Hot springs and cold craters

Buenos dias and how are you?

Paul and I are still suffering the effects of this weekend's adventures in Arenal.

This is the peak of the extinct volcano, Arenal.  Last time we were here 2 years ago, we never saw the top.  I captured the top on Sunday when it showed it's face...for all of 5 minutes.  We are very frustrated with this volcano, but whatever.  We decided to do this destination again, because it was close, accessible, and just adventureful. 

What it looks like all the time

Our adventure begins early Saturday morning, after a short drive to La Fortuna, the town, we decided to hike Cerro Chato, the hill to the left of Arenal (pictured below).

We heard it was a strenuous hike, even for very fit people, but decided to take the challenge.  I mean, we exercise, we like to hike, and this will be good to see how well we would do...right?

Oh, what fools we were.  Sweet, stupid fools.

Before pictures

During pictures

We aren't exaggerating: it was hard.  The hike was straight up, absolutely no amount of leveling off where you can rest a little.  We would take 20 steps, and then stop.  It took 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down (because once you start rolling down, you can't stop).  Luckily, it was pretty.

Once up at the top, you are supposed to be able to look at Arenal and into the extinct crater, that has a green lagoon inside that you can swim in.  Of course, it was foggy, but we did get to swim in the crater.  It was cold, but felt amazing after that nasty, sweaty hike. 

The lagoon (not our pic)

The lagoon

You can kinda see my little fish friends giving me a pedicure (nibbling on my toes).

While lounging and taking pictures, we made some new friends.  A couple from Atlanta came down and we spent the rest of the hike going downhill with them.  We also made friends with a coati!

That evening, we decided to go to Baldi Hot Springs, because, well, we deserved it.  No picture of that, but this is the place.  17 hot spring pools, ranging in temps.  And we love it.

The next day, after the top of Arenal sighting (stupid volcano), we went on a little drive along La Fortuna lake, formed by a dam.  It's a gorgeous place and we stopped at a little hotel/restaurant on the hill for lunch to enjoy the view.  Then we went back to San Jose.  So, that's our trip!  Enjoy the view!

Near the dam

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