La Fortuna

La Fortuna de San Carlos is a small town in the north of Costa Rica. It is known mainly for the nearby Arenal Volcano (1,633 m), a destination for scientists and tourists. See volcanoes for general information.

Understand
La Fortuna was called "El Borio" before an eruption in 1968 that destroyed 3 villages--Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luís. El Borio (La Fortuna) is located on the west side of the volcano and was untouched. After the eruption of the volcano, El Borio was renamed "La Fortuna", which means "the fortunate", referring to the town's luck during the eruption.

By bus
There are direct buses from San José (5.5hrs) (US$7) or with transfer in Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) (2hrs). Also, buses from San Ramon (Costa Rica). There is one local bus per day from Tilaran. From Peñas Blancas (Nicaraguan border) take San Carlos bus (US$8) and get off at Tanque, take bus or taxi to La Fortuna ( away).

When leaving La Fortuna, bus schedules seem to be highly arbitrary and unreliable. The more often you ask, the more departure times they will tell you. Some touts will try to exploit this situation. It is best to approximately have a bus departure time, arrive a little earlier and plan for 1 hr waiting or so.

By shared shuttle
There are several companies, such as Daytrip, offering direct shared shuttle buses to La Fortuna from San Jose a few times a day. They depart from Selina San Jose, San Jose International Airport, or custom pickup locations either in the morning (7:45AM Selina San Jose, 9:00AM SJO) or afternoon (1:00PM Selina San Jose, 2:15PM SJO). Prices start at $30, and tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee a seat.

By private shuttle
The cost of a private transportation with a Costa Rican driver is not much if you compare it with the benefit of a direct safe drive to the destination. Available from San Jose to Arenal and other destinations.

By car
It is a 3½-hr drive from San José, but the junctions are not very well marked, so bring a good map.

By plane
Domestic flights are available with Aerobell Airlines, Sansa Airlines or Skyway Airlines. Costs around US$90 for flights to/from San José (SJO) or Quepos (Manuel Antonio National Park). Airport charges US$7/person departure tax.

By road
There are one or two buses that go around the volcano. Generally, tourists rely on taxis or their own cars (everywhere you will have to pay for parking). Taxis can be hailed next to Parquella Fortuna, however using ride sharing apps can save you half the taxi rides' price. You can also rent a scooter (US$40/day, down to US$20/day for 5 or more days) or motorcycle ($75/day), however during the rainy season this can be uncomfortable.

By thumb
Hitch-hiking is actually a reasonable option and quite easy if you are travelling on a tight budget. This way you can reach the park entrance, trails or hot springs time independently and fast.

See






Do

 * Canyoneering (Waterfall-Rappelling) – In the Lost Canyon.
 * Horseback ride to Monteverde– Travel the old fashioned way by horse US$75. This is a gorgeous 2½-hour horseback ride along the beautiful Lake Arenal on wonderful, and hopefully healthy horses.
 * Fishing, kayak, etc. at the lake – For entertainment a boat navigates around the Arenal lake, so that you can appreciate the unparalleled views. Also, kayaks and other water activities can be done at the lake. Of course the main attraction is the fishing. The lake has many species of fish but the "Guapote" Bass is most prevalent; this fish is a close relative of the peacock bass and is just as strong. Other fish like the Mojara are also prevalent, think 'kin to the piranha but fruit eaters'.
 * River cruises – On the Peña Blancas river, costs around US$45.
 * White water rafting – On the Mighty Río Toro (Class 3-4), with over 45 exciting and continuous rapids that move through of deep-canyon gorges passing waterfalls in a tropical canyon. Another option is the Beautiful Río Balsa (Class 2-3).
 * River cruises – On the Peña Blancas river, costs around US$45.
 * White water rafting – On the Mighty Río Toro (Class 3-4), with over 45 exciting and continuous rapids that move through of deep-canyon gorges passing waterfalls in a tropical canyon. Another option is the Beautiful Río Balsa (Class 2-3).

