Everything you need to know for your trip to the La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio areas of Costa Rica, from activity recommendations to accommodations, local eats, how to book and more! ✈️🇨🇷🦥
•Manuel Antonio Eats, Places to Stay, & Things to Do
•Travel from Manuel Antonio to SJO
How to Book
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Our team of travel planners specializes in curating customized travel itineraries with connections to the best hotels, tour companies, and travel partners around the globe. They take our time to get to know their clients and work with you to create a unique trip that takes into account your interests, budget, and any special requests to make your dream trip a reality. Click the link to get a free quote ⬇️
Location, location and location – There are two main airports in Costa Rica (SJO & LIR) that you will see when searching for flights. Depending on where you’re headed, one airport may be better than the other. In this guide, we will be visiting the areas of La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio so SJO will be the best option.
For the Caribbean, Central Pacific and all of southern Costa Rica SJO is your best option.
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Once you land in Costa Rica, you will clear customs, grab your bags, & head either to your rental car, hotel transportation, or the international terminal to hop on a charter plane. Let's explore the options:
Car Rentals
Renting a car in Costa Rica is the best way to explore. You can get off the beaten path and have the freedom to do what you want when you want. Surprisingly, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and the rental car prices are reasonable. I recommend asking your travel planner to bundle your package with car rental to make things easier.
Once you grab your bags, you'll head toward the exit & you'll find a hall with all of the car rental companies. Find your company, (we used AVIS which was outside the terminal) and get all checked in. Visit our blog to read more on everything you need to know about renting a car in Costa Rica:
From SJO, La Fortuna is about a 2.5 hour drive (without traffic). I suggest grabbing a few snacks & water before hitting the road.
Hotel Transportation
When booking a package through a travel planner, they will most likely offer to add on private transportation to & from your resort. You can then taxi if you need to go off-resort during your stay.
As the name suggests, private transportation ensures privacy during the journey, allowing you to travel exclusively with you group, friends, or family without having to share the vehicle with strangers.
In a shuttle, La Fortuna is about a 3 hour drive (without traffic).
Charter Planes
Chartering a plane might sound like something only the rich and famous would consider but in the right circumstances I recommend it as an easy, convenient, fast and surprisingly affordable way to get around Costa Rica. I have seen one way flights (that would normally be a 5+ hour drive) for as low as $150/person!
There are approximately twice as many airstrips where charter flights can land than airports and landing strips that are served by commercial flights so there may also be one closer to where you’re headed. Definitely consider this option & mention it to your travel planner when you book.
From SJO to the nearest
Travel from SJO to La Fortuna
Compared to all the other ways to get from San Jose to La Fortuna, driving is the fastest way. The drive time from San Jose to La Fortuna takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions in San Jose. The traffic from San Jose to La Fortuna is usually better in the mid-mornings, except on Saturdays when many locals travel to La Fortuna to spend the day at the hot springs. I recommend adding 30 to 60 minutes to the estimated driving time the GPS device/app gives you.
On our first stop, we will be heading to La Fortuna. An area famously known for the Arenal Volcano providing a gorgeous backdrop and can been seen from almost every vantage point. I chose this as our first stop because it is a destination loved by all travelers as it truly has something for everyone.
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La Fortuna Eats
The restaurants on this list are located either in the city center, close to the city center, or along the main road between the hot springs and Arenal National Park and La Fortuna center.
#1 Best place for Coffee and Breakfast in La Fortuna!
We ordered the Monkey Business Iced Coffee, a Bacon Breakfast Burrito & Gallo Pinto with eggs (our favorite!) It’s a must-try! 👏🏻
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
About a block away from the main road, the open-air Soda La Hormiga serves tasty, loaded gallos, Costa Rica’s version of the taco, as well as hearty casados and plates of rice and beans with a choice of protein.
Pay special attention to their list of fruit drinks, including the rare chan, a chía like seed that turns red, Jello-like, and sweet when soaked.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
This isn't you typical Rainforest Cafe. Located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, Rain Forest offers a wide array of food options for all tastes. They have a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating and a waitstaff that is friendly and eager to serve guests.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
One of the biggest factors in deciding on a hotel in La Fortuna is location. If you do not plan to have a rental car, you will need to rely on taxis or the bus to get around. And because things are more spread out in this area, many people find it easiest to stay in the downtown. This is where most restaurants, shops, and other amenities are located.
