Sights in La Fortuna & Around
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Arenal Observatory Lodge
This lodge was built in 1987 as a private observatory for the Universidad de Costa Rica. Scientists chose to construct the lodge on a macadamia-nut farm on the south side of Volcán Arenal due to its proximity to the volcano (only 2km away) and its relatively safe location on a ridge. Since its creation, volcanologists from all over the world, including researchers from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, have come to study the active volcano. Today, the majority of visitors are tourists, though scientists regularly visit the lodge, and a seismograph in the hotel continues to operate around the clock. The lodge is the only place inside the park where you can…
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Cerro Arenal
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Volcán Arenal
Arenal was just another dormant volcano from about AD 1500 until 29 July 29 1968, when something snapped. Huge explosions triggered lava flows that destroyed three villages, killing about 80 people and 45,000 cattle. Although it occasionally quieted down for a few weeks or even months, Arenal produced menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily from 1968 until it all quite abruptly ended in 2010.
Still, any obituary on the Arenal area is quite premature given the fact that the volcano has retained its picture-perfect conical shape despite the volcanic activity, and there is still plenty of forest on its lower slopes and in the…
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B
Cerro Chato
The La Catarata de la Fortuna falls are the trailhead for this seriously strenuous five- to six-hour climb to the beautiful lake-filled volcanic crater that is Cerro Chato. Starting from here, you’ll have to pay a US$10 fee for crossing the finca (farm) leading to Cerro Chato; a slightly cheaper (though you’ll still pay a fee) and only slightly less physically taxing alternative would be to hike up the other side from Arenal Observatory Lodge.
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C
Springs Resort & Spa
If you're looking for a luxurious hot springs experience, the Springs features 18 free-form pools with various temperatures, volcano views, landscaped gardens, waterfalls and swim-up bars, including a jungle bar with a waterslide. You can sleep here too.
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D
Eco Thermales Hot Springs
A large forbidding gate leads to this recommended, reservation-only complex. Everything from the natural circulation systems in the pools to the soft, mushroom lighting is understated yet luxurious. Just 100 visitors per four-hour slot are welcomed at 10am, 1pm and 5pm. During the evening session, guests have the option to choose from one of three set dinner menus.
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E
La Catarata de la Fortuna
You can glimpse the sparkling 70m ribbon of clear water that pours through a sheer canyon of dark volcanic rock arrayed in bromeliads and ferns with minimal sweat equity. But it’s worth the climb down and out to see it from the jungle floor. Though it’s dangerous to dive beneath the thundering falls, a series of perfect swimming holes with spectacular views tiles the canyon in aquamarine. Keep an eye on your backpack.
From the turnoff on the road to San Ramón, it’s about 4km uphill to the falls. If you decide to walk up, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Cerro Chato as you hike through pastures and past the small hotels lining the road. You might appreciate a stop at…
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Ecocentro Danaus
This reader-recommended centre, 3km east of town then 600m down a dirt road, has a well-developed trail system that’s good for bird-watching, and there are frequent sightings of sloth, coati and howler monkey. The price of admission also includes a visit to a butterfly garden, a ranarium featuring poison-dart frogs and a small lake containing caiman and turtles. Various tour operators in town run guided night toursto the ecological center.
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F
Tabacón Hot Springs
If a movie director ever needed a setting for a cheesy Garden of Eden dream sequence, Tabacón Hot Springs would be it. Here, broad-leaf palms, rare orchids and other florid tropical blooms part to reveal a 40°C (104°F) waterfall pouring over a (fake) cliff, concealing natural-esque caves complete with camouflaged cup holders. Lounged across each well-placed stonelike substance, overheated tourists of various shapes and sizes relax.
The spa, 14km west of La Fortuna, is actually on the site where a volcanic eruption ripped through in 1975, killing one local. The former village of Tabacón was destroyed in the 1968 eruption, killing 78. Don't, ahem, sweat it. The mountain…
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Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal Observatory Lodge was built in 1987 as a private observatory for the Universidad de Costa Rica. Scientists chose to construct the lodge on a macadamia-nut farm on the south side of Volcán Arenal due to its proximity to the volcano (only 2km away) and its relatively safe location on a ridge. Since its creation, volcanologists from all over the world, including researchers from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, have come to study the active volcano. Today, the majority of visitors are tourists, though scientists regularly visit the lodge, and a seismograph in the hotel continues to operate around the clock. The lodge is also the only place inside the park…
reviewed
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