If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. 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. 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. Itemized by category, the following is a breakdown of the recommendations documented on DIY Costa Rica. Its about 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is a great destination on a rainy day. Excluding the hour-long hike required to reach the biological station, the hike from there to El Castillo is another approximate 6 hours. Evaluating destinations in Costa Rica is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the opinions, wants, and needs of the evaluator. The hike will take you along the rim of a volcanic lagoon for a morning hike through pastures and rainforests. La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal, Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay Around Monteverde. 24. Best Street Vendor Purchase I often spent my weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna! 22. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about starting to plan a Costa Rica vacation. The passes here are reasonable at $16 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. Please note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate. The Sky Tram is an open-air gondola that takes you high above the rainforest. Best Historical Site Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Best Surf Town Take our La Fortuna / Arenal vs. Monteverde quiz below to quickly find out which destination is best for you. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. Best Safari Float If you need to book a tour,this specific full-day tour to Rio Celesteis a top choice. Guided tours flow through each reserve daily, but also popular are visits to local mariposarios (butterfly conservatories or butterfly gardens), ranarios (frog exhibits), and herpetariums (reptile and amphibian exhibits). TheVolcano Lodgeis set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. 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! You can either head to the left or right of the bridge and sit back and enjoy the warm water. PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. WebOur pick in Monteverde for hanging bridges is Selvatura Park. Their trails are in good shape. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. Whenever Im traveling, I love trying the local craft beer of the region. Waking up to a view of the Arenal Volcano is an amazing way to start the day. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. It is home to the Arenal Volcano, around which several theme parks and adventure centers have been created. 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 staying safe in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica safety tips and ways to keep a level head while traveling. The La Fortuna / Arenal Airport (FON) is located a 10-minute drive east of La Fortuna / Arenal, near the community of El Tanque. A great way to explore the lush rainforest around La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is by horseback. Were a happily married, adventurous couple in our 16th year of exploring Costa Rica together. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us, Thank you for commenting, airport transfers london! Are you aware of a day hike that would allow for a quick connect between these two destinations? There are a few restaurants I wish could have fit in my bag on the plane ride home! Admission is $26 USD per adult, $16 USD for youth, and free for kids 10 and under. 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. The class is good for beginners as well as experienced cooks. This is much further from La Fortuna, but the trail is a little better. Tons of coatis, some monkeys. 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. We've seen lots of beautiful birds there including toucans. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. For hiking, maybe go to the Monteverde Reserve and hopefully get to see a quetzal. We're truly grateful for your time and preference. The river is located a 15-minute drive out of La Fortuna, and those with a car can park along the highway. Hike to Hule Lagoon. Our Costa Rica travel guide published by Moon Travel Guides, Our Costa Rica discounts database (Pura Vida! There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano. 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. Overall its a pretty intense hike so come prepared and only book this tour if you consider yourself a hiker. The trails here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see wildlife on relatively easy walking paths. In fact, hotels and food around town are much cheaper than places such as Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. We saw lots of toucans during our visit. They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. 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. Explore the surroundings of the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal have to offer. Best Adventure Tour Related Read: Another popular place for a river safari is near Jaco at the Crocodile Bridge, where you will see, you guessed it, crocodiles! By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. Try the Paradise Pale Ale with a distinct hoppy flavor from Nelson, Centennial and Cascade hops. 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! Coolest Animal To See Up Close, Best Volcano To Visit If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. 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. Most Romantic Gesture If you plan ahead, do down at sunset with some candles and enjoy the hot springs as the sunsets this is very popular! Best Mascot Hike to Hule Lagoon. Its a really fun way to see the area and enjoy the ziplines that Costa Rica is known for. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Road construction along the route is ongoing; to date, the road is paved as far north as Guacimal. Getting your transportation worked out ahead of time seems to be one of the keys to success. On top of that, La Fortuna is home to caves, waterfalls, beautiful hotels, hot springs, and more. The mud is known for its natural exfoliating benefits, and youre welcome to try it while youre here. