When deciding what to include on your Costa Rica itinerary, chances are Monteverde or La Fortuna are on your list of places to go. These two destinations are among the most popular in the country, and their mountainous terrain and abundance of outdoor adventure activities cause many visitors to compare them. I visited both, and can give some insight on which one to pick if it’s still a toss-up for you:
Monteverde Highlights
It’s more affordable
This might be a controversial opinion, but Monteverde is cheaper than La Fortuna when you consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, and food. I found a very affordable accommodation in Monteverde that was just a quick bus ride from the town center and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You can save money by taking the bus back and forth, without needing to splurge on a rental car to get from place to place. I also noticed that the prices at restaurants were slightly lower in Monteverde than La Fortuna, although not by much.
When it comes to the price of activities, both Monteverde or La Fortuna can be expensive. It all depends on what you’re looking for, but overall I thought Monteverde had more budget-friendly options, like visiting the Orchid Gardens or the Sloth Sanctuary as opposed to the pricier white-water rafting and rappelling that are more popular in La Fortuna.
It has the best birdwatching
I’m not much of a birdwatcher myself, but spotting so many rare and beautiful species in Monteverde made me want to take it up as a hobby. From colorful quetzales to spooky-looking owls, I saw all kinds of birds in Monteverde. This isn’t to say I didn’t see any in La Fortuna, but I did notice quite a difference between the two, with more of a variety of birds in Monteverde.
Many interesting species of birds are best viewed at night, so I recommend joining a Cloud Forest Night Walking Tour. Even if you weren’t super into the birds, the night tour is great for seeing other critters like frogs, spiders, snakes, and more.
The weather is cooler
After being on the beach in Manuel Antonio, I was excited to trade my bikini for some leggings and a rain jacket. Monteverde was the coldest place I visited in Costa Rica, with chilly evenings dipping into the low 60s. I loved the moody, foggy weather and the excuse to huddle in the blankets at night, but if you are hoping for a warmer getaway, this might not be your cup of tea.
It’s more laid-back
Since Monteverde is slightly less touristy than…
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