Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or La Fortuna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or La Fortuna?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Ocho Rios Prices
Jamaica PricesLa Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $85La Fortuna $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, 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 Ocho Rios and La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $51La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $102La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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.
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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.32La Fortuna $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Ian Fleming Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay: $15
- Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transfer One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
- Private Transfer To And From Ian Fleming Ocho Rios. : $20
- Private Round Trip Transfer to YAAMAN Adventure Park Ocho Rios: $27
- Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
- ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
- Private Transfer to ATV dirt road Adventures.: $32
- Private Round Trip Transfer for Jamaican Jerk at Scotchie's Ocho Rios: $36
- Private Airport Transfer from Ocho Rios: $40
- Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- Private VIP Transfer La Fortuna to Tamarindo, Flamingo & Conchal: $299
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna: $295
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Arenal La Fortuna: $290
- Private One-Way Transfer from/to La Fortuna to Papagayo Peninsula: $289
- Private Transfer from Arenal La Fortuna to San Jose Airport: $255
- Private Transfer to/from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna Area (Arenal Volcano): $250
- Private Transfer La Fortuna to (SJO)Airport – 1–6 Passengers: $249
- Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers: $249
- One-Way Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Liberia Guanacaste Airport: $241
- Transfer from Arenal to SJO Airport or Hotels for up to 5 passengers ( One way) : $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna and Ocho Rios 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
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Food Meals for one dayOcho Rios $28La Fortuna $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Farm to Table Cooking Class : $43
- Skip the Line: Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket w/ Optional Lunch or Dinner: $47
- 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
- Horseback Riding and Cooking Class with Lunch : $72
- Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15La Fortuna $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.27
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Tour of Prospect Plantation$17
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
- Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping : $30
- Luminous Lagoon Boat Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
- Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
- Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
- Skip-The-Line: Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
- Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
- Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
- Ocho Rios City Tour and Sightseeing: $49
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios: $50
- Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- La Fortuna's 3 Essentials Private Tour: $280
- Sky Adventures Arenal : Zipline - Sky Tram & Sky Walk (guided): $260
- 12-Cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over Waterfalls: $111
- 3-In-1 Río Celeste: Tubing, Natural Pool and Jungle Night Tour.: $80
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $1,850
- 7-Cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall: $91
- ARENAL DISCOVERY ADVENTURE (1): Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Lunch: $179
- ARENAL DISCOVERY ADVENTURE (3):Hanging Bridges, Waterfall & Lunch: $191
- ATV Tour Discovery Adventure Double : $170
- ATV Tour Experience in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal : $130
- ATV adventure Tour in La Fortuna: $95
- Adventure Pass: $167
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.43La Fortuna $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:
- Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $113
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and La Fortuna is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna than you might in Ocho Rios.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or La Fortuna?
Ocho Rios has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and Ocho Rios during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios 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. La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as La Fortuna. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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 is the hurricane season in La Fortuna. In April, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Fortuna. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally cooler than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.