| Arenal / La Fortuna |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Saturday, 25 April 2009 13:54 |
The Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna AreaLocated in northern Costa Rica, the Arenal / La Fortuna area is home to the most active volcano in Costa Rica and one of the most active and most perfectly formed in the world, the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano is a destination for scientists and tourists alike as it erupts 41 times a day on average. During the day the volcano can be seen (and heard) steaming and spitting rocks and smoke and at night, it can become a spectacular liquid fireworks show. Several naturally heated, mineral rich hot springs are in the area, some with fantastic views of the volcano. Arenal and the surrounding area is a great launching point for adventure tours including canopy ziplines, hanging bridges, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, caving and fishing on Lake Arenal. Nature buffs will love a day trip to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. Exploring the vast networks of wetlands and the huge Caño Negro Lake won’t leave you disappointed. It’s also a great locale for birding! La Fortuna
The quiet town of La Fortuna is just 4 miles (6.4 km) away from the Arenal Volcano and provides a great base for exploring Arenal and the surrounding area. The town of La Fortuna itself is rather small, but home to restaurants, shops and several budget hotels. As you drive out of town towards the volcano, there are a plethora of hotels and resorts lining the road that eventually goes to Arenal Lake. La Fortuna has all the modern conveniences one would expect like banks with ATMs, internet and emergency medical services. Activities in the Area:
Various activities are offered from La Fortuna, including relaxing in the various hot springs, horseback riding to waterfalls, white-water rafting, safari floats, canopy tours, hiking, canyoning (waterfall rappeling), hot air ballooning and more. Also available are various water sports on Lake Arenal such as wind surfing, canoeing, fishing, and kite surfing. The nearby Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a hot spot for wildlife viewing and makes a great day trip. Also, one of the areas most unique activities is a day hike to the Celeste River at the nearby Chato Volcano. So whether you're an adventure junkie or are just looking for a rejuvenating place to relax, Arenal & La Fortuna has something for everyone! Contact us to learn more about what there is to see and do in Arenal. Canyoneering or Waterfall Rappeling: The ultimate adventure activity. Strap a harness on and rappel down a series of waterfalls. No experience necessary! Hiking: Trails at the Arenal Volcano National Park provide for excellent wildlife observation. The day hike to the dormant Tenorio Volcano's Celeste River is worth every ounce of effort. The river literally changes colors from clear to turquoise blue due to a volcanic chemical reaction (sulphur and calcium carbonate mixing). There are hot springs with mineral rich mud, and a large waterfall. Dips into the pool at the base of the fall are popular, as are soaks in the hot springs; still, one needs to be careful of the hot water and boiling mud pits, and use caution while exploring the banks of the river. Horseback Riding: Hop on a horse and check out some waterfalls and remote forest trails. Hot Springs: Relaxing in the many mineral rich hot springs can leave you speechless and as relaxed as ever, not to mention leaving your skin very soft. Tabacon's hot springs and the newly opened 'The Springs Resort' are the most luxurious in the area, supplying a view of the volcano among dense vegetation and picturesque waterfalls. There are numerous other hot springs like the beautiful Baldi and Aguas Termales, which are both located nearby. Combine the hot springs with a hike to Arenal Volcano National Park. Contact us for details. Mountain Biking: Several day trips are available. Bike around the Arenal lake, explore some local back roads for an easy-going, fun ride, or take an extreme trip and bike UP to Monteverde. Canoeing, Whitewater Rafting & Safari Floats: The nearby Penas Blancas River along with several other nearby rivers offer everything from tranquil safari floats to class IV whitewater rafting. For the adrenaline junkies, plenty of class I-V white-water rafting is available on the Sarapiqui, Toro and Balsa Rivers. You’re guaranteed not to leave with dry clothes! Caving: Although close to Arenal, a trip to the Venado Caves will give you the impression that you are on a different planet. Located just 45 minutes from La Fortuna, the caves are a spelunking enthusiasts and adventure-seekers dream. The 1.5-miles of cave featuring stalagmites, stalactites and subterranean streams are the perfect habitat for various animals. Looking around, you might see bats hanging from the ceiling above, blind fish swimming in the streams below and colorless frogs hopping about. Parks & Reserves in Arenal / La FortunaArenal Volcano National Park
This park protects the rich evergreen forests of the Arenal Volcano. Slight changes in altitude create unique microclimates and ecosystems throughout this region, making it home to a variety of interesting plant and animal species. Four different trails will take you close to the volcano (but not too close). The park possesses a wide variety of plant and wildlife. One noteworth tree in the park has more than 150 species of plants growing on it. Coming Soon ~ Read More about Arenal Volcano National Park
Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge
A rich wetland ecosystem where a plethora of wildlife can be spotted. Caimans, white-faced capuchin monkeys, herons and other birds live a good life in the reserve's protected waterways. Arenal Hanging Bridges & Nature Reserve
This is a privately owned reserve located about 20-minutes from La Fortuna. Visitors have the opportunity to observe a variety of flora and fauna while here.
Waterfalls and Other Attractions in ArenalWaterfalls:
There are also several botanical and butterfly gardens in the area. Arenal Botanical Gardens Don’t miss the Arenal Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Arenal) which are just a couple miles out of town. Here is where you’ll find 2,500 species of tropical plants, many of which are rare, including bromeliads, many different orchids, ferns, roses and gorguras. Inside, there is even an attractive Asian garden with waterfalls. Butterflies and birds can be seen all over as they are drawn to the enchanting grounds.
We are happy to help you figure out what else there is to see and do in Arenal / La Fortuna. How to Get There:La Fortuna is situated 16 miles (26 km) from Ciudad Quesada and 75 miles (120 km) from San José. From San José, expect around a 3 hour drive.
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 October 2009 15:38 |
