Costa Rica is a land of unparalleled ecological diversity. Its strategic location gives it a unique biological make-up, combining the southern range of North American species of fauna and flora with the northern range of South American species. It is this uniqueness that draws visitors from around the world to Costa Rica.
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Conde del Mar Magpie Jays © Spaswinefood
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Conde del Mar Magpie Jays © Spaswinefood
One area that is very popular with visitors is Arenal.
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| Lake Arenal © Spaswinefood |
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| Lake Arenal with Volcano Arenal in the distance © Spaswinefood |
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| Stopping for pizoté (coati mundi) crossing © Spaswinefood |
Many visitors are drawn to Arenal because they can view wildlife and watch an active volcano. They can also relax in geothermal feed hot springs.
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| Arenal Volcano © Spaswinefood |
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| Just a little closer © Spaswinefood |
I remember visiting Costa Rica in the early 1990’s when Costa Rica took the lead in developing its eco-tourism. At that time I recall only seeing two hot springs in the Arenal area, the famous Tobacón Hot Springs and one public hot springs. The continued growth of tourism in the Arenal area however, has resulted in the development of a number of hotels that now offer hot spring feed pools. In fact when we drove through the Arenal area August 2009 I was totally surprised to see the extensive availability of hot springs.
Not far from Lake Arenal is the incredible Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Monte Verde Cloud Forest is the richest and most complex tropical cloud forest in the New World. The abundance of life associated with the cloud forest is truly astounding. The reserve contains over 2000 species of plants. This provides an incredible backdrop for its diverse animal population, which includes over 300 species of birds. It is home to the resplendent quetzal, considered by many naturalists to be the most beautiful and spectacular bird. Other exciting bird life includes the three-wattled bellbird, buffy tufted cheek, prong-billed barber, and emerald toucaneet. It is also home to mammals such as howler monkeys, sloths, and agoutis.
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| Yes Costa Rica has squirrels too! © Spaswinefood |
An example of the availability of hot springs throughout Costa Rica is in San Geraldo de Rivas, southern Costa Rica you will find a public hot springs. San Geraldo de Rivas is used as a base for those planning to climb Mt Chirripó, the highest mountain in Central America. There you can also bird watch, hike, go horse back riding or just relax in the hot springs. It is a great place to relax. The hot springs is located about 1 km down the road from Hotel Pelicano.
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| Hotel Pelicano is a pleasant place to stay © Spaswinefood |
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| Rio Chirripó © Spaswinefood |
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| Sign for hot springs © Spaswinefood |
During the Las Américas Trip we visited this local hot springs. These hot springs are not touristy but primarily serve the needs of the local population.
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| Sign for hot springs © Spaswinefood |
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| A pleasant place to just relax © Spaswinefood |
There are many public and private hot springs locations throughout Costa Rica. In fact as we traveled throughout Costa Rica where ever we saw volcanoes we usually saw hot springs (ojos d’agua, aquas calientes, agua termales).
Sharon,
Hot Spring Memories from the Las Américas Trip
© Spaswinefood
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