Jan. 27, 2016 - Arenal Vocano

The sky was mostly clear this morning so we got an early start to LaFortuna to see Arenal Volcano. We bypassed the park and went to the Observatory Lodge Arenal which has great trails and a observation deck to see the volcano. The Lodge charges $5000 Colones ($10USD) for a day pass to the property. http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/

Within ten minutes of walking up the trail to the overservation tower, we spotted two toucans in a tree. There were so beautiful!
The vocano was still behind the clouds when we got to the top of the oberservation tower so we walked some of the trails to the waterfalls. There were several guans in the trees, but we got to see some on the ground much closer to us.

The crested-guan is a large, brown turkeylike bird. This bird is native to Costa Rica.

The waterfalls was really prettty. Back down the trail we loved seeing all the different flowers and trees. It is so amazing how vibrant the colors are!

Lipstick bamboo

Hibiscus

The “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” plant is really interesting. When the flower opens it is a violet color, then turns to light violet, then white – ALL IN 3 DAYS!

We spotted several juvenile Baltimore orioles – they were so bright!

Back by the restaurant, there is a viewing deck so we arrived and waited for the clouds to clear. We were treated to seeing the top of the volcano and it was beautiful. The clear view lasted only a few minutes before the clouds rolled back in and covered the top. It’s all about the timing!

It was also a great spot to see lots of birds. There is a feeder set up and it attracts several different varieties. There was a group of “serious” birders there with giant cameras taking pictures of the different birds. I felt a little embarrassed with my little 35mm point and shoot camera, but at least I don’t have to tote around 50 pounds of equipment!


Oropendola

Blue-Gray Tanager

We spent more than three hours at the Lodge before heading back into LaFortuna for lunch and grocery shopping. This is the soda we ate at. The food was good and very reasonable priced.
We also went back to Eco Termales to get some pictures of the hot springs during the day. http://ecotermalesfortuna.cr/ It was just as beautiful during the day as it was at night.

We also spotted a Jesus Christ lizard lounging by one of the pools. He was so bright green compared to the others we have seen it was pretty cool.

After our sightseeing, we stopped back in LaFortuna to do some grocery shopping before heading back to Mary and Steve’s house.
Along the road we passed two bands of coati – each with at least 10 in them. These must all be females because the males only come around when it is time to mate.

We have had an incredible time in Nuevo Arenal and catching up with good friends. They have certainly assimilated into their community in the last 2-1/2 years they have been in Costa Rica. Tomorrow we head toward Tamarindo on the beach for our last few days in Costa Rica!