Tours From Fortuna
Price competition between tour agencies in Fortuna is fierce, but bear in mind that while you may save a few dollars by going with the cheapest agency, you could end up on a badly organized tour with under-qualified guides, or no lunch - get as many details as you can before you put down your cash. In general, it's worth going with a reputable tour operator, such as those listed below, and not with one of the freelance "guides" who may approach you; one was recently convicted of the rape of a female tourist whilst on a tour. By far the most popular excursion is the late-afternoon hike around Volcan Arenal , followed by a night-time soak in the thermal pools at Balneario Tabacon , though few tours include the admission fee (US$15) in their prices. The volcano hike involves a walk through rainforest, much of it uphill, and a final scramble over lava rocks - take care, as they're particularly sharp, and few guides carry a medical kit. Bring a torch, too. The actual sight of the volcano - if you're lucky enough to be there on a clear night when there's activity - is amazing. Scarlet rivers of lava pour from the top, and you can hear the crunch of boulders landing as they are spewed from the mouth of the volcano. Also popular are horse-rides to the Catarata de la Fortuna , boat trips to Cano Negro , and rafting down the Rio Sarapiqui . A popular new trip is the transfer to Monteverde (4-5hr), using a combination of taxi, boat and horse - it's faster and much more interesting than taking the local bus. Sunset Tours (tel 479-9415, fax 479-9099, www.sunset-tours.com ), on the main road, to the east of the soccer field, is pricier than other tour operators, but has professional, well-qualified guides. Their volcano tours (US$25) include the entrance fee to the national park, but not to Balneario Tabacon. They have a good day-trip to Cano Negro (US$45), as well as taxi transfers to Monteverde (US$30). Trips run by the professional Aventuras Arenal , 150m east of the soccer field (tel & fax 479-9133), are almost identical and slightly cheaper, and they can also offer transport to just about anywhere in the country. Desafio Tours (tel 479-9464, fax 479-9178, desafio@racsa.co.cr ) across from Rancho La Cascada are friendly, efficient and helpful rafting specialists and run half- and full-day tours (US$65-70) for all levels on the Rios Toro, Penas Blancas and Sarapiqui. They also offer the jeep-boat-horse-jeep transfer to Monteverde for an economical price, and can sort out flights, tours and accommodation anywhere in the country. Jacamar (tel 479-9767, fax 479-9456, jacamar@racsa.co.cr ), next to the Lava Rocks restaurant, does an Arenal night tour (US$25), trips to Cano Negro (US$45) and gentle rafting excursions on the Rio Penas Blancas. Their boat-and-taxi (no horses) transfer to Monteverde costs US$25 and takes (they claim) just two hours. Aguas Bravas (tel 479-9025, fax 229-4837), on the main road opposite the soccer field, offers whitewater-rafting trips on the Rio Sarapiqui.
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