La Fortuna is considered a relatively safe place to walk around in Costa Rica. It is a popular destination, and the town has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. If you exercise general caution and follow normal travel safety guidelines, you should be able to safely enjoy La Fortuna. [View Full Blog Post]
There are two ways to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde. The first way is to drive around Lake Arenal, and the second way is to travel by ferry across Lake Arenal, which is the perfect solution for vacationers who don’t have a rental car to deal with. The trip across lake Arenal is not only shorter, it offers incredible views of the volcano and the lush landscape surrounding the lake. You'll want to arrange the taxi, boat, taxi transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde ahead of time to guarantee a smooth passage. You can also do transfer in reverse, starting from Monteverde and ending in La Fortuna.
While La Fortuna is primarily known for its natural beauty and adventure activities, it does offer a modest nightlife scene. The town has a handful of bars and clubs where visitors can enjoy some evening entertainment. That said, the nightlife in La Fortuna is relatively low-key compared to other destinations in Costa Rica, and the town tends to quiet down earlier in the evening as well.
One of the most popular options is the Arenal Volcano hike, where visitors can explore the volcano's trails, learn about its history, and marvel at the breathtaking views. Another must-try is the Hanging Bridges tour, where adventurers can traverse suspension bridges high above the rainforest canopy, witnessing diverse flora and fauna, and enjoying stunning vistas. For those seeking relaxation, a visit to one of the many hot springs resorts allows one to unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. Other popular adventures include a La Fortuna ATV tour, La Fortuna Waterfall tour, and whitewater rafting on the Class III Sarapiqui or the Class II Rio Balsa.
La Fortuna has several interesting and fun facts worth knowing. One of the most interesting facts is that there is a submerged town under Lake Arena. When the Arenal Dam was constructed in the 1970s, the resulting Arenal Reservoir flooded an entire town known as El Burio. Near La Fortuna, there is an impressive underground system of caves known as Venado Caves. These caves offer a thrilling adventure for visitors, with opportunities to crawl through narrow passages, rappel down waterfalls, and see unique geological formations that are millions of years old. Another interesting fact involves the Arenal Volcano eruption of 1968. Arenal Volcano had been dormant for centuries before a massive eruption on July 29, 1968 changed the surrounding landscape drastically. You can visit the 1968 hiking trails on a guided tour
Yes, we believe that sitting in hot springs can be beneficial for your health. The warm water of hot springs can help to relax muscles, alleviate stress, and promote blood flow. The heat of the water can also help to open up pores and cleanse the skin, resulting in improved skin health. Additionally, hot springs often contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which can have therapeutic effects on the body. These minerals are believed to have properties that can alleviate joint pain, soothe muscle aches, and improve overall well-being. If you have a medical condition that might be impacted by the hot springs, you should check with your healthcare provider for specific instruction.
Yes, hot springs in La Fortuna are generally sanitary. The hot springs in this area are well-maintained and supervised to ensure cleanliness and hygiene for visitors. The water in hot springs is naturally heated by volcanic activity from Arenal Volcano, which helps eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Additionally, hot springs resorts and facilities in La Fortuna have strict protocols for water treatment and regular monitoring to ensure the water is safe and sanitary for visitors.
Yes, it is common practice to wear a bathing suit when visiting hot springs. Bathing suits are typically worn for hygiene reasons and to maintain modesty while enjoying the hot spring pools. Additionally, wearing a bathing suit allows for easy movement and comfort while in the water.
While there are sloths in La Fortuna Costa Rica, the best opportunity to see them is by doing a tour of the sloth territory. Doing a tour led by a naturalist guide increases your chances of spotting one, since the guides are familiar with the sloths' habits and habitat. If you are trying to spot sloths in the wild on your own, visiting the hanging bridges in La Fortuna is a good idea. Remember to take your time, keep quiet, and bring equipment, such as binoculars and a high quality camera with an excellent zoom. Sloths are known for their incredible camouflage skills and their tendency to remain high up in the trees. This can make them somewhat elusive for visitors who are hoping to spot one on their own. |
Lake Arenal is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The lake and its surrounding areas offer a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of animals. Common wildlife sightings include different bird species like herons, toucans, and kingfishers, as well as reptiles such as iguanas. On the shores, one may spot various mammals, including howler monkeys, coatis, and raccoons. The lake itself is inhabited by a wide range of fish species, making it an ideal spot for fishing.
