If you’re planning a Costa Rica vacation Arenal Lodge is a place I would recommend.
In June 2016 I made a dream come true—I took my family on an epic vacation in Costa Rica. I am sharing photos periodically, because if I blog about it, I won’t forget.
After three nights at Playa Potrero, we packed up our little rented Hyundai and headed inland to Arenal National Park, a frequently visited jungle area around Lake Arenal, with Volcano Arenal at its eastern end. In this post, I am sharing photos from one place: Arenal Lodge.
View from our room
On the northern shore of Lake Arenal at the top of the hills with a stunning view of Volcano Arenal, this lodge is spread out over acres of land. Our room was in a free-standing chalet. One entire wall was made of glass, facing the volcano, where we sat for hours watching the clouds gather and shift, and lightning storms advancing from the horizon. At the main building we arranged for our activities, found a pool table, and enjoyed a nice caipirinha and a hot tub soak. Everything is overgrown with moss and vegetation, now matter how quickly the staff tries to keep up with nature, so it has a bit of a lonely remote feeling, even though it’s easy enough to get down the hill and to the more populated activities and the local town of La Fortuna.
We could have stayed there much longer. We want to go back. Pura vida!
Just sitting here was our favorite thing to do
This was their second favorite
Ours was the last chalet on the right
Stewart explored the botanical trail
The kids and I went horseback riding
No helmets, and ropes for reins
The guides spoke very little English
Best day ever
I wish we could pack up all the WST families and go here together…
…with specific writing-time for the writers, kid-time for the kids, husband-time for the husbands.
etc.
A woman can dream.
Julie Gardner recently posted…When Your Duck Is Leaving the Nest
I’m conflicted about this dream. On one hand, I would love that! On the other, who needs the kids/husband? Compromise: one week just us, the second week our families join 🙂
I want to comment something snarky, but I’m overwhelmed with the beauty of the scenery. Lucky you….
Jane Gassner recently posted…Setting Goals for Content Marketing
Pura vidal!! I want to go! What an incredible trip!!
I’m down for a WST trip!!
I like Julie’s idea. A time and a place for everyone and everything. What an incredible experience!
Rina Baraz Nehdar recently posted…Protected: 2 Moms, 4 Boys and an RV: 7 Tips on Survival
In early 2013, I went to Costa Rica for a business trip. With some time to spare on weekends, we decided to try to see as much as possible. We managed to see waterfalls, the top of a volcano, a few beaches, surfing, shopping, great food, and hiking through the jungle. The first weekend we decided to go to the Irazu Volcano. This turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The drive from San Jose was good with good road conditions and little traffic. The entrance fee was not too expensive and there were no large crowds once there. I was awe struck to see the landscape from up so high. The volcano was very impressive and the sights are spectacular. I will never forget this place.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Isabelle Clover recently posted…Health and beauty benefits of hot peppers
Those sound so wonderful. We saw so little of the country when we visited, we definitely want to go back!