Our next adventure takes us to the majestic
Arenal volcano near the town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica's northwest.
The four and a half hour drive from Cahuita on the Caribbean coast is highly enjoyable
make sure to stop and support local vendors they offer fresh fruit and delicious frozen
ron con pasas perfect for your drive
when in season do not resist the urge to get a few bags of morning picked
mamon chino better known as rambutan from a friendly roadside vendor the main roads are
in great condition and the drive sprinkled with beautiful scenery making for a memorable drive
where else will you drive by a truck filled with ripe pineapple
after a few hours drive your first glance of Arenal volcano in the distance will be
nothing short of magical as we approached we were lucky enough to see the volcano exempt of clouds
Arenal volcano national park is one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica
as you begin your hike on sendero colada towering grasses line the path
venturing deeper on the trail the vegetation gradually transitions into dense jungle
the path will lead you to walk onto the colada de lava or lava flow remnants of the 1992 eruption
a little bit further on the trail after a short climb is the mirador colada or lava flow viewpoint
if weather conditions are favorable a breathtaking view of the volcano awaits you
during our visit we waited over 60 minutes hoping for the clouds and rain to subside to no avail
not letting the rain dissuade us we continued on exploring the three kilometer
sendero Ceibo or Ceibo trail we were soon rewarded for our choice
oh
that is so cool howler monkeys
i wonder why they call this the rainforest
as the rains progressively intensify we continue on
eventually arriving at the foot of a lone majestic 30 meter tree in the middle of the dense forest
the Ceiba tree 400 years old
i still don't understand why they call this a rain forest
as the sun fought for dominance over the reigns we arrived at the end of the trail a short two
kilometer drive is then necessary to get to the entrance of the peninsula section of the park
making your way on the miradores trail you
will soon be offered your first breathtaking view of Arenal lake
as if to celebrate the sun's victory over the rain the forests
inhabitants play their delightful melodies as we approach the second viewpoint of the lake
nearby a 12 meter observation tower invites you
to an incredible viewpoint of the lake and volcano above the canopy
nearing the lake one can't help but notice the crocodile warning sign
arriving at the lakeshore platform we were again greeted by clouds and rain
severely impeding our view of the volcano the view was impressive nonetheless
we'll just have to come back another day in the hopes of obtaining a cloudless view
walking in the forest is truly enjoyable more so when enhanced by the tranquil sounds of nature
wondering if there are waterfalls to see near arenal or what it's like to spend a night in
the rainforest? then check out these videos and while you're at it don't forget to subscribe
bye