La Fortuna and Monteverde

We left San Jose and headed towards La Fortuna. This village, originally called El Burío, was a sleepy settlement up until 1968, when a thought-to-be extinct volcano called Arenal suddenly erupted, killing 82 people and destroying three villages. Despite El Burío was just 10 km away, was lucky and survived, hence its new name.


Arenal was considered to be the most active volcano up until 2010, throwing rocks, ash, smoke and lava almost every day. It's been "sleeping" in the last few years but as it can be seen from everywhere in town, remains a constant reminder who's boss around there.


There's not much in town apart from some restaurants, sodas (cheap family-run eateries), tip-top Honda motorcycles and 6pm daily heavy rainfall.


On the other hand, hiking in the jungle around (just around, as you can't go near the crater) Arenal was great, assuming you survive the bumpy road to the national park entrance in one of the run down taxis. And that you organise a pick up as well, unless you want to hitch hike on the deserted dirt road.



Another great way to spend a day is in one of the many thermal spas. Dani found a fantastic deal for one of the best ones, the Spring Resorts and Spa, with a 5-star dinner included, for about 40 quid or so. What can I say? We liked.



Anyhow, the next day, two buses and a ferry later we were in Monteverde, an even smaller village up in the mountains, surrounded by rainforests.

There we had some nice dishes, with rice and beans, in sodas like this cooked by some lady


Drunk great coffee at Beso Espresso where they roast their own coffee


Seen this place but decided not to try what Kuki's taste like


Visited some more rainforest



Met this friendly guy


Scared each other with this hairy one


And, what are the chances, with a Hungarian girl Sári, who we hang out with for the rest of the day (Szia Sári! Üdv Zsaninak Antiguàban!)