Hiking around Arenal Volcano

Even with the rain we were able to get out and go exploring around the La Fortuna - Arenal area. If you let rain stop you here in Costa Rica you be missing out on so much.

Standing in front of the Volcano at Arenal Observatory Lodge

We have not seen the volcano since arriving due to rain and cloud cover. Our friends keep questioning us as to if one actually does exist.



We went to Arenal Observatory Lodge to do some hiking. The road to get to the lodge we spotted all sorts of birds and animals.
This was the first time I have seen an anteater out in the wild. We spotted him just has he was crossing a driveway. A minute later and we would have never seen him.

Anteater

 I think this Coati just sits and waits for the tour buses to come by. You are not supposed to feed the animals but people still do. We saw him there on the way in and on the way out. A van in front stopped and was feeding him what looked like fruit loops. DO NOT FEED  THE ANIMALS means just that folks.

 There were many birds which as hard as I am trying still can not identify all we are seeing. Here was a large number of Black Vultures just hanging out. There must have been over 50.

In order to get into the lodge and the many hiking trails there is a $8.00 per person fee, which is well worth it.

View of Lake Arenal

 The views are great and the trails are well maintained making it easy to hike for anyone.

There are many trails to choose from all marked with distance and time. We took the trail to the water fall.

Lots of Coati's even a Mother and 3 babies.

Towards the end of the hike we came to a clearing, the sun came out, the clouds opened up a bit and we were finally able to see part of the Volcano.

Yes there really is a Volcano.