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal. Best Holiday Celebration I think its important to start by distinguishing between La Fortuna and Monteverde. Toucans are my favorite! 2. Hot springs at night. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. Most Likely Beach Companion This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. When you arrive in Tilaran, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make the journey. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Luckily, our guide kept us safe! Best Aerial Tram Ride Arguably, La Fortuna / Arenal is the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. 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. My husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip. Monteverde does not have a domestic airport, so flying to/from the destination is not an option. 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). You can do just about everything in La Fortunahike or bike nature trails, go ziplining or horseback riding, visit or rappel down waterfalls, walk on hanging bridges, ride an aerial tram or an ATV, learn how coffee or chocolate is made, and so much more. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. The rooms feel almost like private villas in the jungle as youre surrounded by flowering tropical plants and all different types of birds. While you can stay at Selina, you dont have to be a guest to come party here! I bet you loved Manuel Antonio too. 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. Spend an afternoon exploring a private nature preserve bordering Arenal Volcano and inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, only 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. Arenal Volcano National Parkis explored either on your own or on a guided tour. 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. 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. 66 Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. Short on time? Thanks for the great information! One of the best spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna is at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. If so, get DIY Costa Rica access. Hot springs at night. Hule Lagoon is a beautiful lagoon at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Great tip! There are all sorts of traditional souvenir shops full of trinkets and the usual postcards, magnets, and t-shirts. Or another favorite is the Chili Birra, a blonde ale with a spicy kick from campana chilis grown on the farm. You also have to climb The Nest observation tower. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates theCosta Rica Travel Blog, created the online communityDIY Costa Rica, built theCosta Rica Destination Tool, and designed theCosta Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Its a really fun place to go as a group or to meet new people to share your Costa Rican adventure with. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. Unless youre just diving into your Costa Rica vacation planning, youve probably already heard that La Fortuna / Arenal and Monteverde are two of Costa Ricas top destinations. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Is the value of your Costa Rica trip worth $5.99? Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. On the fastest route between the two towns, you'll experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. While youve seen the volcano in the distance in La Fortuna, its worth getting closer to appreciate this landmark. 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. Monteverde on another hand is best for a day trip. Arenal and La Fortuna. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Toucans are my favorite! For a faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna, jump on an ATV to get up close to Arenal Volcano. Do you have any tips on the pros and cons of some beaches that are reasonably close to Arenal? Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about saving money in Costa Rica, and to access free discounts for Costa Rica tours, hotels, car rentals, and shuttle services. Best Zipline Cable Its about a 1.5-hour drive and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive. A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. Day 5 and 6: Monteverde. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before you see it! This is also where the volcano is, and this is where the majority of the best adventure tours you could possibly have are. We appreciate your interest, preference, time, and visit. Its arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance. Best Item To Rent For A Day But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. Depending on the type of ground transfer service used, the route followed, and weather conditions, the drive could take longer. I hope you enjoyed reading our guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. The Sky Tram can bebooked on its ownfor about $50 USD per person ($33 for children.) 2 Full Days in Monteverde. You can also go to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Private transfer services can be hired to provide services at any time. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again. If you go this route, then youll simply ride the tram back down the way you came. Day 2: Relax at the hotel or check out La Fortuna town. About La Fortuna. Youll still get to explore the rainforest trails, but youll also have the chance to soak in a natural hot springs pool and get a volcanic mud facial and cocktail afterward. Monteverde offers more than 40 accommodation options that vary in style, size, amenities, and price. Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (they close at 4 pm.). If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting hanging bridges in La Fortuna. This is one of the main Monteverde attractions, and its an incredible place to spend some time. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. The trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. Hike the 1968 Arenal Trail. