A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Recife vs. La Fortuna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Recife or La Fortuna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and La Fortuna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Recife

Recife is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Recife travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a scenic, popular, and stunning town. The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Recife and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Recife or La Fortuna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Recife than La Fortuna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Recife is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while La Fortuna is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Fortuna is more touristy than Recife and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Recife is well known for its football and music scenes. Also, Recife is famous for Praia de Boa Viagem.

How is Recife different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Fortuna and Recife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife is notable for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Recife. The city is large and cultural, so there are a number of museums that you can explore. Some of the favorites include the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the State of Pernambuco Museum, and the Recife City Museum.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Recife or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Recife is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Recife. You'll find plenty of local restaurants around town. Grilled meat is a staple in many of the dishes and you should definitely visit a churrascaria, which is a restaurant that specializes in cooking meat in the churrasco style. Food carts are great for picking up a coxinha (a pastry), and other local dishes include camarão na moranga (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp) and picanha (sirloin cap).

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Recife is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Recife has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors come for Carnival, and this is the obvious time to visit if you're looking for the best parties. Even during the other times of the year, you'll find many happy hours, dance clubs, and live music to enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Recife is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Recife is not a resort destination.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Recife is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Recife for it's beautiful beaches. The city's beaches are clean and enjoyable to visit and one of the most famous is Praia de Boa Viagem. Some beaches are lined with hotels and nightclubs while others are a bit more removed. If you decide to swim, do take note that shark attacks in the area are a real concern.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Recife is not a hiking destination.

La Fortuna is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Recife is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Recife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops, art galleries, and larger shopping centers. Whether you're looking for clothing or a cultural souvenir, there are many places to browse.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Recife or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Recife is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Recife is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Families?

La Fortuna is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Recife is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a couple of museums that are good for kids, like Museu do Mamulengo. There are also beaches that are relatively clean for swimming, but make sure you go where the locals go and be very aware of the water conditions.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

La Fortuna is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Recife is a good city for couples to visit. There are beaches and restaurants that make for a nice date day. You can explore the city, visit some museums, and soak up the local culture.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Fortuna is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Fortuna is a great town to visit for backpackers. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Plenty of backpackers visit Recife. There are a few hostels around town, but they do fill up quickly. The city is often overlooked by tourists but if you're looking for an authentic experience, then this is your place.

Is Recife or La Fortuna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Recife and La Fortuna offer notable public transit options.

Recife has a few public transit options. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

La Fortuna has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Recife or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

La Fortuna is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Recife is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable place. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

Recife is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the city are more walkable than others. It's also best not to walk alone at night.

For even more information, also check out Is Recife Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Recife?

How long in Recife or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Recife or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Fortuna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Recife, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in La Fortuna than Recife. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Fortuna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Fortuna than Recife. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Fortuna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Fortuna than Recife if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Fortuna.

One day in Recife or La Fortuna?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Recife, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Recife, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Recife or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Recife, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Fortuna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of La Fortuna. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and La Fortuna, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Recife is in South America 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 La Fortuna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Fortuna 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 Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife than you might in La Fortuna.

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

Which is Bigger, Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Recife 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 Recife or La Fortuna?

Recife has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Recife or La Fortuna in the Summer?

Both La Fortuna and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Recife this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Recife is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Recife. In January, Recife usually receives less rain than La Fortunain July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Recife is March to August.

Should I visit Recife or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

Both La Fortuna and Recife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Recife for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In the autumn, Recife is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Recife often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain October. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in April than La Fortunain October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Should I visit Recife or La Fortuna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Recife in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Recife is generally cooler than La Fortunain January. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than La Fortunain January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife.

Should I visit Recife or La Fortuna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Recife as well as La Fortuna. Most visitors come to Recife for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

Recife is cooler than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. In the spring, Recife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortunain April. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Recife usually gets more rain in October than La Fortunain April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to December in Recife is the dry season. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Recife