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La Fortuna Information
Geographical Location of the District of La Fortuna
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La Fortuna is located 253 meters above sea level. The northern limit borders the District of Venado, part of San Carlos County and the western limit borders Tilaran County and the Tronadora District of the Province of Guanacaste. The southern limit is the border with the Peñas Blancas District of San Ramon and the eastern limit borders Curtis and Florencia, both belonging to the Province of San Ramon. |
Historical Significance
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The first settlement of families in La Fortuna took place in 1914 and 1915 in the area currently known as La Palma. Until 1948 the area was known as El Burio, but the richness of the land inspired Rufino Quesada, Antonio Hidalgo and Isolina Quesada to change the town’s name to La Fortuna. Finally in 1950, the town’s inhabitants voluntarily requested to be annexed to the County of San Carlos which belonged to San Ramon. Elías Kooper Cubero, Rufino Quesada, Isolina Quesada, Alberto Quesada, and Antonio Hidalgo, are recognized as founders in the 1930’s. |
Climatic Aspects
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An average of 3.385 millimeters of annual precipitation and temperatures between 23° and 32 ° Celsius are normal.
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Hydrography
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Arenal is the main river, which is the water source which supplies the Arenal Hydroelectric Project; project which generates 70% of the country’s energy; in addition to providing water to the Arenal Tempisque Project which administers SENARA (National Drainage and Irrigation Service), and Fortuna River, Burio River, and La Palma River. There area also has several creeks, including La Habana and Tiburones. |
Production
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This is one of the most productive districts of the county, due to its rich soils.
The population of this district traditionally dedicated their lives to agricultural and livestock farming; producing beef, milk and dual purpose livestock, in addition to agricultural products in the root family, like yucca, taro, yams, potatoes, and ginger, in addition to pineapple, plantains and papaya.
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La Fortuna Today
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Currently the district receives around 3000 tourists a day in high season. Therefore, in La Fortuna there are more than 110 hotels, including small, medium, and large businesses.
Without a doubt, the natural beauty of this place has made it one of the most popular among visitors to the country. The variety here includes the surrounding mountain ranges, the sounds of the active volcano, and local rivers, and tourist attractions like the hanging bridges.
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Health
The Costa Rican Social Service (CCSS) is open from 7 a.m. a 10 p.m., and receives and treats all types of emergencies, preventative medicine (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, nutrition, and vaccinations). The clinic has medical services, nurses, laboratory, dentist, pharmacy, and ambulance service.
There are also 2 private medical service companies, offering medical attention, transportation of patients, and attention to accidents in the public roadways.
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Banks
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La Fortuna has a complete network of national banking services, consisting of The National Bank of Costa Rica, Bank of Costa Rica, Popular Bank and Community Development, a Credit and Savings Co-op (COOCIQUE R.L.), and one private bank, (BAC SAN JOSÉ), each with their own system of ATMs. |
Attractions
Arenal Volcano
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At 1633 meters above see level and with a crater 140 meters deep is the active Arenal Volcano, in the middle of the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range; just 15 km west of the center of town.
Active since July 1968 and to date, Arenal Volcano has been the passion of scientists, especially geologists and volcanologists, for many years. Its constant rumbling reminds us of the bounding forces of nature. With a little luck, many will have the opportunity to observe the spectacle of incandescent lava flowing from the colossus.
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There is no denying that the Arenal Volcano is the most important tourist attraction of the region. Its rare constant activity makes it very attractive to visitors.
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La Fortuna Waterfall
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Located just 5 km southwest of town on a road in good conditions and with a height of 70 meters; this attraction offers visitors impressive views of crystalline waters and exuberant vegetation. This location has been conditioned for tourism and offers all kinds of services, such as; look out point, drinking water, restrooms, parking, and snack shop. |
The Integral Development Association of La Fortuna
ADIFORT
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This project is administered by the Integral Development Association of La Fortuna, which uses the resources generated by the project for education, social services, infrastructure improvements and environmental conservation.
Some of the projects achieved thanks to these funds include the assistance given to the schools in the local communities of La Fortuna, Z-13, La Guaria and Agua Azul, including the building of classrooms and lunchrooms, and providing furniture and educational material. An agreement with INA (The National Learning Institute) has also been established in order to provide free training and certification for adults in a number of fields, thereby helping to increase the quality of work and service offered throughout la Fortuna.
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The funds generated from the project are also used to support CEN (Center for Education and Nutrition) which is geared towards preschoolers of low income families, the orphanage for abandoned children, and the community cemetery.
As far as infrastructure, the Association provides road and block maintenance in the aforementioned communities, through agreements established with the Municipality, including paving and improving the drainage system of roads, as well as upkeep and improvements of the local park.
The Development Association has an established conservation program including the purchase of land to develop water treatment plants and the protection of water sources through the acquisition of land.
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Hot Springs
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Throughout La Fortuna we can find several natural hot springs with temperatures ranging from 30° to 50° Celsius, which emanate from the depths of the volcano through rivers located in the earth’s crust. Arenal Volcano naturally heats the water of many, such as Tabacon River, Ecotermales Hot Springs, and hot springs located on hotel property such as Titokú of Kioro, Arenal Paraiso, Royal Corin, Los Lagos pools, and Baldi Hot Springs. There are also other hot water sources which are either not currently being exploited for tourism, or are being so in an incipient manner.
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