Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Biking is a reasonable option to get around town and reach some of the top tourist attrac-
tions. The challenging 7km ride from town to La Catarata is a classic. Make advance ar-
rangement to rent a bike from
Bike Arenal
and they'll drop it off at your hotel.
CAR
La Fortuna is easy to access by public transportation, but nearby attractions such as the hot
springs, Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal and Laguna de Arenal demand lots of waiting,
cursing and walking. Luckily, you can rent cars in town.
Adobe Rent a Car
CAR RENTAL
2479-7202;
www.adobecar.com
;
Calle 1;
7am-7pm)
Alamo
CAR RENTAL
2479-9090;
www.alamocostarica.com
; cnr Av Central & Calle 2;
7:30am-5:30pm)
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
Arenal was just another dormant volcano surrounded by fertile farmland from about AD
1500 until July 29, 1968, when huge explosions triggered lava flows that destroyed three
villages, killing 78 people and 45,000 cattle. The area was evacuated and roads throughout
the region were closed. Eventually, the lava subsided to a relatively predictable flow and
life got back to normal. Sort of.
Although it occasionally quieted down for a few weeks or even months, Arenal pro-
duced menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock al-
most daily. It all ended quite abruptly in 2010, leaving the alarmed local tourist industry to
gasp and spew in its place. Still, any obituary on the Arenal area is premature given the
fact that the volcano has retained its picture-perfect conical shape and there is still plenty
of forest on its lower slopes and in the nearby foothills.
While the molten night views are gone for now (one never knows what lies beneath or
beyond), this mighty mountain is still worthy of your time. Clouds may shroud her at any
time, but there are excellent trails to explore. And even if it does rain and there is a chill in
the air, you are just a short drive away from hot springs.
