Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Fortuna Waterfall Hike, Chocolate Tour & Frog Night Experience
Today you will enjoy two of what we consider some of the most interesting activities to do near the Arenal Volcano: a nature hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall as well as a fabulous Chocolate Tasting Tour. You ll be picked up at your hotel and drive towards the La Fortuna Waterfall before setting off on a guided hike that will take you to this beautiful waterfall that is a must-see when you come to the Arenal area. Its stands at an impressive 150 ft. tall and its crystal - clear waters cascade into the pool below which after the hike to the falls offers the perfect place to swim, relax and take photos while soaking up the exuberant nature around this secluded canyon. When you visit the La Fortuna Waterfall you not only get to enjoy this marvelous natural wonder, you will be helping to support the Development Association of the community. 100% of the entrance fee goes towards social projects to benefit schools, nutritional centers, the orphanage, recycling center, roads, security for our visitors and more. The beauty of the waterfall is not the only thing that will take your breath away, but also the hike back up...we promise that it is well worth it as you ll then begin your Rainforest Chocolate Tour. This unique experience takes you to explore the ancient secrets of chocolate: from its discovery and use in the tropical Americas, to the processing of the mouthwatering chocolate products we know and enjoy today. Considered a gift from the gods, the cacao tree was very important to the ancient culture of Costa Rica and was not only used as a ceremonial drink, but its cocoa seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value in many regions of Mesoamerica. The tour brings history, culture, traditions and flavor together as you participate in the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, to the tasting of a high-quality organic chocolate.
This evening, you will experience not only the amazing nocturnal wonders of the rainforest, but you will also be invited to the home of a local Costa Rican family where you will experience the warmth of Tico families. Towards the end of the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to a small town known as La Tigra, located at 50 minutes from La Fortuna. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Mendez family who are proud to receive you into their home. In this landscaped gardens you'll find a number of tropical flowers, some lakes and a few trails that will take you into an area of the rainforest that is going through the process of regeneration. Your experienced nature guide will take you along this trail at night where you can expect to see species like nocturnal birds and mammals, insects, amphibians, bats, and of course the Costa Rica's famous frogs, such as the dart frog, the bullfrog and the spectacular Red Eyed Tree Frog! After the tour, a home cooked Costa Rican dinner is prepared on a wood burning stove and you'll be able to enjoy your dinner while looking out at the lights of the San Carlos Valley in the pleasant company of your group and Don Oscar's family members. As your dinner draws to a close, your transfer will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.