Which place is cheaper, Easter Island or La Fortuna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Fortuna or Easter Island?
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 Easter Island. 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 Easter Island?
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.
Easter Island
Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Fortuna $104Easter Island $80
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $104, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $80. 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 Easter Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Fortuna $51Easter Island $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Fortuna $102Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in La Fortuna and Easter Island
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna or Easter Island? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Fortuna $21Easter Island $2.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- VIP Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Tamarindo Beach: $299
- Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Monteverde up to 5 passengers. (One Way): $295
- Transfer TO or FROM San Jose city to Arenal - Fortuna Area. Private: $210
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $250
- San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $226
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- Private transfer from SJO Airport to La Fortuna / Van A/C & WiF: $199
- Private Transfer to/from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna Area (Arenal Volcano): $213
- Private Transfer from la Fortuna to Puerto Viejo & Cahuita Limon: $299
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna: $225
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Nosara: $278
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Liberia Intl Airport LIR area: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into La Fortuna or Easter Island?
Prices for flights to both Easter Island 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 $27Easter Island $25
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner, Show and Traditional Curanto Te Ra'ai Cultural Experience: $120
- Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Fortuna $44Easter Island $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Easter Island's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Bike Rental$8.38
Tours and Activities in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui: $70
- Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
- Orongo, Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau Half Day Tour: $91
- Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $91
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island: $97
- Private Sunrise Tour at 15 Moai Tongariki Park: $120
- Full day tour - DREAM: $120
- The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience : $125
- Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience: $125
- Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui: $149
- Rapa Nui: Private Tour "The Legend of the BirdMan": $150
- Private Tour: The Underground World of Rapa Nui Caves: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Fortuna $11Easter Island $5.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Easter Island, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Easter Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Fortuna is in Central America and Easter Island 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 Easter Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Easter Island 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 Easter Island.
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 Easter Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Easter Island?
Easter Island has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?
Easter Island 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 Easter Island in the Summer?
Both Easter Island and La Fortuna during the summer 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 July, La Fortuna is generally a little warmer than Easter Islandin January. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 28°C (82°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
In Easter Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Easter Islandin January. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in July than Easter Islandin January. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLa Fortuna 28°C (82°F)Easter Island 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Easter Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Easter Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
La Fortuna is a little warmer than Easter Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Easter Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Easter Island during autumn. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Easter Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Fortuna usually receives more rain than Easter Islandin April. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Easter Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Easter Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Easter Island. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, La Fortuna is a little warmer than Easter Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Fortuna in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Easter Island averages at about 18°C (65°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In the winter, La Fortuna often gets more sunshine than Easter Islandin July. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Easter Island receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Easter Island. La Fortuna usually gets less rain in January than Easter Islandin July. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Easter Island 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Easter Island in the Spring?
Both Easter Island and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In April, La Fortuna is generally much warmer than Easter Islandin October. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 29°C (85°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Easter Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually receives more sunshine than Easter Island during spring. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Easter Island receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin October. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLa Fortuna 29°C (85°F)Easter Island 20°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Easter Island and La Fortuna
| La Fortuna | Easter Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 86 mm (3.4 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.