There had been talk of ‘the walk’ since we arrived in Costa Rica. Who was in? Was anyone out? Who was in, then out? Had anyone woken to the La Fortuna skies dripping and black, contemplated a rich warm coffee, and accidentally, on purpose, missed the bus? It was a thought. But we knew it would be worth it. So, my best friend and I were definitely in.
We travelled the winding roads through lush greenery and bright splashes of flowers to the drop-off point for Cerro Chato, otherwise known as Short Hill or a six-hour extreme hike. Following Fredrico, our local guide, we set off upwards in the pitter-pattering rain—we were on a mission!
Meters later, we were stopped, enchanted by the hundreds of hummingbirds keeping us company along the path.
We set off again, but stopped – hibiscus flowers as big as your face! And this is how it went – a minuscule orchid so small and precious that you had to lie down on the ground to get up close and personal with it, and a leaf so big it sheltered you and your bestie from the rain. No wonder it would take us six hours; we had not even reached the start of the trail.
Costa Rica is home to some of the most amazing animals and birds! Everywhere we loked we saw something else that amazed us.Â
Stepping into peaceful tranquillity, we started the trail that led us up through dark green hanging vines, misty clouds that engulfed the person in front of you and ferns that left intricate droplets of water on your skin. A canvas of leaves sheltered us from the temperamental weather and allowed dimpled light through. ‘And what do you think that is?’ Fredrico asked as we stood around looking at a small hole in the moist soil next to the path. Apart from a hole it was obviously home to something and as we bent closer to have a look Fredrico announced with great flourish ‘A tarantula’s hole! But I don’t think he is home at the moment.’ We were happy to keep moving just in case Mr. T decided to take a stroll over our shoes.
Colorful critters and plants were introduced to us as we made our way up to the rim of the extinct volcano crater that was Cerro Chato. On arrival to the rim the view of Arenal volcano that La Fortuna is famous for looked rather like grey clouds however, we were not in the least bit concerned. We were surrounded by beautiful pure life, or ‘pura vida’ as Fredrico would say.
The adventure continued as we slid our way down through the mud to the lagoon crater where we splashed about amongst the frogs and massaged our feet on the pebbled shore of the lagoon. How fortunate we were to have this beautiful place to ourselves, the whole crater of a volcano. Imagine if we had accidentally, on purpose, missed the bus? Fresh, bursting pineapple was our reward when we had finished. As were the three keel-billed toucans that hung around to congratulate us. Plus the pina coladas in town. And last but certainly not least, we still had ten fabulous days of our tour to go.
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