La Fortuna, San Carlos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Fortuna
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District
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Arenal Volcano as seen from downtown La Fortuna.
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 La Fortuna
Location in Costa Rica
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| Country |  Costa Rica |
| Province | Alajuela |
| Canton | San Carlos |
| Creation | 5 February 1952 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 229.7 km2 (88.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 253 m (830 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 15,383 |
| • Density | 66.970/km2 (173.45/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
| Postal code |
21007
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La Fortuna is a special area called a district in Costa Rica. It's part of the San Carlos region in the Alajuela province. This place is famous for its amazing nature and fun activities!
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "La Fortuna" means "The Fortune" in Spanish. It's a perfect name because the area has so many cool things to see and do. It also has very rich land for farming. Some people think it got its name because it was lucky and avoided the Arenal Volcano's eruptions. But actually, the town was named for its fertile land even before the big eruptions happened.
A Look at La Fortuna's Past
La Fortuna was officially created on February 5, 1952. It was first called "El Burío." The town was started in the mid-1930s by people who moved there from other parts of Costa Rica.
In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted. This caused a lot of damage and sadly, many people lost their lives. However, the village of La Fortuna was safe from the eruption. This event changed the area's landscape. It also made La Fortuna one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Costa Rica.
A small group of people helped build the town and the surrounding area. They worked hard to farm the land. Some of these important founders were Elias Kooper, Alberto Quesada, Jose Garro, and Rufino and Isolina Quesada.
Exploring La Fortuna's Geography
La Fortuna covers an area of about 229.7 square kilometers (about 88.7 square miles). It sits at an elevation of 253 meters (about 830 feet) above sea level.
The Mighty Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes! La Fortuna is less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from its peak. The Arenal Volcano National Park entrance is also nearby. This makes La Fortuna a great spot to see this impressive volcano.
Discovering Cerro Chato
The Chato Volcano, also known as Cerro Chato, is a volcano that is no longer active. It last erupted about 3,500 years ago. One of its eruptions even helped create the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
Cerro Chato has two peaks and a crater filled with green water. It's shorter than Arenal Volcano, standing at 1,140 meters (3,740 feet). The trail to hike Cerro Chato is currently closed to protect the environment.
People of La Fortuna
In 2011, La Fortuna had a population of 15,383 people. It is the fourth most populated district in its region.
Getting Around La Fortuna
Road Connections
Several main roads connect La Fortuna to other places. These include:
National Route 4
National Route 141
National Route 142
National Route 702
National Route 936
Travel Options for Visitors
When you visit La Fortuna, you can find taxis if you need them. Many tour companies also provide their own transportation. You can also rent cars, ATVs, or dirt bikes to explore the area. The Arenal Airport is located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of town.
Fun Things to Do in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a top spot for tourists! Besides the volcanoes, you can visit the amazing La Catarata de la Fortuna, which is 70 meters (230 feet) tall.
You can also relax at several resorts with natural hot springs. These springs are heated by the volcano and are warm enough to swim in! Other fun activities include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, walking on hanging bridges, and riding a "sky tram." You can also try zip-lines, mountain biking, kayaking, and even bungee jumping!
Relaxing in Hot Springs
La Fortuna has many natural hot springs. The water in these springs comes from deep inside the Earth and is heated by the Arenal Volcano. The temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius (86 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit). Some popular hot springs are Tabacon River, Ecotermales Hot Springs, and those at hotels like Titokú and Baldi Hot Springs.
La Fortuna's Climate
Because La Fortuna is in the tropics, its weather doesn't change much throughout the year. There are no four distinct seasons like in other parts of the world. You can expect about 12 hours of daylight every day.
The biggest weather changes are between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season usually has more direct sunlight and warmer temperatures, often above 25°C (77°F). The wet season has more humidity, which can also feel very warm. The average temperature in La Fortuna is usually between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 78°F).
Local Services and Businesses
La Fortuna has a medical clinic for basic care. There's also a vet clinic, a dentist, a police station, and a gas station. You can find three banks, three grocery stores, many restaurants, a post office, and other shops like clothing and hardware stores.
See also
In Spanish: La Fortuna (Costa Rica) para niños
