A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Fortuna vs. Guadalajara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

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 Guadalajara. 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 popular, stunning, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Guadalajara

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

La Fortuna and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara. Although La Fortuna and Guadalajara are both popular with visitors, Guadalajara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while La Fortuna is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Fortuna is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is La Fortuna different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is notable for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

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 Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 La Fortuna or Guadalajara Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is La Fortuna or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is notable for its old town. However, La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Is La Fortuna or Guadalajara Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

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

Guadalajara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Fortuna or Guadalajara Better for Families?

La Fortuna is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Fortuna. 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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is La Fortuna or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

La Fortuna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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

Both La Fortuna and Guadalajara are great destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

La Fortuna is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While La Fortuna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is La Fortuna or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is a very walkable city. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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 Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or La Fortuna?

How long in La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

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

Families should spend more time in La Fortuna than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara than La Fortuna 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 Guadalajara.

One day in La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning town of La Fortuna. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're 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 Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of La Fortuna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Guadalajara?

The popular town of La Fortuna offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Guadalajara, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting La Fortuna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Guadalajara 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 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between La Fortuna and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Guadalajara, 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.