Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a 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. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. Although not a national park, youll find just as much wildlife here as you would in places such as Manuel Antonio. Thank Nikki here. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. If you do decide tospend a night at Selina, book a teepee! After canyoning, change into dry clothes at the ranch house and eat lunch with homemade tortillas, salsa, fresh tropical juice, and coffee. It identifies some of the qualities that make La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde unique, helping you to decide whether one destination or both destinations are deserving of your time and money. Best View Of The Continental Divide . We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. Hiking Arenal Volcano is illegal, so I will not be mentioning it in this blog. 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. The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde as the crow fliesis pretty short. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Area temperatures average between 18-20 degrees Celsius with warmer temperatures recorded during the dry/summer season. Slipping fingerslol. A sign at the @BananaBe, Drink pipa fria! Even better, some of the tightest areas can be skipped by individuals. Although I dont rate the food as one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna, the live music from talented musicians is so good! Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! 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. 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. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. #Cos, Lounge around in paradise! Best Place To See Coatis 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. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Rooms here range from $200 to 300 USD per night. For us it was magnificent. Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Seeing sloths in the wild here in Costa Rica is honestly so cool. We first met, Take a road trip to a beach! Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. WebArenal COMBO Tour Pedal and Paddle Crossing Lake Arenal. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. Its one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local culture while enjoying a relaxing evening. On top of that, youll also get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. One of the best places to visit so you can experience this is La Fortuna located below Arenal Volcano, only a few hours north of San Jose in Central Costa Rica. DIY Costa Rica is our best of content portfolio documenting firsthand Costa Rica travel experience, tips, photos, and recommendations for do-it-yourself travelers. Best View Of The Central Valley Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Most Convenient Waterfall To Visit, Best Airport 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. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. 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? NEW! Best Hummingbird Garden 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. 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! The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. As a young boy, Ricky en, Hike a cloud forest reserve! Be prepared to get wet and conquer a fear of heights if you have one! Weirdest Drink To Order TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. 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Monteverde is a really popular one. Best Fruit Smoothie Best Hanging Bridge Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit Read our disclosure policy for more info. Best View Of The Sunset Youll taste farm-fresh coffee and chocolate right where they are made. This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. 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. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. Best Mascot http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php Its a small bed-and-breakfast style hotel run by the family of a good friend. Best Street Vendor Purchase Youll want to get out on this lake while youre here! The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! Of course, these are just a few of the spectacular hotels with volcano views in La Fortuna! 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! Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy transportation from your hotel door in La Fortuna to your location in Monteverde or Santa Elena. The hotel only has 21 rooms overlooking the jungle and Lake Arenal, so it has a nice, private feel. Best Post-Meal Treat, Best Vacation Rental Property So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. The Monteverde Cloud Forest essentially welcomes the sky down into the rainforest letting you walk through the low-hanging clouds and mist. If you have only one full day in Monteverde, most people go to the parks to do ziplining, hanging bridges or horseback riding. Art, woodworking, and cult, Check out some beach caves! Whenever Im traveling, I love trying the local craft beer of the region. Yes, La Fortuna is one of the safest towns in Costa Rica and one of the reasons I chose to live here for a while. Best Place For Black Sand While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! 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. For $65 USD, youll get a guide, transport, entrance to the waterfall, lunch, snacks, and get to visit El Salto a beautiful swimming spot mentioned further down this list. Dusty dirt roads, lik. The tour also includes a trip to the Maleku Cultural Resource Center once youre finished and roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna. eh? 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. Related Read: There are also some epic hanging bridges in Monteverde that you should check out! Best Nature Tour Operator How To Make A Day Trip To Monteverde from La Fortuna (Arenal) Or Vice Versa. Read more 8-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo Baby squirrel monkey and mother Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Distance from La Fortuna. Best Late Night Restaurant 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. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. Hot springs at night. The food in Costa Rica is amazing! WebThere are 5 ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna by taxi, bus, shuttle or car. Its a destination for adventure. Because of La Fortunas central location in the country, its not far from some great rivers that are perfect for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide, I recommendjoining this guided tour. Driving To Monteverde: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! However, if they arent luxurious enough, check outThe Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. Want to show your appreciation for the free article below? But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. If you want a guide and a few extra perks,this tourincludes transportation and a professional guide to help you spot wildlife and learn about the area. We agree 100%. Hike to Hule Lagoon. Also, unlike competing blogs, we never sell your personal information (for example, your email address). La Fortuna / Arenal is accessed via paved roads. DIY Costa Rica provides 100+ unique experience recommendations, each written as a chapter in a book, complete with photo galleries, Costa Rica field notes, experience details, Spanish pronunciation help, links to additional resources, and maps. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. This is one of the best hikes in La Fortuna! Youve identified 4 options Arenal volcano (La Fortuna is the closest town), Monteverde s cloudorests, Manual Antonios rainforests and Papagayo beaches. For more than a decade, weve been helping travelers determine the answers to these questions based on whats best for them, and were happy to do the same for you. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! This trail is no longer maintained, and while I lived in La Fortuna, it was the locals way to the top. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. 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). Monteverde is a really popular one. 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica ASAP! It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. It definitely has a fun party vibe, especially on the weekends! One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) La Fortuna to Monteverde Map. Read about the best restaurants in Monteverde before you go! 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. This hostel has a large outdoor area with a bar and live music on most weekends. If you have the, Dine on delicious Caribbean cuisine! Ziplining is one of the best activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Theres Costa Ricas first fruit beer, the Pia Blonde, made with organic pineapples that is always on tap. Come back to Costa Rica! Tours at Mistico Hanging Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour. By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. Most Likely Beach Companion This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. Toucans are my favorite! Then you could also add in the cloud forest. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. With the volcano beside you, gently glide across the water and enjoy the view. The towns elevation is approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, though some attractions are located at higher elevations. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color. Hot springs at night. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. Do you know that your spam-free reading experience is most important to us? 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. Purchase a day pass when you arrivefor $12 USD and explore 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails, including observation towers and hanging bridges. You can see all of the trails over an afternoon or just pick a few. Monteverde Shared shuttle services typically arrive into and depart from Monteverde twice daily , The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. Monteverde is equally attractive, albeit to a more defined type of traveler. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. Best Extreme Hike La Fortuna is the city at the base of the Arenal volcano. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. The bridges range from 170 feet (52 meters) to 560 feet (171 meters). 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. Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? Most of the nicer beaches are anywhere from a 3.5-hour drive to a 6-hour drive away from La Fortuna. La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal, Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay Around Monteverde. While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. Monteverde isnt a luxury destination. I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. 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. La Fortuna / Arenal has a mixed urban-rural feel. How I miss CR. Thanks so much for sharing it. 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. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. This is arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna and comes with fantastic views, luxury rooms, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. Monteverde has a small-town, rural feel. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna especially if you want to relax! ). Both La Fortuna and Monteverde have grocery stores, banks, ATMs, laundromats, pharmacies, churches, medical clinics, and dental clinics. Pura vida, amigos! 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. 2 Full Days in Monteverde. 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. If you want to chill ou, Explore the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands! For a relaxing evening on the water,this sunset cruiselets you drift on Lake Arenal and soak in the magnificent views. But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde. Thats what led us to Manuel Antonio, because of time constraints and travel. Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. You can also grab something to eat or drink with a variety of pizza, pasta, wraps and salad or cocktails, and craft beer, all served in an open-air dining atmosphere. Below we compare and contrast La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde according to the following factors: La Fortuna / Arenal is located approximately 3-3.5 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. Or another favorite is the Chili Birra, a blonde ale with a spicy kick from campana chilis grown on the farm. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about food and drink in Costa Rica, including recommendations for things to eat in Costa Rica, drinks to try in Costa Rica, and Costa Rican recipes so you can re-create Costa Rican meals in your own home! Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. 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. Below are some of them. Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review our Privacy Policy, then click the button to accept it. Thanks so much for the compliment! WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. If you only have a week, pick 2 of the above that interest you most. The tour includes a 90-minute hike, a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. 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. Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. In some areas, cloud cover can make for a longer and more cautious drive, but its magnificent nonetheless, as you put it. If youre not a coffee drinker, you can also do just a chocolate tour instead. Area temperatures average between 25-30 degrees Celsius, with the most sun hitting the area during the dry/summer season, as you might suspect. Youll have the chance to see two and three-toed sloths (and if youre lucky baby sloths!) You can explore the park on your own as theres a 2-mile trail (3.2 km), including six hanging bridges. . Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. The views of the volcano here are great, and youll feel completely emersed in the beauty of Costa Rica. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Great tip! 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. I found the tour very informative and left with an abundance of knowledge. 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! (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.) At the top, theres an observation deck with beautiful views of rolling hills, the south side of Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal. Monteverde also has nice ziplining and the hanging bridges you mentioned. 21 Best Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica 1. You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. On top of that, La Fortuna is home to caves, waterfalls, beautiful hotels, hot springs, and more. But we did not take the typical route to Arenal. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. There areso many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! Great photos and a wealth of info! 24. Kids over the age of four are also able to take part. For the record, Arenal refers to the area around the volcano. Best View Of The Guanacaste Plains WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. There are 12 different ziplines on this tour, and be prepared for a bit of a hike to get to the first zipline and in-between each one as well.