Arenal National Park
The town of La Fortuna is dominated by the twin peaks of the Arenal and Cerro Chato volcanoes, and the surrounding geography has been molded by their activity. Though there is no longer the trademark bright red lava lighting up the night (activity stopped October of 2010), the volcanoes still dominate the landscape. If you’d like a closer look at the aftermath of a lava flow, or want a panoramic view of Lake Arenal, head to Arenal National Park. The entrance to the park is on the opposite side of the volcano from the town of La Fortuna. The entrance fee of $10USD grants you two days of exploring, plenty of time to hit both the 1992 flow as well as those from when volcanic activity began again in 1968. If you’ve got binoculars, take them–you might have the fortune of being within earshot of a really knowledgeable guide, as we did. And don’t forget to check out the 400 year old ceiba!
Getting // Going : Arenal National Park
Take the bus toward Tilarán, which leaves La Fortuna at 8am, 12:15, and 5pm. Get there early, the buses fill up fast. You won’t be on it very long, easily a standing journey if need be. It will cost 1.100 CRC ($2.20USD) to get to the park and another $10USD for a two day entry pass. If you are paying with colones, they will use a conversion rate posted in the guardhouse. To get back, we caught a ride within a few minutes after the half hour walk back to the road.
Chollin // Tabaconcito : Free Hot Springs
Known alternately as Chollín (“slippery”), Tabaconcito, or, simply, the free hot springs near la Fortuna Costa Rica, this little gem is hidden in plain sight across the street from the ritzy (and expensive) Tabacón hot springs resort. The closed gate–easily bypassed–is the only reminder that this place used to boast more infrastructure and cost money to enter (it was formerly owned by Tabacon).
Chollín is best visited more than once. During the day, the river is populated by families with picnics in hand. The nearby, more expensive springs provide plenty of potential hitches back into down–we finished getting dressed, walked out to the road, and caught a ride within seconds. Also, by the light of day, you can move farther up the stream than might be wise in the dark with a drink in your hand. If arriving at night, it may be best just to let the falls work the tension out of your back while you stare at the stars and sip on the Flor de Caña you remembered to buy before you left Nicaragua.
Getting // Going : Chollín
You can get there by bus, or be dropped there after a visit to the National Park. Take the Tilaran bus that leaves La Fortuna at 8am, 12:15, and 5pm, and costs $1.100 (to get to Tilaran—ask for a discount, especially if you’re in a group). Ask to be dropped off at Tabacon. Go across the street, past the fence and down the path to the river.