Tips for a day in Arenal - one week countdown has begun!!
 

My first question - does anyone know the condition of the Lake Rd? I am hoping it is passable, otherwise will not make my reservation at AOL.

I have 3 days in Arenal area and am doing Cano Negro one day, Rio Celeste the other. Our first day there we are planning on doing waterfall rappelling with Desafio and hot springs at Tabacon. Anyone have advice on what time to do these activities to make the most of our day? Desafio trip is 3 hrs and picks up at either 7:30am, 10am, noon or 3:30pm.

Springs in morning, then waterfall? If we got day pass we could go back to springs after. Or do something else after like La Fortuna falls or the botanical gardens? We want to do a hike around the AOL property at some point - has anyone done any of the trails?

Or is vice versa better?

We leave one week for today and I am SO excited!!!!!!!

Thanks for any tips!
Amanda

We decided to do Tabacon after our day's activities because the springs are really warm and relaxing - seemed like a nice way to unwind after doing everything else we wanted to, and the outdoor temps cool off in the evenings, so it was nice to get in the warm water without it being too hot outside. If you're looking for some nice trails, try the Hanging Bridges - you can get a nice hike in there.

Sounds like you like adventure so maybe the Venado Caves would interest you. It doesn't look like zip-lines are on your list, so maybe that doesn't appeal to you. ;)

I have done zip lines before in Puerto Vallarta and loved it, but my boyfriend hasn't ever been. I wasn't sure if I would have time to do both rappelling and ziplines and/or caves in one day. I know he would love to do the caves though too.

As for springs, would I be missing out on anything by being there only after dark??

How awfuly crowded is Tabacon really? I would hate to make it all the way to Arenal and not see the springs there, but don't really want to be terribly close to other people while relaxing. I know there are other spring options...think I may regret not seeing Tabacon though.

As far as Tabacon it really depends on the time of year I would think. We were there in early May and went to the hot springs in the evening and it was virtually empty. Most of the pools had only us in them. It was very peaceful and we never felt like we were crowded. However, becaue it was dark, we couldn't fully appreciate the beauty of the place. You certainly could get a feel for it, and we enjoyed it quite a bit - but we had no idea how beautiful it actually was. So, before we left Arenal in the morning, we asked if we could stop back at Tabacon just to take pictures - they gave us a special colored bracelet, which allowed us to just walk around. It is really beautiful there. We were staying at the hotel though, so I don't know if anyone could do that or just hotel guests....

I would not hesitate to go back to Tabacon - for the hot springs. They really are something not to be missed! But I would try to get there before it gets dark!

I actually preferred the springs in the dark, but that may be a personal thing. It was cooler, and a nice ambience and lit enough to be enjoyable. We went to Eco-Thermales where it's less crowded though and in more of a natural surroundings state (I believe Tabacon is much more manicured). Whichever way you go I'm sure you'll enjoy it. :)

Thanks for the advice - here is an unrelated question for you while I have your ear:

Are the power outlets the same in CR as the US or do I need a converter? My digital camera only has a rechargeable battery and I'm hoping it will work there

We liked going in the dark as well - kind of romantic to me. There are lots of pools, so if one gets crowded, you can just move to another area. All of our electronics worked in CR - did not need any converters.

Yes, your electronics will work fine... I charged my digital camera battery and videocamera just fine (hairdryers ok, too -- same as U.S.)

Regarding doing the rappelling trip, if I were you, I'd book the earliest tour (7:30 am) to make the most of your day. I just booked this tour with Desafio and they told me it was approximately 4 hours (and my paperwork says they give you lunch). Then you could head out for some hiking afterwards, then figure on relaxing in the hot springs at the end of a full, physical day!

I had the same question, and I was thinking that hot springs and waterfall rappelling back-to-back would be too much water all at once... too soggy for me ;)

You should think about hiking the old lava flows in Arenal park (I believe the trail is El Silencio?)

Have fun! Looking forward to hearing your "story" when you return-- Don't forget about us! ;)

I will post trip report when home! I can't resist trying to plan every moment since our time is so short in Arenal, but thinking that perhaps will have to plan on early Desafio tour then going with the flow. Hiking either the old lava flows or hanging bridges, then the springs.

Thanks to everyone! My brain is already on vacation so please wish me luck getting through this week :)

Definitely relax and go with the flow!