Where to stay in La Fortuna and around Arenal – Best 5 AREAS and hotels

If you are wondering where to stay when visiting Arenal Volcano then La Fortuna may be the place for you, especially if you are not renting a car in Costa Rica.

La Fortuna is a well-developed tourist center with a safe bus station and plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and even some nightlife, all within walking distance. Tour agencies are everywhere, so easy to organize hikes and activities.

If, however, you are looking for a more natural environment, possibly next to fabulous trekking areas or the lake then I would stay away from the rather commercialized La Fortuna.

In this guide, you will find the 5 best areas to stay in La Fortuna and nearby, you either want to relax in the middle of the unique Costa Rican nature or have some party time, you are on a family trip or you are looking for a romantic break away maybe with some natural springs.

I’ve got all the pros and cons mapped out, a few suggested quiet hotels, plus a quick comparison table to find your perfect place.

Where to stay in La fortuna – Key Points

Here is the quick comparative table. Click on the area name to jump to the full description including all the pros, cons, and a few suggested hotels and accommodations.

On a mobile, swipe left or right to see all the columns.

Area/Town	Ideal for	Pros	Cons	Accessibility	Restaurants	Families	Nature of the area
La Fortuna Town	First-time visitors, families, young travelers	Central location, Variety of accommodations, Vibrant nightlife	Can be very busy, Quite touristy, Limited natural surroundings	Good, especially with public transport	Wide range of dining options	Suitable	Limited natural surroundings
Fortuna Waterfall	Nature enthusiasts and waterfall lovers	Close to Fortuna Waterfall, Picturesque surroundings	Limited accommodations, No local dining options, isolated	Requires transportation	Limited	Great for family outings	Lush greenery and natural beauty
Palma – Springs	Travelers seeking relaxation	Natural springs, sometimes in the hotel	Isolated, No nightlife	Close to La Fortuna, may need a car	Resort dining options only	Suitable for grown-up	Famous for natural springs
Barrio Dora	Families or group of friends	Bigger houses, Quiet area, Local experience	20 minutes from the center, limited number of restaurants	Walking distance from town center	Limited	Excellent for families	Quiet residential area
El Castillo	Romantic couples, outdoor enthusiasts	Close to nature, Unique eco-lodges, Rich in wildlife	Limited services, More remote, basic lodging	May require 4×4 vehicle	Just a bunch of local eateries	Suitable for couples	Close to Arenal Volcano, great for hiking and birding

If you are in a hurry, here are my 3 suggested places to stay in La Fortuna and around Arenal Volcano

Do you need a car to get around? The easy answer is no, especially if you plan to visit Arenal (direct bus from San Jose) and base yourself in La Fortuna. You will find plenty of tours that are going to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation. Easy.

In saying that driving in Costa Rica is honestly not as complicated and if you decide to hire a car in Costa Rica, you will experience so much more. For example, you can trek the Arenal and the waterfalls when you want, avoiding the big organized groups.

I enjoyed so much my time with my rented car, free to discover unique and secret beaches, stop by amazing forest walks, and visit coffee plantations all at my own pace. Places inaccessible by public transportation.

I usually rent my cars through DiscoverCars, a website that compares local and international rental companies giving the best price with transparent information (attention to these insurance scams in Costa Rica). The $7/day full insurance is just the icing on the cake.

La Fortuna Town – Where to stay when visiting Arenal volcano first-time

La Fortuna Town is surely one of the best places to stay when visiting Arenal Volcano, especially if you are traveling through Costa Rica with public transportation. In fact, the bus station is right in town and within walking distance from most accommodations.

You will also be located near several tour operators who can help you organize thrilling experiences such as zip-lining, white-water rafting, and volcano hiking. From La Fortuna, you can easily explore the Arenal Volcano National Park or soak in the nearby hot springs.

Food lovers will be delighted by the wide array of dining options available in La Fortuna. The local Costa Rican cuisine is delicious and great value for money too.

Then you can find any other types of food, including American pubs and eateries, Italian restaurants, Sushi bistros and I could keep going. Anything fancy will come at a higher price, especially when you start going for craft beers ($6-10/pint)

Coffee enthusiasts can explore charming cafes serving locally sourced coffee. Red Frog, just outside the center of La Fortuna, is a must-visit for both the food and the locally roasted coffee. The smell around will wake you up in the morning.

If you’re looking to experience the local nightlife, La Fortuna won’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back pub or a high-energy dance club, you will find that in town.

The Magma Club has weekend parties with doors opening at 10 pm. Charlies is another club that serves food too. And other places are opening up, and closing down, so ask around what is on fashion once you are in town.

You will find a few shops and super/mini markets around. If you happen to be there on Friday, plan a visit to the local Farmers Market (La Feria), close to the bus station.

Whether you’re on a budget or looking for luxury, La Fortuna has a wide range of accommodations. From hostels and budget hotels to boutique resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.

Staying in La Fortuna has also its own drawbacks the first of which is that you may feel this town has been rather commercialized.

