We had Vista del Valle arrange a rental car for us in advance. It was delivered to us at the hotel in the morning - the Daihatsu Terios - and we began the crazy drive to Arenal Observatory Lodge at 11am or so.
Arenal sounded like fun, as we've never been up close to an active volcano. Of course, most likely we were not going to be so lucky to actually see the lava flow and hear the rumblings, but, wow, that sure would be a neat experience! And if we weren't so lucky, I'd read that there were a lot of interesting species of flora and fauna around the volcano.
Now, getting the GPS was the best decision we could have ever made! It proved to be ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE! Many of the roads here are not marked! It's insane. But it makes for one heck of a driving adventure! Well, a more sane driving adventure with a GPS.
Arenal sounded like fun, as we've never been up close to an active volcano. Of course, most likely we were not going to be so lucky to actually see the lava flow and hear the rumblings, but, wow, that sure would be a neat experience! And if we weren't so lucky, I'd read that there were a lot of interesting species of flora and fauna around the volcano.
Now, getting the GPS was the best decision we could have ever made! It proved to be ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE! Many of the roads here are not marked! It's insane. But it makes for one heck of a driving adventure! Well, a more sane driving adventure with a GPS.
We made it to Arenal in 3.5 hours or so. With some delays...
We got a great view of Arenal volcano (Volcán Arenal) when we arrived at 2pm, but the clouds started moving in later. (And that was the last we saw of the volcano during our stay.) We arrived a bit too early for check-in, so we had lunch in the restaurant - we split a casado con tilápia, which was very good. A casado (which translates as "married") is a typical dish, consisting of a cabbage and tomato salad, fried plantains, rice and beans, either separately or together (in which case it's called gallo pinto) sometimes avocado, sometimes fresh cheese, and a meat.
The restaurant looking out upon Lake Arenal...
After that, we settled into our Smithsonian room (#34) which gives you a view of the volcano. While the view is fantastic, the room itself isn't as neat as Vista del Valle.
We then went for a walk. Arenal Observatory Lodge is quite touristy. It's a great place for a family. Many hikes here are paved, and it is a gorgeous landscape of very colorful, tropical foliage.
We then went for a walk. Arenal Observatory Lodge is quite touristy. It's a great place for a family. Many hikes here are paved, and it is a gorgeous landscape of very colorful, tropical foliage.
I believe those things hanging are termite nests.
This may be a Waxrose?
These are very beautiful, melancholy flowers, that hang upside down. I think they are called Brugmansia. Notice all the leaves in the background with interesting designs eaten in them.
Getting back from our walk, we heard those crazy howler monkeys and all manner of birds as we sat on our porch. Then it started pouring at 5:30.
It's the best feeling to just be out here in a comfy spot, to just sit and enjoy it all! And read. The mountain air, the breeze, the coolness, the sounds of the bugs and animals and wind. The fragrances. It's phenomenal! Not having to worry about anything...
It's the best feeling to just be out here in a comfy spot, to just sit and enjoy it all! And read. The mountain air, the breeze, the coolness, the sounds of the bugs and animals and wind. The fragrances. It's phenomenal! Not having to worry about anything...
Later we had dinner - buffet and drinks. It was quite good. Again, the hotel's restaurant is a good option, and probably your only option, unless you have a rental car and feel like driving to get food.
Upon returning to our room, we were greeted by a big moth under our porch light.
Arenal Observatory Lodge - highly recommended
$120 for 1 night, including taxes and breakfast. Dinner and drinks were an additional $45.
Other notes: restaurant, in-room safe. I'd recommend staying more than one night, as we really didn't get the chance to explore the area.
Daihatsu Terios (I think the Terios is the same as the Bego) rental car (4WD, 4 door, 4 passengers, A/C): $52.00 per day, including free mileage, pick up/drop off at hotel, basic insurance and taxes. GPS is an additional $6 per day - Get it! You can have the hotel arrange for your rental car for no additional charge.
next post > day 3 - Arenal & Around the Lake
previous post > day 2 Vista del Valle Colorful Wake-up
first post > day 1 - Adventure, Exploration and Relaxation
Upon returning to our room, we were greeted by a big moth under our porch light.
Arenal Observatory Lodge - highly recommended
$120 for 1 night, including taxes and breakfast. Dinner and drinks were an additional $45.
Other notes: restaurant, in-room safe. I'd recommend staying more than one night, as we really didn't get the chance to explore the area.
Daihatsu Terios (I think the Terios is the same as the Bego) rental car (4WD, 4 door, 4 passengers, A/C): $52.00 per day, including free mileage, pick up/drop off at hotel, basic insurance and taxes. GPS is an additional $6 per day - Get it! You can have the hotel arrange for your rental car for no additional charge.
next post > day 3 - Arenal & Around the Lake
previous post > day 2 Vista del Valle Colorful Wake-up
first post > day 1 - Adventure, Exploration and Relaxation
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