vs
La Fortunais 6% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (28/10) vs Santa Marta "Fair" (41/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $65/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.55, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.74, 16 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
20 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇷 La Fortuna | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $33 cheaper | $35 | $2/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $55 | $45 cheaper | $10/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $93 | $72 cheaper | $21/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇷 La Fortuna | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $10.20 | $4 61% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $25.80 | $12 53% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.74 | $1.50 45% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.55 | $1.50 67% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1 | $0.50 50% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇷▼
La Fortuna
Costa Rica
28
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelFortuna Pink Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels16
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between La Fortuna & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
29°C
High
/
21°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 44mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇷 La Fortuna
1. Areal 1968 Volcano trails and MTB pathsFree
2. Arenal Ecologic ParkFree
3. Eco Garden ArenalFree
4. Free Natural Hot SpringsFree
5. Mirador ColadaFree
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is La Fortuna or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in La Fortuna vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for La Fortuna or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna or Santa Marta?+
What's the cheapest month to visit La Fortuna and Santa Marta?+
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