La Fortuna

Where to stay

Most budget hostels sit within a block or two of Parque Central and the main strip along Calle 472. That puts you walking distance from tour desks, sodas, and the bus stop, without paying the premium of the resort corridor stretching west toward the lake.

Getting around

• The public bus from San José's Terminal 7-10 (Calle 12, Avenida 7-9) runs twice daily for a few dollars. The tourist shuttles do the same route for many times more.
• Free hot springs exist at the Río Cholín pullout roughly 2km west of town on the road toward Nuevo Arenal. Find the bridge, look for the path down. Skip the paid resort entry fees unless you want towels and a swim-up bar.
• The La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata del Río Fortuna) charges a small entrance fee but the trail is worth it. Go before 9am to beat tour groups and get parking easily if you rent a bike from town.

When to go

May through October is the rainy season and the cheapest window, sometimes 30% below high-season rates. December through April fills up fast, and Easter week (Semana Santa) is the tightest stretch of all.