A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. La Fortuna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or La Fortuna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and La Fortuna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or La Fortuna?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amman and La Fortuna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    La Fortuna $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Amman and La Fortuna

Looking for a hotel in Amman or La Fortuna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in La Fortuna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amman Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    La Fortuna $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amman Queen Alia Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Amman North: $7.79
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $20
  • Private Transfer From Amman City To Airport Amman: $20
  • Queen Alia Intl Airport Private Transfer to Amman City or Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman City: $21
  • Amman Airport Transfer vice versa: $21
  • Airport Transfer To and From Amman: $23
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $25
  • From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra.: $26
  • Stress-Free Airport Transfers: Queen Alia to Anywhere in Jordan: $26
  • Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra: $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:

  • Transfer from Arenal to SJO Airport or Hotels for up to 5 passengers ( One way) : $240
  • Transfer TO or FROM San Jose city to Arenal - Fortuna Area. Private: $230
  • Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $200
  • Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $49
  • San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $230
  • Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
  • Private Transfer: La Fortuna Costa Rica: $235
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Arenal San Carlos: $41
  • Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna: $285
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Arenal La Fortuna: $42
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To La Fortuna: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or La Fortuna?

Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Amman change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amman $58
    La Fortuna $47
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $106
  • Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.

  • Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $35
  • 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $45
  • Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
  • Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $54
  • Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience : $55
  • Costa Rican Cooking Class: $57
  • Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
  • Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
  • Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $71
  • Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
  • Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
  • Cooking with a Costa Rican family: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    La Fortuna $44

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover the hidden gems of Amman's Rainbow street on a self-guided audio tour: $5.00
  • Amman Shopping Private Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour: $20
  • Tree of Al Buqayawiyya and Seven Sleepers Cave Private Tour : $30
  • Full Day Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Tour: $35
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour: $38
  • Amman Heritage Walk: A Private City Center Tour: $40
  • Sightseeing Tour in Heart of Amman downtown: $40
  • Private Walking Tour in Madaba with Local Guide: $41
  • Amman Heritage Tour: Street Food, Local Culture & Art: $44
  • Amman Private City Tour From Airport: $45
  • Madaba Mount Nebo and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in La Fortuna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:

  • Sloth Discovery Tour in La Fortuna Wildlife: $60
  • 2-in-1 Arenal Coffee and Chocolate Tour: $75
  • 3-In-1 Río Celeste: Tubing, Natural Pool and Jungle Night Tour.: $80
  • 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $1,850
  • ATV Tour Experience in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal : $130
  • Adventure on Clouds with the Arenal Eco Expedition: $85
  • Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall: $107
  • Arenal 1968 Trail Park Admission Ticket: $37
  • Arenal Canopy Adventure & Tarzan Swing: $77
  • Arenal Full day Adventure:Canopy Tour, Superman, Tarzan Swing, Canyoning Rafting: $250
  • Arenal Hanging Bridge Tour with Horseback Riding and Volcano View: $119
  • Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    La Fortuna $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127

Sample the Local Flavors in La Fortuna

Also in La Fortuna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting Experience : $135


When comparing the travel costs between Amman and La Fortuna, we can see that Amman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and La Fortuna is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amman or La Fortuna?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Amman and La Fortuna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Amman or La Fortuna?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Amman or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as La Fortuna. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Amman usually gets less rain in July than La Fortuna. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.

Amman is cooler than La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amman or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

Both La Fortuna and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. In October, Amman usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Amman is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amman in October average around 20°C (68°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Amman often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.

In January, Amman is generally much colder than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 8°C (46°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or La Fortuna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. The hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. In April, Amman usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

Amman is much colder than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Amman

Amman La Fortuna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)