Volcán Arenal

Volcán Arenal

Today we got up after a peaceful and restful sleep and went to the volcano. Since it is still active we couldn't really go up to it but it was beautiful. It was a gorgeous day. We took a 2 hour hike in the rainforest (jungle) which was nice. It's a secondary rainforest which means that it is relatively new as the volcano wiped out the original forest. We saw multiple different animals, plants, and a waterfall. We saw lots of plants that can be used for medicinal purposes. Our guide played the game "smell and guess" and we were always wrong. I definitely earned my food today. After this we went to Baldi Hot Springs which is a place with lots of pools where they bring in natural water heated by the volcano. The different pools ranged from 95-152*F. They had all the tropical rainforest plants so it was extremely relaxing. I did a lot of reading. We also learned that rain makes it more humid and hot here because it rained while we were at the springs and now it is uncomfortable We are now relaxing at the hotel on the Internet before showers and bed.

Tomorrow we will be taking horseback rides to a waterfall and get back on the public transportation bus for another 4 hour trip back to San Jose so we will make it to Orosi by Sunday at 3pm.