Arenal

After 2 days shrouded in the perpetual mist of the Tenorio rainforest all our clothes had begun to feel damp. Paper no longer crinkled but hung like limp pieces of cloth, and distant trees swam into and out of focus like ghostly apparitions.  We were pleased to be on the road again, this time descending the other side of the volcano on a better track.  Within 20 minutes we had left the cloud behind, the sun was out, and the temperature had risen sharply.

We headed for Arenal and it's volcano, which until recently was considered to be one of the world's ten most active volcanos.  The last major eruption occurred in 1968, blasting the top off the volcano, and sporadic eruptions continued until 2010.  Between December and March the volcano is often covered in cloud but we were fortunate to arrive when only the summit was hidden.  The perfect cone is an incredible sight and we could see why the area has become one of the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica.

We visited the Hanging Bridges of Arenal, set within a reserve of primary forest where a series of suspended bridges from 5 to 100 metres long span deep chasms and seem to float high above the rainforest canopy.  This felt a little manicured after the authentic rainforest experience at Tenorio, but was enjoyable nevertheless.

Back at the hotel, we couldn't believe our luck. We had heard this elusive bird several times, but never seen it.  Then, suddenly, a Toucan flew into the tree beside us and began to gorge itself on the soft fruits hanging from its branches. And to add to our excitement a male and female Great Curassow strode across the grass with a cheeky coati  in pursuit.