Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or La Fortuna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Fortuna or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for La Fortuna and Cordoba. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: La Fortuna or Cordoba?
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.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Fortuna $104Cordoba $8.40
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $104, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 La Fortuna and Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Fortuna $51Cordoba $3.05
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Fortuna $102Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in La Fortuna and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna or Cordoba? 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: La Fortuna Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Fortuna $21Cordoba $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Limon: $400
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Quepos: $320
- Private One-Way Transfer to Manuel Antonio: $310
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Tamarindo: $307
- Private Transfer from la Fortuna to Puerto Viejo & Cahuita Limon: $299
- VIP Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Tamarindo Beach: $299
- Private Transfer From La Fortuna To Manuel Antonio From 1 to 6 passengers: $297
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Monteverde up to 5 passengers. (One Way): $295
- Private One-Way Transfer from/to La Fortuna to Papagayo Peninsula: $289
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna: $285
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into La Fortuna or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba and La Fortuna 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
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Food Meals for one dayLa Fortuna $27Cordoba $3.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
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Empanadas$0.01
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Sandwich$0.00
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Ice Cream$0.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Fortuna $44Cordoba $1.88
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- La Fortuna's 3 Essentials Private Tour: $280
- Rio Celeste Tubing Experience: $54
- Sky Adventures Arenal : Zipline - Sky Tram & Sky Walk (guided): $260
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- 12 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over Waterfalls!: $101
- 2-Hour Chachagua Rainforest - Birdwatching Tour: $60
- 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: River Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall: $170
- 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike: $170
- 6 Course Tropical Rainforest Foodie Adventure: $199
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $2,000
- 7 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall!: $80
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
- Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Fortuna $11Cordoba $1.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Cordoba, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Fortuna is in Central America and Cordoba is in South 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Fortuna Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Cordoba, 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 La Fortuna or Cordoba?
Cordoba 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 La Fortuna or Cordoba in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Cordoba. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, La Fortuna is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 28°C (82°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. In the summer, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLa Fortuna 28°C (82°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Cordoba in the Autumn?
Both Cordoba and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
La Fortuna is much warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. In October, La Fortuna usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Cordoba in the Winter?
Both Cordoba and La Fortuna during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Fortuna in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. In the winter, La Fortuna often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna usually gets less rain in January than Cordobain July. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Cordoba in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In April, La Fortuna is generally much warmer than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 29°C (85°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during spring. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLa Fortuna 29°C (85°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and La Fortuna
| La Fortuna | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
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.