Town in Alajuela, Costa Rica
La Fortuna
Costa Rica's adventure hub under Arenal Volcano: hot springs, waterfalls, zip lines and rafting. It is touristy and pricey, with limited nightlife and no beach; best for active 3–4 night stops.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,410–3,720Comfortable, one person · ₡1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Value for money17/100Better value than 16% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 32°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally safe in La Fortuna; ask at rural lodges.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$77–153Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are accepted in tour offices, hotels and most restaurants.Details
Where to stay in La Fortuna
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| La Fortuna town center | Walkable base with restaurants, tour offices and hostels |
| Road to the volcano | Quiet lodges and hot springs; taxi needed |
Apps that work in La Fortuna
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited drivers and not always available; check the app |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | Limited coverage in the center only |
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis run from the central park and are the easiest option. Agree a price first for trips outside town; apps are unreliable here.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are accepted in tour offices, hotels and most restaurants. Carry colones for buses, small sodas and some local vendors.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
Going to La Fortuna solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in La Fortuna meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.