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My
weekend at Arenal
by
Jessica Simon
Bags
packed and hiking boots on, we were all ready to set off with Gilbert,
our guide, for a weekend at the Arenal volcano. Gilbert Villalobos
has been working with ILISA for several years, leading tours to
places of interest all over Costa Rica. The tour he guides most
frequently is to Arenal, which is a very active volcano, in the
province of Alajuela. The trip is a great way to see a natural wonder
of Costa Rica, an opportunity to get to know some of the other students,
and, of course, a perfect outlet to practice all of your newly acquired
Spanish. There's no need to be nervous, however, as Gilbert is one
of the most patient men on earth.
We left ILISA at about 2:30 on a Friday afternoon,
in Gilbert's super comfortable mini-van, for the 4 hour drive north,
through mountainous terrain filled with coffee plants and plantations
of ornamental plants that are exported to Europe. The drive is beautiful
though quite windy, so if you have a tendency to get motion sickness,
I would bring along some dramamine. 
We eventually arrived in the town of La Fortuna, several kilometers
from the volcano, where we would be staying. Villas La Fortuna is
a really nice complex with a row of rooms, a newly opened swimming
pool and some super friendly toucans who love to be photographed
while sitting on your shoulder.
Our
first outing and accompanying Spanish lesson was at dinner, where
we could choose from a variety of native dishes, including fish fresh
from nearby Lake Arenal. My favorite, though it's a beverage rather
than food, is the guanabana fruit shake. It has an indescribable taste
that, for me, sums up all things tropical. We then drove to a spot
with a great nighttime view of the volcano. It was something quite
special-the very top of the volcano was incandescent with glowing
gases, red-hot rocks and the occasional sparks shooting from the crater.
We had great luck with the weather, giving us a clear view of all
the action but even if you aren't so lucky, you can still hear all
the action, without the visuals.
After a good nights sleep, we were off to hike the volcano. It was
a challenging ascent, about 2 hours long, but well worth the view
at the top as well as the face to face encounter with several spider
monkeys who made it clear that we were invading their turf. Along
the way Gilbert explained to us the various plants and animals that
we were seeing. I was really impressed with the leaf cutter ants that
can carry a cargo of cut leaves, of up to three times their weight!
We finally, after much huffing and puffing, reached our destination.
From this point we had a great view of the volcano, including the
burnt trail left by the flowing lava that erupted in May.
Our next stop was the natural hot springs found at the base of the
volcano. We opted for the more basic springs, rather than the pools
located within the Tabacón resort, though I have visited the resort
before and it is well worth the entrance fee and the option to treat
yourself to a facial, mud mask or a massage.
We lounged around for several hours, resting our weary bodies and
soaking up all the minerals in the water as it flowed downstream.
There are several small waterfalls that you can sit under for the
massage effect. It's wonderful. We were also treated to a visit by
some howler monkeys who were snacking in a nearby mango tree.
That night, though the local disco was an option, we all chose to
hit the sack early. It had been a really full day and I know that
I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.
The next day our group split up into two, several people chose to
go white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí river. The other half of us
elected to visit the nearby Fortuna waterfall.
 On
our way down the steep, stone steps, Gilbert explained that until
recently, there were no steps at all and people descended with the
help of a rope, especially in the rainy season when it's pretty muddy.
The hike was shorter than the day before and we were rewarded at the
end with a breathtaking view of the 25 meter high falls. Those of
us who were brave enough, plunged into the pool formed at the bottom
of the falls. Well, to be honest, we inched our way into the pool,
grimacing with each step because of the cool temperatures. Refreshed
from our swim, we headed to lunch and then piled back into the van
for our ride back to San Jose.
Gilbert does the tour nearly every weekend in the high season, June,
July and August and usually twice a month the rest of the year. The
people of La Fortuna have said that he brings the good weather with
him almost every time. If you have the opportunity to go, I would
highly recommend it.
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