Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or San Pedro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Pedro 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 Pedro 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 Pedro or La Fortuna?
San Pedro
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
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 Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, 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 daySan Pedro $135La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in San Pedro is $135, 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 Pedro and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Pedro $66La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Pedro $132La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in San Pedro and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro 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: La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Pedro $34La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $205
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer: $39
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Arenal La Fortuna: $42
- White Water Tubing Tour with Guide and Transfers: $55
- Scenic Transfer to Monteverde via Arenal Lake: $56
- One-Way Transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde through Arenal Lake: $57
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Sloth Watching Tour with Transfer and Snacks: $68
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $70
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- One Way Private Transfer - La Fortuna to your Selected Location: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into San Pedro or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and San Pedro 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 daySan Pedro $40La Fortuna $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.
- Belizean Sunset and Cultural Dinner Cruise: $120
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.San Pedro $33La Fortuna $44
Tours and Activities in San Pedro
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:
- Sunset Tiki Bar Cruise in Caye Caulker, Belize: $45
- Shark & Ray Afternoon Swim Tiki Bar Cruise: $45
- 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $54
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $75
- SAN PEDRO; Belizean Food Experience: $86
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $89
- Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $93
- Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $95
- Hol Chan, Shark Ray Full-Day Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro Belize: $110
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour : $120
- Mexico Rocks Day Sail Shared Guided Tour: $129
- Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour: $139
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Arenal Observatory Trails Admission Ticket: $29
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- Night tour through the Tropical Forest at Tifakara : $32
- Ticket to Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Pedro $16La Fortuna $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Pedro and La Fortuna, we can see that San Pedro is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro 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 Pedro Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Pedro or La Fortuna?
San Pedro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of San Pedro 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 Pedro or La Fortuna?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Pedro or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and San Pedro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro 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 San Pedro. In July, San Pedro usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. San Pedro usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. San Pedro gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Pedro is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in San Pedro averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Pedro 28°C (82°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and San Pedro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro 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 Pedro. San Pedro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Pedro often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, San Pedro is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Pedro in October average around 26°C (80°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Pedro 26°C (80°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Pedro and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Pedro year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Pedro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Pedro usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. San Pedro usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. San Pedro gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Pedro is generally cooler than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in San Pedro average around 24°C (74°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Pedro 24°C (74°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Pedro as well as La Fortuna. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
San Pedro usually gets more rain in April than La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 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 Pedro this time of the year. In the spring, San Pedro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. San Pedro gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.
San Pedro is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in San Pedro averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Pedro 27°C (80°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and San Pedro
| San Pedro | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.