Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo 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.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for La Fortuna and Tamarindo. 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 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.
Tamarindo is a chill, scenic, and laid back town. Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Tamarindo travel costs.
Visitors will usually find more to do in La Fortuna than Tamarindo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Fortuna is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tamarindo is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Tamarindo and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Also, La Fortuna is famous for Arenal Volcano. Tamarindo is well known for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tamarindo and La Fortuna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both La Fortuna and Tamarindo.
La Fortuna offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.
While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both La Fortuna and Tamarindo.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in La Fortuna. 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.
Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.
Tamarindo 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.
Tamarindo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.
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.
La Fortuna is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Tamarindo 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.
Tamarindo is not a resort destination.
Tamarindo is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.
Many people visit Tamarindo for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.
La Fortuna is not a beach destination.
La Fortuna is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.
La Fortuna is a popular spot for hiking. 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.
Tamarindo is not a hiking destination.
Tamarindo is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.
Tamarindo offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.
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.
La Fortuna is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and 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.
Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.
Both La Fortuna and Tamarindo are great family-friendly destinations.
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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tamarindo. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.
La Fortuna is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.
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.
Tamarindo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.
Both La Fortuna and Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.
Both La Fortuna and Tamarindo offer notable public transit options.
La Fortuna has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.
Tamarindo has some public transit options. There are three public bus lines through town.
Tamarindo 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.
Tamarindo is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and 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 Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.
In either La Fortuna or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo than La Fortuna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Fortuna, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.
Families should spend more time in Tamarindo than La Fortuna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tamarindo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in La Fortuna than Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.
You'll find nightlife and food around the town of La Fortuna. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
With shopping and nightlife around the laid back town of Tamarindo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find food and nightlife around the popular destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
With nightlife and food around the destination of Tamarindo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of La Fortuna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Tamarindo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Tamarindo 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Costa Rica, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in La Fortuna is $123, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $144. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna or Tamarindo? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Fortuna and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
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.
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. In July, La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during summer. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo year-round.
December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November. Tamarindo 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, La Fortuna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Fortuna in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during winter. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, La Fortuna is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 27°C (81°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The spring brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Tamarindo. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo 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. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo. La Fortuna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
La Fortuna | Tamarindo | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |