In Costa Rica, a ‘riveting’ sight
Sep 24th, 2010 by wwftravel
Burbling, slow-moving streaks of neon orange goo flow down the sides of Costa Rica’s most active volcano like hot fudge on a scoop of ice cream. For geology lovers, Arenal volcano is a riveting sight to see.
Since erupting in 1968 after nearly 400 years of dormancy, the volcano remains active, silently spewing clouds of ash and rock or booming with pyroclastic explosions. Though there’s no predicting when Arenal – one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world – will put on a show, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the best places in Costa Rica to watch it.
WWF’s Jewels of Costa Rica tour this February includes two nights at the sought-after lodge, which is situated on a ridge overlooking Arenal Lake. Given that it’s just 1.7 miles from the volcano, the views are spectacular. Yet the property has been rated a “low danger zone,” so it’s safe.
The dining room overlooks the volcano’s southern slope, as does a wide deck with panoramic views. Most guest rooms have a view of the volcano, too.
But the lodge offers more than just pretty vistas – it sits amid hundreds of acres of natural and reforested forests that are part of Arenal National Park. During our visit, walk across hardened lava floes, through rain forest trails and across hanging bridges. A waterfall is just a 20-minute walk from the lodge.
And where there is volcanic activity, there is usually geothermal activity, too, which means you can enjoy a soak in natural hot springs after a short hike.
More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in the region surrounding the lodge. Among them: three-wattled bellbirds, fasciated tiger-herons, sunbitterns, laughing falcons, great curassows and keel-billed toucans.
Learn more about WWF’s Jewels of Costa Rica adventure, February 19 – 27, 2011.
