How to Get From San Jose to La Fortuna

When it comes to traveling sustainably, travelers often think about the obvious tropes of green travel, such as traveling in eco-friendly vehicles and avoiding the use of plastic water bottles. But there are more ways to reduce a carbon footprint and become a responsible traveler. Welcome to Costa Rica, home to the world’s most enthusiastic tree planters and one of the first countries in the world to promote responsible travel. Costa Rica knew about eco-tourism even before it was cool, so take notes! This country is serious about its efforts for sustainability. Eco-tourism in Costa Rica doesn't just mean staying in eco-lodges and taking nature walks in its conservation areas, but also supporting local farmers growing indigenous plants or whale watching through tour operators that support marine conservation. While the rest of the world looks for ways to undo the damage it has done to the environment, this Central American destination is already ten steps ahead. En route to becoming the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, this vibrant destination with a flourishing democracy utilizes eco-tourism to supercharge its economy. If you’re out to experience eco-tourism while on a trip to Costa Rica, you’re in for a treat — there are so many ways to travel sustainably in this gorgeous slice of Central American paradise! Listed here are ten of our favorites.

Costa Rica boasts diverse rainforests, dramatic volcanoes and some of the world's most beautiful beaches. With five percent of the world's biodiversity, it's no surprise this tiny country is a pioneer of eco-tourism. If you’re looking for sustainable places to stay when on a Costa Rica trip, there is a wide range of options. From working farms where you can see sustainability in practice to eco-luxe resorts where you can enjoy an indulgent break, there are lots of places where you can rest your head without harming the planet. Eco-lodges in Costa Rica can vary in terms of price and amenities. To help you choose something that suits you and your budget, here is a selection of the best sustainable stays the country has to offer.

The rain-forested canopies and the remarkable volcanic terrain of Costa Rica are amazing to behold, but these regions offer more than just paradisiacal tourist spots. From the cloud forest highlands down to the coastal towns, guests can revel in the country’s delicious cuisine that proudly displays its Caribbean and Latino roots. To satisfy your sense of taste, we bring you the best Costa Rican food you absolutely must try while on a trip to Costa Rica.

Lush rainforest, mountain streams loaded with natural geothermal springs and an active volcano, this is what travellers to Arenal Volcano National Park will be thrilled to see. Throw in some stellar wildlife from three-toed sloths to howler monkeys to hundreds of bird species and you might just think you found paradise. Arenal Volcano National Park is a special place to visit on a Costa Rica trip and this destination can make many of your adventure dreams come true. Choosing the right environment to holiday in is important and finding the perfect hotel in Arenal is easier than you thought. There are plenty of choices from hostels to luxury resorts and everything in between that can fit into any traveller’s budget. It should come as no surprise that you are thinking about where to stay in Arenal. We have pared down your selection to the six best Arenal hotels that fits every budget.

Costa Rica is well-known as the 'treasure' for travel in Central America, and with good reason. Few other destinations pack in quite so much in so little area. Costa Rica tours cover the slopes of the Arenal Volcano to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula as well as the wetlands of Tortuguero National Park. The only difficulty in planning a trip to Costa Rica is managing to fit in all the things to do! Let us help with this guide to planning the perfect Costa Rica escape!

In recent years, Costa Rica has established itself as one of the world's great destinations, offering the ultimate blend of stunning scenery, rich culture, and legendary hospitality. Adventure tourists and eco-tourists alike are enthralled by this small country's range of activities, sights, and attractions, not to mention its excellent infrastructure and delicious cuisine. From the mighty Arenal volcano to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, there is no shortage of action and adventure! That said, traveling to any developing country can bring its own challenges, and Costa Rica is no exception. As such, we’ve put together our very best Costa Rica travel tips to help you get to the very most out of your Costa Rica tour.

As the capital city and home to the country’s main international airport, San Jose is often the starting and ending point for a visit to Costa Rica. That said, once travelers have discovered the charm of the historic city centre, many of the best sites are still to be found in the wider region, so it’s well worth exploring further afield. If you are planning to stay a few days in San Jose, here’s our pick of the 11 best day trips from San Jose in Costa Rica.

Located in the very heart of Costa Rica, the bustling and vibrant capital city San Jose opens up like a surprise gift if you know where to look! The warm climate, bustling activities, friendly locals, rich culture, and spectacular Victorian mansions make San Jose a popular tourist attraction to visit on a tour in Costa Rica. If you ever plan on visiting this melting pot of culture and urbanization, read our brilliant list of things to do in San Jose, listed here in no particular order.

Colourful, vibrant and cosmopolitan, the bustling capital of San Jose is one of the main arrival points for visitors on a tour to Costa Rica and a highlight of many people’s visit. Whether spending time exploring the city or simply passing through on your way to one of the country’s stunning beaches or national parks, a good night’s sleep is vital for getting the most from your trip. To help you on your way, here’s our pick of some of the very best hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Central Costa Rica’s famous La Fortuna waterfall is located on the outskirts of La Fortuna village in Arenal Volcano National Park. Meaning ‘the fortune’ in Spanish, the waterfall and ecological reserve is the area’s best-kept secret. The crystalline water of the Arenal River tumbles from a height of 70 – 75 meters over the cliff to form this beautiful waterfall. Located on the slopes of the dormant Arenal volcano, La Fortuna carries waters from the rainforests of the Arenal Mountain ranges. Visiting La Fortuna waterfall is a must for anyone on a Costa Rica tour, especially for those who love nature and want to breathe the fresh mountain air. The spectacular waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and iconic Costa Rican wildlife including toucans and monkeys. The area is well-maintained by the town of La Fortuna and has a parking lot, restrooms, cafe, and gift shop at the top of the waterfall. There is also an orchid trail and butterfly garden within the reserve. Here is everything you need to know about the falls, including how to reach the waterfall ecological reserve and things to do in the area.

Costa Rica — the Rich Coast — is awash with phenomenal beaches, and those on the Pacific Ocean at Santa Teresa are no exception. Located at Nicoya Peninsula in the Puntarenas province, the surf here attracts board-lovers from across the globe, and its white sand beaches fringed by tropical jungle are more than just a place to catch some rays. Lacking any high-rise buildings, Santa Teresa maintains an under-the-radar feel while upholding the quintessential image of unspoiled central American beaches. Having said that, the lure of the surf means the town’s main drag in Santa Teresa has a good choice of restaurants and accommodation, which ranges from the budget to the sublime.

For years, La Fortuna in Costa Rica has been one of the top tourist destinations. It is the hub of outdoor adventuring with its impressive landscape and variety of activities. In this natural oasis, anyone can find plenty of options to satiate their need for excitement or rejuvenation. Enjoy this guide detailing our recommendations on things to do in La Fortuna. For a more general guide on the country, read through our recommendations on things to do in Costa Rica.