The Arenal Observatory Lodge really is at the base of the
volcano. This classic composite cone has three craters......somewhat unique.
The hotel is stunningly located and the volcano quite impressive. The
Smithsonian rooms have huge picture windows directly overlooking the brooding
volcano.
There is a small museum, a swimming pool, a terrace balcony with stunning views and friendly staff. The extensive gardens had humming birds galore. These are tiny exquisite creatures with long beaks and even longer tongues that shoot out rapier like in a nano second to drink nectar. Their wings move so fast; a blur of perpetual motion. And their colours? The most eye dazzling iridescent greens, browns and blues. A few are black specked with tiny specks of crimson.....glinting in the afternoon sun. The little birds flit from flower to flower at high speed. Simply stunning to watch.
The Arenal Observatory Hotel
View looking across Lake Arenal
View from the balcony
There is a small museum, a swimming pool, a terrace balcony with stunning views and friendly staff. The extensive gardens had humming birds galore. These are tiny exquisite creatures with long beaks and even longer tongues that shoot out rapier like in a nano second to drink nectar. Their wings move so fast; a blur of perpetual motion. And their colours? The most eye dazzling iridescent greens, browns and blues. A few are black specked with tiny specks of crimson.....glinting in the afternoon sun. The little birds flit from flower to flower at high speed. Simply stunning to watch.
The walking around the volcano base is superb. Everything from
steep climbs up to extinct crater lakes, to walking through cattle ranching
fields and across the paths of old lava flows. And the continual backdrop is
the Arenal Volcano.
Now dormant it has given off some impressive eruptions in the past including hot lava rocks rolling down the sides and pyroclastic clouds! Sadly, none of this happened whilst we were there! With rainforest waterfalls, a hot springs spa twenty minutes away down the gravel roads, there was plenty to do and see over the day we were there.
the summit still vents gases and steam
some superb walking trails with stunning views
eucalyptus trees everywhere...planted as windbreaks
this is cattle country as well
Now dormant it has given off some impressive eruptions in the past including hot lava rocks rolling down the sides and pyroclastic clouds! Sadly, none of this happened whilst we were there! With rainforest waterfalls, a hot springs spa twenty minutes away down the gravel roads, there was plenty to do and see over the day we were there.
a night time visitor to our bedroom door
I lie not when I say his wingspan was easily 4 inches
these little guys were relentless in their endeavours
some of the butterflies were the size of a hand and of spectacular colours
looking across the lake from the old lava trail
Oh by the way, the sunsets here are to die for!
both unedited....honest.....this was what I snapped.....simply stunning....to sit and watch the sun set in such a special location
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Thanks for taking a look at my blog. All comments and advice are welcome - drop me a few lines. You can always find videos about Arwen at www.youtube.com/c/plymouthwelshboy. Look forward to hearing from you.
Steve