Costa Rica Road Trip (Part 3) Arenal…..what zip line!!!
A volcano, hanging bridges and a zip line
Once again, up early and heading off onto the next part of our journey from Monteverde to Arenal, home of one of Costa Rica’s many volcanoes.
Arenal volcano shrouded in cloud
The journey across the Costa Rican countryside was once again incredible. Verdant, picturesque and treetops as far as the eye can see.
When we arrived at our hotel in Arenal, the Lost Iguana Resort, it was like entering a hidden lush oasis.
The resort was so situated amongst the rambling vegetation and the winding paths through the hotel led you along a voyage of discovery.
We arrived late afternoon, so, we spent the rest of the day around the hotel.
In the evening the evening we enjoyed a lovely meal in the terraced restaurant soaking up the stunning back drop of Arenal Volcano in the distance.
Incredibly Arenal volcano is still active and the last time it erupted was in 2010.
Quick Links
The ‘Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Early the next morning we head up to the ‘Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park’.
A small waterfall, deep within the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Arenal
We spent hours meandering through the tropical vegetation, it’s such a magnificent experience and one I’ll never forget.
Eye-catching flora
A flowing waterfall
Tropical birds were soaring high above, although we were constantly on the look-out for the carefree sloths.
A startled howler monkey in the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Arenal
We didn’t see the elusive sloths, but we did see, and hear, the howler monkey.
A howler monkey, enjoying lunch in the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
This park has also got some amazing hanging bridges (hence the name), which gives you the feeling of walking amongst the treetops.
The volcano again covered in cloud
In this beautiful part of Central America, the weather can be so changeable. One minute there are clear blue skies, the next an eerie mist drapes in the air enveloping Arenal volcano.
Further Reading
If your heading off on your own Costa Rican adventure, than grab a copy of this DK Eyewitness book.
I love planning trips and these guides are so helpful.
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
Don't just take our word for it!
If you're tempted by the enchanting rainforests full of incredible wildlife or the golden sandy beaches, take a look at the 'Visit Costa Rica' official website. The local Ticos know what they are talking about.
The Sky Tram, or….
Later in the afternoon we decided that we would take a relaxing ride on the Sky Tram, which is described as a ‘gondola’ that leisurely rises through the rainforest with some amazing photo opportunities.
Well, when we arrived at the Sky Tram, we were informed that the tram wasn’t running the full tour. The Sky Trek was offered as an option.
The cable line back to the Sky Tram base, Arenal
After some deliberation we decided to go for it, you only live once, and we thought we may never get this opportunity again.
It’s not often you are hanging 200 metres off the ground suspended by a cable.
Once you get over the initial shock of pushing yourself off the platform, with barely nothing between you and the rain forest floor below but a small harness, you do actually manage to appreciate the unbelievable views around. We even had the good fortune of seeing a flock of toucans fly in front of us.
After about 2.5 hours, 7 zip lines and a bout of ‘why the hell are we doing this’, we make it to the bottom. It was a fantastic experience and would certainly do it again (although I’m not too sure that Gary would).
Today was the last day of the road trip with the Mitsubishi, we had about a 3-hour trip back to San Jose for one night, where the car hire company met us to collect the 4X4.
We spent one night in San Jose at the Marriott ready for our 5:45am pick up in the morning to Tortuguero.
The journey to Tortuguero
Have You?
Visited Costa Rica? or are you planning too? It’s a wonderfully diverse country with so much to offer – go on, you know you deserve it.
Inspired to visit Costa Rica?
Why wouldn’t you? It’s a great way to see many ecological wonders of the world.
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