Lava in La Fortuna

Quick Tips:

Take a taxi from town to the waterfall and walk back. Entrance is and involves a short hike. Tours to the volcano and hot springs include a guided hike, entrance to Tabacon for . Night viewing lava tours run or take the free shuttle to Tabacon on the corner of Calle 2. Visit the grocery store or buy fresh fruit on the street.

Best Way To Get Around:

The hostel is still under construction with a kitchen coming soon and hopefully a lounge. This is the first rainy season testing the red brick and tile walkway to the rooms. A flash heavy rainstorm flooded one inch below the room doors. The workers were trying to figure out what to do with the rain still pouring down. Finally, I waved the plastic trash can and everyone started bailing out water.

The hostel has a view of the volcano, but rarely can lava be seen from this side. We were lucky enough to see a few rocks shoot up one night.

The staff is full of advice and can arrange for tours and ongoing transportation. This is a great hostel that feels like a splurge for budget travelers.

Traditional Costa Rican "casados" are a "marriage" of potatoes, rice and beans, lettuce or macaroni salad, and choice of meat or fish. Fried chicken, sandwiches, and tasty pizzas are other favorites. Breakfast is delicious, and anytime is right for a juice drink. Try the strawberry, pineapple, or guanbana. Tip the attentive staff accordingly, even though the meals are less than $5.

Trails through the sculpted jungle lead to pools of varying temperatures. It's possible to sit in the hot water river and then jump into an icy cold pool. The most popular attraction is the waterfall powerful enough to knock a swimsuit off but great for sore muscles. Bright, exotic flowers are visible at every turn.

The best time to arrive is after 4pm, the price goes down and there's plenty of time to enjoy the waters. Hopefully the volcano starts its show after 6pm when the red lava will be visible. Relax and enjoy. Pura Vida!

Tour operators offer several options to experience the area. Afternoon hikes or horseback rides through the lush rain forest with an experienced guide are a great way to spot animals and flowers. Relaxing at several hot springs is an entertaining way to wait for the lava. Budget travelers can find $10 night tours from town, but remember lava sightings are not guaranteed.

During the rainy season, afternoon thunderstorms are common and strong. Take rain gear for hikes and dry clothes in a waterproof bag for after a soak in the hot springs.

Locals can provide an informative history of the area. Only consulting the dictionary once, I learned all about Arenal from a worker at the hostel. He told me that a few years ago rumbles were felt in town and they have evacuated 3 times in the past, but right now "she is not a menace, she is our friend".