A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salvador vs. La Fortuna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Salvador or La Fortuna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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.

Salvador

Salvador is a cultural, historical, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Salvador travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a popular, stunning, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Salvador and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salvador or La Fortuna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Fortuna. Although Salvador and La Fortuna are both popular with visitors, La Fortuna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Fortuna is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Salvador is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Salvador and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. It is also home to Arenal Volcano. Salvador is popular for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture.

How is Salvador different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and Salvador. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador is notable for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Salvador. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Salvador or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salvador is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Salvador. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Salvador 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.

Salvador has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

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.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Salvador 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.

Salvador is not a resort destination.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Salvador is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Salvador for it's beautiful beaches. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for its Old Town?

Salvador is a good destination for its old town. However, La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Salvador to see the old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Salvador is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around La Fortuna. 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.

Salvador is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Salvador offers some nice shopping areas. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

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.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Salvador is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Salvador is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Families?

La Fortuna is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Salvador is not always the best place to visit. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Salvador is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador and La Fortuna are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

La Fortuna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Salvador and La Fortuna.

You'll find some public transit in Salvador, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

While La Fortuna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Salvador or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

La Fortuna is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Salvador is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Salvador Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Salvador?

How long in Salvador or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Salvador or La Fortuna. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Salvador, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in La Fortuna than Salvador. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Fortuna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Fortuna than Salvador. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Fortuna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salvador 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 Salvador.

One day in Salvador or La Fortuna?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Salvador, 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.

The beautiful town of La Fortuna offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salvador or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Salvador, 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.

La Fortuna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Fortuna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador 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.

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 900 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or La Fortuna?

Salvador 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 Salvador or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and La Fortuna. Many travelers come to Salvador for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as La Fortunain July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives less rain than La Fortunain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.

Should I visit Salvador or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Salvador in the autumn for the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

Salvador is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain October. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than La Fortunain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of 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.

Should I visit Salvador or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Salvador is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than La Fortunain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.

Should I visit Salvador or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In October, Salvador is generally cooler than La Fortunain April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the spring, Salvador often gets less sunshine than La Fortunain April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than La Fortunain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Salvador