Volcano hiking at it’s best
Continuing on our JB volcano tour, the next morning we loaded up on breakfast with eggs made-to-order, beans and rice, fried plantains, a type of sausage and potatoes, and trucked off to the volcano. The Arenal Volcano National Park is located about 30 minutes’ drive from La Fortuna. It has two major hiking trails that skirt the volcano and take you through the 1968 lava flow field. We chose the “less strenuous” trail, paid our $20USD and headed out. Although this was the “less strenuous” trail, it was still fairly steep in spots and, oh yeah, 85F and 85% humidity! Naturally I slowed my pace so the little lady could keep up.
There are several good look-out points along the path where you can not only get a view of the volcano, but also Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest man-made lake. What was amazing about this hike, no not that we made it, was the amount of vegetation that has grown in 50+ years. Although the flow is visible throughout the trail, it is really over-grown with trees, shrubs and some pretty amazing flowers growing right out of the lava.
Lago Arenal from the volcano
“Walking Tree”
About ½ the way along the trail we did our usual “lets stop and get a picture” rest break. Helpful Hint: Having a camera is a great way to stop and catch your breath while making it look like you’re really interested in the surroundings! This time it was pretty interesting. While we were stopped, a white-nosed coati walked behind us and crossed the trail into the jungle. Now that’s a cool looking animal. This one was grey / black with a long, thick tail and in no particular hurry to cross the trail. Obviously he had seen more people than we had seen coatis.
Managed to finish the hike in about 2hrs and got some pretty good pictures. But the days not through, on to souvenir shopping and lunch! Its’ been 3hrs so time to eat!
La Fortuna jardin
Lunch at Lava Rocks Café. Collette’s seafood stuffed red pepper, looks yummy doesn’t it!
Nothing we had to have as far as souvenirs, lunch was over so we headed back to the hotel to enjoy the pool and relax. After such a strenuous morning, it is well deserved.
