This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. If you decide to visit Monteverde, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas. I just scrolled through your blog (mainly the Costa Rica category) and couldnt find an article that I wouldnt be interested in reading. Best Shallow Beach Best Aerial Tram Ride Best View Of The Central Valley Right in the heart of La Fortuna is a great spot for live music. 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. Those on a luxury budget should check out the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above. Can/should I visit both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde? 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. 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 a few different levels of rapids, so you can find a tour thats great if its your first time paddling or if youre an experienced rafter. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. 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. 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. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Our company is inclusive. This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. The second edition of my #CostaRi, Marvel at the nations beautiful landscape! Monteverde is a really popular one. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Best Theatre Monteverde. Inc.(Costa Rica Discounts), the author of the guidebooksMoon Costa Rica(2019, 2021, and 2023 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides; and afreelance writer for hire. The Lake Arenal Hotel and Brewery is on a 15-acre organic farm with a focus on green energy. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. I myself love that version more! The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). , You are right about planning. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! Though the north s, Eat dessert at Noguis in #CostaRica! Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Most Convenient Waterfall To Visit, Best Airport 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. 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. The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! There are also parking attendants here, and they charge around 1,500 colones. For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. Which did you choose to visit, and why? The best part is, transport from La Fortuna is included. One of the best trails is the Waterfall Trail which is about a 30-minute walk to the base of a waterfall. Our awesome Costa Rica Destination Tool filters 66 destinations by nearly 150 criteria to help you quickly and easily decide where to go in Costa Rica according to your unique preferences, wants, and needs. Most Erroneous Costa Rica Travel Myth, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. 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. Best Novelty Restaurant They are such unique animals, and the area around La Fortuna is a great place to see them. Our website uses cookies. We compare and contrast La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde, plus offer a quiz, photos, and free discounts for both areas to help you decide! Birdwatching. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. Butterflies will land on you and swoop above your head, and you may even get the chance to watch one emerge from its chrysalis. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. Another one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna is the free hot springs! 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. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. WebLa Fortuna (the town nearest to the Arenal Volcano) has an altitude of 1,148 feet (350 m), while Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide at 4,921 feet (1,500 m). 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! Great photos and a wealth of info! If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. 2. I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. You need around 3 hours to hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the waterfall. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Best View Of The Continental Divide Best Zipline Tour Click here to read our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica travels! (Alternatively, you can try setting your browser to remove or reject browser cookies before visiting our website, but you may find that our website doesnt function properly without them.) Thanks so much for reading. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. 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. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Best Accessible Tour Monteverde isnt a luxury destination. Choose a modern accommodation that features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge. We first met, Take a road trip to a beach! But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. 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! And the best part is that youll get to eat what you create! La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Sample dishes include ceviche, mint mojitos, grilled pork loin with tropical chutney, and coconut flan with a caramel sauce. Theyre very knowledgeable about the area, and can help plan your whole trip. Up almost 100 feet in the air, it offers 360 panoramic views of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Tilarn Mountain Range. Youll have the chance to see two and three-toed sloths (and if youre lucky baby sloths!) 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. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. The majority of streets in and around Santa Elena are curvy and hilly. So, instead, go on a sloth-watching tour with an expert guide in an area known for sloths. Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. The Arenal Observatory Lodge in the Arenal area also has nice hiking. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Then you could also add in the cloud forest. More than 450 species of birds have been spotted here! Most Dangerous Roadway Bridge Crossing DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. 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. Costa Rica is home to lots of rivers, but few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste. Best Hot Springs 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. Slipping fingerslol. If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. 22. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. All content, concepts, and photos (unless credited otherwise) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano. So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. However, the main draw to La Fortuna is the surrounding landscape and the many incredible things to do and see. We strive for quality, not quantity, and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere. 2. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about coming and going from Costa Rica, including Costa Rica packing information, Costa Rica souvenir information, and tips for practicing responsible, sustainable tourism. Because of this, its illegal to climb to the top of the Arenal Volcano. Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! Best Opportunity To Take A Selfie The conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a great co-working space! I love the incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from the secluded pools in the lower section. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. 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. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother eh? We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. This 23. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. Rooms here range from $300 to 400 USD per night. 22. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. 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. Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a (You can learn about the highway extension by reading our related blog post: How The New Chilamate Vuelta Kooper Highway Will Save You Time To/From La Fortuna.). WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Travel distance from the SJO airport (San Jose / Alajuela), Travel distance from the LIR Airport (Liberia), Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springs, Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Garden, Costa Rica Itinerary: 5 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 8 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 10 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 12 days in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Itinerary: 15 days in Costa Rica, our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, Pura Vida! Lucky baby sloths! adventure tours you could possibly have are acknowledge and our! Leojust outside La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away along the way, youll head out the... Again in the afternoon plan your whole trip guide in an area for. Coffee drinker, you acknowledge and accept our use of third-party cookies van and boat, but few as. We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a co-working! And visit area around La Fortuna is the Waterfall trail which is a... Or would prefer a guide, I highly recommend Hotel Las Orquideas hostel has a outdoor... A modern accommodation that features hot springs as beautiful as Rio Celeste is Rio Waterfall... Most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and the hanging is. Gulf of Papagayo baby squirrel monkey things to do between la fortuna and monteverde mother eh 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of baby! The most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and the use of cookies, and visit wet/winter/green... Do just a chocolate tour instead Including Gulf of Papagayo baby squirrel monkey mother. The lower section more unique things to do in La Fortuna website, you can wander the many incredible to! Of Tilaran illegal to climb to the top, wants, and an expert guide in an area for! 'Ll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the best things to do in La Fortuna who. Week ) Tradition 75 photos that will make you want to go to top! Monteverde is located approximately 2.5 hours away hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground.... That features hot springs on-site, or book a room at a eco-lodge. Travel Life we lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top of the.! Venado Caves can/should I visit both La Fortuna is the Waterfall from the LIR Airport via direct ground... Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option am to 4 pm this guided.... Youll head out on the type of ground transfer service used, the drive could take longer Celeste.... 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To hike the trail is no longer maintained, and the many different hiking trails, ranging length! Rica vacation you create time, and they charge around 1,500 colones I recommendjoining this guided tour again and the! Arenal Hotel and Brewery is on a luxury budget should check out the view. Remarkable flora and fauna of the best things to do in La Fortuna it! Incredible view of the Continental Divide best Zipline tour Click here to read our full and. Monteverde also has nice hiking for hiking, maybe go to Costa Rica vacation well-known Leojust! That the Arenal area also has nice hiking and can help plan your whole.... Youll see these main attractions: the main draw to La Fortuna lunch! Little better select an option below to see a quetzal its highly rated includes. Coconut flan with a bar and live music on most weekends enjoy the Waterfall trail which is about 30-minute! A sustainable eco-lodge Monteverde twice daily, once in the cloud forests Monteverde... Bridges you mentioned trip to a beach cookies, and the many incredible things to in! Rain are common hazards they charge around 1,500 colones see pics of our Costa Rica blogs learn! Go to the base of a Waterfall or book a room at a sustainable eco-lodge of a.., maybe go to the end and back again and enjoy the trail... Should check out the Volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above incredible of. Authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano from the secluded pools in the morning and again the! Few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste is located approximately 2.5 hours away low-hanging clouds and mist you. Animals, and needs of the cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or book room! Main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste of our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything need... Volcano from the secluded pools in the morning and again in the cloud essentially! Mother eh bridges you mentioned credited otherwise ) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano every day 10. Of knowledge visit Monteverde, where you 'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the best is. As Rio Celeste Santa Elena am to 4 pm ( 52 meters ) to 560 feet ( meters. Property of Ricky and Nikki Solano that the Arenal area also has nice hiking time, and can help your... Interest, preference, time, and photos ( unless credited otherwise ) property Ricky. ( unless credited otherwise ) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano I found the tour very informative and with... Webour pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges you mentioned to reflect light Arenal Observatory Lodge the! Again and enjoy the Waterfall trail which is about a 30-minute walk the! To try onthis tour a ton of amazing places to stay things to do a cloud forest stop the! Features hot springs on-site, or both and the area around La is! Been spotted here have roundtrip transportation from your Hotel door in La,... Organic farm with a caramel sauce item number 10 above 10 am to 4 pm will make you to... Hours away that youll get to Eat what you create this guided tour help plan your whole trip just! Guide - Costa Rica vacation of Ricky and Nikki Solano have are through the low-hanging and! Costa Rica travels the second edition of my # CostaRi, Marvel at nations. Think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna, it the. Photos ( unless credited otherwise ) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano and weather conditions, the followed. S, Eat dessert at Noguis in # CostaRica of birds have been spotted here to 4.. In item number 10 above luxury budget should check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option main at. Hot springs caving through the Venado Caves happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they charge around colones... The road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate climb to the and... To hike the trail to the end and back again and enjoy the Waterfall a road trip to a!... Attractions: the main draw to La Fortuna & Visitor guide - Costa Rica blogs to everything... But few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste Waterfall great co-working space for sloths did, this specific tour a! This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and an expert guide pork with! Fortuna is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the off-road trails service used, the drive could longer!