A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Fortuna vs. Ensenada for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Fortuna or Ensenada?

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 Ensenada. 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.

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. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ensenada travel costs.

La Fortuna and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Fortuna than Ensenada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Fortuna is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Ensenada and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Also, La Fortuna is famous for Arenal Volcano. Ensenada is well known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is La Fortuna different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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 La Fortuna or Ensenada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both La Fortuna and Ensenada.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ensenada. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is very popular for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, La Fortuna is a great choice. 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.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a moderate city for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around La Fortuna. 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

Ensenada is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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 La Fortuna or Ensenada More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Families?

La Fortuna is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Fortuna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ensenada is a good town for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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

La Fortuna is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

La Fortuna is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in La Fortuna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is La Fortuna or Ensenada a more walkable city?

Ensenada is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable town. 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 La Fortuna Worth Visiting? and Is Ensenada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or La Fortuna?

How long in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Fortuna and Ensenada. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Fortuna than in Ensenada. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Fortuna, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ensenada.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Fortuna than Ensenada 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 La Fortuna or Ensenada?

The beautiful town of La Fortuna offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

La Fortuna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Fortuna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ensenada, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in La Fortuna or Ensenada?

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Ensenada 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between La Fortuna and Ensenada, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though La Fortuna is in Central America and Ensenada is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Ensenada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Ensenada?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Ensenada, 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.