Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or La Fortuna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo?
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 Puerto Viejo. 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 Puerto Viejo?
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.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Costa Rica, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Fortuna $104Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $104, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $145. 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 Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Fortuna $51Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Fortuna $102Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo? 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 Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Fortuna $21Puerto Viejo $38
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 TO or FROM La Fortuna Area to SJO Airport. Private, NOT SHARED: $210
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $250
- Transfer Fortuna - Monteverde with Coffee Tour on The Way: $150
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- 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 Liberia Intl Airport LIR area: $215
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Juan Santamaria Airport area: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo
Also for Puerto Viejo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $373
Is it cheaper to fly into La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo 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 $27Puerto Viejo $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket w/ Optional Lunch or Dinner: $42
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- 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
- Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Fortuna $44Puerto Viejo $78
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: Hanging Bridges + La Fortuna Waterfall: $164
- 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike: $170
- 3-Hour Arenal Lake Flexi Pass Adventure In Costa Rica: $69
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $2,000
- 7 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall!: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Fortuna $11Puerto Viejo $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Puerto Viejo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
Both Puerto Viejo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
Puerto Viejo 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 less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, La Fortuna often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.
In the summer, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Fortuna in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLa Fortuna 28°C (82°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo during autumn. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, La Fortuna is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLa Fortuna 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
Both Puerto Viejo 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. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In April, La Fortuna usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. La Fortuna usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, La Fortuna is a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Fortuna in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLa Fortuna 29°C (85°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna
| La Fortuna | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.