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La Fortuna

La Fortuna, a small town nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's northern lowlands, is a gem of natural beauty and thrilling adventure. Surrounded by lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a breathtakingly vibrant local culture, it is most well-known for its primary attraction - the impressive Arenal Volcano. This natural wonder is an active, cone-shaped giant that towers over the valley, often spewing ash and smoke into the bright blue sky. Visitors get the chance to indulge in therapeutic hot springs, explore a wide range of activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting, and hiking, making La Fortuna a must-visit destination for eco-tourists and adrenaline junkies alike. The spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, exotic butterfly gardens, and the mystical Venado Caves also contribute to this town's rich tourism industry.

3.9 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

4.6 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Very safe

Overall, La Fortuna is considered safe for solo female travelers. The locals are kind, welcoming and eager to give aid whenever necessary. However, as with any location, it's always important to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing does occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas, and taking precautions such as not flashing expensive belongings can help avoid such incidents. Additionally, solo travelers should not explore isolated areas alone late at night. Utilize trusted transportation services and ask your accommodation for validated recommendations. Travel insurance is always a good idea too.

Transport:Easy

La Fortuna is a fairly accessible town, with most attractions and amenities available within walking distance. Local buses and taxis are also there to take you to tourist spots that are further away making your travel quite comfortable. However, public transportation schedule is not always reliable, which might be a minor inconvenience. Based on personal experience, always have some local currency on hand as not all places accept credit cards. It’s also a wise idea to know a few basic Spanish phrases to help with navigation and communication.

Things to do:Interesting

La Fortuna is brimming with exciting adventures all year round. The town is known for its Arenal Volcano, a wonderfully active volcano that attracts many for its unique lava flow. Its surrounding area is also home to the Arenal Volcano National Park, which offers various trails for you to explore. Other activities include natural hot springs ideal for relaxation after outdoor activities, hiking through dense rainforests, or going on wildlife spotting tours. Water enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of water sports like white-water rafting and waterfall rappelling.

Food:Above average

La Fortuna offers a delightful culinary experience with a great variety of both local and international cuisines. The town is renowned for its traditional Costa Rican fare, featuring dishes like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) and Casado (a meal combo), as well as its fresh tropical fruit and coffee. You can also find plenty of other options such as Italian, Mexican, and even vegan and gluten-free choices. Despite being a small town, the diversity in food is substantial. However, food prices can be a bit high due to the fact that it's a popular tourist spot.

Budget:Moderate

La Fortuna, is of moderate affordability. Accommodation, food, and transportation can be found at varying price points suitable to most budgets. Attraction prices, however, especially for natural sites like hot springs, national parks, and adventure tours can add up, thus elevating the overall cost.

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Group travel experience

It was relatively safe but you will be catcalled. Just ignore them because they don't really do anything else. My 2 friends and I (all female) would walk in the dark, unlit streets and nothing happened so I would say it's pretty safe. Still, be aware of your surroundings and I wouldn't recommend walking alone in the dark everywhere in general Food was good and cheap. I would live with only eating their rice. Hiking was fun as well around the Arenal area. Recommend visiting this chill and relaxing place

Posted: December 29, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Nicole

United States

Solo travel experience

I finally got to travel to my dream destination- Costa Rica! I stayed right outside the town of La Fortuna, at Hotel Faro Arenal. I was able to take Uber anywhere I needed to go, although some places were off the beaten path. I highly recommend this hotel! I fulfilled my dream of photographing toucans in the wild! The nature here is amazing! I’ve never felt safer in my life than I did on this trip, even downtown. At this point in my life, I’m more about experiences and photos than souvenirs and Knick knacks. I was on a pretty strict budget, but I made it, with around $600 to spend in six days. When in this area, be sure to check out the hot springs the area is known for! The natural springs are heated by the Arenal Volcano! There is a lot to do in the area, but time didn’t allow for all of it. This was a simple trip to get to know the area, and I will go back in the future. It was a much needed solo getaway!

Posted: November 19, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5