AOL - required footwear
 

Are hiking boots needed for the trails around the lodge?

We'll probably do both the guided morning tour and the evening tour.

I'm hoping to travel with just a good pair of runners and Tevas but definitely want to hike around AOL - we have 2 nites there. If we need light hiking boots, I need to get some now so I can break them in, as my last pair are totally spent.

Seems like a silly question, I know but I'm thinking of actually packing in backpacks so want to pare down as much as possible. Thx for any insights!

Enjoy-la!

I would recommend hiking boots if you're going to do the waterfall trail--some very tricky, rocky climbing down, and then back up, involved.

Thx a mint for your reply, RAC. We were planning on checking out the waterfall :)

Enjoy-la!

I wore Salomon Tech Amphibians and my husband wore some type of enclosed Keens, and we hiked down to the waterfall as well as almost to the top of Cerro Chato. Both shoes have good grips on the bottom, but we stepped slowly and carefully. It was muddy, so we had to give them a good rinse when we were done - the socks, too. They took forever to dry.

I haven't been on the trails at AOL, but have been on many other trails in CR, in Tortugero, Arenal areal, Bosque del Cabo etc...and I've worn the enclosed toe Keens and had no problems. They do pick up quite a bit of mud, but they were comfortable and dry quickly. For that reason (quick drying) I would choose them over hiking boots.

janenicole & ShellD, thx a mint for the detailed replies! :) Great to know the shoe specifics - I've looked them up. Never thought of to consider these but good to know they are preferable to hiking boots for sure.

Enjoy-la!

We stayed at AOL in April and did the waterfall trail on the morning group hike. We certainly did not need hiking boots for it. The trail was rather steep, but not ridiculous. My DH gave some of the older people a hand - but no one decided to stay at the top.

If it had been wet, it would have been much more difficult, but I'm not sure how much hiking boots would help that.

Many of the paths around the lodge are actually paved. The first part of the waterfall trail was covered with pavers. I suppose that helped with erosion.

I did not take the trail towards the volcano as it was closed. I am guessing it is still closed.

Knowing what I know now, I definitely wouldn't schlep hiking boots all the way to Costa Rica for what we did. You may do other trails though.

I walked down the Waterfall trail in runnings shoes with good tread - while carrying a child in a backpack carrier - definitely had to be careful going down the steepest parts and got a third hand for balance. I had a pair of great Vasque hiking boots in the room (and yes, I also recommend the Smithsonian rooms) and for this particular walk found the running shoes fine.

traveler2005 & caligirl99, thx a mint for your replies!

DH & I are booked into a standard room, and I've done quite a bit of reading of the different rooms at the AOL. Apart from the balcony, is there another reason to book the Smithsonian? My understanding is that the Standard rooms are up by the main area and have volcano views as well. Appreciate any feedback :)

Has anyone done the evening hike, El Silencio, there?

Enjoy-la!

We stayed in a standard room. Our room was on the second floor in the same complex as the reception area. We entered the room from the back side of the building and had a balcony on the front side. We had great views of the volcano from the balcony. I understand that the Smithsonian rooms have views from the beds themselves.

Actually I thought that the standard rooms had their advantages. They were close to the front desk in case we had questions. The front desk also had a tiny souvenir/snack area. The restaurant was very close. There was also a nice deck where people enjoyed sitting.

Although, we couldn't see the volcano from our bed, when I woke up in the night, I went out on the balcony and sat and enjoyed watching the "show."

Debbie

We didn't do the evening hike. We were there two nights. The first night, we arrived about 5 minutes before a hike was to start. I'm not sure if it was the El Silencio one that you mentioned. We were pretty tired from the drive and decided not to do it. I kind of wished that we had, but oh well. The second night, we were not at the hotel at the right time.

The evening tour had a fee. The morning tour was free. If we had done the evening tour, I think we would have been the only ones on it that day.

We stayed in Smithsonian Room 24 across the hanging bridge near the swimming pool - a couple minutes walk with a 3 and 7 year old - not a problem. The view was great although we could only see the entire volcano from one of the beds. The other bed lost the view of the top of the volcano due to the balcony overhang. We loved our room and am familiar with the location of the rooms in the lobby building. Both are in good locations; however, I'm not sure if all of the standard rooms face the volcano. You might want to confirm that fact.

I'm not sure about all the standard rooms either. You could ask when you reserve if you are thinking about one.

To clarify, our room didn't face the room. Our window was at right angles to the volcano. We couldn't see the volcano from inside the room. However, we had a great view from the balcony.

Caligirl - you reminded me that it would be a good idea to jot room numbers down in my trip notes. I've never done that and it could be handy.

traveler2005 & caligirl99 - thx a mint for posting back! I feel reassured that I'll be happy with the Std room now - we don't need to see it from our bed. Good suggestion to "request" a room that faces the volcano - I'll do that. I was going to ask if you remembered your room #, traveler2005...LOL!

Enjoy-la!

We've stayed at both, and quite honestly would do the Smithsonian room without hesitation. It allows you to see the volcano at any time you're in your room, allows you to view the volcano without changing into outdoor clothes, has a bigger balcony, and allows you to see the lava at night if the clouds lift.

RAC, thx a mint for your reply. Sorry for the delayed response - I've been away from the boards for a bit.