Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat
Location: Monterrey - La Fortuna Area
Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is an intimate facility situated on 26 acres of rolling hills with a spectacular, panoramic view of the Arenal Volcano, the surrounding mountains and valley. 6 cabins, perched like tree houses, on a hill are surrounded by tropical plants, covered with a riot of butterflies and humming birds. The newly opened Heliconia House and the luxury Hummingbird Hacienda offer guests the option of 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. The lodging options are outfitted with comfortable, orthopedic beds, 800 count Egyptian cotton sheets, hot showers, mini-fridge and a large porch with hammocks for volcano watching.
A stable of well trained and cared for horses, offers guests private, one-of-a-kind rides through the Costa Rican countryside. Guests often help with the morning chores, milking the cow, collecting eggs, grooming the horses and making cheese.
Private naturalist guides provide tours of rainforests and the volcano are arranged by the owners and on-site managers, Steve and Debbie. Activities such as white water rafting, zip lines, canyoning, can also be easily arranged in near by La Fortuna.
For travelers looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience, off the beaten track, Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat offers guests the perfect blend of Adventure, Discovery and Tranquility.
Photos of Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat
(Click on the photos to enlarge)
Panoramic Vista of the Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano from the Porch at Leaves & Lizards
Private Cabin at Leaves and Lizards
Inside the Monkey Cabin at Leaves and Lizards
Contact Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat
Phone: 506-2478-0023
Toll Free Number: 1-888-828-9245
Website URL: http://www.leavesandlizards.com
You may use the following form to e-mail Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat:
Articles submitted by Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Retreat:
What to Expect
Submitted Fri 20 Feb, 2009 at 3:34 pm)
[a_center][u]What to Expect[/u][/a_center]
1. You probably have some pre-conceptions about what your trip will be like. You may have seen documentaries, read books or articles on the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Remember that those films and/or photographs were taken over a long period of time. The forest vegetation is thick and lush and it takes patience, a good guide and a keen eye to spot animals. We can not over emphasize the importance of a good guide to point out animals and plants in the forest.
2. Part of the fun and at times the difficulty, of traveling to new regions of the world is trying to adapt to various environments and situations. Try to look at it as a positive, interesting and exciting experience. Observe and appreciate how the people of Costa Rica have adapted to their particular environment.
3. The "Tico system" was inherited in part from their mother country, Spain, and as many "Ticos" will quickly tell you, it is even less efficient now. Try to understand and make the most of it.
4. Mother Nature may affect your travel plans. Be patient and calm, everything eventually works out just fine.
5. Part of the fun of traveling is trying to communicate with the local people. Whatever Spanish you know, use it! In any case smile, smiles are a major means of communicating everywhere in the world.
6. More people have to change their vacation plans because of sunburn than any other reason. The sun's ultraviolet rays are direct and stronger in Costa Rica because of its close proximity to the Equator (10 degrees north). Please bring sun block and use it.
7. Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but not all are safe for swimming. Before you take the plunge ask a local!
8. Cars do not yield to other cars or pedestrians! Be careful crossing our streets.
9. Make every effort to have a minimal negative impact on the natural and human environment that you encounter and to conserve natural resources both during your stay in Costa Rica and when you return home.
10. Traveling in Costa Rica can be tiresome. Allow 3 hours to cover 100 miles (160km). Try to plan in an extra hour for road delays. ALWAYS plan to arrive at your destination before dark. Plan to arrive before 5pm at any destination. Become familiar with Spanish street signs. See the Leaves and Lizards website for more information about driving in Costa Rica.
11. Be a safe traveler. Statistically, you are probably safer from crime in Costa Rica than in your home country. On the other hand, tourists are better targets for petty theft than local citizens, in part because their attention often is focused on new sights and sounds rather than personal security.
 Leave your valuable jewelry at home.
 Wear your day pack on your chest when walking around San Jose.
 Don't flash large amounts of cash.
 Make copies of your passport before leaving home, leave one copy at home, and take one copy with you. If possible scan your passport and email it to yourself, so you will always be able to access a copy on line in an emergency.
 Keep your passport in a safe place while traveling.
 Don't leave any valuables in your gear in the car-ever.
 Do not accept any unsolicited help. Generally you will be fine if you are the one that asks for help. Costa Ricans are generous people always willing to assist a person in need.
 Beware of bargain guides or bargain tours. You get what you pay for. That bargain tour or guide can put you in an unsafe situation with poorly maintained equipment, unsafe, poorly cared for horses or even in the hands of a criminal.
 The Costa Rican government has a new police force specifically dedicated to tourism. They are there just to assist tourists and assure our tourists are safe and protected. Their presence in areas heavily traveled by tourists lets criminals know that crimes against tourists will not be tolerated by the Costa Rican government.
 Most of all just use common sense.
 Pubic phones take phone cards that you can purchase in many locations. Public phones are located all over the country.
