Urban Centers: La Fortuna

About the town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

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La Fortuna is about 10 kilometers from the peak of the Arenal volcano, and less than 20 kilometers from the entrance to state park by the same name. La Fortuna translated means ‘The Fortune”. It was once thought that that name came from the fact that the town rests just at the base of the Arenal Volcano and has yet to be seriously effected by it’s constant eruptions. But fact is that the name pay homage to the fertile lands that surround it. It was originally called El Burio when it was founded in the mid 1930’s. This area is teaming with wildlife, varying eco systems and terrain and lots and lots of things to do. The area is vastly visited through sparsely populated with a total of 15,383 inhabitants. A large eruption of the Arenal Volcano in 1968 caused 82 deaths an d extensive damage, but still did not effect La Fortuna, but it did change the geography of whole region. Since then, La Fortuna is one of the most visited destinations in the country.

La Fortuna Church Volcano.jpegProvince: Alajuela
Amenities: 4 Stars
Infrastructure: 3 Stars
Nearest City: Liberia (90 minute drive)
Nearest Airport: Liberia (90 minute drive)
Nearest Hospital: Liberia CIMA (90 minute drive)

One of the most popular features of La Fortuna, other than the volcano that looms in the distance, is the La Fortuna waterfall, which is 70 meters high and was created by the eruption of another volcano 3,500 years ago. This area is very popular with adventure seekers, naturists, back packers and hikers and climbers. And every other activity can be had from white water rafting, the horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking or ATV’ing to name only a few. Also popular with visitors and a product of the volatile geography are the natural hot springs that can be found throughout the area.

The climate of La Fortuna not vary greatly as you can barely notice the passing of the 4 seasons. The only discernible difference ‘seasons’ is the wet season and dry season. La Fortuna is served by a medical clinic, veterinary clinic, dentist, police station, gas station, 3 banks, 3 groceries, and lots of restaurants and hotels for travelers. The international airport is in Liberia as well as the new CIMA hospital and that’s only an hour’s drive away.


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Costa Rica Real Estate For Sale: La Fortuna, Alajuela