Third World - Costa Rica BLOG

   Diversity of Costa Rica Travel
Part 1
Vacation  means different things to different people.  Not many countries offer the variety of experiences and activities that Costa Rica does.  Many travelers start out in the Arenal area.  The climate is temperate and the annual temperature in between 21 and 28 degress C.  Of course the main attraction of the area is the volcano.  It is active and sometimes on clear nights the view of lava flowing is spectacular.  There are multiple hot springs in the area, which feel great to the muscles after a long day of hiking or any of the other many activities in the area.  The hanging bridges offer spectacular views of nature and wildlife from an exciting vantage point.  Don’t feel like hiking?  Take one of the Sky Tram gondolas through the rain forest to see beauty from every angle.  Once you reach the observation deck you will be able to view  the south face of the volcano for as long as you like.   When you are ready you can either ride the gondola back down, or for the more adventurous, you can take the canopy zipline to the bottom.  Both offer amazing views, the latter just includes a bit of adrenaline. 
Close by tours also include rafting down the Toro River.  The Toro River offers some of Costa Rica’s best rafting, full of nonstop class 3 and 4 rapids.  Big waves, technical rapids and continuous whitewater will definitely get the heart pumping.  ATV tours and mountain biking are also very popular. Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve is a one and a half hour transfer away, where your adventure begins.  You will take a four hour guided safari along the Rio Frio, seeing lush tropical rainforest and wildlife as you go. 
An ideal day trip is the nearby Venado Caverns, a 2700 meter stretch of limestone caves. The caves are full of stalactite and stalagmite formations.  Wildlife include bats, monochrome frogs, fish and marine fossils. One opportunity not to be missed is the Rio Celeste Adventure. The hike will take you through the rainforest and along the Celeste River. The phenomenon you will see does not look real.  If your friends bring back photos you will swear they have been doctored in Photoshop.  Two brooks come together, turning the water into the most amazing shade of turquoise that you can imagine.  This chemical reaction is caused by volcanic minerals present.  Words cannot describe the site you will see at this unique location!  There are so many things to see and do while in the Arenal area, it is really just a matter of how much time you have there.  Upon leaving, I’m sure you will already be thinking about coming back to see the things you missed…