Day 12 - February 8, 2011

Today we headed out on our own with arrangements made by CostaRica Expeditions. Our driver, Luis met us at 8 AM to drive us to the area around Arenal Volcano.  We had an enjoyable 3 hour drive stopping a few times, viewing wildlife (including a two toed sloth and a three toed sloth).  We also passed thru San Ramon, Place of Poetry, with its beautiful cathedral.

We arrived at the Lost Iguana Resort and were pleasantly surprised with the area and our room.  We have a great view of Arenal Volcano from our balcony!  Of course it has clouds at the top but the grounds and birds are fantastic.  There are a lot of hills and you can get a ride too your rooms from staff on golf carts. The restaurant is an open air facility with a great view and good bird watching. The volcano is not erupting at this time, just sending up some smoke, but seismologists think that by the current observed activity it may be getting ready to really erupt soon.

White Throated Magpie Jay

In the evening we went to the Hidalgo Family Hot Springs.  The springs are heated by the volcano. They have 5 hot pools, and some cool ones.  You go from the coolest of the 5, actually very warm, and gradually go to the hottest.  While in the pools, three Howler Monkeys were howling and playing in the tops of the trees, very cool.  Afterward we were treated to a wonderful Costa Rican dinner.  A security guard brought around a Red-Eyed Leaf frog! We were drained from the water and went to sleep early.