La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
Another day, another beautiful stop on our journey. This time we are stationed in La Fortuna near the base of the Arenal volcano. This little town is a typical Central American town with a church in the centre and a large courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants. We started our time here going on a gorgeous hike on El Silencio trail which brought us within two kilometres of the volcano. The weather cooperated the best it could and we got a good view of the mouth of the volcano as well as the amazing flora and fauna that surrounds it. On our trip we were able to see the three-toed sloth, as well as howler monkeys, and a hog-nosed viper! It was hot, humid and exhausting, but it was so worth it! After some time to relax back at the hotel and witness a very impressive thunderstorm, we went to a restaurant for dinner and to watch the last half of the Canada v. Argentina soccer game. The result wasn’t great, but it was still a memory made.
Wednesday was a heavy class day in preparation for fun times in the hot springs and on waterslides at Los Lagos Resort on Thursday and Friday. We were still able to get into town to let the students walk around and enjoy the sites, smells and shops. We are now past the halfway point and it is great seeing the students find their groove balancing travel, fun, and school.