If you will have a car, you will have more flexibility. Many of the best choices for lodging are outside the main area of town on the road leading to Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This is where you will find lush rainforest and some fantastic volcano views. Let's dive in ⬇️
A great Costa Rica vacation is waiting for you in a hot springs hotel featuring a really big natural outdoor area, which is both the largest piece of land among hotels in the zone and the very next to Arenal Volcano itself!, with an unique and wide range of services and facilities for the enjoyment of the volcano spectacular closest safe view, Costa Rica culture, people and cuisine, as well as the tropical rainforest flora & fauna. All in one place at Los Lagos, Hotel Spa & Resort!
Enjoy the most plentiful breakfast, including Costa Rican "gallo pinto", you may ever have. You can find pleasure and fun at the pool & hot springs hotel facilities; and relax, health & beauty at the Spa Resort. So be happy and let the natural hot springs by the Arenal volcano internal healthy energy & minerals complements all of your activities.
Just a few miles outside of La Fortuna, and sitting pretty at the base of Arenal Volcano, Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience is removed enough to give a feeling of quiet seclusion, and yet close enough to all of the area activities, restaurants, nightlife, and beauty, to offer the fun, excitement and discovery that this popular Costa Rica vacation destination has to offer.
Within the resort, couples, families and groups of friends alike will find all they need to enjoy the perfect Costa Rica travel experience. With its rustic, yet clean and modern vibe, lush botanic gardens, locally sourced wood finishings, river stones, and traditional Costa Rican food, those visiting Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience will delight in a truly authentic Costa Rican experience.
Lost Iguana is a more affordable high-end resort in the Arenal area. The resort is located outside town near Mistico Hanging Bridges and has nice views of the volcano.
With romantic suites as well as rooms that can be connected, it is a good option for both couples and families. The property is built into the hillside and has two pools, one regular and one heated (not hot-spring fed).
Because this option is well outside town, it is best with a rental car.
Tabacon is one of the area’s most famous hotels. Its elaborate hot springs resort is a destination in itself for day visitors, but if you stay at the hotel, you can use the springs for free!
Tabacon has a variety of rooms. All are well equipped and modern, with A/C, cable TV, and a mini bar. It is located outside town on the road going to Lake Arenal, about 15 minutes away.
Because it is a resort, it also has a few restaurants/bars to choose from.
The most sought-after resort in La Fortuna is probably the Nayara Hotel and its luxe sister property, Nayara Springs. These eco-friendly boutique hotels have beautiful grounds, excellent food and service, and nice volcano views.
The Nayara Springs, where each villa has its own private plunge pool fed by hot springs, is the perfect getaway for couples.
Baldi Hot Springs Resort is located 8 minutes from La Fortuna Center situated at the base of the famous Arenal Volcano,
Baldi Hot Springs is 100% Natural, heated from a subterranean volcanic river 60 meters below the earth’s surface. These relaxing, clean, and bountiful thermal waters are rich in minerals and healing properties, helping vacationers detox from the build-up of stress and chemicals found in their daily lives.
Hot Springs are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, sit back relax, and enjoy the spectacular views while exploring the variety of pools ranging in temperature from 89 -152 degrees Fahrenheit (31-66 Celsius).
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La Fortuna Things to Do
La Fortuna is absolutely incredible, with lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and a literal volcano towering over it- is it any wonder the city’s name translates to “The Fortune”? So if you’re ready for outdoor adventure in nature’s most epic playground, buckle up- here’s 6 of the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica ⬇️
Looking to get your adrenaline pumping? There’s several rivers that flow through the jungles around La Fortuna, many of which boast thrilling white water rapids.
If you want to get in on the action, you can book a tour, ranging from Class I through Class IV rapids, where professional guides will lead you along the narrow curves of the river and down the exhilarating drops, all while pointing out the amazing flora and fauna you’ll see in the surrounding rainforest.
La Fortuna rose to fame due to its location by the stunning Arenal Volcano, which looms over the town. And thanks to Arenal’s geothermal energy, La Fortuna not only enjoys those sweet volcano views, but also plenty of cozy hot springs!
Featuring hot spring baths, sauna, massages services, luxury spa treatments and 5 swimming pools, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is 15 minutes’ drive from the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arrive early, stay late! Your wellness journey awaits you to discover the best Thermal Experience in Costa Rica, both, by day and night.
The day pass includes:
– Access to more than 20 natural pools and cascades from 10 am to 10 pm
– Welcome drink (non-alcoholic)
– Towel and locker
– Parking
The La Fortuna waterfall sits right outside of La Fortuna’s downtown and would be a quick bicycle ride from the main drag. You’ll hike down quite a bit of stairs (480, to be exact!) through a lush rainforest to reach the base of the waterfall, which towers 70 meters (229 feet) overhead.
