Costa Rica

Arenal Getting Around

Visitors to Arenal have several options in terms of transportation. Since many attractions are a 15-minute drive from town, most travelers rent a car, either in San Jose or La Fortuna, to access Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Lake and the area's hot springs. Travelers without a car should note that all tour operators offer transportation to and from your hotel to area attractions.

Arenal on Foot:

Located 11 miles east of Arenal Volcano, the town of La Fortuna is approximately seven blocks long and three blocks wide and easy to navigate on foot. The streets are pleasant for a stroll - restaurants, shops and Internet cafes line the blocks and a pretty central park offers shaded benches and a view of the volcano on clear days.

Bicycle and Scooter Rental:

Bicycles are an excellent way to get around the Arenal area, but be prepared for heavy traffic on the main road. To get your exercise fix, rent a bicycle from one of La Fortuna’s hotels, or head to Bike Arenal, an expert biking outfit located one block north and one block east of the central park. Well-maintained street or mountain bikes can be rented for about $20/day or $130/week.

Car Rental:

Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around La Fortuna. There are a few car rental companies in town, with prices comparable to those in San Jose or Liberia.

Taxi:

Taxis are plentiful in town and are an easy (but not cheap) way to get around. All taxis are equipped with a meter. For long distance hauls, it is better to negotiate a price with the driver beforehand, as the meter can really add up. Red Taxi Telephone: 2479-8522

Sample taxi fares from the center of town to nearby destinations:

Arenal Lake: $12

Arenal Volcano National Park: $12

Tabacon Hot Springs: $10

Nuevo Arenal: $40

Ciudad Quesada: $33

San Ramon: $65

Public Bus:

Though there is excellent public bus service for getting to and from La Fortuna, local bus service is infrequent and inconvenient for sightseeing. For those on a budget, pick a hotel in downtown La Fortuna, where lodging is within walking distance of many restaurants and other facilities. Additionally, most tour operators are based in La Fortuna, so instead of paying extra for hotel pickup, save a few dollars and walk to the tour offices.