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How to get to La Fortuna
From Monteverde, Costa Rica
The most popular way to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna is by Jeep-Boat-Jeep. It’s exactly what it sounds like. You will be transported by Jeep to the boat dock, cross the lake to the other side, and then taken by another Jeep to your accommodation.
From San Jose, Liberia or any other town
Bus– The best resource for bus travel in Costa Rica is the thebusincostarica.com From San Jose you can take a bus anywhere around the country as all routes essentially run through this hub. Be cautious at the bus terminal. Many scams are targeted at tourists. I heard stories from fellow travelers that the were told that the bus is delayed, not running because of a holiday schedule, and etc.
Rental Car– Renting a car gives you flexibility and independence to explore on your own schedule. You can pick up a rental car at major airports like San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) and drive to La Fortuna. The drive from San José takes about 3-4 hours, and from Liberia it takes around 3 hours. I would recommend renting a 4 wheel drive as the terrain can be rough around Costa Rica.
Tourist Shuttle Service– There are shuttle services that operate between major cities and tourist destinations in Costa Rica. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself. The services typically include pick up at your accommodation and drop off directly at your next accommodation.
Hike a volcano in Arenal Volcano National Park
Nestled in the rainforest stands a beautiful volcano. Ironically when I was in La Fortuna it took a while to spot as it was always hidden amongst the clouds. However, on the day I did the hike I finally saw the volcano in all its glory. The park offers various trails of different difficulty levels. I choose to do the trail that followed the former eruption path to reach the top of the volcano. It took 3 hours round trip.
See La Fortuna Waterfall
Breathtaking waterfall! The long stream of water coming out of the lush jungle can be observed from the viewpoint at the top of the stairs. Make sure to bring your swimsuit as swimming is permitted. This waterfall is located within a national park. The best way to get to the waterfall is by taxi or Uber. Warning: there are so many overpriced tours posted around town. The tickets to the waterfall can be purchased at the front entrance for under $20, please don’t spend $100 for this. The guided tours literally just guide you up and down the stairs.
Go to the El Salto Rope Swing
Located a short walk from the town, here’s another place where all the locals and tourist go to hang out. If your brave enough try the rope swing. It is such an adrenaline rush! It’s a big area and you can easily just sit back, relax, swim, and people watch if you don’t want to do the rope swing.
Relax in a Hot Springs
Relax in the natural hot springs fed by the geothermal activity of Arenal Volcano. You can choose to go to a spa to enjoy the hot springs. However, if you follow the same stream of water you can relax at the hot springs for free. Here you will see locals and tourist alike gathering. Definitely if you have water shoes bring them here. There are a lot of small rocks sprinkled throughout. It’s just easier to navigate with water shoes on, trust me.
If you want a boujee hot springs experience in La Fortuna here are the best options
Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges
The Arenal Hanging Bridges are located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, about 10-20 minutes’ drive from La Fortuna town. The park is known for its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The main attraction consists of a series of suspension bridges and trails that wind through the rainforest canopy. These bridges are suspended above the forest floor that offer beautiful panoramic views. You may also get glimpses of wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and sloths.
Take a day trip to Rio Celeste
Public transportation is this direction does not exist. You would have to take a combination of a bus and taxi to get here and eventually pay more than just doing an all-inclusive tour. Rio Celeste is definitely worth it! The water is a deep turquoise blue which looks like real life Photoshop.
Go Canyoneering
Canyoneering involves rappelling down waterfalls, hiking through rainforest, swimming, sliding down natural rock slides, and watching out for water critters (like snakes). It’s a great way to experience the adrenaline rush of adventure combined with the tranquility of nature.
Where to eat in La Fortuna
If you want to indulge in local food anywhere in Costa Rica, then you have to eat at “soda” shops. At soda shops you get delicious and enormous portions at a good rate. I listed my favorite restaurants alongside soda shops below:
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Costa Rica
Are you also planning on visiting?
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels the Costa Rica has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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