Costa Rica - Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs

Early the next morning we join a tour to see Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs. Along the way to the volcano we are fascinated by Costa Rica's lush vegetation in the central highlands.

Poro Tree with orange blossoms

Bromeliad covered tree branches

After stopping for lunch close to the volcano, we hike up to a view point for a closer look. Although some clouds are covering it's peak, we manage to see most of it. The classic cone shaped Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's youngest at only 7000 years old and the most active. It is known to regularly let off steam, toss out Volkswagen sized rocks, and occasionally light up the night sky with an eruption.  Our guide jokes if the ground starts rumbling, we need to RUN. Fortunately, we are seeing it on a calm day.

Me and Peter at the Arenal Volcano outlook

Not far away is Tabacon Hot Springs where we have the afternoon to play in the pools. These hot springs are formed by a hot river flowing out of Arenal Volcano. At the resort, the river has been landscaped to form a series of small waterfalls dropping into relaxing hot pools. We are delighted by the lush landscaping and beautiful rock work on wall, fountains, waterfalls, and pathways.

Main resort area at Tabacon

Our guide Jose gives us the run down

Bridges, waterfalls, and pool

Who said the Garden of Eden no longer exists? It's here in Costa Rica!

Hot river flowing from Arenal

Asian influenced fountain

Koi live in a side pool

As we follow the pathways up river, the pools become warmer and more inviting. The last and most beautiful are at the Shangri-La Terraces.

Peter relaxes in one of the pools

Path up river

Entrance to Shangri-La

Shangri-La Terraces is wonderfully landscaped with cabana like patio furniture.

Fountains and rock work with lush vegetation

Humm - which cabana should we choose?

Let's take this one

Friendly bartenders will bring you drinks

while Buddha watches

main pool with sitting ledges

We hang out on one of the waterfall benches

Ahhh - Pura Vida!

Ommmmm...

After hanging out for most of the afternoon in Shangri-La, we wander back to the main resort to play in the largest of the waterfalls.

Peter checks out the hollow waterfall

Now this is fun!

Peter sits on the bench behind the waterfall

The main swimming pool by the main resort building has a water slide into it. Even though it's a short slide, we try it out to find out you can get going pretty fast on it.

I check it out first

Then Peter makes a big splash

We meet up with new friends from Oregon at the bar

After showers and getting dressed, we are treated to a truly wonderful meal at the resort's open air dinning room. What a wonderful day. If we ever come back to Costa Rica staying several days in a hotel close to the hot springs is a must.

Sunset over Tabacon Hot Springs.