Sights in La Fortuna & Around
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Arenal Observatory Lodge
The 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 p…
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La Catarata de la Fortuna
La Fortuna has another natural wonder that pales only in comparison with an erupting volcano: a sparkling 70m ribbon of clear water pouring through a sheer canyon of dark volcanic rock arrayed in bromeliads and ferns. It’s photogenic, and you don’t have to descend the canyon – a short, well-maintained and almost vertical hike paralleling the river’s precipitous plunge – to get the shot, though you do have to pay the steep entry fee.
It’s worth the climb out (think Stairmaster with a view) to see the rare world at the jungle floor. Though it’s dangerous to dive beneath the thundering falls, a series of perfect swimming holes with spectacular views tiles the canyo…
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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
