Arenal is Costa Rica’s best-known stratovolcano – a large, symmetrical volcano that’s built upon layers of ash, rock, and lava. At 5,437 feet, it rises above the rest of the countryside. After 400 inactive years, Arenal started to erupt again in 1968, when it exploded and buried over 5 miles in rocks, lava, and ash.
That eruptive cycle took pause in 2010 when the volcano entered into an indefinite resting phrase!
For the last 43 years, Arenal has been Costa Rica's most active volcano.
Thanks to the geothermal activity beneath Arenal, the area surrounding the volcano is rich with biodiversity and an abundance of hot springs.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs
Located in La Fortuna, 13km from the Arenal hanging bridges, the hot springs are a taste of paradise right in the forest at the base of the volcano.
This is the most expansive hot spring facility in the Arenal Volcano area. There are walking paths winding between pools that are large and small, hot and cold. I spent an entire day here enjoying the different baths, pools, and temperatures.
This place reminded me a bit of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Although the pools are not bright blue, the structure is similar, as the water is heated from a natural geothermal source. Blue Lagoon: Iceland
We also found some volcanic mud areas. Many were closed to the public; however, this one remained open and we got a chance to bathe in the mud pools. The mud is a natural skin cleanser. You have to let it dry and harden on your skin, then it breaks and you feel rejuvenated!
Out of all the places I have visited in Costa Rica, the Arenal volcanic area was the most relaxing. This was the first place I had experienced a natural mud bath.
I highly recommend stopping through this region while on your next Costa Rica adventure. You will not regret it! Cheers
For the last 43 years, Arenal has been Costa Rica's most active volcano.
Thanks to the geothermal activity beneath Arenal, the area surrounding the volcano is rich with biodiversity and an abundance of hot springs.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs
Located in La Fortuna, 13km from the Arenal hanging bridges, the hot springs are a taste of paradise right in the forest at the base of the volcano.
This is the most expansive hot spring facility in the Arenal Volcano area. There are walking paths winding between pools that are large and small, hot and cold. I spent an entire day here enjoying the different baths, pools, and temperatures.
This place reminded me a bit of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Although the pools are not bright blue, the structure is similar, as the water is heated from a natural geothermal source. Blue Lagoon: Iceland
We also found some volcanic mud areas. Many were closed to the public; however, this one remained open and we got a chance to bathe in the mud pools. The mud is a natural skin cleanser. You have to let it dry and harden on your skin, then it breaks and you feel rejuvenated!
Out of all the places I have visited in Costa Rica, the Arenal volcanic area was the most relaxing. This was the first place I had experienced a natural mud bath.
I highly recommend stopping through this region while on your next Costa Rica adventure. You will not regret it! Cheers
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