12. Finally, one of the justifications for travel is that cultural exchange leads to understanding and brotherhood. Please remember that things that are different in Costa Rica, not necessarily better or worse than those in your country, they're just different. There are ideas and attitudes in all societies that might be beneficially adopted by others. Look for them!!
1. You probably have some pre-conceptions about what your trip will be like. You may have seen documentaries, read books or articles on the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Remember that those films and/or photographs were taken over a long period of time. The forest vegetation is thick and lush and it takes patience, a good guide and a keen eye to spot animals. We can not over emphasize the importance of a good guide to point out animals and plants in the forest.
2. Part of the fun and at times the difficulty, of traveling to new regions of the world is trying to adapt to various environments and situations. Try to look at it as a positive, interesting and exciting experience. Observe and appreciate how the people of Costa Rica have adapted to their particular environment.
3. The "Tico system" was inherited in part from their mother country, Spain, and as many "Ticos" will quickly tell you, it is even less efficient now. Try to understand and make the most of it.
4. Mother Nature may affect your travel plans. Be patient and calm, everything eventually works out just fine.
5. Part of the fun of traveling is trying to communicate with the local people. Whatever Spanish you know, use it! In any case smile, smiles are a major means of communicating everywhere in the world.
6. More people have to change their vacation plans because of sunburn than any other reason. The sun's ultraviolet rays are direct and stronger in Costa Rica because of its close proximity to the Equator (10 degrees north). Please bring sun block and use it.
7. Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but not all are safe for swimming. Before you take the plunge ask a local!
8. Cars do not yield to other cars or pedestrians! Be careful crossing our streets.
9. Make every effort to have a minimal negative impact on the natural and human environment that you encounter and to conserve natural resources both during your stay in Costa Rica and when you return home.
10. Traveling in Costa Rica can be tiresome. Allow 3 hours to cover 100 miles (160km). Try to plan in an extra hour for road delays. ALWAYS plan to arrive at your destination before dark. Plan to arrive before 5pm at any destination. Become familiar with Spanish street signs. See the Leaves and Lizards website for more information about driving in Costa Rica.
11. Be a safe traveler. Statistically, you are probably safer from crime in Costa Rica than in your home country. On the other hand, tourists are better targets for petty theft than local citizens, in part because their attention often is focused on new sights and sounds rather than personal security.
 Leave your valuable jewelry at home.
 Wear your day pack on your chest when walking around San Jose.
 Don't flash large amounts of cash.
 Make copies of your passport before leaving home, leave one copy at home, and take one copy with you. If possible scan your passport and email it to yourself, so you will always be able to access a copy on line in an emergency.
 Keep your passport in a safe place while traveling.
 Don't leave any valuables in your gear in the car-ever.
 Do not accept any unsolicited help. Generally you will be fine if you are the one that asks for help. Costa Ricans are generous people always willing to assist a person in need.
 Beware of bargain guides or bargain tours. You get what you pay for. That bargain tour or guide can put you in an unsafe situation with poorly maintained equipment, unsafe, poorly cared for horses or even in the hands of a criminal.
 The Costa Rican government has a new police force specifically dedicated to tourism. They are there just to assist tourists and assure our tourists are safe and protected. Their presence in areas heavily traveled by tourists lets criminals know that crimes against tourists will not be tolerated by the Costa Rican government.
 Most of all just use common sense.
 Pubic phones take phone cards that you can purchase in many locations. Public phones are located all over the country.
12. Finally, one of the justifications for travel is that cultural exchange leads to understanding and brotherhood. Please remember that things that are different in Costa Rica, not necessarily better or worse than those in your country, they're just different. There are ideas and attitudes in all societies that might be beneficially adopted by others. Look for them!!
What to Pack
Submitted Fri 20 Feb, 2009 at 3:32 pm)
[u][a_center]What to Pack and What to Expect[/a_center][/u]
Information for an enjoyable stay in Costa Rica provided by the Costa Rican Tourism and Travel Bureau and Leaves and Lizards.
What to Pack (Hint: Pack lightly!!)
Suggested items and Starred * items we consider essential:
• *Lightweight, sturdy high top hiking boots (protection for ankles) with a good tread suggested for hiking.
• Walking or athletic shoes with a good tread suggested for walks
• *Sturdy waterproof sandals or river shoes
• Personal toiletries
• *Insect repellant - at least 75% DEET
• *Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses NOTE: If you wear glasses remember to bring a croakie so you won’t loose them during activities.
• Binoculars (being in Costa Rica without good binoculars are like snorkeling without a mask) We offer a nice pair of binoculars for rental. $20 per stay.
• *Flashlight
• Pocket knife
• Walkie Talkies are a fun way to keep in touch with your group, but not essential.
• Extra socks
• Check batteries in camera – the most often heard complaint from our guests is that their camera batteries don’t last through the day.
• Shirts and pants made from light weight, natural fibers. At least one outfit made of high tech fast drying material.
