Arenal
Esta pagina contiene una pequeña introducción de esta gran ciudad, simplemente le da la oportunidad a la gente alrededor del mundo de la experiencia que tendrán al visitar esta ciudad.
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Arenal is situated in the north west of Costa Rica, in the region of La Fortuna and is famous for its Volcano and National Park.
Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic strato-volcano and measures 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) high. It is conically shaped with a crater of 140 metres (460 ft) in diameter. Geologically, Arenal is considered a young volcano and it is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. It is also known as “Pan de Azúcar”, “Canaste”, “Volcan Costa Rica”, “Volcan Río Frío” or “Guatusos Peak”.
The volcano was dormant for hundreds of years and exhibited a single crater at its summit, with minor fumaroles activity and was covered by dense vegetation.
Then on Monday, July 29, 1968 at 7:30 am, the Arenal Volcano suddenly and violently erupted. The eruptions continued unabated for several days, burying over 15 square kilometers under rocks, lava and ash. When it was finally over, the eruptions had killed 87 people and buried 3 small villages; Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luís. It affected more than 232 square kilometers of land, crops were spoiled, properties were ruined and large amounts of livestock were killed.
At the height of its ferocious activity, the volcano flung giant rocks, weighing several tonnes, more than a kilometer away, at a rate of 600 meters per second. These explosions would go on to form three new active craters, only one now remaining.
As the three towns were destroyed on the western side of the volcano, a town by the name of El Borio on the east side was untouched and unharmed. El Borio was renamed La Fortuna, which means “the fortunate”, referring to its luckiness that the volcano erupted to the west and not the east.
Arenal is the youngest and most active of all the volcanoes in Costa Rica. Scientists have been able to date its activity back to more than 7000 years ago. The area remained largely unexplored until 1937, when a documented expedition took place to reach the summit. It has been considered ‘eruptive’ since 1968. It has been classed as dormant since 2010, but it had classification before 1968, so no one can really say if it will ever erupt again and to what magnitude?
Arenal is a place that begs to be explored; with a backdrop of a volcano, but surrounded by rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, springs, lakes and mountains, the destination is full of adventure.
There are many exciting activities to get involved in, but the most popular are;
Ecogliding or zip lining as some people call it. Sliding through the trees at speed, but also giving views of the Arenal Volcano Park is an amazing feeling. For even more fun, do it at night time or brave the Tarzan Swing at the end?
The Hanging Bridges Walk is a fantastic experience. It is set in 243 hectares of protected Tropical Rain Forest and includes 15 impressive suspended bridges, positioned high up in the tree line. It is great for spotting all types of flora and fauna including monkeys, snakes, spiders and indigenous plants and trees.
Venado Caves are underground trails of ancient rivers and seabed’s, exposed now after thousands of years. It involves seeing exotic rock formations such as the ‘birthing canal’, ‘the papaya’, ‘the coral’, ‘the altar’ and many prehistoric fossils.
Arenal Volcano National Park Walk allows visitors to see the devastation and fury of when this monster decided to breath fire on the region. There are large areas of accumulated solidified Volcanic material and geological formations that are explained and explored, plus taking advantage of the outstanding views of Arenal Lake and Tilaran Mountain Range.
Waterfalls and Hot-springs experience is a must for the water loving tourists. Stunning scenery surrounds the waterfall locations and swimming in the pools below is fantastic. There are many hot-springs in the region, but especially at this destination, so taking a swim or just a relaxing bath in these healthy waters is a joy. Trying some health treatments while there might add an extra dimension to the experience too.
Birdwatching is becoming a massive attraction to this area as there are over 500 species throughout the Arenal region. Professional guides and use of telescopes & binoculars bring the Rain Forests alive by spotting hundreds of birds during every trip. At the same time visitors get to see many species of frogs, butterfly’s, insects and bats.
Horse-riding has been a way of life in this region for hundreds of years and still exists today, with many farmers still using this form of transport. Therefore, horse craft and the use of all the trails and tracks that run through the mountains is second nature to them. Going on one of these trips is not only an adventure, but it is like stepping back in time to see how these routes were used to transport goods and commute between villages.
There are several towns and villages in the region that have a lovely Costa Rican feel to them: colourful and exciting, yet friendly and welcoming. They have cafes, bars and restaurants, so visitors and tourists can sample home grown and cooked food, plus locally made drinks too.
If tourists are taking part in a tour of Costa Rica, it is advised that they use an official company and not do it unaccompanied. Costa Rica Full Vacation is a very professional and highly recommended tour company and has a vast range of tours and trips to choose from. When exploring Costa Rica try and not miss out on at least a day or two in this interesting destination.
There are a variety of hotels throughout this region but two of the most popular are Hotel Arena Manoa and Lomas Del Volcan.
The Hotel Arena Manoa is a stylish and modern venue, with excellent quality of accommodation, views of the volcano, bar, restaurant and pool. The Spa facilities are superb and have a vast range of treatments, which is exactly what is needed after the day’s adventures.
Lomas Del Volcan Hotel is actually situated at the base of the volcano and in the Arena Park itself. It has been designed to appear to look like it belongs within the natural surroundings with the accommodation looking like huts or chalet’s. They are well equipped and some having outdoor hot tubs with views of the volcano on the balcony. The complex also has a pool, bar, restaurant and access to hiking paths through the mountains.
The whole region of Arenal has a special and unique contrast. It has the excitement of all the adventurous activities that visitors can take part in, all under the possible threat of the magnificent and powerful volcano. Yet, there are relaxing hot-springs, pools, and health treatments available throughout the area? Arenal is a destination of amazing contrast!