Monterverde Costa Rica Attractions

In the shadow of the towering Arenal Volcano is the quaint town of La Fortuna. La Fortuna is a great spot for tourists who want to explore the Alajuela province of northern Costa Rica. Dams, bridges, Tabacon Hot springs, waterfalls, and the classic Costa Rica canopy tour all lie within easy reach of this town. The Nicoya Peninsula and the Monteverde Cloud Forest National Park make great Costa Rica destinations from this point.

There are things to do within the La Fortuna itself, so its worth exploring for a couple days before you set off for other Costa Rica adventure tours. Next to the bullring, there's a farmers market every Friday afternoon. Locals come to buy herbs, meat, cheeses, baked goods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Overall, La Fortuna Costa Rica a relaxed friendly town, a place where the locals will flag you down as you drive past to let you know the road ahead is washed out. They'll let you know where the main Costa Rica events are, the religious processions, and a two week festival that takes place every February.

To the north and east of La Fortuna Costa Rica is an observatory at Los Lagos where you can see the flowing lava of the Arenal Volcano. Further to the west is the Arenal National park, which is on the edge of Lake Arenal. Hanging bridges, the Arenal Dam, the sky tram, and the botanical garden are all other sights that make La Fortuna worth the visit.

Being set at a high elevation, you can visit the waterfall, which is just a few miles south of La Fortuna and can be easily reached on foot.

The Venado caves, also south of La Fortuna, is suggested to explored with a guide, although you are free to enter them alone. The cool temperatures are created by the lack of sunlight combined with the ever-present water that flows through. Bats and spiders live in the caves, but these are negligible hazards compared to the high waters that fills the caves during the rainy season, the time to avoid the caves altogether.

Take a one-hour drive south of Fortuna and you will reach the small village of Venado, about 7km south of La Fortuna. Follow the signs to the caves, which are located on private property. Obtain permission and pay a small entrance free to be admitted to the caves.

La Fortuna is at the heart of some of Costa Rica's most rugged and scenic terrain. You could easily arrive with no plans yet suddenly find yourself overwhelmed at the possibilities, which lie in every direction. You'll see just why this is a great town to visit during your Costa Rica vacation.

Related Costa Rica articles:
Arenal: Fire in the night sky
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park
Costa Rica Photo Gallery
Costa Rica National Parks