Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel to go and visit the small ecological reserve of the Danaus Ecological Sanctuary; a private non-profit natural reserve dedicated to the preservation of Costa Rican biodiversity and forest regeneration. Thanks to the efforts of a group of people concerned about conservation and education of the local youth, it is a wonderful project which has cooperated with the sustainable tourism development of La Fortuna town. During your walking tour through the botanical gardens, you will be able to see hundreds of species of plants, like: orchids, bromeliads, ferns, heliconia's, palms and many others. These plants attract more than 150 species of animals like, frogs, snakes, turtles, caimans, monkeys, sloths, reptiles, agoutis and birds that are usually seen around the area. The small sanctuary also hosts a butterfly garden with more than 40 species, exhibition of medicinal plants, wetland which has been declared of national importance for bird nesting and observation, and a model of a Maleku House, representative of an indigenous tribe from the Northern Region, which allows us to learn a little about the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica. We will then enjoy a picknick style lunch or a lunch at the restaurant (depending on weather conditions). Then head out into the Arenal Reserve with an expert nature guide to explore the diverse Costa Rican rainforest and the famous Arenal Volcano. After a 30 min. drive to the western side of the Arenal volcano, you will start your 1.5-hour trek through the dense rainforest surrounding the volcano where the flora will break to give you amazing views of the perfectly formed conical volcano. The Arenal Volcano was once one of the most active volcanoes in the world and would regularly erupt although it has been resting since 2010. Hiking deeper into its volcanic folds, you can enjoy the diverse secondary forest teeming with wildlife such as tropical birds and playful monkeys. As you get ever closer to the volcano, you'll begin walking across some of the historic lava fields where you can see old lava rocks that buried much of the surrounding jungle during the dramatic eruptions of 1968 as well as get a full view of the volcano in all its glory and the glistening Arenal Lake. Having trekked through the rainforest of the Arenal 1968 Park, it's time to enjoy relaxing in the hot springs of The Springs Hotel and Spa. With 18 freeform landscaped pools and waterfalls filled with thermal water each with varying temperatures, you can choose the best pool for you. With the imposing Arenal Volcano in the background and surrounded by verdant nature, the water passes through the hot rocks located deep within the neighboring volcano, where temperatures can reach as high as 150°F (65.5°C). Soaking in these warm waters, rich in minerals and healing properties, surrounded by manicured flower gardens and perhaps sipping a cocktail at the wet bar...this is truly heaven! Feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed and having bid farewell to the hot springs, you'll head inside to the restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner before being transferred back to your accommodation.
Tip: Don't forget to bring hiking shoes, a raincoat, insect repellent, camera, bathing suit, slippers, dry clothing.