Excursion #9: Day 1 La Fortuna

We traveled to the town of LaFortuna to see four places: Volcan Arenal, LaFortuna Waterfall, the Bogarin Trail for sloth sightings, and Rio Celeste Waterfall and river filled with Gatorade blue water. Reaching LaFortuna might have been our easiest drive. We left through the highway leading to Braulio Carrillo and after getting "up and through the mountain" the highway leveled out nicely. We had the pleasure of passing many pineapple and banana farms.

Pineapple fields

Pineapple leaves look so spikey, I wonder how the workers protect their arms during harvest?

Our first view of Arenal Volcano. We didn't plan to go into the national park. The view from town and our Airbnb was good enough for us. Even though the volcano is active, those are just clouds over the top.

A beautiful park in the town square. Picture this in Lamar's town square instead of the Barton County courthouse. The layout of the center square in Lamar and LaFortuna is similar.

Arenal from our Airbnb. It was a nice clear day.

Near once of the restaurants, we saw this cacao orchard. I am so glad to see this after our chocolate tour earlier in the week.

Zoom in to see how the cacao pods extend off the trunk.

A new restaurant construction on our way to LaFortuna Falls.

Arriving to LaFortuna Waterfall park, which is privately owned.

What to expect on our visit to the fountain...

Entering the trail leading down to the waterfall.

First view.

Time to descend about 500 steps.

A massive tree on the way down

The view changed as we descended.

Swimming at the base of the falls. The water was cold but with the heat, it was refreshing. Clark and the kids tried swimming right to the fountain but the current would push them back.

This was as far as I ventured at the base of the falls.

There is a place to swim in the river a short way down from the waterfall pool.

I was having so much fun I got all the way in.

There was a zipline up there. The wall of trees was magnificent.

Water cascaded down this cliff on our way back.

Climbing 500 steps to the top.

A fun sign of encouragement on the trail up.

One more look.

A new garden under construction near the entrance to the waterfall.

There were howler monkeys in the trees over the entrance bay.

Another view of Arenal.

After visiting LaFortuna Waterfalls, we headed over to the Bogarin Trail for an early evening hike before they closed. Tickets are good for 24 hours so this allowed us two chances to spot sloths since we would return the next morning.

Cute squirrel

The view of Arenal from the Bogarin Trail.

An interesting bird. These nest in the trees around the trail during the evening and night.

Where's Waldo the sloth?

The kids thought Clark needed an accessory.

A neat woody vine perfect for a natural swing.

Toucan

Which way to all the fun activities in LaFortuna.