| Why
did Travelers first come here? A giant, conical active volcano,
that’s why. And they still come for the pyrotechnics,
but they stay for the small-town charm and multitude of outdoor
activities. Mineral hot springs, canopy tours, relaxing resorts
and sparkling waterfalls all call people from around the globe.
|
The Town:
La Fortuna is a busy
little town, and it has all the service you’d expect
from a mid-size tourist center: banks, a wide variety of dining,
lodging and nightlife options, a clinic, supermarkets, and
a host of interesting tours.
For the birds:
Costa Rica’s northern
zone has over 600 endemic species of birds. A varied climate,
plenty of forested land and the nearby (and incredible) Caño
Negro Wildlife Refuge make for a birder’s paradise.
Quite a fall:
La Fortuna’s waterfall
(catarata) is worth checking out. At about 5 km (three miles)
outside of town, it’s accessible by foot, horseback,
bicycle, or vehicle. Once you’re at the top, you’ll
pay the entrance fee ($6 for foreigners, $3 for Costa Rican
residents), and head down steep, often slippery trail (there
are handrails). But once you reach the bottom, the reward
is worth it: a 220-foot silver ribbon slices through the green
cliffs, dropping into an emerald-colored pool with refreshingly
cool water. Swimming is allowed, but don’t go directly
beneath the falls.
The Main Event:
It’s the third
most active volcano in the world, and catching a glimpse of
its fiery cone is at the top of many Travelers’ lists.
On clear nights you can see lava streaming down the volcano’s
flanks, and by day you’ll see puffs of smoke over scorched
mountainsides. And you’ll probably hear thunderous booms
as the volcano releases hot gas and rock into the air. |
Three
Best Places To See The Volcano
1. Main Street:
Arenal forms a dramatic
backdrop to the bustling village of La Fortuna, making for
a great picture. Sit in town, grab some coffee and enjoy the
view.
2. Under a volcanically
heated waterfall:
Tabacón Resort
lets you soak in great views as you rest your weary bones
in the resort’s eleven thermal hot springs. Tropical
gardens and a therapeutic spa round out the experience.
3. Up close and personal:
Hotel Tabacón
Resort boasts a front-row seat to the volcano, and at night
you can see the lava tumble down the mountain towards you
– but from a safe distance.
Getting There:
Interbus and Gray Line
offer 2.5 to 3 hour shuttle bus ride ($21-$25) from San Jose.
Budget Travelers can take a public bus from Autotransportes
depot in San Jose, Calle 19, Avenidas 1/3. It costs about
$3, taking between four to six hours, depending if you’re
on a “directo/express” bus or a “colectivo.”
If you’re driving, you can either head through San Ramón
or Ciudad Quesada, and the trip should take between three
and four hours. Consult your car rental agent. |
