Beautiful Mountain Becomes the Magical Monteverde.

In the 1950s a group of American Quakers went in search of a tranquil place to live.  They were drawn to Costa Rica since it doesn’t have an army and then fell in love with the ‘green mountain’ because of its cool climate (perfect for farming) and blinding beauty.  It became their dream home allowing them to escape from the world of war and conflict that existed in States.
  

Monteverde (the ‘green mountain’) was finally founded by the Quakers and they established what is known today as the ‘Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve’ with a vision to conserve and protect the lands.  Before the Quakers settled in Monteverde the land was already being worked by a group of Costa Rican farmers who traveled from towns like San Ramon, Esparza and Miramar.  

The Quakers began to create their own farms and in 1953 they opened the famous ‘Monteverde Cheese Factory.’  Using milk from their cows they began to produce 10kg of cheese a day.  Over the years they joined efforts with existing farmers which boosted the production of cheese.  This marked an important change in the economy for many Costa Rican farmers.  The ‘Cheese Factory’ now attracts thousands of visitors each year and producing around 1,550kg of cheese a day, as well as fresh milk, yoghurts and a variety of mouth watering ice-creams there are treats for all.

Over the years Monteverde began to grow and has flourished in to the magical place it is today; famous for its biodiversity, astounding beauty and fun tours.  Many that come to Monteverde, Costa Rica can’t help but fall in love with the place!  It offers a wide array of activities from guided hikes in the reserve; encircled by lush vegetation and tropical wildlife to zipping through and above the forest on a canopy tour.  For all you adrenaline lovers be informed that Extremo Canopy Tour now offers one of the highest bungees in Central America!  To find out what other delights are on offer take a look at all Monteverde tours.

Flying High to Costa Rica in 2012 with an Increased Number of Flights.

The Juan Santamaria International Airport has always been Costa Rica’s main hub. But, how often have you flown in to this San Jose Airport and found yourself hours away from the true wonders of paradise that you seek? Don’t despair! In 2012 the Liberia International Airport, also known as the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, is set to increase its number of flights, making it easier for you to reach the gems of the North!

Since the airport’s opening in 1995 the number of arrivals has greatly increased. This growth highlighted an urgent need for expansion, and as a result the airport has been renovated and a brand-new terminal constructed. JetBlue, Continental and Delta are among some of the airlines that have confirmed their non-stop flights to Liberia.

The Liberia International Airport is situated in the Guanacaste region, which is home to some of the most spectacular places in Costa Rica. Flying to this airport will help cut your journey time down considerably whilst in Costa Rica, allowing you to spend less time on the road and more time immersed in paradise!

It is the doorway to many of Costa Rica’s stunning beaches on the Pacific Gold Coast, as well as other magical places, such as La Fortuna Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest. La Fortuna Arenal is home to the legendary Arenal Volcano and also re-noun for its arenal adventure activities and natural hot springs! Monteverde Cloud Forest is famous for its biodiversity and hikes within the lush rainforests, many of which are protected reserves.

Next time before you book your flight to Costa Rica, just remember that you have the option of choosing which airport you fly in to. You could be saving valuable vacation time by flying to the Liberia International Airport and getting closer to your destination!

Top 5 Adrenaline Pumping Activities in Arenal Costa Rica.

1. White Water Rafting near Arenal Volcano is a ‘must do’ activity if you are looking for a heart racing experience! The water is warm, the rapids are wild and in between the crazy moments you will get the chance to observe the beautiful flora and fauna that line the river banks.
2. Canyoneering requires no experience, just a great sense of adventure and a desire to get wet.  Just imagine the thrill of standing at the top of an immense canyon that towers above the lush rainforest, and then taking that daring step backwards and rappelling down the 150-ft waterfall into the depths of a tropical paradise.
3. Canopy in Arenal with Skytram and Skytrek zip line tour (Canopy Tour) makes you feel like the sky’s the limit!  The aerial trams offer spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and possible wildlife sightings.  There are 8 incredible cables and the thrilling 700+ meter ride certainly isn’t a ride for the faint hearted.
4. Cerro Chato Extreme Hike is an intense 4-5 hour climb that takes you through the jungle and up to the old volcano crater of the extinct volcano Cerro Chato.  After your challenging hike you get the chance to sit back and relax by the esmerald green lake.
5. Mountain biking through the beautiful countryside of La Fortuna Arenal.  And for those more serious bikers looking for a true desafio (challenge), why not let the strength of your legs take you along the winding trails from Arenal Volcano to Monterverde or vice versa.

Top 20 Amazing Hummingbird Facts

1.   Hummingbirds are native of the Americas and can be found in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
2.   When first discovered they were named as the “flying jewels”.
3.   Hummingbirds are the second largest group of birds in the Americas.
4.   There are 343 species of hummingbirds.
5.   Hummingbirds have a 3-4 year life span, if they survive their first year.
6.   They have a heart rate that can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute.
7.   The smallest hummingbird is the Bee Hummingbird (2.25 inches).
8.   The largest hummingbird is the Giant Hummingbird (8 inches).
9.   They weigh between 0.07 ounces and 0.70 ounces.
10. Hummingbirds can visit between 1,000 and 2,000 blossoms every day.
11. Like bees, hummingbirds carry pollen from one plant to another.
12. Hummingbirds have very weak feet and can’t walk.
13. Hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 80 times per second.
14. A hummingbird has no sense of smell.
15. They have one of the highest metabolic rates.
16. Percentage wise, hummingbirds have the largest brain of all birds.
17. To conserve energy they enter a hibernation-like state known as ‘torpor’.
18. Hummingbirds can rotate their wings almost 180 degrees.
19. They can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways and hover on the spot.
20. During migration, some hummingbirds make a non-stop 500 mile flight.

