Enchanting Arenal was my next stop after visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Today, let me take you on a virtual tour to the captivating destination of Arenal. This is the continuation of my Costa Rican adventure. Nestled amidst lush rainforests and home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, this place is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Waking up to the symphony of tropical birds, surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna. That is exactly what my experience in Arenal was like. It was a true escape into the heart of nature. From hiking through dense rainforests to soaking in hot springs with views of the volcano, every moment was wonder and adventure.
I was enjoying a tropical vacation package that included the National Parks of Costa Rica. The drive was remarkably interesting. I traveled from a high elevation to sea level. Then climbed again and crossed through central mountains. The elevation was so high that dense fog was a constant companion. It felt like being in the clouds. In fact, the fog was extremely thick. At times, it was difficult to see more than one hundred feet ahead of the coach. The road was winding in areas. It was an amazing drive. The greenery of the vegetation had me fixed on the beautiful hillsides as the bus coasted along.
My Costa Rican Adventure
Going to Arenal was remarkable Costa Rican adventure. The driving route passed through the agricultural belt. I came across vehicles transporting fruits and agricultural produce to the processing plants. Costa Rica is a tropical island, so it has an abundance of water. As a result, the country has an abundance of produce. I saw mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and other fruits. The bus driver promised a surprise at our lunch stop. I noticed iguanas walking calmly outside the eating place. They were enjoying the attention of the guests. The iguanas were unconcerned about having people near them. That was the experience of a lifetime. I was not only close but fed an iguana.
Arenal
We arrived in enchanting Arenal a couple of hours later. The community is located at the base of the Arenal volcano. The area is well known for a major volcanic eruption in 1980. That disaster killed eighty people. Since, there were constant lava flow until 2020. Presently, the Arenal volcano is quiet. Arenal is well known for the Volcano. It is also popularly known for cascading waterfalls and thriving rain forests. What is more, the area has an abundance of wildlife.
The Hotel Magic Mountain was my lodging for the next two days. I spent the evening at the Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel, and Spa. There was lush vegetation around the property. It was a step into a secluded paradise. The resort has twenty-five different thermal hot pools. They varied in temperature from extremely hot to warm. The pools have waterfalls and an excellent swimming area. In addition, they are in a tropical setting with plants and birds chirping in the background. I indulged in a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs that are located throughout the property. The mineral-rich waters soothed my senses and rejuvenated my soul.
I moved from pool to pool to experience all the pools. The water was very relaxing, and I spent hours until I was exhausted.
Arenal Volcano
The following day I ventured to explore the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is one of the most beautiful of the National parks of Costa Rica. From the hotel I crossed over Lake Arenal. The lake has a massive dam. It is the country’s largest hydroelectricity project. I entered the park at the north shore of Lake Arenal entrance. As I trekked through the trails, I was awestruck by the sight of the towering volcano against the backdrop of the azure sky. The feeling of standing at the base of such a powerful force of nature is simply indescribable. The rain forest was amazing. A tour guide accompanied me. His knowledge and expertise were of tremendous help. I learnt about plants and animals. He took time to explain the rich biodiversity of the area. I crossed about fifteen suspended bridges. They were the link between the different mountain ridges.
The forest canopy was rich with vines, ferns, and beautiful flowers. I came across a 300-400-year-old tree. That was not the highlight of the walk. I was amazed to see colorful frogs, birds and small animals that are native to the area. This made walking through the forest amazingly easy. I saw species of plants that came to my attention. The guide explained the plant importance and function to the people of Costa Rica. Walking through the forest was not only good exercise but also exhilarating and educational. It is truly one of the top National Parks of Costa Rica and is worth visiting.
Enchanting Arenal
In addition, enchanting Arenal has adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining through the treetops, rappelling down cascading waterfalls. You can even take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Arenal. The options for adventure are endless in Arenal. You can have a fantastic Costa Rican adventure in Arenal.
To top it all off, the local cuisine in Arenal is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. From fresh tropical fruits to savory traditional dishes. Every bite was a culinary delight. And the warmth and hospitality of the locals added an extra touch of charm to my overall experience.
In conclusion, my visit to Arenal was nothing short of magical. It is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a foodie at heart. So, if you are looking for a place that combines natural beauty with exciting experiences, enchanting Arenal should be on the top of your travel list.
My Arenal experience ended. I travelled to Sarchi before returning to San Jose. This will be another blog in the future. I love the National Parks of Costa Rica. There are so many outdoor activities and I experienced only a limited amount. I will revisit that tropical destination sometime in the future. Summing up, I will recommend Costa Rica as a country worth visiting. Tropical Destination Vacations has tropical vacation package to Costa Rica.
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