Venado Caves

July 3rd, 2009

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The Venado caves are located close to the small village of Venado, about and 30 minutes drive from La Fortuna. Dating back over 7 million years, the Venado Caves are the direct result of water currents penetrating and passing through the surrounding limestone rocks. Over time, the continual flow of water opened crevasses and forced sediments to flow throughout the caves, leaving in it’s wake an endless network of deep tunnels. So complex and deep, absolutely no light penetrates these caves, except for a few isolated incidents which are located in one of the quarters.

The caves were formed during the Miocene period, 15 or 20 million years ago. For many years they were under sea level and due to tectonic movements they surfaced. The Guatuzos aborigines discovered the caves. Limestone rocks, stalactites, stalagmites and corals, form most of the caves. The whimsical stone formations are formed by the underground river. During the visit you will find marine fossils, and also bats, spiders and crickets, walk through the river and waterfalls from the upper part of the cave, it is recommended to take light clothes, hiking shoes and extra clothes to be able to change when the exploration of the caves is finish.

You can visit this amazing place just in minutes from Hotel Jardines Arenal.  For more information visit our website www.hoteljardinesarenal.com.

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Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

June 19th, 2009

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Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a Wildlife refuge, part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, in the northern part of Costa Rica twenty kilometers south of Los Chiles near the border with Nicaragua in the Alajuela province. The refuge is a wetlands site that is home to many migratory waterfowl during part of the year, centered on Lake Caño Negro which is fed by the Frio River during the rainy season. There are no public facilities at the refuge, and the area can be explored only by boat.

The forests, grasslands and marshes of the area provide shelter for various endangered species such as cougars, jaguars, tapirs and ocelots, peccary and several species of monkey (white-headed capuchin, mantled howler and Geoffroy’s spider monkey), as well as many others. In the dry season area is reduced to little lagoons, channels and beaches which the gives home to thousands of migratory birds of many species such as storks, spoonbills, ibis, anhingas, ducks and cormorants.

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Arenal Volcano

June 9th, 2009

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Arenal Volcano, in Spanish Volcán Arenal, is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica around 90 km north-west of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna. The volcano rises 1,657 metres above sea level and overlooks Lake Arenal; both are part of Arenal Volcano National Park.

Arenal is one of seven historically active Costa Rican volcanoes: Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Orosí, Rincón de la Vieja, and Turrialba.

Recognized as a volcano since the 19th century; it was known by foreign investigators as Volcan Costa Rica, Rio Frio, Canastos Volcano and Cerro de los Guatusos. Arenal is the youngest and most active of all the mountains in Costa Rica. Scientists have been able to date it back to more than 4000 years ago. The area remained largely unexplored until 1937, when a documented expedition took place to reach the summit.

The volcano had been dormant since an eruption in 1922. 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. Fifteen square kilometers were buried and the explosion affected over 232 square kilometers. It has been active almost continuously since the eruption.

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Arenal’s eruptions are strombolian in type, being frequent but moderate and can be viewed without danger as long as the viewers are behind the safety perimeter. This constant activity and minimal endangerment makes Arenal a popular tourist destination, especially at night, because the lava and incandescent rocks make a spectacular sight. The last major eruption of Arenal occurred on August 23, 2000.

Most of the time, the volcano is surrounded by clouds near the tip, and it is touted as good luck to see the whole volcano without clouds. The volcano heats several hot springs nearby, including Tabacon, a popular tourist destination.

You can easily visit the Arenal volcano from Hotel Jardines Arenal, visit our website www.hoteljardinesarenal.com for more information.

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La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

June 2nd, 2009

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Often simply referred to as La Fortuna, the town of  La Fortuna de San Carlos is the gateway to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Not to be confused with a town of the same name 70 km northwest of here, La Fortuna de San Carlos is located in  province, and connects the Volcan Arenal area with the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena and the northern lowlands of the country.

A charming and quiet town, La Fortuna is easily accessible from the capital city San Jose, and offers some panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal, Costa’s Rica’s most active volcano. Sitting around 10 kilometers away from town and regularly spewing smoke and ash for some time now, the Volcan Arenal is the country’s top rated tourist attraction and is indeed a sight to behold.

Over the last few years in particular, La Fortuna has become quite a bustling town. However, there are plenty of accommodations, hotels and resorts here to suit every budget. A must try when in La Fortuna are the amazing resort spas surrounding the volcano. When in town try and stay in the main plaza area, as the hotel rooms here offer some of the best views of the Volcan Arenal in the distance. On a clear day you can watch the volcano erupt and if you wait for nightfall, the Arenal puts on a brilliant show with bright red rocks tumbling down its sides.

Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna, a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters. A stunning sight to see and a lovely short trek away, this beautiful waterfall makes for a picture perfect moment.

Another key attraction nearby are the Tabacon Hot Springs in the area, where one can go to relax and unwind after a long tiring vacation. Set amidst stunning lush greenery, rare orchids and superb waterfalls, the Tabacon Hot Springs is among the many here that offer the ultimate indulgence for those who just want some peace and quiet.

For the more outdoorsy person, this region of the country has plenty to offer. White water rafting, hiking excursions, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours and Caño Negro Boat Tours are just some of the many activities that one can enjoy while you are here.

Come and visit one of the most beautiful towns in Costa Rica, visit our website (www.hoteljardinesarenal.com) for more information.

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Hotel Jardines Arenal, La Fortuna

June 1st, 2009

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Jardines Arenal Lodge offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural richness and diversity of Costa Rica. Located in the northern region of Costa Rica, two kilometers east of the town of La Fortuna, our comfortable, relaxing lodge is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and provides a majestic view of nearby Arenal Volcano.

Our Lodge is also situated in a great location and minutes away from the most important activities like Nationals Parks, Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Canopies, White Water Rafting, canyoning, Waterfall Rappel, Shops, etc. Just ask our staff for ideas!
Free transportation to all the activities above mentioned is provided everyday.

The hotel has it’s own garden, provides amenities, security and comfort for anyone wishing to stay in peaceful, calm surroundings after a exhausting day sightseeing in the most exciting and beautiful town in the world.

Jardines Arenal have a wide selection of private rooms for the really price conscious traveler with 2 - 5 beds, a/c, safe deposit box, hot water, volcano view, radio clock alarm and WiFi. Great care has been taken in furnishing our rooms to the highest standard with top quality beds and secure storage facilities.

Guests can enjoy FREE Internet access in the lobby, FREE WiFi, relax in the lounge or have a drink with friends in our hammocks exclusive area. A free full breakfast, served in the dining room, is included in the price.

“Why stay with us?” you may ask, well Jardines Arenal, La Fortuna’s latest budget accommodation offers a clean and friendly place to stay at a very reasonable price, also our excellent location, free breakfast, landscape garden, active cattle farm, internet access and free parking lot makes us different from other hotels.

Once you arrive at Jardines Arenal, you will be received by friendly staff who offers an excellent treatment with extensive information and personalized service which we offer to our hosts.

Our goal is to offer you as our host a warm, colourful and familiar environment, with tranquillity and simplicity that is reflected by the ”tico”.

Visit our website www.hoteljardinesarenal.com for more information.

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