You can either swim in the jade-colored pool at the base of the waterfall (although word of warning- it is quite strong and not for unconfident swimmers) or in the much calmer, beautiful springs downstream. I can’t imagine a more scenic place to splash around and cool down on a hot day under the Costa Rican sun.
Once you make the trek back up the stairs, there’s an orchid and butterfly garden for you to explore, as well as several viewpoints to take in the waterfall and the surrounding jungle.
Entrance fee and operating hours: La Fortuna Waterfall is open from 7 AM to 5 PM everyday and costs $18 per person. In my opinion, the price is a bit steep, but between the stellar scenery and the fact that the money is reinvested into conservation of the waterfall preserve, I think it’s worth it.
Canyoning is one of those lucky sports that focus more on the aesthetics of the view and the fun than pure difficulty. Occasionally called canyoneering in the United States, the controlled descent requires no previous experience to enjoy. From the top of a canyon cliff, you’ll get the best view for miles around before rappelling down sheer rock face and waterfalls for a closer look.
While canyoning might be popular the world over, waterfall rappelling is only possible in places like Costa Rica, where rainforest waterfalls create stunning views and a way to truly get your heart pumping!
Even if you’re not a fan of heights, how often do you get the chance to waterfall rappel into a crystal-clear pool in the middle of an untouched rainforest?
For yet another breathtaking perspective of the jungle, stop by Mistico Hanging Bridges. Within the park, you’ll wind along a 2.7 km (1.7 miles) trail through the dense forest and across six hanging bridges floating amongst the treetops. You’ll get incredible views of the rainforest throughout the park- from the enormous leaves dangling right overhead on the bridge to the jungle floor up to 45 meters (or 148 feet) below!
You also have a chance of seeing wildlife here, like howler monkeys, sloths, and even tarantulas- while we unfortunately saw very little critters during our visit, we could hear the beautiful sounds of wildlife all around us!
Entrance fee and operating hours: Tickets into Mistico Hanging Bridges start at $26/person and the park is open every day from 6 AM to 4 PM.
The Arenal Volcano is what originally put La Fortuna on the map- in fact, up until 2010, the volcano was constantly smoking! Nowadays, the volcano lays dormant and is almost always partially occluded by clouds - but it’s absolutely still worth exploring.
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Travel from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio
Driving is the fastest way to get from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio by land, which will take between 4 and 5 hours. A more precise estimate will depend on the traffic conditions and your experience driving around the country. On average, tourists take 6 hours from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. I recommend adding 30 to 90 minutes to the estimated driving time the GPS device/app gives you.
Our next stop is beautiful Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a popular coastal village surrounded by lush jungle and pristine white sand beaches. Manuel Antonio National Park was named one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you can spot wild sloths, snakes, frogs, monkeys, and much more wildlife. The village is basically one 6 km long vibrant road on a hilly area with many fantastic restaurants and shops tucked away in the greens of the jungle.
Cafe Milagro is a longtime favorite in Manuel Antonio. Milagro specializes in gourmet coffee and roasts its own beans, but it’s also a wonderful spot for a meal.
For breakfast, head to their lush outdoor dining area for an omelet or banana pancakes. For dinner, savor one of their meat or fish dishes and enjoy live music while sipping a local craft beer. Open all three meals. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.
If you’re wondering why a US military plane sits as if it crashed into the hillside of Manuel Antonio, you’re not alone. The story behind El Avion can be found on the back of their menu and reading it is a good excuse to sit down for some good food and drink.
Before you leave, make sure to take some selfies in the plane’s cockpit, which is also the bar. This is the perfect place for the whole family, with a large menu and kid-friendly options.
Quepos has many casual sodas (local restaurants) to choose from that will give you a taste of the culture. But for the best typical Costa Rican cuisine, we recommend Soda Sanchez. This simple restaurant has delicious food at a very affordable price.
Restaurante Buena Vista Plus is true to its name and located right on Playa Espadilla, the main beach in Manuel Antonio. From your table on the sand, you can take in the ocean breeze while sipping a fruity cocktail.
The restaurant is run by friendly locals who will make sure you have a good time and get a great meal. They’re open for all 3 meals a day or you can just grab a drink at the outdoor rancho.
