Arenal is a massive cone-shaped volcano that towers over the surrounding area, including the town of La Fortuna and the neighboring Lake Arenal. The rich volcanic soil, bubbling hot springs and gorgeous flowers growing in the rich volcanic soil draw enthusiastic visitors – including us. Arenal erupted in 1968 and buried a village, and the Arenal 1968 trail acts as a monument to the tragic event.

Just off the parking lot was an exhibit with some information about the tragedy, and a scale model.

We set off on the trail in a cool mist – the day felt suitably somber to be hiking this particular trail.

The dirt trail was much darker in color and grittier in texture than other trails we had hiked in Costa Rica – that’s the volcanic soil.

There was also pumice all along the trail – we picked it up to see how light it was (and then put it back where we found it! #leavenotrace).

Massive tree roots! Pretty amazing to think that all of this foliage grew up after 1968.

Thanks to the rich volcanic soil, the trail was starred all the way up with absolutely spectacular orchids and lilies.

I’m sure I was driving Steve crazy, but I had to stop and take a picture of every! single! flower!

The trail climbed gently to a viewpoint that looked out over the side of the volcano.

Eventually, we reached the trail summit and were rewarded with a spectacular view. Even with the top of Arenal shrouded in mist, it was an arresting sight.

We watched for awhile as the clouds started to roll down off the mountain – hoping that the cone would come out so we could really take it in. The slope of the mountain did start to clear, but eventually we had to turn back and head for the car and our next hike.

More stunning flowers on our way down from the viewpoint…

We stopped to take in the view of Lake Los Patos and were surprised by two toucans swooping out of the trees and across the lake – easily identifiable by their huge yellow beaks. Sadly, I was not quick enough with my camera to capture them – those guys are fast. Steve mused that he hadn’t realized what a treasure the roosting toucan was that we saw while kayaking around Drake Bay on our first afternoon in Osa; all of the others we saw were almost impossible to capture.

We did get a good look at a Lesson’s Mot-Mot! Look at those tail bobbles!

Towards the end of the hike, we came up on a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Lake Arenal – look at that! I was really hoping to get out on the lake for a paddle, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Still such a treat to take it in from this vantage point.

Doesn’t get more beautiful!

Next week: another view of the volcano.