Costa Rica Arenal
Arenal / La Fortuna
The La Fortuna
area is most famous for being the town closest to Costa Rica’s
most active volcano, Arenal. La Fortuna is approximately 4 hours
from San Jose on winding mountainous roads. Dense green cloud
forests cloak the rugged Tilaran mountain ranges that typify this
region. Logging and farming contend with tourism to sustain the
local economy. The terrain and fauna of this region seems like
that of another land; of far greater altitude and longitude,
almost like the Scottish Highlands or Swiss Alps. At the base of
the volcano is the massive, man-made Lake. Great swaths of
primary forest still remain on numerous reserves, making this
region of Costa Rica some of the most naturally stunning around.
Arenal
Volcano:
The Arenal
Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, and with
good reason. This perfectly conical shaped active volcano offers
lucky visitors unforgettable nighttime pyrotechnic displays. On a
clear evening one can see rocks and magma spewing skyward from the
mouth of Arenal. Eruptions are thunderously loud and exciting, an
incredible experience time and again. Many of the hotels in
Arenal boast amazing glass window views of the volcano, making
this awesome spectacle possible from your very own room.
Tabacon Hot
Springs:
The upscale
Tabacon Resort has its own set of meticulously manicured hot
springs and tropical gardens. Though the entry fee is fairly
pricey at $29 per person, it is worth the price of admission.
Here, at the base of Arenal, you can bathe in a series of
connected, warm to extremely hot baths of volcano-fed mineral
water and observe eruptions. Larger pools offer a waterslide and
water bar; with a cocktail in hand, enjoy a waterfall massage from
the hot springs, take in the scenery, and let all stress slip
away.
The Town of
La Fortuna:
The pleasant
little village of La Fortuna is the center of tourist activity,
dining and nightlife the area offers. A series of affordable
cabins, restaurants and small hotels are found in or around the
town square, whose backdrop is the ominous volcano. In addition,
the local chamber of tourism, and tour operators such Aventuras
Arenal, Sunset Tours, and Pure Trek Canyoning are located in
town. Go horseback riding, boating in the Cano Negro Wildlife
Refuge, rafting, fishing, hiking, or treat yourself to one of the
many luxurious hotel spas; the Volcan Arenal region is perfect for
outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone in need of a relaxing vacation.
How to get
there:
By Plane:
Please note that several plane crashes have occurred in this area
as flying is particularly difficult. The national domestic air
carrier (SANSA) no longer offers flight to this region as a
result. There are private charter flights available upon demand
By Car:
Driving from San Jose to La Fortuna takes approximately 4 hours.
The roads between San Jose and La Fortuna are in decent
condition. For the first part of the drive one travels on the
Pan-Am highway, which at off hours is a fairly pleasant drive.
For the last stretch, slow moving vehicles, windy and steep roads
in poor condition mark a good part of the last 2 hours. If done
during the day, the scenery can almost make up for the frustration
of the drive. It is not recommended to drive this road late at
night on busy travel days (Friday and Sunday). In heavy rain at
the height of the rainy season some of the smaller roads can be in
dangerous condition.
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