If Carlsberg made hot springs..

So La Fortuna was the penultimate stop on the GAP Adventures Volcano Trail tour. Our journey from Monteverde was simply bus, boat (across Laguna Arenal) and then bus again, but luckily only took a couple hours or so.

La Fortuna is the hub town for the tourism of Volcan Arenal and its surrounding natural wonders permitting a range of white knuckle activities. I tried out some of those particular activities including white water rafting and waterfall rapelling. Both of which were fab (yet expensive). It was independence day on the 15th September so there was a parade in the square where the children lit lanterns and paraded around the street.

The first night we were encouraged to take a package which included volcano vista, pizza party then hot springs. The volcano vista was extremely disappointing as we stood in the dark several miles away from the volcano and played 'spot the orange speck'/ There was the odd run of lava in the distance, almost like fireworks, but it was a waste of my time particularly as I'd been to Pacaya precariously dancing on the lava and toasting marshmellows.

We were then taken to the hot springs.. usually the first thing which comes to mind is simply a small pool of hot spring water where the locals wash occasionally, but this had proven not to be so. We were escorted to nothing but a hot springs water resort!!There were 25 or so various size pools with slides, pool bars, variation in temperature, gardens etc. 2.5 hours wasn't enough to spend in this place.. I think the name was Baldi, and turns out it is also a hotel and spa. This was one of my favourite activities (especially since my access to hot water had been minimal recently).

Next stop.. city of San Jose!