Lavas Tacotal - as close as you can get to the Volcano without getting scorched

It wasn't clear last night how close our hotel was to this most impressive volcano (Arenal). This couple of pictures should show - one of the view from the rooms and one of sunrise.

Our start was a bit later today, as we have two nights here at Tacotal. The students were ready to go (as always). My group did the waterfall hike first, while Ms. Henderson and Mr. Humes kayaked on the lake. A short bus ride, then a very steep walk down 610 steps led to the La Fortuna waterfall.

Here are some more pictures from this trek. A special note again about our Vikings: EF tours doesn't want kids to swim below the falls. The large picture of the falls shows other students, not ours, breaking that rule. We swam quite contentedly at a small pool immediately to the left. And then, 610 steps back up!

Right before lunch, our group swung back through La Fortuna because, as parents we know, there is nothing like three scoops of ice cream in a large waffle cone to build (or kill) your appetite for lunch.

This last picture shows that one of our teachers is apparently moon-lighting here in La Fortuna. What was disappointing is that none of the students received a discount from the proprietor.

 

And now, some words from our students! My question to them: what surprised you the most about Costa Rica?

Sarah T.: The weather was so much nicer than I had expected. I was expecting super hot days and hot nights, but so far it has been pretty hot and nice at night.

Hazel R-S.: I knew there would be a lot of water activities, but we spend almost all our time swimming -- definitely not a bad thing, though! The hot springs were also a lot more fun than I expected.

Katy B.: I was surprised at the difference in what the standard was for a big city was. What I mean is that San Jose is supposed to be the really big busy city, but it seemed small and more laid-back than what I think when I think "big city," but that's just from me living in America and especially in D.C.

Sarah M.: I was surprised the most about the several different species of plants and animals. Everywhere we went the tour guides would point out yet another type of monkey or another rare flower. These different names and facts we learned really made me appreciate the beauty of the nature in Costa Rica.