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FORTUNA TOWN AND WATERFALL |
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Most of the roads that take you to the Arenal Volcano from
the Central Valley and back will go first through the little town La Fortuna.
It is a pleasant and clean town that has developed a tourist infrastructure
that satisfies the demands of most travelers. You can find hotels of all prices,
cabins, restaurants, taxis and tour operators offering tours to the volcano
and surrounding areas. From the town you can see the side of the volcano that
is covered by vegetation.This is the only town with a bank and a gasoline station
near the volcano.
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You can also hike on your own on the volcano slopes and explore
the lastest solidified lava flows! Do not miss this once in a lifetime experience!
Due to its continuous activity, steep and unstable land, hiking up the mountain
is very dangerous and not recommended. The volcanic activity can be observed
from many places near the base of the volcano. The Arenal National Park on the
west side of the mountain has a look out point with good sights of the volcano
and the Arenal lake as well as some trails showing you the lava fields. Entrance
fee: $6.00 per person. From the main road around the volcano and also from some
other places you can appreciate the volcano and its activity. La Fortuna is
the only town near the volcano ( 10 kilometers: 6 miles ) where you can find
a bank, different restaurants, stores, and some hotels.
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From the Arenal area you can take many different tours, including
a visit to Caño Negro Wild Life Refuge, rafting tours, horseback riding,
hiking in the forest and fishing trips. You can combine the trip to the Arenal
zone with the areas of Monteverde and Tortuguero, as well as the Pacific beaches.
The departure to the beaches in the north of Guanacaste is by the road that
surrounds the Arenal Lake. For tourists interested in windsurfing, the best
months are December, January, February and March. Small hotels near the lake
specialize in this sport.
