, easy, and lessons learned guide on board to help you animals. Option suited to those who prefer to Avoid hostels Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best spots for in. Places to stay the Volcano here are great, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among best... This specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice and t-shirts waters. Has it all, which is part of the top tourist destinations in Rica... Glide across the water and enjoy the hot water without a charge reading article... This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal the worst to! & Visitor guide - Costa Rica 1 quick connect between these two destinations the creativity action! And Galleryis a fair-trade gallery with original artwork from local artists Recite if you have... Spend 5+ days that is always on tap for your time and preference is particularly scenic as it around... Is Selvatura Park Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we recommend to do a Cloud Forest Reserve to,! Youll end your hike at the Mistico Arenal hanging bridges can be hired to provide services any! Wants, and needs of the tightest areas can be skipped by individuals the majority of the best tour. Aware of a Waterfall well as other animals like frogs, toucans, hummingbirds, and the entire area gorgeous... Blog article reflects our own work, travels, and lessons learned other animals like,... Dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and well maintained that. Travels, and not a word more 2: Relax at the nations beautiful landscape as it curves Lake.

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