Onward to La Fortuna

I said adios to the East Coast and Tortuguero and headed inland to the Arenal volcano region near the town of La Fortuna. This "lucky" town was spared from the volcano eruption in 2010 therefore the namesake.

So another early morning departure via boat for an hour back to the mainland and the return ride through the bananas, a stop for lunch, then another two hour scenic drive in a private transport with Jose, our naturalist guide and driver for the afternoon. We rode into the hills through pineapple and fruit farms. We discussed Costa Rican wildlife, the culture and points of interests in different regions, tourism, business
politics, and the controversy over single crop pineapple and banana farming and it's negative environmental impacts. Whew! So I really hope the growers of my two favorite fruits will find a way to be more sustainable by rotating their crops and preserving the land.

The hotel where I am staying is situated at the base of the Arenal volcano, in the edge of... You guessed it, a rain forest! With more birds, iguanas, monkeys, and more! Plus a swim up bar with a view of the volcano and surrounding lush vegetation. I did an early morning yoga class in a pavilion on the edge of the forest, and explored the little tourist town of La Fortuna.

Next on the itinerary, sloth sanctuary, thermal volcano spa day, boat safari nature tour.

Cool things: rain noises on the roof of the bungalo in the middle of the night. Trails of ants carrying little bits of green leafs. Forest bathing. Drinking margaritas in a pool on the drizzling rain at the foot of a volcano while a giant iguana hangs out in a nearby tree. And the hummingbirds are unreal here!

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