Monteverde vs La Fortuna: Which Should You Choose in 2024?

Trying to choose between Monteverde vs La Fortuna? You’re in the right place. Both of these places offer that ‘lush, rainforest’ experience in Costa Rica, but they are considerably different.

Between the two, I personally prefer Monteverde. I loved La Fortuna as well, but I found Monteverde to be a bit more unique – I loved the scenery, and the ‘up in the mountains’ atmosphere.

However, it’s really a matter of personal preference I don’t think you should take my word alone. I’m going to share with you the highlights of Monteverde and La Fortuna so you’ll know which one YOU would prefer.

If you come to the conclusion that you’d like to visit both, check out my 10 day Costa Rica itinerary, which includes 3 nights each in La Fortuna and Monteverde.

If you’re in Costa Rica for less than a week, then it will be hard to fit them both in, or to have enough time to really enjoy them both. let’s help you choose between the two.

So, let’s jump in – choosing between Monteverde and La Fortuna

Monteverde vs La Fortuna

Here is a table to highlight what Monteverde has available to tourists, and what they lack in to help you make your decision

A few notes about the above table:

• Monteverde technically has some nearby hot springs, but they aren’t easily accessible. It’s not like La Fortuna where you can easily pay an entrance fee and visit
• It’s not crazy difficult to get around Monteverde, but since it’s in the mountains (4,600 ft above sea level) the terrain is very hilly. Walking around the main town can be a workout because of the inclines, and if you’re driving you need to be prepared for a lot of hilly, rocky dirt roads.

It goes without saying that La Fortuna is a little bit more ‘built up’ and tourist-friendly. There’s enough to do there to keep you busy for up to a week.

Monteverde has less things to do, and is harder to get to (and around) but the scenery makes the trip worth it.

What You’ll Find in Both, Monteverde and La Fortuna

Don’t let any of these factors sway your decision because you can find great opportunities for all of the following in Monteverde and La Fortuna. There are hundreds of tours, for all age groups in both locations

Here are the great things that you can find in both Costa Rican towns:

• Family-owned chocolate and coffee farms
• Great hiking in the rainforest (daytime and nighttime)
• Zip-lining
• Hanginging suspension bridges in the jungle
• Sloth and butterfly sanctuaries
• Waterfalls
• Lots of wildlife
• Shops that sell authentic Costa Rican souvenirs
• Good restaurants (some of which are catered to a Western audience, and some Costa Rican soda restaurants) However, there are MORE restaurants in La Fortuna, because it’s a bigger town
• A range of accommodations, from budget to luxury; including family-friendly hotels

What You’ll ONLY Find in La Fortuna

If any of these things really spark your interest, then maybe La Fortuna is the one for you.

✅Over a dozen hot springs (Monteverde doesn’t have hot springs)
✅La Fortuna is much easier to get to, and around than Monteverde
✅A volcano which can be seen from many places in town, as long as it’s a sunny day
✅Most of the hotels in La Fortuna have pools. (It’s hard to find accommodation with a pool in Monteverde)
✅White Water Rafting
✅ Hot weather. It’s doesn’t often get hot in Monteverde, because of how high in elevation it is. (We wore long sleeves every evening we were there, even in March.)
✅Nightlife – head to La Fortuna Pub or Voodoo Bar

What La Fortuna Lacks

To be honest, La Fortuna doesn’t lack anything. It has lots of activities and things to do, lots of nature-based excursions, nightlife, a variety of food options, and very accommodating locals; the majority of which speak English.

This is why for most travellers, I’d recommend choosing La Fortuna over Monteverde.

The one thing to keep in mind about La Fortuna is that while the volcano views are really stunning, it’s only really visible on a clear day. For our first two days in La Fortuna, it was cloudy and we couldn’t see the volcano at all. We were so happy that the clouds parted on our 3rd day and we could finally see it.

What You’ll ONLY Find in Monteverde

✅ The ‘up in the mountains’ landscape
✅ The largest cloud forest in the world.
✅ Monteverde has their own brewing company (perfect if you want to sample locally brewed Costa Rican beers)
✅ A very small (but touristy) mountain town
✅ Much cooler weather. It generally doesn’t go above 28°C (82°F)

*Monteverde has one of the only cloud forests left in the world. There are others in Costa Rica, but the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most famous

What Monteverde lacks

If the below things are important to you, then it’s worth knowing that Monteverde isn’t the best place to find them

• A variety of food options. There is food, but far fewer options than La Fortuna. If you’re a foodie this wouldn’t be the place to get the best experience
• Nightlife. There are a couple of places, but it is mostly a quiet town, especially in the evenings -evenings are also very chilly, even in the dry seasons
• Swimming pools. Most hotels don’t have swimming pools
• Beaches (but then again, so does La Fortuna)

Which is Better For….?

