📍 Hot Springs / Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna

08/12/2017

Who says you can't find excitement and relaxation in the same place?

With a group of 9 people, we set off for Fortuna to see the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs.

The Arenal Volcano is approximately 1,670m high and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. For a long time, the volcano was considered dormant until it suddenly erupted in 1968, destroying an entire village. After a period of rest, the volcano has been continuously active since 1981.

From our hotel, we could enjoy a beautiful view of the volcano. Although we got closer to the Arenal on the way to the hot springs, we could only see it from a distance as we were not in the national park.

Thanks to the volcano's activity, there are a number of natural springs in the area. There are several ways to experience the Arenal hot springs. However, the luxurious ones require high entrance fees. We opted for the Rio Chollin, which is completely free, natural, and open to everyone. Rio Chollin is a rushing river with hot water, rapids, and waterfalls, which at first glance looks like you could have a white water rafting adventure in the cold river. Many locals go there in the evening to barbecue or simply enjoy the natural hot baths and waterfalls.

After a 3-hour journey, we were able to relax in the warm water (about 38 degrees Celsius) in the evening and observe the lighting conditions in the middle of the jungle until it got dark and we could admire the stars.

I enjoyed the hot water with cold beer, lots of stars, some candles, monkey poop, and nice people in the jungle 🌴

#purebliss