Viaje a Volcán Arenal

Since my graduation ceremony at the University of Kansas was this weekend (and I obviously couldn't be there), Graham and Claire took me on a special graduation celebration trip to the Arenal Volcano. This was our first adventure outside the San José area and we loved it!

We rented a little Suzuki Jimny and drove up Friday morning. Graham did a fantastic job on the curvy mountain roads and the scenery was just breathtaking. The trip took two and a half hours - a full hour less than we thought it would, so that was nice.

Graham and Claire in front of the volcano

We stayed at the Volcano Lodge and Gardens in La Fortuna de San Carlos. Our hotel had an incredible view of the volcano and it was clear enough we could see the top every day. (When Graham visited in 1997 he never did see the top.) We don't think we were on the side where we could see the lava flow at night, but then it was only clear once at night.

The view of Arenal from the little patio behind our room (yes, we were in paradise)

A closer shot - that's steam/smoke coming out of the top, not a cloud

Claire liked the pools the best, by FAR. We talked about visiting a hot springs or hiking down to the waterfall, but the pools were warm, incredibly nice, and very convenient, so we spent more time in them instead. =) The hotel also had a great nature trail with its own waterfall, so we did see one, at least.

Our water girl in her tortuga

Swinging at the playground by the pools

Graham and Claire by the little waterfall at our hotel

The hotel restaurant, Surá, was also incredible. While at Arenal we met Ray and Alyssa, a very nice couple from Seattle, and spent a lovely dinner with them. Claire wanted to have dinner with them again the next night but they were taking a water taxi to Monteverde - we might actually see them when they head back to San José before they leave for the States.

Dining with Alyssa and Ray at Surá

On the way out of town we had lunch at a wonderful restaurant with "comidas típicas" (typical traditional Costa Rican fare) recommended by hotel staff called La Choza de Laurel (Laurel's Hut or Shack). We enjoyed an incredibly fresh, delicious meal of fish ceviche with corn chips and patacones (fried plantain chips - a must try), and a salad.

Um, YUM

Claire didn't want to leave La Fortuna and is already making plans for us to return. We had an absolutely marvelous time and would love to go back, if any visitors feel like a fun, relaxing trip to a volcano. Want to join us?

The full album of pictures from the trip is here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150180813241367.302381.503061366&l=158bc9509e (anyone can view it, even without having a Facebook account)

And now, for practice, the Spanish summary:

• Mi graduación de KU fue este fin de semana. En vez, nosotros viajamos a Volcán Arenal en La Fortuna de San Carlos.
• El viaje fue increible. Arenal es muy bonito, la comida fue delicioso, y nosotros encantó nadando con Claire.
• Nosotros queremos a volver - ¿quiere a viaje con nosotros?