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Manuel Antonio Places to Stay
Manuel Antonio is one of the best places in Costa Rica for wildlife watching and birding – and when you consider that Costa Rica is incomparable for both those activities, you understand why Manuel Antonio was rated by National Geographic as one of the “most biologically intense places on earth.”
Costa Rica’s favorite national park, Manuel Antonio National Park, is located and named after this slice of heaven on the Pacific that contains three of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the entirety of the country. Let's dive in ⬇️
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel services offered by Shana by the Beach make it an ideal choice for your stay in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
The family resort’s enchanting surroundings, comfort, thoughtful touches, and personalized service sets it apart from any other hotel, allowing you to feel like being at home from your very first steps into the family resort.
Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve, located in Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica, is a 5 star Eco-friendly and adults only resort. Enjoy a tropical luxurious getaway in a spectacular exotic location, this is Gaia Hotel & Reserve. They have managed to achieve an ideal blend of modern amenities and natural scenery for you to enjoy.
Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is a 38-room beachfront resort set within an 11-acre private nature reserve overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park. It was the first Costa Rican luxury hotel to receive the Five Sustainability Leaf Award.
The resort caters to Manuel Antonio’s most luxurious and eco-conscious travelers. Arenas del Mar has led the way in the area of sustainability and is a carbon-neutral property.
Nestled in the lush rainforest overlooking the shoreline of Manuel Antonio, Tulemar Resort is the ultimate in vacation luxury. The resort is set amid the 33-acre gated Tulemar Gardens property, which includes access to an exclusive sandy beach. Only a five-minute walk or golf cart ride away, the protected bay is perfect for swimming!
Guests can take advantage of all sorts of water activities. kayaks, beach toys, lounge chairs, and snorkeling equipment are all available for your exclusive use.
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park: one of the world’s best national parks famed for its many animals and biodiversity. At the same time, it’s the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but you can spend an entire day here. The many well-indicated trails through the park are easy to follow and range from 1 to 9 km in length.
Take a guided tour in Manuel Antonio National Park because it allows you to spot so many more animals. The guide will also have a monocular, giving you a better close-up view. Your entrance ticket and parking should be included in the ticket price when booking a guided tour.
Playa Espadilla Norte is the main public beach of Manuel Antonio, and it’s the extension of Espadilla South inside the national park. It’s another stunning beach with many trees for shade, and even though you’re not inside the national park, you will still see wildlife like Iguanas on the beach. Spend a magical sunset at Espadilla or take some surf lessons because it’s excellent for beginners!
The Nauyaca Waterfall is the most beautiful in Costa Rica. At Nauyaca, there are two enormously powerful waterfalls on different levels with natural swimming pools. There are two entrances and multiple ways to get down to the waterfall.
It’s about 1.5 – 2 hours away, making it a perfect to do from Manuel Antonio. Depart as early as possible from Manuel Antonio to avoid the crowds at the waterfalls,
Explore the jungle at night when the temperature drops and nocturnal animals make their appearances. On this nighttime jungle walk, you’re picked up from Quepos or Manuel Antonio and taken to a protected jungle area nearby. Spend about 1.5 hours taking an easy hike through the jungle at night, when it’s filled with the sounds of insects and frogs, and nocturnal snakes, insects, tree frogs, and mammals come out.
The ATV tour is definitely an experience that we all want to enjoy while we are on vacation in the Manuel Antonio Park area. It is always good to have a bit of adrenaline after having done some educational and nature tours. The ATV tour combines adventure with nature because on this memorable adventure, they will take you to one of the most impressive rainforests of the Manuel Antonio Park area.
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Travel from Manuel Antonio to SJO
Manuel Antonio is 156 kilometers (97 miles) from San Jose International Airport. This drive takes around 3.5 hours one way on mostly flat highways. I recommend adding 30 to 90 minutes to the estimated driving time the GPS device/app gives you.
Additional Info:
Travel Insurance:
A lot of people weigh the additional expense and ask, “Is travel insurance worth it?” My answer is an all-caps YES.
My name is Kyla (“Daisy” is my middle name) and I am the travel obsessed gen-z traveler behind Kyla Daisy Travels. I started my full blown travel obsession in 2018 after my first trip to Europe. I was already an avid Disney lover, & traveled for Christmas, but this was different. I knew I had to do whatever I could to ditch my 9-5 & start something that allows me to travel wherever & whenever I want.
This is when I started as a freelance social media manager specializing in travel. I worked my butt off & now 6 years later, I am a work-from-anywhere 25 year old who posts fun videos for a travel agency & has visited 27 countries & I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I am so excited that you're along for the ride!
