Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in La Fortuna?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in La Fortuna?
Not sure how much time you'll need in La Fortuna, Costa Rica? Most people spend two to four days in La Fortuna during their visit. After all, the popular town will let you take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and enjoy the evening activities.
La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal National Park. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty with views of the spectacular and still active Arenal Volcano. It's also home to impressive waterfalls and many luxury spas and hot springs.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit La Fortuna? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in La Fortuna?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this town has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the cuisine, and the nightlife. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.
How to spend a week in La Fortuna
When visiting La Fortuna, you absolutely can't miss Arenal Volcano as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
La Fortuna is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small Group Twilight Wildlife Boat Tour in La Fortuna ($70)
- Exclusive Night Walk in La Fortuna and Natural Frog Garden . ($70)
- La Fortuna Birds, Butterfly Garden, sloths Guided Tour 2hrs ($60)
The public transit in La Fortuna is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.
Known for it's hiking, La Fortuna sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- RIO CELESTE COMBO: Blue River Tubing + Blue Waterfall + Wildlife. ($149)
- Hiking Lovers (Hanging Bridges + La Fortuna Waterfall + Volcano Hike) ($205)
- Full day Tour with Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Volcano Hike ($215)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna ($75)
- 3-Course Tropical Fusion Cooking Class ($138)
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna ($63)
After you've explored most of La Fortuna, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Trip to Caño Negro Including Río Frio Boat Experience from La Fortuna ($99)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around La Fortuna. Plenty of amazing options are available.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around La Fortuna, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around La Fortuna. Plenty of amazing options are available.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around La Fortuna, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Is 2 weeks enough time in La Fortuna?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to the popular town, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and enjoy the evening activities on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel and use it as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica
How to spend 2 weeks in La Fortuna
With 2 weeks in La Fortuna, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Day Trip to Caño Negro Including Río Frio Boat Experience from La Fortuna ($99)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about La Fortuna, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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