COSTA RICA TRAVEL
La Fortuna is one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica so accommodations and travel are easily accessible. Waze is the best map app to use in Costa Rica. We've also created a Google Map list (click map below to access)
TRAVEL QUESTIONS?
MEET ADRI, OUR TRAVEL PLANNER
Adri lives in the area and can help with bookings, shuttles, lodging accommodations, tours, and anything in-between. Please reach out to her with any questions you may have!
506-8406-9820
GETTING TO COSTA RICA
AIRPORTS
The 2 closest airports to La Fortuna, Costa Rica are San Jose (SJO) and Liberia (LIR).
LIR
SJO
SAN JOSE AIRPORT
San Jose is the most significant and busiest of the two international airports in Costa Rica.
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DRIVING
Although the main road is paved, the drive to La Fortuna has a lot of winding roads and is only recommended for those comfortable driving in these conditions. Be sure to avoid driving after 5 pm because it gets very dark and foggy, making it difficult to navigate at night. Having a rental car does help you get around the town and explore. The drive time from San Jose to Arenal takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions in San Jose. ​​
LIBERIA AIRPORT
Located on the west side of Costa Rica, Liberia is another option with beach access. See below on getting from Liberia to La Fortuna:
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DRIVING
Driving from Liberia takes 2-3 hours. However, most tourists drive at a significantly slower pace than locals due to the winding roads so expect to add 30-40 minutes. Waze is the most popular GPS traffic system in Costa Rica. We recommend driving during the day as weather and narrow roads make it hard to see and effect visibility.
DRIVING SHUTTLES AND PRIVATE CAR SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE
CONTACT ADRI FOR THESE OPTIONS
For those not comfortable navigating the roads of Costa Rica, we recommend booking a shuttle service from the airport to La Fortuna thru our travel planner, Adri (see contact info above in orange). Let her know your flight itinerary and she'll coordinate a shuttle efficiently.
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Once you're in town, taxis are available in the downtown area to get around. If you're staying at a hotel, the front desk can call one to pick you up. Uber and Lyfts aren't reliable so wouldn't count on these for transportation. There are also car rental places in La Fortuna if you prefer the shuttle to drop you off here. Transportation is also typically included if you book an activity such as hiking, tours, etc.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL KIORO
RECEPTION LOCATION
11 KM NW, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, 21007
Room Blocks Available until November 15, 2024
Contact Adri, our Travel Planner to book a room
ROYAL CORIN
From the Catholic Church, 4.2 km towards the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela Costa Rica
LOS LAGOS
CEREMONY LOCATION
6 km oeste del Parque Central
Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
AIRBNB
La Fortuna has many Airbnb options in the area
WHAT TO PACK
CLOTHING
Rain Jacket
Quick Dry Clothing
Swim Suit
Hiking Clothes & Shoes
Hat
Sandals
Water Shoes
Sunglasses
Wedding Attire
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DOCUMENTS
Passport
*Passports must have 6+ months left before they expire Drivers License
Insurance Card
Emergency Contact Information​
Travel Insurance
MISCELLANEOUS
Camera
Dry Bag or Ziploc Bags
Water Bottle
Flashlight or Headlamp
Light Backpack
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Phone Charger
THINGS TO DO
The Arenal area is known as the Epicenter of Adventure in Costa Rica. There are plenty of options from rafting to relaxing in the hot springs. Check out this list of our favorites and contact Adri to book anything below.
HOT SPRINGS
Hotel Kioro offers onsite hot springs. Day passes also available at other resorts.
CANYONING
Rappel down waterfalls, jump into pools, and hike through the rainforest
HANGING BRIDGES
Considered one of the best nature walks in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
STAND UP PADDLING
Cross Lake Arenal from one side to the next while enjoying an amazing view
VOLCANO HIKE
Leisurely and informative hike packed with wildlife viewing
RAFTING
A combo of rapids, lush greenery and exotic animals down a class 2-3 river
NATIONAL PARK HIKE
A beautiful 1.5 hour scenic drive from Arenal through rural villages
WATERFALL JUMPING
140 ft rappel down a rushing waterfall into a deep crystalline pool
COOKING & DANCING LESSONS
Learn to cook and dance like a local
FAQs
HOW FAR AWAY FROM THE AIRPORT IS YOUR WEDDING VENUE?
La Fortuna is located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from the San Jose airport, depending on which route you take.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
Yes. The tap water is safe to drink everywhere we will be traveling.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The Costa Rica currency is the colón. It is usually about $1 USD will equal about 650+/- Costa Rican colónes. However, most places also take US dollars. We recommend using US dollars for more expensive purchases and using colón for food and other in-country purchases. There is no need to exchange money as all businesses will accept your payment in dollars and give you change in colones. There are ATMs in Costa Rica too but be aware you may get fees on both ends.
IS COSTA RICA SAFE?
Yes. Costa Rica is a very safe country. Petty theft happens sometimes. If you go out at night, try to go in pairs or groups. Don't take purses to clubs or out to party spots at night if you can avoid it. If you are on the beach and want to swim get someone to watch your bag. If you are in Central San Jose and go to the "Coca-cola" bus station (buses going to the Caribbean side), be careful in the neighborhood around it, as this is a hot spot for theft in the country.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?
Not really. It always helps to know some basic phrases and terms. However in Costa Rica, 80% of the economy is based on tourism so most people speak English and Spanish. We recommend learning some Spanish prior to travel.
ARE THERE ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN COSTA RICA?
Costa Rica has 6 active volcanoes, but all of them are sleeping right now. The big volcano we will be near is Arenal. It used to have an active lava flow and was beautiful to watch at night. However, you will not see any lava or volcanic activity on this trip because Arenal is currently in a resting phase.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR JUNGLE HIKING?
You should wear long pants and shirts and rubber or hiking boots if you want to go off trail or in areas where few people travel. The trails can also be very muddy. Hats are good to wear if it is sunny or raining. Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY TOILET PAPER?
Toilet paper goes in the bathroom trash can. The septic systems cannot handle paper, feminine products, or trash. Put everything besides poop and pee in the trash can.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
We are going to the rainforest, so no matter what season it is, be prepared for rain. Many days it rains either at night or for a few hours during the day, but it could rain all day long when we are there. The weather is highly variable and wearing layers is great. Bring things that are lightweight and dry quickly. Extra clothes and swimsuits are helpful. Expect temperatures that can go from cool enough that you need long pants and a fleece jacket to so warm that you want flip flops, shorts, and T-shirts.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING IN COSTA RICA?
As a general rule, Costa Ricans do not tip. If you wish to, tip between 5 and 15%, depending on service.
HOW CAN I COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS IN COSTA RICA?
We recommend using "WhatsApp" on your smartphone. In some places the mobile service is spotty. WhatsApp uses internet and we will make a large group message for important notifications for all guests.
IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT?
We don't recommend driving at night if you are not familiar with the area. Many of the roads are mountainous and some have potholes in some places and sharp turns in many places.
SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?
YES! We recommend getting travel insurance so you are covered for emergencies. We use Travel Guard when we travel internationally: https://www.travelguard.com/ Please note that many US credit cards offer travel insurance as a part of their member perks so you might want to check if you have some coverage already.