Arenal Volcano: Once locally known as Cerro Arenal (i.e. Mount Arenal) it was presumed extinct until July 29, 1968when an earthquake caused it to erupt after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Arenal and killed 87 people . It lasted for several days, and during that time destroyed crops, property, livestock, and forests. 15 square kilometers were buried and the explosion affected over 232 square kilometers. The eruption caused three new and active craters to form. Before the eruption, there was a wide variety of plant and wildlife on the mountain. It has been active since the explosion and can be reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes. Arenal rises 1657 meters above sea level
CLIMATE: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
CURRENCY: Costa Rican Colon. US $ are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica. Credit Cards are accepted most places sometimes with an additional fee. Travelers checks are best cashed in banks. Some places will not take travelers checks
EXCHANGE RATE: Costa Rican colones per US dollar: 520 ( as of May 29th, 2008)
GETTING AROUND: There are several ways to travel in Costa Rica…
Public Bus: The public bus is available almost all areas. It may be a little bumpy and sometimes crowded, but it is the most economical way to travel.
Semi Private Shuttle: There are several scheduled semi private shuttle buses that travel to many of the tourist destinations. These shuttles will pick you up and drop you off at most hotel locations. Cost is usually about $35 per person. We can easily organize these shuttles for you.
Private Transportation: We can organize private transportation all throughout Costa Rica. This gives you the advantage of setting your own time schedule and route. Please email us for details
AIR: Costa Rica has two national airlines that offer shirt flights to all tourist destinations.
Car Rental: There are several car rental agencies located in Costa Rica.
- Driving Directions to Fortuna: San Jose-Alajuela- San Ramon- La Tigra-Chachagua-La Fortuna (Green Route)Take the Panamerican Highway #1 out of San Jose to Alajuela and keep straight. You will pass the Airport and continue straight for some kilometers until you see the sign to San Ramon. Exit there and drive into the town of San Ramon where you will look for the sign to San Lorenzo and La Tigra. You might find also the sign of Hotel Villa Blanca and Valle Escondido, (these hotels are on the way from San Ramon to La Tigra) Follow the signs and continue the road from La Tigra to Chachagua and then into La Fortuna. When you reach La Fortuna follow the signs to Arenal Volcano.