It’s all about tourism and how to engage travelers in activities, during the day and the night too. Which is great if this is the main reason you decided to make it to La Fortuna.

Also, be selective with your accommodation because the few clubs and pubs open till late can be noisy with the loud music. If you are up for a quiet night, you should check out my suggested accommodations.

Fortuna Waterfall – Best place to stay in La Fortuna for hiking

If you feel

Nestled just 5km south of La Fortuna, the area surrounding Fortuna Waterfall offers an enchanting escape into Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

The star attraction in the area, Fortuna Waterfall, is a stunning 70-meter cascade surrounded by lush tropical forest. A hike down to the base offers a refreshing swim and unparalleled photo opportunities.

There is a healthy entry fee of around $20 and considering the 400 steps built and maintained to reach the falls, it’s totally worth it. This is, in fact, probably one of the easiest-to-access waterfalls in Costa Rica, which means it can be quite busy too, of course. Try to make it there very early 7:30-8 am or later around 4pm (they close at 5 pm)

If you stay in the area you can also think of starting a few trails without the need of any transportation, basically directly from your backyard. You should plan the trek to the Escondidas Falls (Cataratas Escondidas).

They are surely not as impressive as the Fortuna Falls but they are free to access and there are a few water holes to have a dive.

You can also think of hiking up to the Chato Volcano but be aware that the trail is steep and slippery, besides muddy during the rainy season (the dry season is best). For these and other hikes, you should download the Maps.me App on your mobile, it works much better than Google Maps when it’s down to walks.

This is one of the best areas to stay in La Fortuna for unique lodges and eco-resorts that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. You can truly find some amazing accommodations, like the ones I suggested below.

There are not as many dining options in this area. I recommend just a couple of restaurants, Luna Grill and Yellow Tree, that serve fresh, organic, and locally sourced meals.

While the area’s remote location adds to its charm, it also means accessibility can be more challenging. In a few words, you need a car or you should arrange transportation from/to the town with your host.

Palma – Best area to stay in La Fortuna for Natural Springs

Palma, located just 7km west of La Fortuna, is renowned for its unique and abundant natural springs, heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano, providing a warm and soothing experience.

The Springs contain minerals with healing properties that can relieve arthritis, stress, and skin conditions. At least this is what the locals say. Always hard to say if this is true, however, I am certain you will love them after a day of hiking.

Many resorts and accommodations offer direct access to these natural springs. Some even provide private springs within the villa or room, allowing you to indulge in this luxurious experience at your leisure.

Palma’s proximity to La Fortuna means that you can easily explore other attractions like the Arenal Volcano and Fortuna Waterfall, making it a convenient base for a diverse Costa Rican adventure.

Most resorts will be happy to organize any kind of trip for you. However, to have a cheaper deal you may want to head into town at any of the tour operators.

You would need to have your car if you want to move around as you wish, otherwise, you can ask your host to organize transportation. Typically a taxi to the town center costs around $5-10 based on the time of the day/night.

Barrio Dora – Where to stay in La Fortuna for families

Barrio Dora is a neighborhood east of La Fortuna, around 15-20 minutes walking distance from the town center.

It is a nice and quiet residential area, with a lovely local feeling, where you can find a good selection of all-inclusive houses, with 2 or more bedrooms which work great if you are traveling with kids or in a group of friends.

You will be also next to the Pali supermarket, with probably the best price for groceries in La Fortuna, besides a good selection of ingredients.

There are also a bunch of local restaurants in the area, however, for a bigger selection you need to head more toward the center. One place you should check out is the Panadería Nutripán, a local bakery with a limited however excellent supply of products, very yummy.

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El Castillo – Best area to stay for couples when visiting Arenal Volcano

El Castillo, a small village by Lake Arenal, is a haven for those who seek an authentic connection with nature. You will have the lake in front of you and the volcano right on your back, standing out like a beacon.

Accommodations here are often eco-friendly lodges that offer a tranquil retreat. Imagine waking up to the distant calls of howler monkeys and sharing your breakfast with hummingbirds. It’s not just a possibility; it’s a daily occurrence in El Castillo.

Once in the area, you should check out the Butterfly Conservatory, home to Costa Rica’s largest collection of butterflies. Here, colorful butterflies don’t just flutter by; they become your companions. The nearby Serpentarium offers a chance to get up close with some of Costa Rica’s intriguing reptiles.

Adventure is not a mere option but a way of life in El Castillo. From hiking and horseback riding to kayaking on Lake Arenal, the outdoor activities are as diverse as the landscape itself.

The natural springs, rustic and untouched, are not just for relaxation but for rejuvenation. Dining is not just about eating but savoring the local flavors, prepared with care and served with genuine warmth at the few excellent local eateries.

El Castillo is one of the best places to stay when visiting Arenal Volcano for romantic couples looking for a peaceful and secluded destination, far from the busy La Fortuna but still accessible for a night out. However, do not expect any luxury. It’s more down to basic lodging.

You will need a car to stay in this area and possibly you need to rent a 4×4 if traveling in the wet season.

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