Arenal - Day 3

We really wanted to head to the top of a volcano but Arenal is off-limits because it is still active (to a degree.  No eruptions or lava flow since 2010.)  Apparently, there were some hikers who travelled up at their own risk and a gas pocket exploded and they were killed by the fumes.  So we debated heading over to a different volcano but decided against the last minute road trip plans.

I'm a sucker for waterfalls and most people mention La Fortuna Waterfall in the Arenal area, so we went over there.  I found that it's a crapshoot what will be what people say things will be as far as the expected "adventure" to get to your intended location.  Some said it was a rough road, some said the hike was hard.  Well the road was no big deal (not paved but definitely driveable) and the hike wasn't a breeze but certainly not advanced.  For $8/person (I think), we took the 490 stone stairs down (which also meant 490 steps back up) and arrived at a sensational waterfall.

The steps.

Optical illusion.   

There was no one there when we arrived around 10 but by the time we left, there were about 20 people.  David went for a swim in the pool and we explored the area and riverbed a bit before heading out.  I felt like with this site, you could make as much or as little of it as you'd like.  In and out in an hour or pack a picnic and spend a few.  It was really a peaceful place worth stopping by.

Couldn't resist a yogi moment.  

We still had many daylight hours and decided to check out 1968 lava flow at the Arenal Volcano National Park.  It was super hot and I think I was just adventured out but I was underwhelmed with the hike.  I thought there would be more lava fields and interesting things along the way.  However, I did have the epiphany that volacnos are just the Earth's butt holes.

Heading back the way we came, we went into town for some casado/tipical plates; the traditional Costa Rican lunch plate. La Choza was recommended by the concierge and it's this huge open outdoor (but covered) space.  A common thing about being in Costa Rica during green season is that the places you go are generally empty.  This has its pros and cons during travel.  At first it makes you kind of skeptical but then its kind of awesome because you can always get a table and you get a lot of attention from your waiter. 

"Volcano Rice" from La Choza.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing for one last time at the springs.  We found a great little spot, our very own lounge chairs, and for about 20 minutes it was perfect...until the torrential downpour.  Every day at around 5PM it rained but this time, it was different.  It was intense and for almost two hours.  We tried to wait it out under a little towel hut but after about 30 minutes, we ran for cover.  The Springs were overflowing and the towel lady told us she hasnt seen it overflow like this in about a year.  We went and got some banana smoothies at the bar and once it got back to a drizzle, we went back for more!  For round two, I found my favorite pool yet!  We were blissed out, read in the lobby, had a light dinner.  Since it gets dark so early, plus the time difference and not that much to do at night, I was happy to hit the hay a little on the early side.  

Arenal - Day 1

Our actual One Year Anniversary!  We both said we had no interest in going ziplining so naturally the very first day and the very first thing we did was that.  Our room clock read 8AM so we got up and went to the concierge to see if any spots were available but no one was there.  We asked the front desk what time they open and he said 8 and we asked what time it was and he said 6!  There's a two hour time difference but we were clearly all mixed up.  So we had some coffee, fixed our clock, and then arranged the tour.

Sky Trek picked us up in a shuttle and drove about 20 minutes to their home base.  It was an unpaved road so we were glad we didn't drive.  Plus the tour guide throws in some interesting and important information on the way.  We geared up and headed up the Sky Tram with a group of 15.  (They said it was better to go at this time of year because with the bigger groups, you zip and then wait like a half hour each time for everyone to go.)  The view was incredible, clear skies and all.

View from the Sky Tram of Lake Arenal. 

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but the height didn't bother me so much as the length.  These runs are long!  The heavier you are the better and the very first one we zipped, I did not make it the entire way, despite getting up to about 40mph, so I had to turn around and pull myself up.  The rest went OK and I got to ride with one of the workers on one of the wires so I could take a video.  They were cool like that, a fun (and safe) company.

The first zip line is on the bottom right.  

When we finished, because it was still so nice out, we joined a tour through the jungle for the hanging bridges.  The same owner runs the Monteverde hanging bridges, which is a popular cloud forest destination but was a little too far for us.  These bridges were built only a couple of years ago.  We learned a lot about the flora and fauna from our guide and 4 hours later, we were exhausted.

Timing couldnt have been more perfect because we changed and went straight to our massages.

This spa was amazing.  You relax in the main area, they serve you fresh juices and cucumbers and then they bring you to your treatments.  We were lead to this private hut in the middle of the rainforest, right next to the river from the hot springs.  It was raining out and a little cold but I think that only added to the relaxation factor.

The massage was the best massage of my life.  Afterwards, you take a private outdoor shower right next to your hut, just in the open of the rainforest, which was good considering we were covered in honey (it was the spa special, honey & orange - sounds odd but actually worked).  Then we wrapped up in our plush robes, hung out by the lounge again (open air but covered which was great because it was pouring at this point), got some fresh fruit and tea and then showered again in the best shower of the entire trip in the ladies room.  If I didn't love monkeys and surfing so much, this would have been my favorite part of the vacation.    

Tabacon Spa Resting Area photo from the website.

Photo of the treatment bungalows from the Tabacon Website.