Stress Less..........with Special Package Vacations!

Spending time planning your ideal vacation while actually on vacation sounds crazy, right?  But I bet many of you can’t deny that at some point you have unconsciously or evenly consciously wasted valuable vacation time stuck in foreign tour and information offices.  Costa Rica vacation packages can help erase those nightmare situations!

Booking a package vacation means you don’t have to deal with all of the annoying administrative headaches and it allows you to focus on what is most important; spending quality time with loved ones.  Vacation should be an occasion to steer away from everyday stresses and time spent should be one of pure pleasure and relaxation.  This is why the package vacation option is so refreshing!  

Choosing a package means that it is the company who is responsible for contacting the different tour and transport operators; saving you not only time but money too, as individuals are less likely to receive the special prices large companies do.  Booking with a reputable company also means that you will be offered only the best.  Arenal Volcano Tours have tried and tested all of their listed hotels and tours to make sure they are up to standards.

You have the option of choosing from one of the many ready-made packages, which include a 3 day Adrenaline Blast, Weekend Warrior Adventure and the Adventure Delight 5 Day Package Tour Monteverde and Arenal Volcano or you can tailor make your own with the help of friendly, expertise advisors!  All you need to do is let them know your budget, a rough idea of your interests and then sit back and relax, and that is even before you are on vacation!  Then together with your feedback via email, skype or online chat they will create your dream vacation come true.

5 Free and Low Cost Attractions in La Fortuna Arenal

1. La Fortuna Town and Town Square.
The town is bursting with artisan shops, restaurants and bars.  If you get hungry a picnic in the newly re-vamped town square might be nice.  Situated in front of the impressive La Fortuna Arenal church the square is beautifully landscaped making it the perfect place to spend time with friends and family.  In the evenings you might hear angel like voices coming from inside the church which will be a choir and very little if anything is normally charged.  If you are lucky the park might also be hosting traditional dances or music.  Look out for signs or simply ask the locals what is on the agenda.

2. La Fortuna Waterfall.
This spectacular 150-ft cascading waterfall is a must see!  Entrance fees for adults are $8, students $6 and those little ones under the age of 6 enter for free.  After a 15 minute hike down to the waterfall you can relax and take a swim in the crystalline waters so don’t forget to pack your swim suit and of course your camera!

3. Tabacón River. 
Did you know that the Tabacón river begins inside Arenal Volcano?  If a visit to the Tabacón Resort is simply not in your budget then you don’t have to miss out on a relaxing dip in the heavenly hot springs!  Just before you get to the Tabacón Resort you will find the Tabacón River which is where the locals often go and the best thing is it’s free of charge.

4. “El Salto” - The Secret Swimming Hole.
This is a truly magical place that is set in beautiful and secluded surroundings.  From fresh water pools and waterfalls there is fun to be had by all without charge.  You could make a day of it and even take a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.  If you are a dare devil then there is the perfect tarzan swing just waiting for you but remember stay safe while having serious fun!

 

5. Bird Watching.
For all those bird lovers you will find yourself in paradise.  Arenal is home to many exotic birds like toucans and tanagers.  You will probably spot many in and around La Fortuna area but if you take a hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park (Arenal Park) then your chances of seeing more birds is highly probable.  $49 per person includes the entrance fee, water and your very own personal guide.  I’ve heard of guides who have spotted something as minute as a stick insect.  Now that's a pretty good pair of eyes if you ask me!

Arenal Volcano National Park is a Popular Tourist Spot, True or False?

Arenal Volcano National Park covers around 30,000 acres of land and is a huge hit with the tourists and has been for many years now. At the heart of this famous national park stands the giant like Arenal Volcano. The park sits along side Lake Arenal and offers trails through primary and secondary rainforest and over lava rocks created from past eruptions. There is also a cool observation point at the base of the volcano allowing you to get that little bit closer.

