Even though we were traveling in Costa Rica outside of the rainy season, we still had plenty of rain…every day. The good news is that with rain in a tropical climate comes the rainforest. And if you’re lucky, waterfalls. And we were.
The La Fortuna Waterfall was about a mile away from our cabin in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica. As with most days we had rain during this mostly uphill hike, along with sun, and more rain. But in addition to ever changing weather there were a lot of interesting sights along the way.
This pig was wandering along and came up to greet us in the muddy road.
We found a huge Traveler Palm behind a frequent sight in Costa Rica – the living fence. Sticks from a special tree in Costa Rica will grow when placed in the ground. The are typically bound with wire and wallah – instant natural fence.
We also passed by a wood carver who had a talent for letting the wood speak to him revealing the art that lived within.
This long-eared cow seemed unimpressed with our efforts at climbing the muddy road to the La Fortuna Waterfall.
Just before we reached the waterfall park we came across a parking area for horses complete with hay.
It costs $10 each to enter the park and according to their advertising the fees went toward assisting with community projects.
From the top of the park you can start to see a peek of the waterfall in the distance.
After climbing down over 500 steps you reach the river at the bottom.
On the other side you are rewarded for your effort with a close up view of a huge thundering waterfall surrounded by jungle.
Along with a secondary waterfall off to the right that is also an impressive sight.
Enjoy your accomplishment, because soon you will be faced with the 500 plus steps you need to climb to get back up the muddy trail. But despair not, there is a bar at the top featuring cold local beer and margaritas to encourage you along.
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Y’all are really making me miss Costa Rica! And I love all the floppy eared cows – they make me laugh.
The secondary waterfall gets my vote for beauty. Any idea of the size in feet?
Thanks for your comment! It’s about 246 feet high. Pretty impressive
Looks like a fantastic hike. As a bit of a plant but, super curious by the living fence. Love the idea of using something that is living and consistently getting stronger as the years go by instead of deteriorating… Makes me think of the living bridges in India.
I am headed to Costa rica for a month and I cannot wait !! thanks for the pictures and this waterfall is on my list now!
Costa Rica is beautiful! Have a fantastic time