A visit to the border. On a beautiful sunny morning this is the view you could get of Arenal Volcano. All clear to the top! But not all the time is clear like this. You never know how lucky you will get, keep positive!
Today after breakfast you will be heading to the town of Los Chiles, next to the Nicaraguan Border. Do not forget cameras and binoculars. Shorts, t-shirts and sandals or sneakers will be good for this day. Also bring your swim suit with you since you will go to the Hot Springs in the afternoon. You do not need to bring towels. At the Hot Springs they will provide towels and lockers for Caravan Tours customers.
I personally recommend this tour since you will be seeing a completely different region. Along the way, your Tour Director will give you some interesting information about our neighbor countries, about the relationship between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, about immigration facts and the actuality of central america. It is approximately and hour and forty five minutes drive each way from La Fortuna to Los Chiles. You will pass teak plantations, rice , beans and orange fields, cattle farms, small towns and more.
When you arrive at Los Chiles you will have time for restrooms and then you will board a boat to begin the tour. The tour consists of a two hour floating safari through forests, pastures, and marshland.
Lots of wildlife. Río Frío (Cold River), travels through canyons on its way to the Caño Negro Lake. The river is surrounded by wetlands that usually flood during rainy season, actually forming the Lake. Along the shores of the river you will be able to spot some great wildlife. It is common to observe birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Howler monkeys are often seen along the shore, and there are also chances to spot spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, caimans, and river turtles.
By december, millions of migratory birds travel here and make of this place their home for approximately 4 months. Rio Frio is home for resident and migratory birds like Cormorants, Wood Storks, the Glossy and the White Ibis, Anhingas, Green Backed Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Purple Gallinules.
Other possible birds to see would be the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, the Black-collared Hawk, the passerini´s tanager, Limpkins, the Yellow-tailed Oriole, king fishers and even the endangered Jabiru at certain times of the year.
Caño Negro refuge has an extension of approximately 13000 acres and it is one of the most most important wetlands area in the world, it was designated one of the World´s Protected Areas by the Ramsar International ConservationOrganization. This is definitely one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the country. It is one of the best days for nature pictures and you will be going right to the border where the marker is!
An afternoon at the Hot Springs. After a typical lunch (rice and chicken) you will drive back to La Fortuna to visit the Hot Springs for a couple of hours. This amazing place is located right at the base of the volcano and it is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and cascades! When you arrive you will get a bracelet at the front desk, then follow your Tour Director to the lockers area where you will get some instructions. Get changed and now you are ready to enjoy the place. There are many different pools with different temperatures. Be sure you check the little signs by each pool to find out how hot they are!
There is one thing to considered. Even though you are on your own, be careful with the water slides.Your Tour Director has instructions not to recommend this slides.
Bring your camera along, the gardens are outstanding. If the Volcano is clear, you might see some activity. Be sure to follow the trail up to get a better view and to visit the different pools. The ones up at the end are more quite. One more thing, there are 3 different nice pool bars, the drinks are good but they could be pretty expensive here. If you don´t want to be surprised, ask first before you order!
It is a great place to visit, and the best way to finish your day!
You will be heading back to the hotel at around five in the afternoon for another great dinner and a good night sleep! You will be given the times and information for the next day. Pack with time since you will have an early morning!
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