Morning at the Lost Iguana started with a quick dip in the “hot” pool followed by a buffet breakfast and then off for a “Volcano Hike”. We had a terrific guide, Hector, who was very knowledgeable about the area and it’s history. The hike was interesting for flora and the intermittent rumbling from the volcano – slightly unnerving to hear huge boulders crashing down the mountain side, out of view. When we reached the bottom of the active lava flow we could see huge lava boulders, the size of buses according to Hector, tumbling down the side of the volcano, trailing smoke. This was the same lava flow we had seen at night, quite different in daylight. And unfortunately, during this tour, the top of the volcano was hidden in the clouds.
Then, back to the lodge for lunch and off again for another intense hike through the high-elevation rain forest. This hike was unique in that it crossed 15 bridges, 6 suspension-hanging bridges, some 100s of feet in the air. We had yet another well-informed guide, Johnny, who pointed out the complexity of the jungle plants, insects and animals. A fascinating example was a certain fig tree excretes nectar that attracts a certain ant that aggressively protects the tree from anything that might want to eat the tree’s leaves. The highlights were a poison-dart frog and then a troop of howler monkeys with the alpha male doing a lot of yelling and a momma monkey with her baby hanging on her belly.
The day was complete with a drive to La Fortuna in the driving rain and lightning storm, followed by a search for a recommended restaurant. Going in circles for a bit, driving the wrong way down a one-way street, going head-on with two tour buses and stopping twice to ask for directions finally got us to the right spot. We had an amazing dinner in an open-air casual place, on a side street called La Mesa de Mamá for just about $10 US. Natalie especially enjoyed her arroz con pollo. By the time we got back to the room the sky was clear enough again to enable another fascinating lava show. The volcano gods were definitely smiling on us.
The Next Day: Costa Rica: From Arenal to Monteverde
The Whole Trip: Costa Rica: The Summary