La Fortuna, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Fortuna is a vibrant town located near Arenal Volcano, famous for its lush landscapes and adventure activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 15-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (CRC), 1 USD ≈ 580 CRC |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's advisable to use bottled water for sensitive stomachs |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Plug type A/B |
| 📶 SIM Card | Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar are popular mobile providers |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic; international banks like Citi also operate. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hostels to luxury hotels. Airbnb is popular for digital nomads. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is recommended for smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular platforms for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pangea offers dorms starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina La Fortuna offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Lava Lounge is renowned for its great coffee and friendly service. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community meetups can often be found via social media groups like Facebook's Expats in La Fortuna. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular trivia nights and language exchanges are held at local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, but local taxis are common as well. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals from Arenal Bikes & Tours offer bikes at around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Playa Flamingo, approximately 3 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air and Sansa Airlines provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines connect through San José. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 142 and Route 35 connects La Fortuna to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses are the primary transit method. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; pay per journey on local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from La Fortuna to San José take about 4 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Fortuna is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Sanctuary Spa & Yoga offers classes and wellness packages. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Centro de Fitness La Fortuna offers memberships at $30/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Hotel provides laundry services, or you can find laundromats nearby. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in La Fortuna. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional dish with rice, beans, salad, and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Leaf is a popular vegan restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream shop La Fortuna is famous for its artisanal flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and small grocery stores throughout La Fortuna offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Walmart Costa Rica's online store delivers to some areas. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Mas x Menos offers online grocery shopping options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Crazy Monkey bar is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica Craft Brewing Company offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Novillo Alegre serves good wine options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local bakery items and snacks at various stands around the town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta options are available at Lava Lounge. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Arenal Volcano National Park has visitor centers to learn about the area. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Church of La Fortuna, dating back to the 1930s. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Fortuna is a local notable church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | La Fortuna hosts an annual fair in July celebrating the town's founding. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the downtown area filled with local shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air performances are held at various local venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly farmers’ market features local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often have live music; check schedules for events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in various locations around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Fortuna Cooking Class offers traditional Costa Rican cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their work in small galleries around town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The original town square features colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region's native culture is celebrated through various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Chato and La Fortuna Waterfall provide stunning nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Arenal Volcano National Park is a major highlight. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple trails are available surrounding the volcano and waterfall. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador El Silencio offers breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Arenal Observatory Lodge is a prime birdwatching site. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches and some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica provides national and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer device repair; check with La Fortuna Computer Service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Languages schools offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers have spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de La Fortuna organizes cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafés may have access to gaming consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; however, game nights are popular at bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for companies in Costa Rica. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica has regulations for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 0.25% of the registered value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Ownership transfer tax of 2%. |