Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Quepos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Quepos or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Quepos and La Fortuna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Quepos or La Fortuna?
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Costa Rica, and The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuepos $117La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Quepos is $117, 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 Quepos and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuepos $77La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuepos $154La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Quepos and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Quepos 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: Quepos Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quepos $9.56La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $90
- Transfer TO or FROM Manuel Antonio, Quepos to SJO Airport - Private (ONE WAY): $105
- Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
- One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $209
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca: $220
- Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Quepos or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Quepos 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 dayQuepos $30La Fortuna $27
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
- 3 Hour Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
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.Quepos $17La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $20
- Manuel Antonio National Park tour : $27
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: $28
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
- Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Group Guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $30
- Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park!: $35
- Manuel Antonio Jungle Night Tour with pick up included: $39
- Guided hiking Tour by the Mystic Ebano Rainforest in Costa Rica: $40
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 dayQuepos $15La Fortuna $11
When comparing the travel costs between Quepos and La Fortuna, we can see that Quepos 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. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Quepos Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quepos or La Fortuna?
Quepos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Quepos 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 Quepos or La Fortuna?
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 Quepos or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Quepos as well as La Fortuna. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Quepos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Quepos usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Quepos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 28°C (82°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQuepos 28°C (82°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Quepos or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Quepos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Quepos. In October, Quepos usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Quepos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during autumn. Quepos gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Quepos is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQuepos 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Quepos or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Quepos during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
Quepos usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Quepos. In the winter, Quepos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Quepos is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Quepos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQuepos 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Quepos or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Quepos and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Quepos usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Quepos gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Quepos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Quepos gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 29°C (85°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQuepos 29°C (85°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Quepos
| Quepos | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.