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| La Fortuna at night with Volcano Arenal in the back |
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| Tree through the cloud forest at La Fortuna Waterfall |
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| La Fortuna town square |
Nickle Tour: Nestled in the cloud-forest highlands, the town of La Fortuna transformed rapidly in the last 30 years as Costa Rica marketed Volcano Arenal as a tourist destination. Since then, visitors can enjoy the views of the volcano erupting (when it’s not clouded over, which is every day), many of whom do so in thermally-fed hot springs fed by the magma running underground at numerous resorts in the area.
Travel Tip: While Tabacon hot springs is “the place” most go, it’s also the most expensive. Baldi is about half the price ($40ish for half-a-day including dinner) and just as hot.
See:
La Fortuna waterfall is tucked in the cloud forest. You can swim, but not under the waterfall as you’d get crushed. It’s also quite a hike up and down, so wear proper footwear and prep for sore thighs.  |
| Baldi Hot Springs |
Hot Springs: A must do! Soak in any of the area’s hot springs. There are plenty of resorts featuring the springs, with spa services, restaurants and bars for your easy enjoyment. It’s also a good place to soak your bones after a day of hiking or rafting.
Hike! Volcano Arenal has good hiking but you can’t go all the way up because it might ‘splode on you. No beuno.
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| The Fam getting ready to Ride the Bull (Rio Toro) |
Rafting! We did a family trip with Desafio Tours and it was fantastic! Whether you’re 15 or 65, you’ll have a great time, feel safe and ride great rapids. The river has class 3-4 right after another which is great fun. About halfway through you’ll get to stop and much fruit. And, the guides will happily point out wildlife (howlers, toucans and a sloth) along the way. We can’t recommend them enough.
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| Fresh fruit snack on the raft/table |
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| Beth rides the bull! |
Sleep: We stayed 2 nights at Hotel La Fortuna (a certified green hotel) courtesy of Mom, so it’s not really a backpacker place, but it’s very nice . . . everything you’d expect from a standard American-style hotel. I’d recommend it for those who want to be comfortable without staying in an uber-resort or hostel.
Eat: There are several good places around town, but nothing really stuck out. Explore the main strip and you’ll be satisfied.
