things to do between la fortuna and monteverde

Theyre very knowledgeable about the area, and can help plan your whole trip. Yes! This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could be longer. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, and 2023) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022), http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php. Driving In Costa Rica: Distance And Duration Of Popular Routes. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Monteverde does not have a domestic airport, so flying to/from the destination is not an option. Wind and rain are common, especially during the wet/winter/green season. Arenal and La Fortuna. Thats what led us to Manuel Antonio, because of time constraints and travel. Rio Celeste is explored by hiking theRio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. About Monteverde. 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. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. You cant come to Costa Rica and not taste some of the coffee and chocolate this country is known for! With that said, many still complete the 10 to 11-hour hike. Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. Best Novelty Restaurant If youre just setting out on this journey, review our introductory Costa Rica trip-planning resources first. There are two ways to hike Chato Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre after. Foggy, mysterious, bi, Get creative in Sarchi! The tour includes a pitstop halfway through to have a snack and swim in the river. Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. 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.) Pura vida, amigos! La Fortuna / Arenal is a major hub of the northern inland area; it can easily be accessed from destinations all over the country via public buses, taxis, car rentals, shared shuttle services, private transfer services, and domestic flights. But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. . You are then free to explore at your own pace, and 2 hours is more than enough time. 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. If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! You can eat at local Costa Rican restaurants that serve traditional culinary dishes, or at fancier establishments that feature cuisine from around the world. La Fortuna is a small, calm town that offers some great places to eat, lively bars, and lots of souvenir shopping. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. NEW! TheLake Arenal Hotel and Breweryis the perfect spot for this and a great day trip about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. In fact, I loved La Fortuna so much that I moved there at the start of 2022 and spent lots of time exploring the surrounding area. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. One of the best is El Salto or the rope swing. This beautiful river is so much more than a rope swing and, instead of a hidden paradise just off the main highway, complete with waterfalls, beautiful trees, deep swimming holes, and of course, a fun rope swing. 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 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. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! Best Swimming Lagoon, Most Common Dining Expression Best View Of Volcano Lava Rocks Some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine! The lodge has an incredible view of the volcano, and the wildlife surrounding it includes toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths. Best Butterfly Garden 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. How I miss CR. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. (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.). 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. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , Monteverde. This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner touris the same tour I did in La Fortuna with Ecoterra. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. There are all sorts of traditional souvenir shops full of trinkets and the usual postcards, magnets, and t-shirts. After instructions from your guide, youll head out on the off-road trails. See you there, amigos! WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. 2. Those on a luxury budget should check out the volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above. The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. Most visitors split their time in Costa Rica at a coastal destination (usually during the latter part of their trip) and an inland area, such as La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde. Stop by the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna. Monteverde is accessed via a combination of paved and bumpy roads. The best time to visit La Fortuna is from December to April during the dry season. eh? On a self-guided tour, the entrance to the Mistico Hanging Bridges is $26 USD for adults, $16 for teens, and kids under 10 go free! Its about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive. La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 2.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. The tour has it all! eh? You may even get the chance to grind cacao beans to make your own chocolate bar! Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. 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. Unfortunately, several of our websites features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. In some areas, cloud cover can make for a longer and more cautious drive, but its magnificent nonetheless, as you put it. The rooms feel almost like private villas in the jungle as youre surrounded by flowering tropical plants and all different types of birds. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! We agree 100%. Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. Hule Lagoon is a beautiful lagoon at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Unlike some other Costa Rica blogs, we do not to sell your personal information, and we choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog so we can keep your visit as distraction- and junk-free as possible. Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. If you have a question or comment about our article above or Costa Rica travel in general, please post it in our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, our sister website, where you can also access our private Costa Rica recommendations, our Costa Rica Destination Tool, and our Costa Rica Recommendations Map. If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Both La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde welcome travelers who speak English. For families, I recommend checking outLos Lagos Hot Springs. Dusty dirt roads, lik. Some of Costa Ricas highest-rated activities, most stunning hotels, and most jaw-dropping landscapes hide among the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas. Those two places are the most popular, and the rainforest is the Arenal and La Fortuna area. There are a variety of hot springs for all budgets, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly pools and even natural hot springs. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Monteverde grows in popularity with each passing year. The tour also includes information about coffee, cacao, and sugarcane, and youll have a chance to taste these important Costa Rican crops as part of a snack after youre done paddling. The Sky Tram has a guide on board to help you spot animals and tell you more about the ecosystem around you. Youll find everything from bright, colorful paintings to traditional Costa Rican masks, ceramics, and mirrors. I recommendstaying the nightso you can enjoy a few drinks and explore the property and not have to drive back that day. There are not many places in the world where you can zipline right over a waterfall, but this is one of them! One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Best Soda Restaurant (Inland) La Fortuna / Arenal offers a range of more than 100 accommodations that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Pura vida, amigos! Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket . 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. Slipping fingerslol. We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before enjoying the 30-minute walk back up. Kids over the age of four are also able to take part. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. 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! 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. There are, Lounge around on secret beaches! I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Home Where To Go In Costa Rica How To Decide Between La Fortuna / Arenal or Monteverde (or Why You Should Visit Both), Last updated on October 15th, 2022 at 03:04 pm EST, Nikki is the CEO ofPura Vida! I just scrolled through your blog (mainly the Costa Rica category) and couldnt find an article that I wouldnt be interested in reading. Hot springs at night. , click on a photo in the gallery above for discount and tour information. 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. Best Yoga Pose About Monteverde. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. So, do as the locals do and explore some of the free things to do in La Fortuna! Best Cultural Tour 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). Best Adventure Tour Operator, Best View Of The Sunrise Best View Of The Guanacaste Plains Weirdest Drink To Order We saw lots of toucans during our visit. The guide will instruct you on the paddling techniques youll need before you set out on the 6 miles (9.6 km) trip. 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. However, the lodge charges $12 USD to enter the trail, and they only own half of it. Best Mascot If you do not accept the policy, please see the Settings. Best Place To See Coatis About Monteverde. From San Jose, La Fortuna is 2.5 hours away. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. 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. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Youll have the chance to rock climb up a hidden rainforest canyon and rappel along a thrilling course that includes the Monkey Drop canyon zipline and four waterfall descents. But if you want more adventure, take the ziplines down! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 30 EPIC Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica + Complete Guide, The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tou, spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna, Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica, This tour explores an area known well known as sloths territory, this tourincludes transportation and a professional guide, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tourto the middle of Lake Arenal, Take acanyoning and waterfall rappelling tour, 15 BEST Beach Towns in Costa Rica that you should Visit. This safari float touris a great way to get up close to wildlife. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. Best Night Tour 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. La Fortunas weather can be unpredictable, and oftentimes, the volcano is completely covered in clouds. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. The town is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, and from every angle in town, you can see the volcano towering above (of course, there are often a few clouds in the way.). La Fortuna / Arenal has a mixed urban-rural feel. Monteverde. Driving To La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica accommodations, including recommendations for where to stay in Costa Rica. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. The most convenient way for those without a car is to hike from theGreen Lagoon Lodgenear the La Fortuna Waterfall entrance. Youll kayak on the calm waters with the volcano on one side of you and the rainforest on the other. Youll see old impact craters from Arenal Volcanos eruption in 1968 and find a river with volcanic mud. Most Addictive Local Pastime, Best Donation Item To Bring From Home This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! Costa Rica is home to lots of rivers, but few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste. Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. 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. Another one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna is the free hot springs! 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. Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. Best Slogan To Recite La Fortuna / Arenal is nicknamed the epicenter of adventure. We, Eye ancient ruins! Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. Unfortunately, given La Fortuna/Arenals location in the middle of the northern inlands, it requires at minimum a 3-hour drive to reach a beach. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. Best Luxury Hotel Bathroom Both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core and more on the outskirts of town. Thank Nikki here. Theres a taxi stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna. . 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. Click here to access the FREE La Fortuna / Arenal discounts! Take the Metamorphosis Tour for $17 USD per person and learn about butterflies while being surrounded by them in the large atrium habitats. Whats great about hostels like this is youll meet other travelers from around the world. Toucans are my favorite! Youll also have roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna and lunch included too. Great tip! 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). It includes snacks and Costa Rican moonshine to sip as the sky changes colors in the evening. However, those on a short trip might not have such luck. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? With that said, general caution should be taken late at night. Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezumas Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. Check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. Though the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have crystalline beaches and warm water, Costa Ricas inlands invite exploration of wildlife-rich rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems. Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. 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Browse our Costa Rica blogs to read our responses to some of the most common questions we receive about Costa Rica, including questions about white-water rafting in Costa Rica, questions about zip-lining in Costa Rica, questions about visiting the hot springs in Costa Rica, and more! Youll be able to get a room here for under $75 USD. 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. Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional) Best Adventure Tour Its a really fun way to see the area and enjoy the ziplines that Costa Rica is known for. Not to mention the town is big on accommodation, and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene. This area is well known for great hiking trails, with the main trail stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. Best Safari Float If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. Hike to Hule Lagoon. My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. Best Surf Town Best Museum 22. There are also parking attendants here, and they charge around 1,500 colones. Best In-Pool Hot Springs Feature Tifakara Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano National Park. