Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Guatemala City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guatemala City or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City or La Fortuna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Guatemala City or La Fortuna?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Guatemala City Prices
Guatemala PricesLa Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $56La Fortuna $138
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $56, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Guatemala City and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $24La Fortuna $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $48La Fortuna $114
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City or La Fortuna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.27La Fortuna $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
- Private Departure Transfer:Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport(GUA): $24
- Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $26
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City Airpot(GUA) to Antigua Guatemala: $29
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Antigua: $30
- Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $30
- Private Transfer from Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $32
- La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $32
- Private Transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35
- PRIVATE TRANSFER From Airport/Guate City to ANTIGUA or Vice-versa: $40
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City ⇄ Antigua – One-Way: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Arenal San Carlos: $43
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To La Fortuna: $43
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Nuevo Arenal: $43
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Tabacón Arenal: $43
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $48
- Shared Transfer from La Fortuna to Liberia Airport: $50
- White Water Tubing Tour with Guide and Transfers: $65
- From One way shared transfer to Monteverde: $74
- From San Jose: One way shared transfer to La Fortuna: $74
- Guided Tour to Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges with Transfer: $79
- La Fortuna Arenal to Liberia Airport (LIR) Private VIP Transfer: $95
- La Fortuna Hotel to Guanacaste Hotel One-Way Private Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Guatemala City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayGuatemala City $27La Fortuna $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Cooking Experience in Guatemala from Market to Table: $23
- Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
- Pacaya Volcano Tour with Pizza Made on Volcanic Heat: $275
- Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Traditional cooking lesson with a local family: $37
- Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $38
- Farm to Table Cooking Class: $45
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Traditional cooking class with local family: $50
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $50
- Costa Rican Cooking Class: $57
- Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience: $60
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Arenal Boat Tour & Pirate Hot Springs Dinner: $69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.23La Fortuna $49
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
- Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
- Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
- Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
- Walking Tour: $35
- Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
- Private Tour: Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour from Antigua Guatemala: $35
- Guatemala city walking tour everyday 2 persons and up: $39
- Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
- City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
- Heart of Guided with a local Tour Guide: $50
- Historical and natural bike tour in Guatemala City: $50
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Arenal Volcano - Ecological Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE GUARANTEED Sloth Watching Tour: $23
- Café Experience in Bijagua: $25
- Arenal Park Self-Guided Experience: $27
- Sloths Frogs and Wildlife Primary Night Walk Tour: $28
- La Fortuna Morning Birdwatching Tour on a Private Forest: $28
- Sunrise Birdwatching Tour on a Private Reserve: $29
- La Fortuna Night Walk: Sloths, Frogs & Wildlife Tour: $29
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloths and Monkeys Guided Tour in Arenal Nature Walk: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.95La Fortuna $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City
Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105
Sample the Local Flavors in La Fortuna
Also in La Fortuna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting in Costa Rica: $55
- Wine Tasting Experience: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guatemala City and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or La Fortuna?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.