Hiking
In spite of expectations, all hiking opportunities are just at the foot of the volcano with often not very great views of the volcano. Of course, the journey is the reward, but if you really want to see a volcano, head to Poas. Otherwise, great views (and pictures) of the volcano are from the southwestern side near the lake.



Buy
Standard souvenirs, photos of the erupting volcano, machetes at the hardware store, Costa Rican coffee.

Eat

 * La Choza de Laurel is 3 blocks away from the park. Fantastic menu selection. Tasty food, cheerful service, open to the breeze.
 * Los Nenes, not a very attractive setting one block from the main street and two blocks from the park (when entering from east), but reasonably priced food (but not as good or big portions as Lava Rocks). The nachos with everything is really good.
 * Lava Lounge is on main street just getting into town before the park. Good food, a break from typical Tico food.
 * Los Nenes, not a very attractive setting one block from the main street and two blocks from the park (when entering from east), but reasonably priced food (but not as good or big portions as Lava Rocks). The nachos with everything is really good.
 * Lava Lounge is on main street just getting into town before the park. Good food, a break from typical Tico food.
 * Lava Lounge is on main street just getting into town before the park. Good food, a break from typical Tico food.

Travelers looking for more local and inexpensive food can go to any of the numerous 'Soda' restaurants. A large plate of rice, beans, salad, meat, and a drink costs ₡3,000-4,000.

Mid-range

 * Arenal Springs Resort Modern hotel with volcano views from $87.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * Arenal Springs Resort Modern hotel with volcano views from $87.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.
 * La Mansion Arenal La Mansion Arenal overlooks the vast Lake Arenal and is located just minutes from the volcano and hot springs. The hotel includes an infinity pool, wireless internet and free canoes for your enjoyment. Rates start at US$180 a night.

Stay safe
As of Feb 2019, those of you who catch the 8AM bus to Tilarán, be aware that every morning at the bus station there is a man talking nicely to the tourists and getting on the same bus. before the National Park's bus stop, this man shouts "Parque Ecológico" and some tourists, who are confused, get off with him. He works for a private park that has nothing to do with the real National Park! This "fake" park also demand US$15&mdash;for a walk of just one hour! This is a scam that happens every morning. Do not fall for it, just wait another more, when the bus driver announces "Parque Nacional". Spread the word and if you are on the bus while this happens, don't be afraid to inform the others tourists loudly that Parque Ecológico is not the National Park. Or if you are keen, also inform the authorities/police.

In general, La Fortuna is very touristy, and everyone is trying to make money off it. There are some touts, especially near the bus station. Just be cautious and do not believe everything.

Cope
All of the so called "tourist informations" or "tourist centers" are actually tour agents. Remind yourself, they will always try to sell you something, even though you could just organise it yourself for way less money. But you can sometimes get information for free from them.

Fortuna is often called the tout capital of Costa Rica. There is not really much to see here except a beautiful lake, volcano and rivers. Still somehow dozens of different tours are on sale, giving the impression this place is more special than the rest of Costa Rice. Most of the tours are rather dull and just include service you can organise by yourself. At the waterfall and river (hot spring) pools tour, where they serve beer and snacks, it is not really worth spending a full day and even less paying US$50 or more. You can organise such trips by yourself, for around $5-10 if you rely on hitch-hiking and buses.

If you are travelling on a shoestring it might not be worth it coming here, just to swim in a river, hike a 3-4 hr trail and do some average white-water rafting. Yes, definitely there are good views of the vulcano, but this town is just making money of nothing&mdash;not a very authentic Costa Rica.

Connect
There are two internet cafes in the main street, by the park. At Destinytours (+506 479-9850) 50 m north of Banco National you can download pictures from your digital camera and burn to CD.

Go next
From Fortuna you can go to Monteverde with a combination of jeep and boat or horse. Or you could take the bus to Tilarán, and from there to Santa Elena, Monteverde, or down to the Interamericana that takes you north to Guanacaste or south in the direction of Puntarenas. You can get to Los Chiles and San Jose via Ciudad Quesada. And of course there's the direct bus back to San José, at an approximate cost of US$6.50.
 * Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near Los Chiles