La Fortuna: Costa Rica's Natural Wonderland

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before the Spanish arrived, the area around La Fortuna was inhabited by indigenous tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests that these indigenous peoples lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on agriculture, hunting, and fishing. They were known for their intricate pottery and stone carvings, remnants of which can still be found in the region today.

The Spanish colonization of Costa Rica began in the early 16th century. However, the area around La Fortuna remained relatively untouched due to its remote location and challenging terrain. It wasn't until the late 19th century that Spanish settlers began to establish farms and small communities in the region.

La Fortuna was officially founded in the mid-20th century. The town was originally named 'El Burío,' but was later changed to 'La Fortuna' to signify the 'fortune' of the fertile lands that surround it. The town's rich soil made it an ideal location for agriculture, particularly for growing crops like sugar cane and coffee.

One of the most significant events in La Fortuna's history is the eruption of Arenal Volcano on July 29, 1968. The volcano, which had been dormant for centuries, suddenly erupted, destroying the small town of Tabacón and leaving 87 people dead. This catastrophic event reshaped the landscape and had a profound impact on the local community. The eruption also put La Fortuna on the map as a destination for volcanologists and tourists alike.

In the decades following the eruption, La Fortuna transformed from a quiet agricultural community into one of Costa Rica's premier tourist destinations. The town capitalized on its proximity to Arenal Volcano and the surrounding natural beauty, including hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforests. Today, La Fortuna is a hub for eco-tourism, offering activities like hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife tours.

Despite its rapid development, La Fortuna has managed to preserve its cultural heritage. Traditional Costa Rican customs, such as folk dances, music, and festivals, are still celebrated in the town. The annual Fiestas de La Fortuna is a highlight, featuring parades, rodeos, and local cuisine. This blend of old and new makes La Fortuna a unique destination that offers both natural wonders and rich cultural experiences.

La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. The nearest international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, approximately 120 kilometers away. From San José, you can take a shuttle service, public bus, or rent a car to reach La Fortuna. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, offering scenic views of the Costa Rican countryside.

La Fortuna is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses connect La Fortuna to nearby towns and cities. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas such as Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal at your own pace. Bicycles and scooters are also available for rent.

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, US dollars are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in La Fortuna. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in La Fortuna, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

La Fortuna is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the town itself is relatively safe, petty theft can occur, especially in more touristy areas. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities, including the La Fortuna Clinic, are available in town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate, as well as a rain jacket for sudden downpours. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing in public. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, there is religious tolerance. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like gallo pinto and casado. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience La Fortuna like a local, visit the local farmers' market (Feria del Agricultor) held on Fridays for fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the natural hot springs, which are a favorite among locals. For a unique experience, take a guided night tour to see the local wildlife in its natural habitat.