Publicado: 16.10.2018
The way down into the valley was again a challenge. In addition to potholes, there were also a few mud puddles. Eventually, one gets used to it and it surprises you when suddenly it continues smoothly on asphalt.
Our next destination was La Fortuna, or the most active volcano in the world, Arenal. 1800m high. Actually, La Fortuna is 28km away from Monteverde as the crow flies, but there is rainforest and Lake Arenal in between, so we had to drive 100km to reach our destination.
One hour passing by this beautiful lake. The view is really worth seeing. In the background, the volcano, which looks like what you imagine a volcano to be.
We arrived at our hotel, the Paraiso Arenal, at noon. Unfortunately, our rooms were not ready yet and we left our luggage at the reception and drove to the volcano.
There you pay another $15 entrance fee per person. But I'm of the opinion that this is not justified.
You walk through a rainforest, sometimes see black stones, cooled lava, but other than that there is nothing special here. You are not allowed to go up to the crater because the mountain is always active, so you look at the vegetation at the foot of the mountain. Apart from a really huge tree, there is nothing really outstanding.
Back at our hotel, we were allowed to move into a very nice little cabin, which was beautifully furnished and from whose balcony you could look at the volcano. In front of the balcony there were a few flowering bushes where hummingbirds would gather.
In the evening we went to the hotel's own hot springs and let our souls dangle, it was wonderful with water at 39 degrees Celsius.
The food in the hotel restaurant was good, but actually too fancy for us. But we didn't feel like looking for a restaurant nearby.
According to the description, the hotel has 5 stars, well, the rooms were really great, but I would have expected more from 5 stars.
Also, breakfast was rather normal, the choice sufficient, but not spectacular.
After breakfast, we continue to Boca Tapada....