La Fortuna, Costa Rica. A beautiful place 3 hours from San Jose. La Fortuna is a small city, but one with many restaurants and shops. You don’t want to hang around in La Fortuna for days, but there is plenty to do in the area. Below you will find an overview of the best sights in La Fortuna.
La Fortuna is a maximum of four hours’ drive from the capital San José. I recommend that you go by car as the roads are quite good. Moreover, renting a car in Costa Rica is relatively cheap and a lot of fun.
A small, but vibrant city and the ideal base for visiting the active volcano. You will also find hot springs, an impressive waterfall and lots of wildlife.
As soon as we enter La Fortuna, we see it: the Arenal volcano. An impressive natural phenomenon, because this more than 1600 meters high. The volcano is active. And that is visible both during the day and in the evening.
In clear weather you regularly see a plume of smoke coming from the crater. The volcano is completely impressive after sunset. With a bit of luck you will see glowing boulders roll down. Even if you are far from Arenal.
1968 was one of the last major eruptions. It resulted in an immense new lava field, where various hiking trails have been constructed. This is not part of the national park, but of a private organization. Here too you have to pay entrance, which is comparable to the national park.
The walking path, which is called the Arenal 1968 Trail, takes about two hours. Where you first walk through the forest. And then finally comes to a viewpoint with a beautiful view over the volcano as well as over Lake Arenal. more information click here
Countless hot springs can be found here because of the underground lava. You will find these thermal baths in all shapes. From free to super luxurious. The best known is Tabacón, with several hot springs and an extensive spa. Right next to it you will find the free hot water baths in the river on the main road.
This park now has more activities other than hiking, the hanging bridges are still the highlight. The 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) hanging bridges trail has 10 regular bridges and 6 hanging ones with the tallest standing at 148 feet. The bridges allow for spectacular views of the rain forest and Arenal Volcano.
There are quite a few hotels in and around La Fortuna. If you are looking for a luxury place to sleep, it is wise to book on time. You will find many beautiful hotels, especially outside the city.
We slept in Roca Negra appartments and that was amazing. It was very nice We had a great view of the Arenal volcano. Other recommendations are: Lost Iguana Resort and Spa or Arenal Backpackers Resort. All depending on your budget off course.
The WIFI in our place was honestly amazing. Faster than I had in Mexico City. I am very impressed it was raining and still the WIFI was good. So for working and traveling I recommend this spot! I haven’t seen any co-working places but if all hotels and apartments have the same WIFI as we had than you will be fine!
