2 Go Volcan Arenal

Volcan Arenal was known as Mount Arenal to the world until one day in late July, 1968. Arenal was a dormant volcano for five centuries until that fateful day when, without warning, she exploded, killing approximately 90 people and leaving 4,000 homeless. The damage to the land and cattle was catastrophic at the time. However, the people of Costa Rica have now embraced this still-active volcano, as tourists from around the world flock to the surrounding areas in hopes that the clouds will allow them to catch a glimpse of the glowing lava erupting from the top of Volcan Arenal.

We traveled to Arenal in search of the perfect spot to watch the volcano. Volcan Arenal sits in a cloud forest area, thereby making clouds and rain a frequent weather pattern. Therefore, although the volcano is erupting all day everyday, it is difficult to tell exactly where the volcano is and where the lava is flowing. We decided to stretch the budget a little bit and stay at the Volcan Arenal Observatory Lodge. While we were attempting to get a ride to the lodge, we were fortunately picked up by two very nice and fun people, Paul Montgomery and Jodi Lamagna. While at the lodge, we learned that although there was an excellent view of the volcano from that point, the lava flow had shifted and could not be seen from their vantage point. Together, we searched for the perfect location to stay for good views of the volcano. After great effort, we settled in the small town of Fortuna. We spent the rest of our time near Arenal with our new friends, Paul and Jodi.

We took shifts throughout our first night in Fortuna looking for Arenal and hoping for a break in the clouds. However, the weather did not cooperate, and we were deprived of the volcano. However, this would not stop us. We decided the next day to travel to the volcano and go by horseback to the "dead zone". You know what they say....If the volcano will not come to you, you must go to the volcano.

Paul and Jodi convinced us to go on the horseback riding adventure to the volcano. Like us, they were determined to see the volcano while they were here.

Kelly was afraid to ride atop of Pinto at first. However, Botella, our guide, would not hear of Kelly staying behind. He told her that she would get used to it. He was right. She had a great time with her buddy, Pinto, as she spoke with him in his native tongue, Spanish.

Kelly and Pinto.

The ride through the cloud forest to the volcano was beautiful as we passed through the trees, plants and flowers. We could hear howler monkeys and we could see colorful toucans.

We had to leave our horses behind as we made our way up the volcanic rock to get a view of the top of the volcano and the volcanic activity at the "Danger of Dead" zone which is only 500 meters away from the crater.

This photograph shows how volcanic eruptions have brought volcanic rock and lava crashing down through forest and jungle.

Kelly and Rich smile in the face of "Danger of Dead".

We were very fortunate to get views of the top of Volcan Arenal and the volcanic rocks that emitted from her crater and came crashing down the sides, close to the danger zone, but not too close.

From the volcanic rock, we saw a group of wild toucans. From the moment she arrived in Central America, Kelly had been hoping to see a toucan. She was very excited to finally get this opportunity.

That evening the sky cleared for several hours, allowing us to see the spectacular Volcan Arenal at her finest. This photograph and the one that follows are courtesy of our photographer friend, Jodi Lamagna.

The 4 of us found a place along the side of the road, away from the lights of the town, and watched the lava rocks erupt from the crater until the clouds eventually returned.

Continue with us as we explore the beaches of Costa Rica and watch turtles lay their eggs.

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