A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. La Fortuna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or La Fortuna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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: San Fernando or La Fortuna?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $154, 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 San Fernando and La Fortuna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    La Fortuna $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and La Fortuna

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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.

Hotels in San Fernando


Hotels in La Fortuna


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: La Fortuna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    La Fortuna $21

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
  • 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 from La Fortuna to Nosara: $281
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or La Fortuna?

Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and San Fernando 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Fernando $48
    La Fortuna $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.

  • Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $35
  • Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $35
  • Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket w/ Optional Lunch or Dinner: $42
  • Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
  • Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
  • Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
  • cooking class la fortuna: $50
  • 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
  • Costa Rican Cooking Class+Dinner+Night Frog Tour: $72
  • Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    La Fortuna $44

Tours and Activities in La Fortuna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:

  • Hiking Experience to Volcano Base Arenal Park: $23
  • La Fortuna's 3 Essentials Private Tour: $280
  • 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: $54
  • 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: Hanging Bridges + La Fortuna Waterfall: $164
  • 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
  • 3-Hour Arenal Lake Flexi Pass Adventure In Costa Rica: $69
  • 6 Course Tropical Rainforest Foodie Adventure: $199
  • 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    La Fortuna $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and La Fortuna, we can see that San Fernando is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands 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 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 San Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando 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 San Fernando Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or La Fortuna?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando or La Fortuna in the Summer?

Both La Fortuna and San Fernando during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the summer, San Fernando often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Fernando usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, San Fernando is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Fernando in October average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or La Fortuna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as La Fortuna. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

San Fernando usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the winter, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.

In January, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 26°C (78°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, San Fernando usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and San Fernando

San Fernando La Fortuna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)