Which place is cheaper, Ponce or La Fortuna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit La Fortuna or Ponce?
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 Ponce. 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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La Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Fortuna $136Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $136, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Fortuna $56Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Fortuna $112Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in La Fortuna and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna or Ponce? 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 $23Ponce $10
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
- From San Jose: One way shared transfer to La Fortuna: $74
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $166
- Private Transfer La Fortuna To Juan Santamaria Airport From 7to10: $180
- Private One Way Transfer from Arenal, La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio: $195
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $200
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $208
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Juan Santamaria Airport area: $220
- SJO Airport Transfer for 6 people to La Fortuna|Arenal Volcano: $220
- Private Transfer Fortuna to SJO Airport from 1 to 6 passengers: $220
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna: $225
- Transfer TO or FROM La Fortuna Area to SJO Airport. Private, NOT SHARED: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into La Fortuna or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $52Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Farm to Table Cooking Class: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience: $60
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
- Horseback Riding and Cooking Class with Lunch: $80
- Cooking with a Costa Rican family: $80
- Cooking with a Costa Rican familiy: $90
- Rainforest Night Walk in La Fortuna with Authentic Dinner: $92
- Fresh From the Farm: Cooking Class at the Volcano: $105
- Rio Celeste & Hot Springs Dinner Experience: $130
- Arenal Volcano Hike plus Baldi Hot Springs and Dinner: $140
- Arenal Hanging Bridges with Hotsprings, Lunch and Dinner: $180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Fortuna $48Ponce $56
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
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Café Experience in Bijagua: $25
- Arenal Park Self-Guided Experience: $27
- Tour of sloths, exotic birds, frogs.: $30
- Sloths and Monkeys Guided Tour in Arenal Nature Walk: $30
- Guaranteed Red eyed Tree Frog & Amphibians Tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Guaranteed Sloth Watching Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $32
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna: $34
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- Explore El Yunque and Historic Castle in Old San Juan Tour: $69
- Island Escape Rainforest to Castles Tour: $70
- Arecibo Triple Tour Indian Caves Waterfalls and Nature : $71
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
- Puerto Rico Countryside Tour with Visit to Waterfall: $79
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Fortuna $12Ponce $16
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 Experience: $135
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Fortuna is in Central America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 La Fortuna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Fortuna 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce than you might in La Fortuna.
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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit La Fortuna or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. In July, La Fortuna usually receives more rain than Ponce. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLa Fortuna 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and La Fortuna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in October than Ponce. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Ponce. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Fortuna in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Ponce. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during winter. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, La Fortuna is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Ponce. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In the spring, La Fortuna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna is a little warmer than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLa Fortuna 29°C (85°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and La Fortuna
| La Fortuna | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.