Arenal Volcano Hot Springs

We kicked off day 2 in La Fortuna with a yummy breakfast at the hotel.  I have to say that our hotel, the Arenal Menoa, is a beautiful property with dated rooms and spotty service.  It’s also the most touristy of all of the hotels that we stayed in and could be why some of the staff are so stiff. 😕
The grounds of the Menoa are spectacular and all of the rooms are situated like separate Bungalows with prime volcano views…

After breakfast we headed into town to catch our 2pm tour that we chose because it was the least touristy but included a little bit of everything that we wanted to see.  The tour company, Gator Tours, I would recommend but the guy who we booked through, Eric ‘the schister’ (not his official name of course) I would not so, book directory through them.
Our first stop was Tabacon hot springs and we had a few minutes to take daytime pictures before heading into Arenal Volcano National Park.

We returned later that evening to one of the most incredible experiences, soaking in the hot springs surrounded by candles while sipping on cocktails of some unknown concoctions.
This is definitely my kind of water!

We then took the long bumpy road to the Arenal Volcano National Park and began our hike that lead us through lush green forests to our first destination, the Catarata Waterfall.

A family shot before a swim in the crisp waters below.

Refreshing!

Our next stop was the Danta Hanging bridge.

It was cool as it hangs over a running volcanic river but totally unimpressive as compared to the bridges we walked in Monteverde.

By now, the sun was beginning to set and the rain was kicking in for like the 10th time so we trekked down to the Frog pond where we spotted cute little redeye tree frogs.

Ooh. Aah. We were soaked and ready to return to the hot springs!
My phone was on the van and what photos Phil took hardly do the experience justice so, you will just have to trust me and come experience the Tabacon hot springs at night for yourself!
It was incredible and you will thank me later.

#lafortuna #arenalvolcano #costarica #puravida #familyadventure

Alya