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La Fortuna/Arenal in Costa Rica is a remarkable travel destination that offers a plethora of attractions such as hot springs, hotels, and a variety of activities. It is an absolute must-visit spot on your Costa Rican vacation, and we’re here to explain why. Here are some quick facts about La Fortuna: it spans over an area of 225 square kilometers, sits at a height of 250 meters above sea level, has a population of approximately 14,000-15,000 inhabitants, and provides accommodation in over 2,500 rooms.
In the past, tourists flocked to La Fortuna for the chance to witness the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano spewing streams of lava. This was a common sight until 2010, when the volcano’s activity changed and the lava threads became less visible. However, La Fortuna still has a lot to offer visitors beyond the volcano.
With over 40 tours and activities to choose from, including hiking, rafting, kayaking, floating, tubing, horseback riding, SUP, biking, spelunking, sightseeing, wildlife watching, volunteering, canyoning, rappelling, birdwatching, and much more, Best Tours CR has got you covered. As local experts, we guarantee that every tour and attraction you visit will be a memorable experience. Come and explore La Fortuna’s natural wonders with us.
La Fortuna is believed to have been established as El Burio in the 1930s, named after a stream that flowed through the town. However, the name was subsequently changed to La Fortuna around 1949-1950. The town gained widespread attention following a tragic but unforgettable incident – the first explosion of the Arenal Volcano in the modern era, which occurred in 1968.
The Arenal Volcano’s sudden activity resulted in the continuous emission of incandescent lava and eruptions for several years. This attracted many photographers to La Fortuna, and tourism guidebooks of that time began to feature the small town, putting it on the tourist map. With the aid of a newly paved road in the 1990s, La Fortuna became an important tourist destination in Costa Rica and is now one of the most frequently visited locations in the country.
In the current century, numerous hotels have been constructed, catering to every budget and preference, including several top-notch 5-star accommodations.
La Fortuna is a petite locality situated in the north of Costa Rica, intersected by road 142, and conveniently reachable from San Jose, Guanacaste, the Caribbean, or the Pacific. La Fortuna is part of the San Carlos district, which is district seven of Alajuela province.
The town is roughly 9 kilometers distant from Arenal Volcano and approximately 14 km from Arenal Lake, and most hotels can be reached within a few minutes. Best Tours CR can take you there hassle-free!
La Fortuna is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, which can be seen from almost every corner of the town. Despite being a small town, it offers a plethora of options. As with many other towns in Costa Rica, the main attractions are the Catholic Church and the park. Additionally, La Fortuna boasts a bullfighting ring, soccer field, and bars. Nowadays, the town has developed into a thriving tourist destination, with numerous hotels, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, bus stops, souvenir shops, and other businesses that cater to the needs of visitors.
The climate in La Fortuna is generally warm and pleasant during the dry season from December to April and July to August. Daytime temperatures range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures can drop to a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, which occurs from May to June and September to November, mornings can be warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius. In the afternoons and evenings, we may experience occasional heavy rains.
It’s important to note that despite what some weather apps may suggest, it’s not always rainy and foggy in La Fortuna. Don’t let the weather deter you from experiencing the more than 40 activities available in the area. La Fortuna is surrounded by rainforests, so it’s likely that we’ll encounter some rain while exploring nature. Being prepared with sunscreen and a poncho is always a good idea when traveling to tropical destinations where the weather can be unpredictable.
La Fortuna offers a plethora of options for accommodation that cater to all kinds of travelers. From luxurious five-star hotels to cozy hostels and everything in between, there is something for everyone. You can even opt for unconventional lodging options like glamping, camping, or homestays offered by friendly locals. With such a diverse range of choices, there’s no reason not to plan a visit to La Fortuna, regardless of your budget, group size, or location preferences.
La Fortuna has transformed into a gastronomic paradise. Within a short stroll, you’ll encounter a wide range of cuisine, including Costa Rican, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Israeli, American, Peruvian, Colombian, Mediterranean, French, Caribbean, and many more.
La Fortuna can be reached by various means of transportation. All the roads leading to La Fortuna are well-paved and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate with the help of GPS or phone maps. Although there may be certain stretches without GPS signal, you need not worry about getting lost.
If you’re traveling with family or a group, private transfers are the most convenient and interesting option. Not only can you travel at your own pace, but the driver will also share important facts about the country. Moreover, private transfers ensure the safety of you and your luggage. Best Tours CR offers private transfers that cater to your destination needs. Check out our destinations options from/to La Fortuna, by just typing and selecting your destination on the sear bar at the top, filling out the form, and if you are making a reservation with more than 48 hours notice, you can go ahead and purchase with confidence
Another option is to take a local flight with Sansa, the biggest and most popular flight company in Costa Rica. The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from $65 to $95, depending on the destination and time of year. Public buses are also available, taking approximately 3 to 6 hours depending on the route and connections.