Depending on your situation or your style of travel, it’s likely that you may prefer one over the other.

• Families with school-age kids – Both of Monteverde and La Fortuna are incredible for families in Costa Rica with school age kids. Monteverde has Selvatura Park, which is fantastic for older kids – sloth sanctuary, butterfly sanctuary, and zip-lining on site, plus a huge gift shop.
  
• Families with babies or toddlers – La Fortuna is likely a little easier in Costa Rica with a baby, but by no means is Monteverde undoable with babies and toddlers. We brought our 8-month-old to Monteverde and had a great time. One plus about Monteverde is that since it’s cooler, there are fewer insects than in La Fortuna
  
• Couples on a romantic getaway – both La Fortuna and Monteverde are great for honeymooners and couples travelling. They both have high-end, luxury places to stay. The one thing to keep in mind, similar to with families, is that Monteverde won’t have as many swimming pools

• Budget OR luxury travellers– both Monteverde and La Fortuna have budget options, and luxury accommodations with spa treatments, elaborate buffets and prime jungle views. In terms of food, La Fortuna has more budget places to eat (Soda restaurants) than Monteverde

• Senior travellers – I’ve seen seniors in both Monteverde and La Fortuna, so both are excellent. Because of the hills, and the more challenging driving, La Fortuna is probably a bit easier. Seniors with a good physical fitness level and outdoorsy nature will probably really appreciate Monteverde

Which is More Touristy?

Both Monteverde and La Fortuna are very touristy. If you come to Costa Rica during high season, between December and April, then you’ll see lots of visitors at both locations.

You should also book accommodations and tours at either in advance (especially if you’re coming during Christmas break, or the typical spring break) because they can fill up.

both locations have many restaurants and accommodations that are set up to cater to a Western clientele, and you will likely see other tourists regardless of what time of year you come.

Best Things to Do in Monteverde and La Fortuna

Why I Prefer Monteverde

I said earlier that the choice between Monteverde and La Fortuna is a matter of personal preference, and it really is.

I loved Monteverde the most because I enjoyed sitting up in the mountains, feeling remote.

When I think back to our time in Costa Rica, it was that Airbnb in the mountains we stayed in that really sticks with me. It was one of the most beautiful Air Bnbs I’ve ever stayed at.

I loved sitting on the balcony, admiring the view of the mountain peaks in the distance.

If you’d like to check out the AirBnb in Monteverde that I liked so much, here is the link. However, there are many others like it, if you find it booked up.

Unless what I described above really resonates with you, then you may prefer La Fortuna.

And don’t get me wrong – La Fortuna is beautiful as well. I loved how everywhere you went, you could see the Arenal Volcano.

Best Places to Stay in Monteverde and La Fortuna

Here are some of the best places you can stay in Monteverde vs La Fortuna according to budget!

Choosing Between Monteverde vs La Fortuna FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about choosing between Monteverde vs La Fortuna

Is it better to stay in La Fortuna or Monteverde?

Both La Fortuna and Monteverde are great places to stay in – it’s a matter of preference which one you’ll find better. La Fortuna is a bit easier to navigate, and has more activities, while Monteverde (which means “green mountain”) is high in the mountains.

What is the difference between Arenal and Monteverde?

Arenal is a volcano located just outside of La Fortuna, a tourist town in Costa Rica. Monteverde is another tourist town in Costa Rica, located about a 3-4 hour drive from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano.

How many days are there between La Fortuna and Monteverde?

You need to allocate at least 4 days to see both La Fortuna and Monteverde, if you want to see them both. however, it may be more enjoyable to spend those 4 days in one of these towns rather than rushing to squeeze them both in.

Is Monteverde, Costa Rica worth visiting?

Monteverde Costa Rica is absolutely worth visiting. It has a different vibe from the rest of Costa Rica, because of it’s elevation level. It’s a small town, but with a lot of nature, outdoor adventure and farm-based things to do around it. There are some incredible accommodations with amazing views of mountains and jungle

Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Monteverde and La Fortuna

I hope that this article has given you the information you need to choose between Monteverde vs La Fortuna. They are both amazing places to visit, with many similarities but some differences that may make the decision much clearer for you.

Some people want to ‘see everything’ and squeeze both places into a short itinerary -and you can do that. but it may be more fun and enjoyable to choose one, and spend more time there. It gives you more time to experience the best of one place, rather than spending your time rushing around. Ultimately, it could give you an extra full day of travel.

Regardless of what you decide, I hope that this article made the choice between La Fortuna and Monteverde much more clear for you. Buen Viaje!