La Fortuna is a popular town known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to La Fortuna that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to La Fortuna?
You should plan to spend around $123 (₡62,714) per day on your vacation in La Fortuna. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $47 (₡24,087) on meals
- $21 (₡10,645) on local transportation
- $102 (₡51,915) on hotels
A one week trip to La Fortuna for two people costs, on average, $1,719 (₡877,996). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$860
₡438,998
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,719
₡877,996
-
One Month
Per person
$3,684
₡1,881,420
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,719
₡877,996
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,438
₡1,755,992
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,368
₡3,762,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to La Fortuna cost?
A one week trip to La Fortuna usually costs around $860 (₡438,998) for one person and $1,719 (₡877,996) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to La Fortuna on average costs around $1,719 (₡877,996) for one person and $3,438 (₡1,755,992) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in La Fortuna will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to La Fortuna on average costs around $3,684 (₡1,881,420) for one person and $7,368 (₡3,762,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is La Fortuna expensive to visit?
La Fortuna is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although La Fortuna can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (₡26,763) per day, mid-range travelers spend $122 (₡62,714) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $259 (₡133,399) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to La Fortuna.
Within Central America, La Fortuna is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, La Fortuna is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is La Fortuna Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to La Fortuna?
The average La Fortuna trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these La Fortuna travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to La Fortuna cost?
La Fortuna on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(₡11,107)
|
$51
(₡25,957)
|
$104
(₡53,237)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(₡4,256)
|
$21
(₡10,645)
|
$51
(₡26,190)
|
|
Food 2
|
$20
(₡10,050)
|
$47
(₡24,087)
|
$104
(₡53,130)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$19
(₡9,635)
|
$44
(₡22,292)
|
$87
(₡44,307)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(₡1,213-3,640)
|
$6-17
(₡2,813-8,438)
|
$11-33
(₡5,626-16,879)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit La Fortuna on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
La Fortuna on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $52 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, La Fortuna features plenty of hostels, including Arenal Backpackers Resort, LA CHOZA INN HOSTEL & OFF SITE JUNGLE HOT SPRINGS, and Poshtel Arenal. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to La Fortuna typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $122 per person, per day.
La Fortuna offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Hotel El Silencio del Campo is an excellent option for kids, and Hotel Bijagua is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for La Fortuna here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $259 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the town will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private & Customized ATV Rides and Hot Springs in Costa Rica - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $91 in the off-season and averages $170 during peak winter or spring season. Overall, you can expect prices from $47 to $355. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in La Fortuna for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102 (₡51,915). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $51 (₡25,957) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in La Fortuna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in La Fortuna include:
- Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa starting at $248
- Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience starting at $129
- Hotel Linda Vista starting at $70
- Hotel El Silencio del Campo starting at $175
- GreenLagoon Wellbeing Resort starting at $99
La Fortuna offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the town might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
La Fortuna is a great destination for families, and if you're traveling with kids, an apartment with extra space might be ideal.
This town has a variety of resorts to explore. You might find one that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many come with onsite dining options.
By avoiding the peak winter or spring season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in La Fortuna
With a good public transit network in La Fortuna, many of the main sights are easy to reach. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.
In some sections of La Fortuna, you can enjoy a walkable environment, which helps you see the sights. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 (₡10,645) per person, per day, on local transportation in La Fortuna. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in La Fortuna is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
₡10,645
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer From La Fortuna To Monteverde From 1 to 6 passengers for $270 details
- Private Transfer to/from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna Area (Arenal Volcano) for $250 details
- Private Transfer Arenal / La Fortuna town to San Jose Airport (SJO) for $195 details
How much does it cost to go to La Fortuna? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in La Fortuna will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in La Fortuna
The cuisine in La Fortuna is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the town that are worth exploring. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in La Fortuna can vary significantly, the average cost of food in La Fortuna is $47 (₡24,087) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$47
₡24,087
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in La Fortuna is around $47 (₡24087) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $103. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in La Fortuna are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
There are a handful of cheap places to eat in La Fortuna. These include Que Rico Arenal, which is Italian and offers views of the volcano, Kioro, also near the volcano, and Los Nenes, which is known for its cheap options.
The town has three small grocery stores where you can pick up snacks or food to carry with you on a hike. It's also possible to prepare your own meals if you're on a particularly tight budget.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in La Fortuna, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class for $77 details
- Pure Trek Canyoning and Costa Rica Cooking Class for $248 details
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna for $45 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in La Fortuna
The reason people visit La Fortuna is clear, as it offers resorts, romance, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in La Fortuna typically cost an average of $44 (₡22,292) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$44
₡22,292
Most people travel to La Fortuna to see Arenal Volcano. It is often cited by scientists as being one of the top ten or top twenty most active volcanoes in the world.
Other sites near La Fortuna include Fortuna Waterfall, which can be reached by either horse or car, and Lake Arenal. Head to the village of El Castillo for the best views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Butterfly Conservatory is also popular, as is canyoneering and whitewater rafting. There are also some nearby hot springs which are wonderfully relaxing. If you book a volcano viewing tour, it may include a visit to a hot springs spa. It is best to inquire about this ahead of time. For even more ideas, check out this list of 20 awesome things to do in Arenal.
If you're looking to enjoy the natural river and a few nearby waterfalls, head to Tabaconcito Hot Springs. It's free to enter. Alternatively, there are several developed, spa like pools that take great advantage of the hot springs as well. The most popular are Tabacon Hot Springs, Ecothermales Hot Springs, and Baldi Hot Springs. Each facility includes several pools, some with water slides. You'll also find a poolside bar which livens up the atmosphere at night.
There is no shortage of adventure activities available around La Fortuna. Visitors enjoy white water rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, ziplining, horseback riding, bungee jumping, and zip-lining. For those who wish to relax, there are several spas and hot springs in the area that are well worth a visit.
It's possible to book organized tours that take you to many places in the area. This can be an efficient way to explore the sights if you're on a tight schedule. Confirm what is included in your tour, including food and equipment, before finalizing arrangements.
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore La Fortuna. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour for $30 details
- Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience for $70 details
- Combined Tour (Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano) for $190 details
Nightlife Budget in La Fortuna
While La Fortuna offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (₡5,625) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in La Fortuna per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
₡5,625
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Travel cost data last updated: Jan 20, 2024
Traveling in La Fortuna
Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica
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.
The best time to view the erupting volcano is at night when the lava is glowing. There are a handful of relatively expensive hotels that offer direct views of the volcano. If you're desperate to see the eruption at night, these are the best places to stay.
Neighborhoods & Around
La Fortuna is a small town that sees many tourists. As such, there are a decent number of amenities available to visitors. The town has a medic station, but serious enjoys require evacuation from town. There is also a police station, gas station, three banks, three grocery stores, a decent number of restaurants, a post office, and a hardware store.
You'll also find no shortage of hostels and hotels in town. There is a dramatic range of prices and quality, so whatever your travel style, you can be assured you will find something to meet your needs in La Fortuna.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.