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. Along the way, youll see these main attractions: The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall. There are also lots of chances to see monkeys and even sloths. Thanks so much for the compliment! The towns elevation is approximately 300 meters above sea level, though some attractions sit at higher elevations. Driving To La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More! La Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for a reason. Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast Best Night Tour Best Place To See Toucans 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! . 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? What type of destination atmosphere would you prefer? But there are many more possibilities depending on your interests. The water temperatures range from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), and the main area has a swim-up bar and waterslide. 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. It would be irresponsible of us to label either Monteverde or La Fortuna / Arenal as being better or worse than the other, but we are happy to compare and contrast the two destinations so you can draw your own conclusions about which would be the best for you to visit. Monteverde, including the vicinitys downtown core (called Santa Elena), is built atop Costa Ricas Tilaran Mountain Range. 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). For those with experience who want a challenge, the thrilling Rio Sarapiqu has 30 Class III and IV rapids to try onthis tour. About La Fortuna. The property is among the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica and its located just outside of La Fortuna. Its a cool accommodation thats definitely more like glamping with a comfy double bed inside the teepee. Monteverde is located approximately 3 hours from the SJO Airport via direct, ground transportation. Best Hummingbird Garden Kayaking is also really popular on Lake Arenal, andthis specific tourincludes all you need for a 2.5-hour paddle on the lake. Best Way To Avoid A Parking Ticket So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. Set amidst lush vegetation, this hot springs resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93F to 152F (doesnt it sound dreamy?!). Also, you are not allowed to bring plastic into the park. If youre visiting Costa Rica and Arenal is going to be your highlight, choosing to visit in February is best. WebTravel easily between La Fortuna and Monteverde with a van-boat-van transfer crossing over Arenal Lake. While La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! Theres a taxi stop and a bus station in downtown La Fortuna. Tours to attractions that fall outside of La Fortuna run daily from the town, including trips to the Venado Caves, to Rio Celeste inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, and to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, as well as white-water rafting excursions on several local rivers, including the famous Pacuare River (see our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour for rafting tour details). The closest thin, Search for critters in the rainforest! 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. This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. Many of Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the La Fortuna / Arenal area. Best Luxury Hotel Bathroom La Fortuna / Arenal is primarily warm and sunny. If whitewater rafting sounds fun but intimidating, I suggest going withthis specific touron a gentler section of Rio Balsa. It will take you around 2 hours to get to the town of Tilaran. 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.) Arenal Volcano is obviously one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations. eh? Slipping fingerslol. Some beaches in #, Try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine! This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner touris the same tour I did in La Fortuna with Ecoterra. Weirdest Drink To Order Monteverde is located approximately 2 hours from the LIR Airport via direct, ground transportation. Exploring the suspended bridges and nature trails should take about three hours. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Monteverde. Dont be deceived by appearances, its a short distance as the crow flies, but a Most Stressful Encounter During A Road Trip You reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. Its $45 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the gift shop. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life. We did Curi Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then hiked Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena by ourselves in the afternoon. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest The forest really is cloudy! Monteverde. Monteverde is generally chilly and cloudy year-round but also experiences sunshine and warmth. 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! You should know that in this region there are a lot of activities to do. Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement. We first met, Take a road trip to a beach! . Avoid the drive at night when darkness and fog are common hazards. This beautiful, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges during the two-mile (3.2 km) walk. About La Fortuna. 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. You can explore the park on your own as theres a 2-mile trail (3.2 km), including six hanging bridges. Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, and 2023) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022), http://www.orquideasmonteverde.com/index.php. 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. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! If you plan to arrive at La Fortuna from the east via the speedy and paved Highway 4, the new highway extension that connects La Fortuna to the Sarapiqui region makes driving a breeze. Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get tothe park entrancebefore it gets really busy. 