Arenal Volcano’s last biggest eruption took place in 1968 destroying towns and taking the lives of many innocent people. More recently in May 2010 the activity of the volcano began to intensify more than normal. It started emitting large quantities of gas and several avalanches occurred all leading to the immediate closure of the park. However, don’t despair as a hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park is perfectly safe and the park rangers always keep a close eye on the volcano’s activity. Although current activity has decreased Arenal Volcano is still very much alive inside which is evident from its underground rumbles.

During a hike in the park you will find yourself immersed in paradise, surrounded by lush vegetation and exotic wildlife (deer, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, tucans, snakes and birds.) As you wander along the winding paths either alone or with a guide you’ll come across many magical places home to amazing waterfalls and fresh flowing rivers. After hours of hiking La Fortuna Arenal is the perfect place to rest those tired legs in the region's notorious, relaxing hot springs Costa Rica has to offer.

Top 5 Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica.

1.   Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano located in the North-West of Costa Rica; close to the town La Fortuna Arenal.  It erupted in 1968 destroying villages and killing many people.  Although since 2010 the volcano's activity has decreased it is still very much alive inside and in and around the volcano there is plenty to see and do, like taking a magical hike in the famous Arenal Volcano National Park.  

Arenal Volcano

2.   Poás is one of Costa Rica's largest volcanos.  It has two crater lakes and the main crater's rain fed sulphuric pool still bubbles away and gives off smoke.  Visitors can sometimes smell the sulpheric smoke.  The volcano has erupted 13 times since 1828 and in January 2009 Poás was at the epicenter of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake.   

Poás Volcano

3.   Irazú is one of Costa Rica's highest active volcanoes, situated close to the capital of San José.  It has several craters and on a clear day it is possible to see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the top.  It was first recorded to have erupted in 1723 and since then has erupted about 23 times!

Irazú Volcano

4.   Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano that comes with a legend.  It translates as "Old Woman's Corner" and the tale is that a girls lover was thrown in to the crater by her father, she became a recluse and acquired healing powers.  Although little has been recorded about its eruption activity it is known that it last erupted in February 1998 and for safety reasons after this eruption hikes to the crater were prohibited.  The volcano lies 1,916 metres above sea level and its summit is the highest point in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park.    

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

5.   Turrialba is a 3,340 meter high stratovolano that lies adjacent to the Irazú Volcano.  One of its three craters has fumeroles (an opening in the earths crust) and sulpher pits.  In the past people could hike down to this crater but now due to an increase in gaseous activity time allowed there has been limited.  Its last major eruption was in 1866 but since then signs of increased activity like gas emissions have been reported.

Turrialba Volcano

Gladiator the Horse of Tricks.

Have you ever dreamt of seeing a dancing horse?  Or should I ask, “Who'd like to see a dancing horse trained to do other remarkable tricks?”  Make your dreams come true in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Monteverde is home to one of the best horse treks that is locally owned and run by Marvin Anchia who has been riding way before he was born.  He claims that his mother rode horses right up until the day she gave birth to him and declares, “riding is in my blood!”  ‘Horse Trek Monteverde’ offers a variety of local horseback riding tours on trails that consist of secondary forest and pasture with great views of the Pacific Ocean.  Time and weather permitting you might be lucky enough to see a special horse show.

Gladiator is a strong and elegant, “Paso Fino" Costaricense bred horse.  He is 9 years old and the star of the show at ‘Horse Trek Monteverde’ in Costa Rica.  Marvin his loyal owner has been training him for about 7 years now and the connection between this man and his horse is incredible!  Gladiators energetic and controllable temperament allow him to be taught the many tricks he performs: dancing, fast paced, narrow turns and trots, rearing up on his hind legs and lying when told.  When he lies down with Marvin many comment that “He looks like a big dog” and “Wow, I’ve never seen a horse do that before!”  People really can’t believe their eyes!

‘Horse Trek Monteverde’ is also happy to tailor-make any sort of equestrian tour to suit both individual and group interests.  All tours include transport, equipment, instructions, experienced guides and are fully insured.  You will be taken away from the chaotic touristy areas and fully immersed within the Costa Rican culture.  From breath-taking scenery and exotic wildlife to locally owned farms you are sure to have the ride of your life!