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La Fortuna, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#930
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Fortuna is a small town located near Arenal Volcano, known for its beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and adventure activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC; ATMs widely available, and major credit cards commonly accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but filtered water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Kolbi and Claro, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica; digital banks like Revolut also accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to hostels and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely at many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Fortuna, with dorms starting around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The downtown area near Arenal Lake, close to various attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residential areas such as El Castillo or nearby towns like Manoa for quieter settings. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina La Fortuna, a popular choice with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafecito, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | La Fortuna Expat Community on Facebook for local gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in La Fortuna, providing convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops like Arenal Adventure offer bike and scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jacó Beach, approximately 2.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa and Nature Air for short domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines and American Airlines serve Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 142 connects La Fortuna to San José and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is limited train service; buses are the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; buses operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to San José and Monteverde regularly available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital La Fortuna, providing basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Spirit of Aloha and Arenal Yoga offer classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Arenal Fitness Center offers basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Fortuna provides washing and drying services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional dish with rice, beans, salad, and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Treehouse Restaurant offers various vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Fortuna Bakery, known for its pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as the Feria del Agricultor, for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping via Amazon and local sites like OLX. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Super La Fortuna offers online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Main street has several bars like Lava Lounge for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica Craft Brewing Company, offering local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar La Gata, a cozy spot for drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the park offer snacks like churros and ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta at La Fornace, a local favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Arenal Eco Zoo provides insight into local wildlife. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Arenal Volcano lookout point offers historical context and beautiful views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Fortuna, a charming local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Arenal Volcano Festival celebrated in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown La Fortuna features local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local festivals often held at Parque Central. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Feria del Agricultor market open every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events at various local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around downtown La Fortuna showcasing local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered by Arenal Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists displayed at various coffee shops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial homes in downtown La Fortuna. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural traditions surrounding the Arenal Volcano and indigenous influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | La Fortuna is surrounded by lush rainforests and rivers for hiking and exploring. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Arenal Volcano National Park and Tenorio National Park are nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Mountain biking trails and nature paths through the rainforest. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Arenal Observatory Lodge offers stunning views of the volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Arenal Volcano National Park is renowned for birdwatching, including toucans and sloths. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at local campsites like Volcano Lodge. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repairs, such as Arenal Tech. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local parks have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes available at Centro de Idiomas La Fortuna. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community center has a small library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Center offers various recreational activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; most gaming done at home or coffee shops. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; gambling is generally small-scale and regulated. |
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. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% rate applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Costa Rican-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with implications for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1.25% annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica offers various benefits for temporary residents, including no capital gains tax for certain investments. |