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Arenal
Volcano National Park
The 12,016-hectare park lies within the 204,000-hectare
Arenal Conservation Area, protecting eight of Costa
Rica's 12 life zones as well as 16 reserves. The park
has two volcanos, the inactive Chato and the active
Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano erupted for the first
time this century on July 29, 1968 with a tremendous
explosion. Having released pressure that had built up
for more than 450 years, Arenal today continues to erupt
but on a smaller and safer scale. Due to its continuous
activity it is considered one of the world's most active
volcanoes. Thunderous eruptions of gas, ash and lava
fill visitors with awe! The volcano with its perfect
imposing cone is surrounded with exuberant vegetation
and sits at the side of the engineering masterpiece
of Arenal Lake. Hiking is available on several maintained
trails. The Coladas Trail leads to the 1990-93 lava
flow which has left a 50ft deep semi-hardened flow through
the rainforest.
Ecotermales
Fortuna
Ecotermales Fortuna is a project that
was built with the purpose of satisfying the needs of
those looking to visit a natural spa with a family environment
and personalized service that works in harmony with
nature. Located in what use to be a cattle farm, it
is a small oasis of natural forest, where you find the
hot springs. It offers a private environment with controlled
access to avoid corwds. The spa has 4 different pools
with different temperatures the coolest one is 91 degrees
Fahrenheit and the hottest one is 105 Fahrenheit, one
of the pools has a cascading waterfall for a natural
soothing back massage. The facilities at Ecotermales
include separated changing rooms for men and women,
individual lockers, toilets and showers. The restaurant
offers family styled costarican meals for lunch and
dinner. Next to the restaurant there is a shaded area
with hammocks where guests can relax.
Tabacon
Hot Springs
At the base of the Arenal Volcano, where the steaming
waters of the River Tabacon tumble from the lava fields
and cascade along the roadside, sits Tabacon Hot Springs.
This bathing resort features five natural mineral pools
and natural hot springs set in exotic gardens. The grounds
include a full restaurant, several bars, locker rooms
and towels, and spa center where massages and mud pack
treatments can be enjoyed.
Rio
Frio / Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Day Tour.
A two-hour drive through farms and citrus groves takes
you to the town of Los Chilies where you board a riverboat
for an exciting trip down the Rio Frio. You may see
caiman crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, countless birds
and the farms of the local people who live along the
river. Trip includes transportation, boat trip down
the Rio Frio, local guide & lunch. Return to the
Arenal area hotel/lodge. (L) Approx time: 7:30 a.m.-5:00
p.m.
Venado
Caves Tour
These caves were formed of limestone rocks, stalactites,
stalagmites and corals 15-20 million years ago! Within
the caves you will see marine fossils, bats, spiders
and crickets.This two hour tour includes a billingual
guide, transportation from La Fortuna, water and refreshments,
flashlights and helmets. ecause the hike includes trekking
through a river and by waterfalls, participants might
want to take a change of clothing.
Safari
Adventure Float Trip
From La Fortuna we will drive 20 minutes to the Penas
Blancas River to start the Safari Adventure. The first
part of the tour is a 2 hour float trip where your guide
will describe the flora nd fauna and point out monkeys,
crocodiles, toucans, sloths and the many varietes of
birds. At the end of the float trip, you will begin
a guided hike in a primary tropical rainforest. Following
a snack, go back to the boat and continue floating for
approximately 40 minute back towards Boca Arenal and
your transfer back to La Fortuna. Time: 7:30am-2:00pm
approx.
La
Fortuna Waterfall
The Catarata La Fortuna is a beautiful waterfall about
5 ½ kilmeters from the town of La Fortuna. One
can walk or horseback ride the 2-3 kilometers to the
falls, which is 70 meters high. At the base of the waterfall
there is a "natural pool" where one can swim.
Bi-lingual guides are available for hire. This hike
is recommended for people in good physical condition.
Take a bathing suit, towel, long pants and hiking shoes.
The
Original Canopy Tour
The opportunity to ascend in to the forest canopy using
modified techniques, that were previously done by canyon
rappelers, provides an enjoyable adventure. After a
short hike through the rainforest, you climb up inside
a strangler fig tree to reach the first platform at
its top. Your body harness is then attached to a pulley
system on a steel cable and , at about 75 feet above
ground, you zip across to another tree platform. After
several platforms, you will rappel down to ground level.
This activity should be booked at your own discretion.
Arenal
Hanging Bridges
Today with your guide visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges.
The Hanging Bridges are a complex of suspended bridges,
platforms and paths, built within the Rain Forest. These
allow the observation of flora and fauna from the ground
level to the top of the trees. This is one of the best
methods of learning about the complexity and beauty
of the Rain Forest.
Mountain
Biking
For those who want a bike trip through a beautiful trail
in the area where the forest, the Arenal Volcano
and Lake Arenal meet. Trip lasts about 4 hours and includes
bikes, guides, refreshments and assistance
vehicle.
Sport
Fishing in Lake Arenal
This tour offers catch & release fishing of the
Guapote (Rainbow Bass), the incredible fighter of the
Arenal Lake! Tour is half day or full day and includes
tackle, refreshments, sandwiches and cookies.
White
Water Rafting-Rio Sarapiqui
Raft more than 20 rapids, Class II-III, in a spectacular
setting in the tropical rain forest. Sarapiqui is the
rafters dream: natural whitewater, challenging rapids
and crystal clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor
and abundant wildlife. Can be used as part of your transporation
to/from San Jose and Arenal.
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