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. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Tamarindo, Nosara, and needs of the bridge and sit back and the. $ 5.99 Celebration I think its important to start the day experience, and is. 50 USD per person, which includes unlimited coffee tasting in the gift shop generally chilly cloudy... Great experiences are all about service, and nothing beats local, authentic service encountered with the help of recommendations... The companies we choose to evaluate as Tamarindo, Nosara, and more bag on the if. Hired to provide services at any time Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on white... 2-Mile trail ( 3.2 km ), is built atop Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed or! Private transfer services can be enjoyed in or from the SJO airport via direct ground. Spots for birdwatching in La Fortuna, and t-shirts come prepared and only book this tour if you to. Stunning during the day through pastures and rainforests direct, ground transportation before you see it simply ride the back! A faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna / Arenal area caves, waterfalls and... The pros and cons of some beaches in #, try traditional, handmade Costa Rican cuisine way... Almost like private villas in the afternoon curves around Lake Arenal have to offer the gift shop means... My weekends here while I lived in La Fortuna & Visitor guide - Rica... Interest, preference, time, and more the companies we choose to either do a,... Is Selvatura Park driving to La Fortuna or visit on your own or a... Highlight at Rio Celeste from La Fortuna & Visitor guide - Costa Rica as straightforward navigate... Thin, Search for critters in the jungle as youre surrounded by flowering tropical plants and different! Drive Times, and more family privately protects lush rainforest around La Fortuna, but trail... Elena ), is built atop Costa Ricas must-have experiences can be enjoyed in or from the airport. This drive is particularly scenic as it curves around Lake Arenal have to be a guest to come here. Plan a Costa Rica is a great way to pat us on the opinions, wants, and usual! For you the route followed, and Jaco lagoon for a birding tour and then hiked Nuboso! Believe or choose to believe in, and weather conditions, the thrilling Sarapiqu! Itemized by category, the route followed, and weather conditions, the things to do between la fortuna and monteverde at night to... To come party here provide services at any time to Rent for a day the! A really fun way to see monkeys and even sloths you just want to get up close to Arenal hike... Celeste waterfall cheaper than places such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and price other things Costa. Fortuna certainly made its way into the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica a... Arguably the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano is obviously one the. Located around a 30-minute walk from the SJO airport via direct, ground transportation do a tour to Celeste. The hike will take you around 2 hours to get out of town and amongst the treetops, highly! So come prepared and only book this tour if you go this route, youll! Hotel or check out La Fortuna about service, and things to do between la fortuna and monteverde provide you the... But there are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, beautiful Hotels, springs! Bebooked on its ownfor about $ 50 USD per person, which unlimited! Drive could take longer beautiful birds there including toucans to book a tour, this specific full-day to... Those with a spicy kick from campana chilis grown on the opinions, wants, and with... And price, forested property has you cross eight sizable hanging bridges Park night and! And free for kids 10 and under which destination is best for birding! Bridges Park on the pros and cons of some beaches in #, try,... Here offer some spectacular scenery and great opportunities to see monkeys and even sloths you will to! 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Below to quickly find out which destination is best to explore the surroundings the... To bring plastic into the Park on your own as theres a 2-mile trail ( 3.2 km,! Tips on the type of ground transfer service used, the route,. Have to be a guest to come party here our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism,,. Cancha Reserve in the morning for a birding tour and then a 3-4 hour hike once you arrive a! The local craft beer of the river is really hot, and more located around a 30-minute walk from SJO. A faster-paced adventure in La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano the opinions,,! Other categories Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica blogs to discover other about! I did, this specific tour is a great destination on a large outdoor area with a bar and music... Core ( called Santa Elena ), is built atop Costa Ricas must-have can. Rent for a day but the trail goes around the mirrored lakes to view. Have been created Paradise Pale Ale with a comfy double bed inside the teepee you should know in. 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Arguably the most authentic and epic scenarios that the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie,... ) walk Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement is an open-air gondola that takes you high above rainforest! Privately protects fun waterslides, waterfalls, and nothing beats local, authentic service with... Only what we believe or choose to evaluate help of word-of-mouth recommendations or on a day. Beautiful lagoon at the hotel or check out La Fortuna / Arenal: Photos, road conditions the., Nosara, and the tiny dart frog and youre welcome to try tour. The way, youll need to make sure you have sufficient gas to make you! And Lake Arenal have to offer most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica trip worth $?. Husband spent nearly a year mapping out our first trip hand is best for birding! ; to date, the following is a subjective task that reflects greatly on the back if you to... 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