Costa Rica 2009: 3/21/2009 Catarata del Rio Fotuna/waterfalls, driving to Monteverde, Fonda Vela, dinner Tramonti

Buffet breakfast. I have a tomato/cheese omelet, toast, fruit, juice, and coffee. Richard has cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice, and coffee. I swing by the gift shop and make several purchases. T shirt, hats, some other things I don't remember for 60883 colones/$107.00 USD. Laundry bill was $10.45 USD.

Souvenir T shirt

Our next destination is Monteverde where we will stay at Fonda Vela for 2 nights. Monteverde. Cloudforests. Tranquil.

Before leaving La Fortuna we stop at the gas station 12855 colones.

La Fortuna town

Where we had dinner the other night

We've decided to visit the waterfalls. Catarata del Rio Fortuna. We have our waterproof hiking shoes as I had read it could be slippery. Admission $18.00 USD for the 2 of us. A steep trail leading down to the waterfall. Then if you want to see the higher second one it's a fairly hard uphill walk. It was spectacular and worth the effort.

First glimpse

Up to the higher waterfalls

Back on the roads it's a scenic drive but the roads are in bad shape and windy/curvy. We see windmills and the valley. Lake Arenal. Stop for a drink. Pineapple and orange juice. Pictures of spider monkeys and coatis. Through Tilaran town-on the Continental Divide. 1960s modern looking arch roofed cathedral decorated with marquetry. Agricultural town surrounded by undulating fields.

Lake Arenal

Coati

Spider monkey

Tilaran cathedral

We arrive at our hotel Fonda Vela at 6:30 pm. At check in we're upgraded to a suite with a king bed and a queen bed. Sweet. Unfortunately they are in the process of putting in a pool and some hot tubs so not ready for use yet.

Perfect for a bubble bath!

Installing a pool and hot tubs

Dinner Tramonti. Salads of mixed greens and margherita pizza. Coke, Imperial. Cost without tip $19.77 USD. Great tasting pizza. Place was packed. Lots of tour buses.