Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and La Fortuna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or La Fortuna?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 Montevideo and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or La Fortuna? 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $12
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Limon: $400
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Quepos: $320
- Private One-Way Transfer to Manuel Antonio: $310
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Tamarindo: $307
- Private Transfer from la Fortuna to Puerto Viejo & Cahuita Limon: $299
- VIP Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Tamarindo Beach: $299
- Private Transfer From La Fortuna To Manuel Antonio From 1 to 6 passengers: $297
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Monteverde up to 5 passengers. (One Way): $295
- Private One-Way Transfer from/to La Fortuna to Papagayo Peninsula: $289
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna: $285
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $13La Fortuna $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & 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
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
- City Sightseeing Tour: $32
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
- The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36
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: River Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall: $170
- 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike: $170
- 6 Course Tropical Rainforest Foodie Adventure: $199
- 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 dayMontevideo -La Fortuna $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and La Fortuna is in Central America, 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or La Fortuna?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and La Fortuna, 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 Montevideo or La Fortuna?
Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Montevideo or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and Montevideo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In January, Montevideo is generally cooler than La Fortunain July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than La Fortunain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and La Fortuna. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montevideo is much colder than La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than La Fortunain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as La Fortuna. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than La Fortunain January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than La Fortunain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than La Fortunain April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than La Fortunain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Montevideo
| Montevideo | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.