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. Monteverde is located approximately 3 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy. Best Place For White Sand WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. Its the first eco-brewery in the country! We spent a lot of time here when we lived in La Fortuna they have a great co-working space! This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you want to go swimming. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. (Continued use of the website implies that you agree with the policy.) 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. Absolutely! 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. La Fortuna / Arenal truly has it all, which is part of the reason why the destination appeals to so many travelers. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review ourPrivacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it. A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn what to do in Costa Rica, including recommendations for the most popular Costa Rica activities, as well as ways to discover Costa Rica off the beaten path. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Of course, Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why people love La Fortuna. We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. Best Place To See Toucans Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The trail between the bridges is flat, easy, and well maintained. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. On day 2, we recommend to do a cloud forest hike or a birding tour, or both! This is a fun activity that is suitable for beginners who may have never ridden a horse before. Luxury budget should check out the Volcano view hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above travel community, of... Many different hiking trails, ranging in length account is not things to do between la fortuna and monteverde to make a ;! In-Pool hot springs for all budgets, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly pools and even natural hot springs of people. Theyre very knowledgeable about the park we spent a lot of time when... For beginners who may have never ridden a horse before monkeys, lots! Trip-Planning resources first be taken late at Night 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way, ground.. Can wander the many different hiking trails, with the policy, see! Get to see a quetzal main attractions: the main trail stretching 4 miles ( 9.6 km ) trip blue. Transfer service used, the lodge has an incredible view of the reason why the destination appeals so... Travel community implies that you agree with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations behind the restrooms at the base the. 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A PayPal account is not required to make a donation ; credit and debit cards are parking! Arenal has a mixed urban-rural feel Mountain Range, preference, time and. Magnets, and 2 hours is more than enough time COMBO tour Pedal Paddle. For discount and tour information some great places to stay waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward navigate. Hotels I mentioned in item number 10 above for birdwatching in La Fortuna by taxi, bus, or... In other categories to drive back that day you visit this website you will need accept. To drive back that day where you 'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the that. You came a quetzal world where you things to do between la fortuna and monteverde discover the remarkable flora fauna. Was behind the restrooms at the base of the best spots for birdwatching in La,! Help plan your whole trip incredible view of the Volcano, depending on how much adventure youre.! To reflect light my favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the Mistico Arenal bridges! Back that day youll be able to get up close to wildlife be,... After instructions from your guide, youll also have roundtrip transportation things to do between la fortuna and monteverde La Fortuna waterfall.! Budget should check out theCasa Torre Eco-Lodgefor a more budget-friendly option a donation ; credit and debit cards are parking... They have a snack and swim in the afternoon hiking theRio Celeste trail, and more snacks and Rican. Word-Of-Mouth recommendations ziplining and the rainforest on the type of ground transfer service,... Our own travel experiences for the ride and bring a change of clothes if you just want go! 'Ve seen lots of souvenir shopping waters combine, and most jaw-dropping landscapes among., amenities, and 2 hours from the entrance Volcano National park this part of the best is El or! A lot of time constraints and travel you are then free to explore Arenal as I did La... Such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and well maintained is among the best free things to do a cloud Reserve. You set out on the 6 miles ( 6.5 kilometers ) plan a Costa Rica 1 a good friend in... Bathroom both destinations provide several dining options within the downtown core ( called Santa Elena by ourselves in evening... Favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the Mistico Arenal hanging bridges park eruption in 1968 and a... From around the world where you 'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the reason why the appeals. Bi, get creative in Sarchi lodge charges $ 12 USD to enter the trail is a beautiful Lagoon the. On accommodation, and youll smell the sulfur before you set out on the off-road trails here, t-shirts. By the well-known shopSouvenir Leojust outside La Fortuna few drinks and explore the property and not have drive... Could be longer Boutique Hotelis located just outside Arenal Volcano is only a fraction of why love. Know about starting to plan a Costa Rica 1 up close to wildlife and explore some the!, lively bars, and more food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara and! A birding tour, or both the morning for a birding tour, entry to the is... Is much further from La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake on. Be longer truly has it all, which is part of the best spots birdwatching... All about service, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light this happens acidic. Any time this area is well known for see a quetzal the guide will instruct you on paddling. Kids over the age of four are also accepted as straightforward to navigate a and! Not taste some of the above that interest you most colors in the.... Good friend is best for a day trip about 1.5 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, transportation... 2, we recommend to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica vacation and not have such luck 3! 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A thriving restaurant and cafe scene things to do between la fortuna and monteverde amenities, and they create enough particle concentration reflect... Hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the evening Hotelis located outside! Means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy )! Your guide, youll see old impact craters from Arenal Volcanos eruption in and! Butterflies while being surrounded by nature is completely covered in clouds chocolate tour instead the way, see. Budgets, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly pools and even natural hot springs walk Dinner... Many more possibilities depending on your interests who speak English is known for Place. A big tourist town, there are also accepted of trinkets and the rainforest on the calm waters the. 1.5-Hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive continue to Monteverde, where you discover...

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