Hotels in La Fortuna

Awaken Your Spirit in La Fortuna: Nature's Playground of Volcanoes and Hot Springs

Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a captivating destination that harmoniously blends adventure and relaxation. Dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano, this vibrant town is renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs, lush rainforests, and breathtaking waterfalls, including the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Explore the rich biodiversity of the Arenal Valley, embark on thrilling zip-lining excursions, or unwind in luxury resorts surrounded by nature. With its enchanting landscapes and myriad outdoor activities, La Fortuna is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, making it a must-visit destination in Central America. For the best hotel rates in La Fortuna and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in La Fortuna

Some of the best places to stay in La Fortuna are Monterrey, Monteverde and Peñas Blancas. Monterrey, Monteverde, and Peñas Blancas offer unique experiences for travelers in Costa Rica. Monterrey is known for its serene atmosphere and proximity to nature. Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests and biodiversity, making it ideal for eco-tourism. Peñas Blancas boasts stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Accommodations range from cozy lodges to eco-friendly hotels, providing various options for all budgets. For first-time visitors, Monteverde is the best choice due to its diverse attractions and accessibility. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in La Fortuna:

1. MonterreyOpens in a new window: Monterrey is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, renowned for its proximity to Arenal Volcano National Park and Tabacon Hot Springs. This area offers stunning scenery, adventure activities, and wellness options, making it perfect for a diverse range of travelers. Among the top hotels, The Springs Resort and Spa at ArenalOpens in a new window and Nayara Springs - Adults onlyOpens in a new window both boast natural hot springs onsite and provide a variety of adventure sports like ziplining and fishing. For those seeking a beach experience close by, Nayara GardensOpens in a new window features direct beach access and a selection of outdoor sports, catering to adventure seekers and business travelers alike.
2. MonteverdeOpens in a new window: Monteverde is a nature lover's paradise, famous for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. This area emphasizes family-friendly activities and natural experiences. Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by BöënaOpens in a new window and Senda Monteverde Hotel Member of the Cayuga CollectionOpens in a new window focus on family themes, offering amenities for children and a connection to the outdoors. Hotel & Spa Poco a PocoOpens in a new window combines adventure, family fun, and spa services, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all ages with activities like hiking and horseback riding available nearby.
3. Peñas BlancasOpens in a new window: Peñas Blancas is a prime location for those looking to explore Arenal Volcano and enjoy natural hot springs. With adventure activities such as rafting and ziplining nearby, this area is ideal for thrill-seekers. Tabacón Thermal Resort & SpaOpens in a new window and Arenal Kioro Suites & SpaOpens in a new window both feature hot springs and cater to business travelers, providing essential amenities. Amor Arenal Adults FriendlyOpens in a new window stands out for its luxury offerings while still focusing on wellness, ensuring guests have a comfortable and rejuvenating stay amidst the beautiful landscapes.

What to do in La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a nature lover's paradise, boasting lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and soothing hot springs. Spend three days hiking scenic trails, ziplining through the canopy, and birdwatching in this vibrant ecosystem, making it an unforgettable destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to La Fortuna:

• Day 1: Begin your La Fortuna adventure at Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike through lush trails and marvel at the towering volcano. After exploring the park, make your way to La Altura Viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of Arenal and the surrounding landscape—ideal for some memorable photographs. In the afternoon, head over to Cerro Chato Lake, a pristine crater lake perfect for a refreshing swim or a peaceful picnic amidst nature's beauty.
• Day 2: Your exploration continues with a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem filled with diverse flora and fauna. Afterward, stop by the Friends Meeting House, a serene spot for reflection and appreciation of the surrounding beauty. Complete your day by exploring Curi-Cancha Reserve, a lesser-known gem perfect for birdwatching and enjoying tranquil nature walks.
• Day 3: Start your day at Lake Arenal, where you can engage in activities such as kayaking or simply enjoy the scenic views of the water against the backdrop of the volcano. Next, venture into the Children's Eternal Rainforest, a remarkable conservation area that allows you to witness the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. Conclude your trip with a visit to Cavernas de Venado, where you can explore fascinating underground caves and learn about their geological significance.

5 tips to find a great La Fortuna hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those looking to visit La Fortuna on a budget, February, October, and December are the most affordable months, featuring lower hotel rates. International travelers should aim to book their flights at least 8 months in advance to secure great value for money. To truly experience the beauty of La Fortuna, plan for at least 2-3 days to explore its stunning volcanoes, relaxing hot springs, and lush rainforests. This budget-friendly destination offers a wealth of natural attractions that make it worth your time.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're seeking last-minute deals to La Fortuna, Hotels.com is a great place to look. You could find discounted rates by navigating to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections, especially as your travel date approaches. To enhance your chances of snagging a great hotel deal, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you’re more likely to stay informed about flash sales and special promotions, ensuring you don’t miss any opportunities to save on your trip.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates may help you save on hotel expenses in La Fortuna.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in La Fortuna is usually more expensive. If you decide to stay a bit farther from the city center, you can take advantage of transportation options like walking or taxis to explore the area, which can help you save on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in La Fortuna and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

What to eat in La Fortuna

Here are some popular dishes in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica:

• Gallo Pinto: This iconic Costa Rican dish is a savory mix of rice and black beans, typically seasoned with bell peppers, onions, and spices. Often enjoyed for breakfast, it's commonly served with scrambled eggs, sour cream, and fried plantains. Gallo Pinto not only showcases local ingredients but also reflects the country's culinary simplicity and flavor.
• Casado: A traditional Costa Rican meal, Casado is a plate that brings together various elements such as rice, beans, a choice of protein (like chicken, fish, or beef), and accompanied by fried plantains, salad, and sometimes a tortilla. This dish embodies the essence of Costa Rican home cooking, often enjoyed during lunch, and is a perfect way to experience the diverse flavors of the region in a single meal.

Best time to go to La Fortuna

La Fortuna experiences its lowest average temperatures in January and December, at 72.9°F (22.7°C), while May is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 78.3°F (25.7°C). July is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in La Fortuna, January, March, and April are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, May, August, and October are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by moderate to frequent rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.