Monday: Day 3
The hotel we are at in La Fortuna is very nice with little cabanas for our group. The breakfast was excellent, and the coffee is always delicious here. We had an early departure of 8 am today so we could be ready to be at the farm to ride our horses. We got saddled up and received brief instruction for how to ride the C. Rican horses. The ride up to the top of the waterfall area took a little over an hour. The horses were very cooperative, and we rode the whole way on the narrow roads. Unfortunately, about 45 minutes into our horseback ride, it downpoured. We were all completely soaked, but it didn't really matter too much because 1) the humidity in this part of the country is about 90%, and 2) We were going to get wet at the waterfalls anyway. We made it to the top of the area where you go to see the waterfall, entered, and started the 500 steps down to where the falls are. I think the students really enjoyed feeling the power of all that water coming down, and then we made our way over to a side pool where it was a bit easier to swim. We then had to start the journey back up. 500 steps down, means 500 steps back up. We did it though! We then had to get back on the horses to ride back to the ranch. At this point though, the sun finally came out, so we managed to dry off a bit, and got a few sunburns. After all that, we were starving, and made our way to lunch. This particular spot has a perfect view of the volcano of Arenal, and has really delicious food. The vanilla ice cream for dessert was a hit. We've all been taking pictures of the food of each meal. I do have to say that the food is excellent, and the fresh made juices are really spoiling us.
After lunch, we got ready for our guided hike into the Arenal Natural Reserve. Our guide Anthony explained all the geology and history of C. Rica and how the volcano changed over time. After the eruption of 1968, the landscape and mountain were completely changed. We couldn't see the very top because of the cloud cover, but it was still a stunning view. Along the way of the hike, we stopped to learn about particular plants, or geology. Our guide Anthony I swear, knows absolutely everything! His knowledge is amazing, and we have learned so much already. We stopped and looked at banana and plantain trees, sugar cane, different kinds of orchids, special flowers, insects like cicadas, and we even managed to spot a pit viper snake!! It was a wonderful hike.
Because we had such an active day, the best way to relax was with a visit to the Baldi Hot Springs. This area is like a water park of different pools that are natural heated by the volcano. We had a buffet dinner there, and then enjoyed trying out the various pools and temperatures. The hottest ones were at the top. There was one that was pretty hot!! But, it felt great, and was the perfect way to end such a physically demanding day.
Since it's very late, I'm going to post more of the amazing photos we shot tomorrow. But, I'll load a few now that I took with the gopro.
After lunch, we got ready for our guided hike into the Arenal Natural Reserve. Our guide Anthony explained all the geology and history of C. Rica and how the volcano changed over time. After the eruption of 1968, the landscape and mountain were completely changed. We couldn't see the very top because of the cloud cover, but it was still a stunning view. Along the way of the hike, we stopped to learn about particular plants, or geology. Our guide Anthony I swear, knows absolutely everything! His knowledge is amazing, and we have learned so much already. We stopped and looked at banana and plantain trees, sugar cane, different kinds of orchids, special flowers, insects like cicadas, and we even managed to spot a pit viper snake!! It was a wonderful hike.
Because we had such an active day, the best way to relax was with a visit to the Baldi Hot Springs. This area is like a water park of different pools that are natural heated by the volcano. We had a buffet dinner there, and then enjoyed trying out the various pools and temperatures. The hottest ones were at the top. There was one that was pretty hot!! But, it felt great, and was the perfect way to end such a physically demanding day.
Since it's very late, I'm going to post more of the amazing photos we shot tomorrow. But, I'll load a few now that I took with the gopro.