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About Arenal Volcano
If you want to explore one of the most adventurous and unique destinations of the world, then one of the best options is Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. It is an active strato-volcano that provides most fascinating and spectacular views to the visitors. The red-hot lava oozing out of the conical rock is almost a breath-taking scene. If you want to have more excitement at volcano, then just wait for the night when splendid ash-columns look ravishing.
One can hear the underground rumbling and sudden eruptions of the Volcano are enough to scare your nerves. The story does not end here. The sight of pyroclastic avalanches that are characterized by continuous emission of hot gases and rock is really thrilling. Your stay at Costa Rica will never be a dull experience once you have experienced the enticing views of Arenal.
This tourist destination is located within the fertile grounds of Costa Rica and is known for its symmetrical shapes. The volcano which is, at present, in the resting stage, has been known to throw lava for a number of years. From 1968 when it first erupted till 2010 when its last eruption was seen, the place has attracted too many visitors who have flocked here mainly to see the eruptions in real-time.
Arenal Volcano Hike
While you are here, you cannot miss hiking trails. There are several options to do a Arenal Volcano hike that vary from easy to moderate to difficult. While hikes through Los Heliconias and Los Miradores are easy and short, Cerro Charo and Arenal Observatory Lodge Lava Veija are long, laden with obstacles, and difficult to hike. Half-an-hour Los Heliconias hike takes you to another popular Arenal Volcano hike called Los Coladas, which overlooks Tilaran mountains and is known for its geothermal waters. Los Coladas takes you closer to Arenal and the hiking distance of 2 kilometers can be covered in about an hour. Los Miradores trail gives you scintillating views of the volcano and the lake.
EL Ceibo trail would take you about 3 hours to complete and if you dare to attempt it, you would be rewarded with plush greenery and animals. This trail also starts from Los Coladas as is Los Tucanes, which is a long but easy-to-trail hike.
Stay at Arenal Volcano Inn
Hotel Arenal Volcano Inn is located in the vicinity of the volcano. It is also conveniently located about 6-7 kilometers from La Fortuna, a Costa Rica city which is actually the gateway to the Volcano. Arenal Volcano Inn has everything what a nature lover and a food junkie could ask for. Enjoy good food at its restaurant and enjoy your wood-oven baked pizza at pizzeria.
The location of the hotel is perfect as it provides you ample opportunities to do adventurous sports like river rafting, hiking, water rappelling, and biking. Enjoy fantastic views of the volcano from its rooms and relax by taking a swim or having a spa at Jacuzzi. Located at the distance of about 40 minutes is Arenal Lake. Stay at its deluxe rooms that are laced with all the modern amenities.
Activities to do in Arenal Costa Rica
There are a number of activities that one can do here. Apart from mountain hikes, which is a very popular sport here, you can visit hot springs, which are all-natural. The waters of the springs is known to contain therapeutic minerals and have been popular for people with rheumatism and other similar diseases. You can go for a hike to Arenal Volcano National Park; the park is home to some wild life and unbelievable sceneries.
Apart from all this, there are a number of hanging bridges here that can give you mesmerizing views of the volcano. Venado Caves are yet another attraction at the volcano These caves are underground, so your adventure could bring you in the depths of earth where you can find fossils. If you are a bird-lover, make sure to visit Cano Negro National Wildlife.
About San Blas Islands
San Blas Islands is an archipelago of more than 300 islands located east of Panama Canal. Their alluring beauty will mesmerize you completely and once you are here, you will have a great time enjoying all sorts of water-spots like snorkeling, swimming etc. The culture of Kuna Indians residing at San Blas Mexico will give you an insight into their lives.
If you want to spend your vacation at the Islands, then plan your stay at eco-resorts that provide decent facilities to the visitors. If you are looking for something adventurous, then go for hiking at rain-forests. You will be captivated by viewing lush green valleys and diverse wild life of these forests. San Bas islands are a treat for nature-lovers.
The islands are located within the archipelago de San Blas. These sparingly inhabited group of 378 islands are extremely popular as tourist destination in Panama. The islands are still untouched from human encroachment; this has largely been ensured by the native Kuna people who are very serious about protecting nature.
How to get to San Blas Islands?
The most convenient way to get here is via booking a flight from Panama to the airports located on San Blas (Achutupu, El Porvenir, and a few others). You can also drive to Canti from Panama in a jeep. If you want to have more fun, consider sailing via a charter boat and go from one island to the other.
Read about more tourist destinations here.