Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

The Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968 - constantly ejecting gases, water fumaroles, and explosions with pyroclastic material emissions.  Sometimes the eruptions are accompanied by powerful thunders.  The ash is carried out by the wind over long distances, especially to the northwest area of the volcano.  The biggest and heaviest material falls close to the crater.....

.....and that's where we were planning to hike this afternoon!

The Arenal Lake sits opposite the volcano.....and the old towns of Arenal and Tonadora now lie abandoned at the bottom of the lake (caused by the last major eruption 45 years ago!).  Our guide noted that when the water level of the lake is low during dry season, sometimes you can see the top of some buildings that were buried under the lava flow.

Jenesa continues to be a real trooper on all of these adventurous hikes!  Fortunately, for her (and me!), tonight we will be able to relax and soothe our aching muscles in the Arenal hot springs. 

Excursion #5 - Tabacon Thermal Resort Hot Springs

These natural hot springs are located all over this area around the volcano - each with differing temperatures, flow volumes, and mineral content.  Tabacon was the first Hot Springs resort open to the public in the Arenal Volcano region, and still the most highly rated and most publicized luxury hot springs and spa resort in Costa Rica (trust me - it was nice!). 

These thermal natural springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based.  Rainwater enters the earth through fissures on the surface and then is heated by magma found in the earth's core.  Once heated, the waters rise to the surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth's rocky stratus.  The temperature of these hot springs range from 80 degrees to 122 degrees.  Are you tired of all this geology information yet?

After a long day of hiking and horseback riding.....Leonard's muscles were relaxing and on display under the thermal hot springs waterfall.  I wish our hot tub back home had waterfalls like this!