Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or La Fortuna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or La Fortuna?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 dayPunta del Este $98La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
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 Punta del Este or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31La Fortuna $27
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.Punta del Este $11La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
- Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127
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 dayPunta del Este $7.70La Fortuna $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
When comparing the travel costs between Punta del Este and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 Punta del Este is in South America and La Fortuna is in Central 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or La Fortuna?
Punta del Este has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or La Fortuna?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and Punta del Este during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than La Fortunain July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain July. Punta del Este 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than La Fortunain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and La Fortuna. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta del Este is much colder than La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. Punta del Este 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. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than La Fortunain October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 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 OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as La Fortuna. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°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, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than La Fortunain January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than La Fortunain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Punta del Este 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, Punta del Este is generally much colder than La Fortunain April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°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 Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than La Fortunain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 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 AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.