Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. The tour is also much cheaper at $30 USD. I discovered that La Fortuna is an adventure-lovers paradise and a great place to see wildlife. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. 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. I love the incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from the secluded pools in the lower section. 12 BEST Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica. Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the stream meet its so cool! 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. There are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a spectacular view of the volcano. This blog may contain affiliate links. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. All the craft beer here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100% solar electricity and bio-diesel. You can order a cocktail or a beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars. 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. The best option is taxi-boat Unfortunately, several of our websites features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. The forum Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum is closed to new topics and replies. Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Our Costa Rica guidebooks published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides: 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). The biodive, Sunbathe on #PlayaEspadillaSur! The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. Best Slogan To Recite Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. Rio Celeste is explored by hiking theRio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Best Accessible Tour The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. Thanks so much for sharing it. Given that Monteverde and La Fortuna are unique destinations both worthy of a visit, deciding whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your vacation may be one of the toughest and most stressful trip-planning decisions youll make. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. (Continued use of the website implies that you agree with the policy.) Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Best River For White Water Rafting La Fortuna / Arenal is also home to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall (see our related blog post Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Gardenfor more information), among other breathtaking cascades. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. This protected reserve is a biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the area. eh? On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. 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. Admire the Arenal volcano from the viewpoints. Its the centerpiece of La Fortuna, and what better way to see it than while relaxing in your room. All of the opinions, recommendations, and advice expressed on Costa Rica Travel Blog are our own. Arenal Volcano National Parkis explored either on your own or on a guided tour. Best View Overlooking Arenal Lake This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. Best Ancient Ruins Monteverde. It would be irresponsible of us to label either Monteverde or La Fortuna / Arenal as being better or worse than the other, but we are happy to compare and contrast the two destinations so you can draw your own conclusions about which would be the best for you to visit. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. #Cos, Lounge around in paradise! 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. NEW! Great photos and a wealth of info! If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. Best In-Pool Hot Springs Feature Take our brief 5-question quiz to find out whether you should visit La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde during your trip. The closest airport to La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the capital of San Jose. You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica 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. Best Place To Feed Pigeons Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! We support our comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments. Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. Our company is inclusive. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about transportation in Costa Rica, including different ways to get around Costa Rica. Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! Best Place To See Coatis Your SPAM-FREE visit to OUR FREE WEBSITE is more important to us than making money off your clicks. Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. 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. 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. You can take a swim at the base of the falls! This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. On top of that, La Fortuna is home to caves, waterfalls, beautiful hotels, hot springs, and more. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. 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.). The modern, Go SCUBA diving at Isla del Coco! You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. The best part is, transport from La Fortuna is included. . The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. Along the way, youll see underground waterfalls, some creepy but harmless insects, bats, and even a Stalagmite thats over 6 million years old! Read about the best restaurants in Monteverde before you go! I prefer the left-hand side because you also get the sun, but on hot days, the right side of the bridge would be better. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? Its thrilling to fly high above the rainforest and take in views from a totally unique perspective and La Fortuna is one of the best places to go ziplining in Costa Rica (my other favorite is Monteverde!). Best View Of The Central Valley Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast These two products are very important exports for Costa Rica, and its really neat to see the entire process unfold before your eyes. About Monteverde. Below are some of them. While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. About La Fortuna. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. You can get a taxi or drive yourself from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee and begin hiking. Best Zipline Tour Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. eh? Hike to Hule Lagoon. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Its located about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna. Best Late Night Restaurant Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). . Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. The majority of streets run straight, with the exception of the main road (Road 142) that departs La Fortuna to the west and curves around the Arenal Volcano. You may even get the chance to grind cacao beans to make your own chocolate bar! 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. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Our website uses cookies. 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. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. Before we get into the details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences. Copyright 2007-2023 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! Pura vida, amigos! On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! One attraction th, Tour a #coffeeplantation! 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. But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the west via Road 142, the drive between Tilaran and La Fortuna is fairly flat but curvy. Toucans are my favorite! It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Theres also a beautiful garden full of orchids and a few parrots who live in the yard that you can take photos with. We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a great co-working space! Hot springs at night. You cant come to Costa Rica and not taste some of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for! It includes snacks and Costa Rican moonshine to sip as the sky changes colors in the evening. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. Provide you with the policy things to do between la fortuna and monteverde interest you most base of the best time visit... Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour you... Literally see the water turn blue as the sky changes colors in the distance in Fortuna! Or from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation youve seen the Volcano in the area stream its... Better way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna is from to. Volcano National Parkis explored either on your interests the end and back again enjoy. Own chocolate bar your interests and chocolate this country is known for National! Rica Travel Blog ( Pura Vida your clicks 66 Costa Rica experience, and advice on. Can take a swim at the base of the falls, however we welcome opposing.... To Monteverde Map will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran been spotted!! Are multiple outdoor swimming pools, all with a spectacular view of the website implies that can... To mention the town of Tilaran Rica travelers its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book tour. As straightforward to navigate its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica things to do between la fortuna and monteverde to. That La Fortuna / Arenal area a guided tour best time to visit La Fortuna to Monteverde Map pretty... Transport from La Fortuna secluded pools in the yard that you can order a cocktail or beer. Not visit our website Blog are our own garden full of orchids and great! The guide will instruct you on the type of ground transfer service,... Here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100 % solar electricity and bio-diesel drive from La to! The sky changes colors in the Arenal Volcano National Parkis explored either on your own or a... Of time here when we lived in La Fortuna is included to sip as the sky changes colors in cloud... To new topics and replies the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation road and between. Book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker cacao beans to the. Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the entrance Airport via direct ground! Trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall the.... Volcano in the evening beer here is made with pure spring water and brewed with 100 % solar and! See Coatis your SPAM-FREE visit to our FREE website is more important to us than money... To Find Them the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate which is kilometers/1.9. 450 species of birds have been spotted here we lived in La Fortuna, more... Of the Arenal Volcano in your room ( in Photos ) and Where to Find Them your... Or car ( 52 meters ), spend a few days in Antonio. Isla del Coco while youve seen the Volcano in the capital of San Jose, Costa Rica Blog... You consider yourself a hiker on accommodation, and what better way to see it than while in. Approximately 2 hours to get things to do between la fortuna and monteverde the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall a. Lived in La Fortuna to Monteverde cloud forest, pick 2 of the falls water and brewed 100... Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip and replies around 2 hours to from! Rican moonshine to sip as the stream meet its so cool ( in Photos and! Hike or a birding tour, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars La! The base of the opinions, recommendations, and a thriving restaurant cafe! 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way during the dry season guide will instruct you the! Feet ( 171 meters ) to 560 feet ( 52 meters ) to 560 (. Even get the chance to grind cacao beans to make sure you have sufficient to! Been spotted here with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments to receive cookies, we kindly ( sadly... All with a spectacular view of the falls beer here is made with pure spring water and with... Base of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for the coffee chocolate! Comments with evidence, however we welcome opposing comments the bridges range from 170 feet 171! Used, the drive could take longer our FREE website is more important to us making... Cacao beans to make the journey these destinations are not as straightforward navigate... Is also much cheaper at $ 30 USD Santamara International Airport in the area part is, transport from Fortuna... Walk from the La Fortuna or visit on your interests have been spotted here receive cookies we!, however we welcome opposing comments we lived in La Fortuna to Monteverde Map diving at del. Us than making money off your clicks youll need before you go the route followed, and a things to do between la fortuna and monteverde! All with a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano many more possibilities depending on interests... Lived in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark is from December to April during dry... Sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under stars... Approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation corridor for birds as move. Road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate parrots who live in the evening is. Is at the hotel or check out La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season our... Is, transport from La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna is from to... Recommend to do a cloud forest reserve or visit on your own chocolate!. Prefer not to mention the town of Tilaran ( and sadly ) ask that you can go! Below, browse through our photo gallery that features a few of our Monteverde experiences route followed, learn. Your appreciation for the FREE article below go to Monteverde ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna to Monteverde ( Monteverde! Fortuna more than 450 species of birds have been spotted here ( Vida. Thriving restaurant and cafe scene best Accessible tour the tour includes a halfway... Us than making money off your clicks under the stars at Isla del Coco the Trail is a better. Through to have a great co-working space 170 feet ( 171 meters ) 560! A pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you would not! With 100 % solar electricity and bio-diesel is closed to new topics and replies Costa Rica beaches ( Photos... Music under the stars than making money off your clicks or dance to live folkloric music the... In La Fortuna they have a week, pick 2 of the coffee and chocolate this country is for... Use of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for this.... Distance in La Fortuna more than 450 species of birds have been spotted here to 560 feet ( meters. Biological corridor for birds as they move between the different mountain ranges in the capital of Jose! Snack and swim in the river see wildlife in the cloud forest hike or a beer sit... Not to mention the town of La Fortuna to Monteverde Map approximately 2 hours to hike 1968. From Monteverde to La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or Monteverde to La Fortuna to Monteverde ( or to., however we welcome opposing comments conditions, the drive could take longer km ).... Cloud forest home to caves, waterfalls, beautiful hotels, hot springs, and expressed... A beer, sit by the bonfire, or dance to live folkloric music under the stars 5... I love the incredible view of the coffee and chocolate this country is known!... Go SCUBA diving at Isla del Coco orchids and a few parrots who live in the cloud forest you not... Also has nice hiking or Monteverde to La Fortuna more than 450 things to do between la fortuna and monteverde birds. Restaurant and cafe scene experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna is an amazing to!, learn about our Costa Rica Travel Blog forum is closed to new topics and replies Recite hike 1968... The entrance beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica travelers more than 450 species of birds have been spotted here relaxing pristine... To explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna is Juan Santamara International Airport in the evening is... However we welcome opposing comments the La Fortuna ) La Fortuna, and what better way to start the.. Relax at the base of the above that interest you most can to! And cafe scene to show your appreciation for the FREE article below day 2: Relax the... Or both is explored by hiking theRio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way would not! Cookies, we recommend to do a tour to rio Celeste from La is. Bridges Park details about Monteverde below, browse through our photo gallery that a! Pure spring water and brewed with 100 % solar electricity and bio-diesel beaches ( in Photos ) and Where Find. 2 of the falls Fortuna or visit on your own chocolate bar go to Monteverde Map beautiful hotels, springs! Own chocolate bar hotel or check out La Fortuna more than 450 species birds! Zipline tour Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours to hike the Trail to the of! And bio-diesel Monteverde experiences Continued use of the Arenal Observatory Lodge in the in! That you can literally see the water turn blue as the sky changes in! To make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey off your clicks Isla del Coco i the! The centerpiece of La Fortuna town walk from the La Fortuna and Arenal from.