Shakey Shift from Sleepy Town to Top Tourist Hot Spot in Costa Rica.

On the morning of July 29^th, 1968 the life of a small, agricultural town was changed forever!  What today is known as Arenal Volcano use to be called Arenal Peak.  For about 400 years it lay dormant until that unforgettable morning, when the peaceful peak decided to blow its top, consequently burying villages and taking the lives of many people! 

 

From that day on La Fortuna Arenal became one of Costa Rica’s main attractions, with visitors flocking from far and beyond to see the remarkable Arenal Volcano.  In 1979 the town was relocated in order to expand the lake and build a dam.  The old town now lies at the bottom of the famous, 30 km long Lake Arenal where many exciting water sports are practiced.  Imagine kayaking or sportfishing on the lake that covers the remains of the very town that was destroyed during the violent eruptions of 1968!  It is even said that when the water level is low you can catch a glimpse of the church spire.

The new La Fortuna town is the portal to many activities that are in and around Arenal Volcano.  It is situated about 15kms away from the the legendary volcano and packed with hotels, hostals, restaurants, bars and shops there is no time for getting bored.  If you are looking for a popular place to eat then why not try Don Rufinos, renoun for its excellent menu and cozy atmosphere.  In addition to the town’s relocation the new town plaza was re-vamped, making it an inviting place for all.

 

La Fortuna Arenal is definitely the place to be because it has something for everyone.  If you want an adrenaline blast then why not try white water rafting down crazy rapids and canyoneering down waterfalls in the forest.  However if you’d prefer a more tranquil atmosphere then relaxing in the natural hot springs would be perfect.  Arenal Volcano Costa Rica is without a doubt a must see!

Arenal Volcano Lake Ancient SUP Surfing! Get Ready to “Walk on Water?”

I am sure that everyone knows what I am refering to when I say surfing, right?  A beach, surface water sport, where you ride the waves on an elongated board, and hope that the rolling waves will actually carry you to the shore and not beat you down under!  But you might be asking yourself, “Well if that is done at the beach and Arenal Volcano is nowhere near the sea, then how is surfing possible?”  And the answer is because it isn’t that type of surf that is on offer here at La Fortuna Arenal!

Arenal Costa Rica now hosts a brand new water sport that originates from Hawai, known as ‘Stand Up Paddle’ (SUP) Surfing.  How many people have actually been somewhere that offers this fun and easy to learn sport?  And you don’t need to be at the beach to do it, but if the beach is more your thing then Desafio does also offer SUP at Playa Samara.  The Stand Up Paddle SUP boarding lessons are carried out on the immense waters of Lake Arenal (Costa Rica’s largest lake).  

SUP involves standing on a large, wide surfboard and using a long paddle you can glide across the water to your hearts content.  It is suitable for all ages and genders, despite it being a common belief that women are better at it than men due to their lower level of gravity!  “NOW IT IS COMPETITION TIME!” I hear some of you say.  Itching to get the chance to make this belief nothing more than a mere myth?  But are you up to the challenge?  And by the way, did you know that the Spanish word for challenge is DESAFIO?

After your wet and entertaining morning why not turn it down a key.  Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at one of the best hot springs in Costa Rica!  After all that core strength work I am sure that you’ll deserve a little pampering.   And if SUPing is not enough excitement in one day for you then don’t despair.  La Fortuna Arenal is an adventurers paradise and there are plenty more arenal tours and activities to get your adrenaline pumping!

Fire Dragon or Sleeping Giant? Arenal Volcano.

How many of you out there have had the opportunity to see a real, live volcano?  Not many we suspect, as most volcanoes are hard to reach.  However, Arenal Volcano is situated at the heart of the famous Arenal National Park and it is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes.  You might have heard that the dragon is not breathing any fire (lava) at the moment but this definitely doesn’t change the fact that Arenal Volcano is still one of Costa Rica’s hot spots!  And don’t be fooled by this sleeping giant, as he is still very much alive inside!

Learn about Arenal Volcano’s history, observe its impressive ash columns, catch a glimpse of its gas and hear its underground rumbles!  And who knows when this fire dragon might come to life again!  As well as the volcano there are plenty of other fun and exciting activities to be found in and around La Fortuna Arenal.  Hikes through the Arenal National Park or to La Fortuna waterfall, soaking in the hot springs, horseback riding or a canopy tour are just a few of them.  Now not many people can say that they did a horseback ride at the foot of an astounding andesitic stratovolcano, can they? 

At the base of the currently sleeping giant lies one of Costa Rica’s largest reservoirs, known as Lake Arenal.  Its water is used for hydroelectric power and supplies between 33% and 50% of Costa Rica’s electrical energy depending on the season!  Not only being an important source of energy the lake also provides a place of fun to be had by all!  Fishing and kayaking are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed all year round.  And if after your time in Arenal you are heading on to Monteverde then why not travel taxi–boat–taxi, saving you both valuable time and making a pleasurable boat trip part of your adventure up the green mountain!  Fancy making vacation planning a little easier?  Why not find out more about our special vacation packages.