A few weeks back Gerardo and I had a friend (William) visiting from Panama. William had never been to Costa Rica. He had limited time here and was really wanting to see the Arenal Volcano. So I suggested that we make a whole day of it and do something that none of us had ever done...the La Fortuna waterfall. Over the years I have been to the Arenal area countless times but had never done the waterfall.
The drive up to Arenal is beautiful. We always go through San Ramon, which passes high in the mountains through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Coming down you pass all the large farms of tropical plants that are grown for export to the United States and Europe. Keep your eyes open because during the rainy season you will see several waterfalls that just jet out of the mountain side. There were several things on the agenda so we decided to check in at Baldi first, then go to the waterfall. For nationals and residents, Baldi offers special rates for daily entrance. We choose the full day pass with dinner included. Now let's go check out the waterfall and come back and relax.
The La Fortuna Waterfall is located just on the outside of La Fortuna. Just before you get to downtown (coming from San Ramon) you will see the signs. You have to turn off to the left and go up about 4 kilometers until the road dead ends into the park entrance. Other than the waterfall, there is a mountain lake that is the old crater of a dormant volcano. We did not have time to do this hike as it is about two hours up and two hours back but we have heard it is fantastic. Hiking down over 500 steps to come to the waterfall, you
are rewarded with a stunning jet of water falling from above. The river is crystalline, nice and cold...well refreshing for a dip. The climate in La Fortuna is a bit humid, so after the hike the water feels great. At the bottom of the fall is a large pool great for swimming. However a small hike around the corner, you find the La Fortuna river which offers a nice current with water so clear you can see the fish swimming. Ok guys....I am cold. Let's go relax in the hot springs...What do you say???
Going down the steps is easy but going back up...not so easy..well...thinking about Chirripo..it was a breeze. Back at Baldi we pose in the entrance for photos with the fat lady. Inside is a tropical paradise. Lush landscape with almost every species of heliconias, bananas, gingers, palms, birds of paradise, and every other tropical you can think of. A quick change and we are in the pools. Baldi has several pools all wi
th varying temperatures. We start off warm and then work our way up to hot....at about 109 degrees, that is hot. Thank God there is a cold dipping pool next to it. Now this is the life. Relaxing in paradise with a unobstructed view of Volcan Arenal. Does life get better? Cocktail please? Completely relaxed we change and make our way up to have dinner before we leave. Buffet style with great options like grilled fish and chicken, fresh veggies, rice and beans, salad bar, soup, and dessert...I am full...now I have to drive home. Hope you had a great time William....Pura Vida,
Dennis & Gerardo
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