A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. La Fortuna for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and La Fortuna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a cultural, lively, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Fortaleza travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a scenic, popular, and stunning town. The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Fortaleza and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fortaleza than La Fortuna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fortaleza is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while La Fortuna is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Fortuna is more touristy than Fortaleza and is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Fortaleza is well known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. Also, Fortaleza is famous for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

How is Fortaleza different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and Fortaleza. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Fortaleza offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Fortaleza and La Fortuna.

Fortaleza has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the La Fortuna area. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Fortaleza has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Fortaleza is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Fortaleza is not a resort destination.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Fortaleza for it's beautiful beaches. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a great town for hiking. However, Fortaleza is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to La Fortuna for the hiking trails. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Fortaleza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Fortaleza is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Families?

La Fortuna is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, La Fortuna is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Fortaleza is not the most family-friendly destination. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

La Fortuna is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples, those who have a few days in town can enjoy the beaches or take a stroll down the beachfront promenade.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Fortuna is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Fortaleza is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most backpackers skip this city for the more popular destinations.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza and La Fortuna both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Fortaleza offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system.

La Fortuna has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Fortaleza or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Fortaleza and La Fortuna are notable when it comes to walkability.

Fortaleza is a somewhat walkable place. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable city. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

For even more information, also check out Is Fortaleza Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Fortaleza or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Fortuna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in La Fortuna than Fortaleza. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Fortuna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Fortuna than Fortaleza. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Fortuna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Fortuna than Fortaleza if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Fortuna.

One day in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Fortaleza, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of La Fortuna. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fortaleza, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and nightlife around the popular destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of La Fortuna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America and La Fortuna is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in Fortaleza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and La Fortuna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna in the Summer?

Both La Fortuna and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in January than La Fortunain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.

Should I visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and La Fortuna. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than La Fortunain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Fortaleza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

In July, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as La Fortunain January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortunain January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than La Fortunain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.

Should I visit Fortaleza or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fortaleza for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than La Fortunain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. The hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Fortaleza