04/23/2025
The last two days have been packed with adventure!
Yesterday we headed out on a rainforest hike to see what wildlife we could spot. While we didn’t see any monkeys up close, we definitely heard them in the trees! We also caught a glimpse of a toucan in the distance and saw plenty of birds, bugs, and hidden critters along the way.
One of the coolest finds? A tarantula named Gloria, who’s been hanging out in the same spot for over a year—our guide said she’s become a bit of a local celebrity. We also peeked into another hiding spot and spotted a scorpion with her babies—equal parts fascinating and a little terrifying! 🥴🥴
The lush plant life and towering trees were incredible, and we had some amazing views from the hanging bridges. We wrapped up the hike with a peaceful ride on the aerial tram, floating above the trees.
Today we hopped on ATVs for an off-road adventure around the base of Arenal Volcano. We visited the Maleku Indigenous Village, where we learned about their traditions—including their handmade clothing, traditionally crafted from tree bark. Unfortunately, the specific tree they used is now endangered, so they’ve transitioned to more modern clothing now.
We even tried a traditional fermented drink made from corn, pineapple, and sugarcane. Can’t say it was our favorite—but we gave it a try!
The trails took us through stunning scenery, and even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, the views were still breathtaking. We made a stop at the Arenal River, where the water warms as it flows through volcanic hot springs—perfect for a mid-ride break.
One of our stops included
the Monterrey Viewpoint, where we took in more stunning Arenal Volcano.
Riding ATVs through the rainforest, rain or shine (and we had both), was hands down one of the most fun excursions we’ve ever done!
Tomorrow we take on a new city! Stay tuned!