Arenal Volcano hike

Yesterday, I decided to take a $50 full day guided hike referred to as the 2 volcanos hike.  Arenal Volcano National Park  Cerro Chato is the one long dormant volcano that now has a lake inside the remains of its crater.  That ones 38,000 years old.  It is Arenal Volcano, just 7,000 years old, that attracts your attention when in La Fortuna area.  There were 15 in our group, 4 of which were also at this hostel.  This was 2 German girls part way into 6 months of traveling.  A break between the end of university years and before beginning their careers.  Also a guy from London who was in my dorm.  He too had an impressive resume of years of travels.  He is next heading to Monteverde then some beach time before flying to Cuba to meet up with family for the holiday.  It sounds like they’ve been doing this annual Christmas gathering different places in the world since he was quite young.  He too will soon be beginning his career.  

We were picked up at 9:10 am and dropped off about 7:45 pm.  Lunch was included at a camp with a multi storied struction with a lot of tents.   After hiking a couple hours with breaks we reached the destination of a lava field from the 1968 eruption.  The peak of Arenal was still a long way off.  Hiking back to that camp, we cooled off with a swim in the laguna nearby...then lunch was served.  There were several other groups served.  At least 40 people?  I sat with an Asian woman and her daughter.  The mom came here with her parents from Korea and turns out they lived in Minnesota a few years and her daughter was born there.  After lunch those doing only the half day option split from the full day people.  Now there were just 6 of us but we shared a mini bus with another full day group and ran into them several times hiking to the various sites.. There was entrance into a plush resort with an amazing observation deck.. Then we then hiked to a waterfall and swam behind it.  Next was more hiking and another view of Arenal and Cerro Chato Volcanos together.  Lastly and after dark, we went to a hot springs, all the groups were there.  There must have been about 50 people.  We stayed about 2 hours.. cold drinks were served and several guys were moving around the natural pool offering a mud facial out of cups they’d brought.  So I had one, first time ever.  Once back at the hostel, the 4 of us went out to find a not very expensive restaurant.  After looking at several they decided to buy food and cook back at the hostel which they had already done before.  I ate out alone and spent about $7 usd in colones.  I slept very very well.  All 6 bunks were full last night.  I think I’ll stay an extra night... I’m booked for just one more.  It’s quite a bargain.. I’m in a 6 bunk male dorm with en-suite bath.  It’s only $7.50 usd...and it includes a quite nice breakfast..  I’ve decided I’ll take the local bus around Lake Arenal so I get to see the whole lake.  In Tilaran you switch buses and I think wait about an hour and a half for the one to Monteverde.  

I’ll spend about 3 nights in Monteverde and hike the 2 cloud forest preserves, which I did back in 2012 and quite enjoyed.. Then it’s down to the sea.. I’m shooting for getting to Punta Morales on the 20th.  Specifically I’m going to visit the wooden tall-ship a Ceiba project.. I invested in the project at the minimum level just to be a part if it.  I’d requested to volunteer a week or 2 but was told they’re maxed out on volunteers.  When I asked if I’d be allowed to camp at the site a few days and partake of the volunteer meal plan they said sure.  In fact they said try to come for the 22nd as they’re having their end of the year party.. Cool.. Ceiba Project