High, not dry, in La Fortuna

Coming down from the 'highs' of the Extremo Canopy Tour we sadly said goodbye to Monteverde and set off for the fabled 'jeep-boat-jeep' transfer to La Fortuna - another of the pearls in Costa Rica's crown.

Despite the jeep-boat-jeep not actually involving any jeeps at all, the journey was super enjoyable - with epic views all the way on jeep ride number one (read minibus):

Costa Rica is stunning

... our first views of Volcan Arenal on the boat leg across Lake Arenal:

This volcano only stopped erupting five years ago -
the locals are weirdly gutted! 

And a quick, second jeep ride (yes, you guessed - another mini bus) took us all the way to our digs for three nights - Cerro Chato Ecolodge - a collection of cabins in a lush setting overlooking the volcano.

Just time on arrival for a quick explore around town and a 'casada' (typical Costa Rican lunch/dinner). This was the best yet and worthy of a photo. Chicken, rice, beans, fried plantain, coleslaw, mashed chickpeas (we think) and the best thing on the plate, mashed yukka. This stuff was the bomb!!!

Delish

Another night walk home accompanied by the dulcid tones of toads, a mini snake being attacked by a million ants (there's nothing these bad boys can't do!):

Completely defence-less against the unstoppable ant force

... and this little gem outside our room:

Matt was "maybe 90%" sure it was dead, so picked it up.

We were up bright and early the next morning for a day of hiking. The owner of our lodge had recommended hiking to Cerro Chato, a green lagoon set in a volcanic crater in the shadow of the big one. There was the minor caveat to his recommendation that it's a pretty tough steep climb. Undeterred we set off.

Sweaty after half an hour we wondered
why we weren't horse riding instead

The hike to the top was, it turned out, as hard as described but well worth it for this stunner of a view

Personally I'm pleased it's not still erupting

Cooling off in the jungle

The lagoon itself was a further 20 minute hike down an even steeper path:

Tempting cool water!

Just got to get down to get in!

And relax!

A lovely refreshing swim later we headed back up and then back down to more beautiful views:

Finally emerging from the jungle

The local livestock - huge ears!

By the time we got back we were ready for another cool dip - this time in the little plunge pool where we were staying:

Fun times

The next morning we decided the one thing we needed more of was watery fun, so another hike commenced, this time to the Catarina Waterfalls. Again, you never know whether to believe the hype but these were absolutely epic:

It must rain here sometimes. A lot.

A bit more wildlife spotting near the entrance:

What a tail!

Before getting to the bottom:

Power shower extreme

Hiking the full loop:

Swing bridge time

And finally getting in!

Matt heading in for a good scrub

That afternoon we decided that yet more exercise and water was in order so we went on a run around to the other side of the volcano to one of the many hot springs resorts. This one had the added bonus of a butterfly garden, ant farm (why??) and crocodiles.

Getting up close finally to one of the
beautiful butterflies we've been admiring.

The main reason for selecting this particular resort was the fact that it has slides - for adults! Combining hot pools and slides was, it turned out, a dream result. Endless fun for Matt, and a chance to soothe aching limbs for me!

SPLASH!

Only one more stop left in Costa Rica - a tiny peninsular on the Caribbean Coast - only accessible by boat. Hopefully no jeeps this time... Or swimming required, as the crocodiles will be wild this time!