(Keywords: sightseeing - Costa Rica)
Costa Rica
Featuring:
Lake
Arenal Volcano Area Tour
Starting from Alajuela airport, this is a scenic tour around Lake Arenal including Arenal Volcano park and the Monteverde rainforest. The tour is about 350 km and should be enjoyed over at least 3 or 4 days. Here is a suggested itenary:
Day 1: Drive from Alajuela to stay the night in one of the many motels along Garden Lodge Road or in Fortuna.
Day 2: Take day trip to Arenal Volcano Park then take scenic drive around the lake and spend the night near Tileran.
Day 3: Drive to Santa Elena and visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest area, where you can tour the rainforest canopy. Then, spend the night in Santa Elena, San Ramon or return to Alajuela.
Click on the binoculars to see Google Earth displaying a view of Lake Arenal with the volcano in the distance..
GoogleEarth_Image.jpg (112K) opens in a new window.
GPS Map
-
Download the free GPS Map in GPS eXchange (.gpx) file format, which can be read and transferred to your GPS using free GPS software. (The .gpx file will appear in a new window where you can File > Save as... on your computer)
GPS Map Details
File: arenal.gpx (398K)
Revised: 4 March 2008
Data Classification: Class A1
Tracks: 5
Waypoints: 15 points including
CCLA00 - Juan Santamaria Airport, Alajuala
CCLA02 - Junction Hwy1 & 141
CCLA07 - Jardines Arenal Lodge - typical motel along Garden Lodge Road, recomended by the author.
CCLA08 - Fortuna - largest town in this area and jumping off point for many guided tours of volcano park.
CCLA09 - Don Rufino Restaurant – Recomended by the author.
CCLA13 - Beach and Boat launch - This is one of the few places the public can access the lakeshore.
CCLA14 - German Bakery - features German Pastries, souvenirs and free Wi-Fi
CCLA17 - Cabana Arelago - Bed and breakfast in Tilarán recomended by the author.
CCLA20 - Cipreses Lodge - Garden motel / bed and breakfast recomended by the author..
CCLA23 - Chamber of Tourism - in Santa Elena is a great place to stop if you’ve come without reservations.
CCLA27 - Orchid Garden and nursery
CCLA28 - Tuto's Cigar Factory
CCLA29 - Butterfly Farm
CCLA31 - La Posada Hotel - in San Ramon.
Adventure Travel Tip
As in many tourist destinations, petty theft is common. Renting a used 4X4 for makes you less of a crime target.
Special
thanks to Gary Epp for contributing GPS data for this tour guide. Gary
is a semi-retired techno-geek, who believes you DON'T have to be lost
and helpless in a country with few highway and no street signs. He specializes
in mapping solutions for smart phones. Visit:
www.costaricabygps.com