• Compass (especially if driving)-see our website for driving tips.
• One or two swimming suits
• Poncho or rain gear
• Light jacket or sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights
• *Day pack (For valuables/camera/passport-so you can carry these items with you at all times).
• *Container for drinking water. In most of Costa Rica it is not necessary to buy bottled water. The water in our area is pure spring water.
• Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry and for wet clothing.
• Money in small demonations-$20’s, 10’s, 5’s and 1’s. It is hard to cash $100 bills in some places, and travelers checks are becoming a nuisance to use most places do not take travelers checks. ATM machines are commonly found in any city with a bank. Bring a back up bank card if possible. Notify your bank that you will be in traveling in Costa Rica so you won’t have trouble using your cards out of your home country.
• *Easy to carry healthy snacks, energy bars.
• Small first aide kit with moleskin for blisters from hiking boots. Ear plugs
• Coloring books/crayons for cute kids you meet on your trip. They love them!
• Spanish/English dictionary
• Map of Costa Rica. Plan your route in advance. Please ask us if you have any questions.
• Calculator for figuring currency exchange.
• Birders consider ordering ‘A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica’ book for your trip. It is the bird watching Bible for Costa Rica. You may find it online at Amazon.com for under $20. Non-birders may find general books about the flora and fauna h
Information for an enjoyable stay in Costa Rica provided by the Costa Rican Tourism and Travel Bureau and Leaves and Lizards.
What to Pack (Hint: Pack lightly!!)
Suggested items and Starred * items we consider essential:
• *Lightweight, sturdy high top hiking boots (protection for ankles) with a good tread suggested for hiking.
• Walking or athletic shoes with a good tread suggested for walks
• *Sturdy waterproof sandals or river shoes
• Personal toiletries
• *Insect repellant - at least 75% DEET
• *Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses NOTE: If you wear glasses remember to bring a croakie so you won’t loose them during activities.
• Binoculars (being in Costa Rica without good binoculars are like snorkeling without a mask) We offer a nice pair of binoculars for rental. $20 per stay.
• *Flashlight
• Pocket knife
• Walkie Talkies are a fun way to keep in touch with your group, but not essential.
• Extra socks
• Check batteries in camera – the most often heard complaint from our guests is that their camera batteries don’t last through the day.
• Shirts and pants made from light weight, natural fibers. At least one outfit made of high tech fast drying material.
• Compass (especially if driving)-see our website for driving tips.
• One or two swimming suits
• Poncho or rain gear
• Light jacket or sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights
• *Day pack (For valuables/camera/passport-so you can carry these items with you at all times).
• *Container for drinking water. In most of Costa Rica it is not necessary to buy bottled water. The water in our area is pure spring water.
• Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry and for wet clothing.
• Money in small demonations-$20’s, 10’s, 5’s and 1’s. It is hard to cash $100 bills in some places, and travelers checks are becoming a nuisance to use most places do not take travelers checks. ATM machines are commonly found in any city with a bank. Bring a back up bank card if possible. Notify your bank that you will be in traveling in Costa Rica so you won’t have trouble using your cards out of your home country.
• *Easy to carry healthy snacks, energy bars.
• Small first aide kit with moleskin for blisters from hiking boots. Ear plugs
• Coloring books/crayons for cute kids you meet on your trip. They love them!
• Spanish/English dictionary
• Map of Costa Rica. Plan your route in advance. Please ask us if you have any questions.
• Calculator for figuring currency exchange.
• Birders consider ordering ‘A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica’ book for your trip. It is the bird watching Bible for Costa Rica. You may find it online at Amazon.com for under $20. Non-birders may find general books about the flora and fauna h
Adventure Challenge Costa Rica
Submitted Tue 06 Jan, 2009 at 2:16 pm)
[a_center]Don't Just Play...........Play the Game[/a_center]
[a_center]Have you ever watched the Amazing Race or Survivor and thought to yourself...or told your friends..."I could do that! We could do that!" Maybe you have even applied to one of these reality TV shows, hoping to get a chance to be part of a team, competing for prizes in an exotic location. That's what we are all about.
At Adventure Challenge we offer people the opportunity to explore Costa Rica in a once in a life time adventure by competing in challenges. [/a_center]
[a_center]Check out all the details at our website: http://www.adventurechallenge.com[/a_center]
[a_center]So, gather a team together or join a team and start preparing for adventure of a lifetime![/a_center]
Mountains of Fire Volcanos of Costa Rica
Submitted Fri 07 Nov, 2008 at 2:24 pm)
Mountains of Fire
By Deborah Draves-Legg
Night creeps through the rain forest, mist descends down the sides of the volcano, wrapping dampness and chill around the encampment of prehistoric men and women. The group peers up at the peak of the mountain, wondering where the glow comes from. Red boulders tumble and spark down its steep, ashen slopes. One man, the leader, rises up from the huddle; he motions for the others to stay as they are. He takes a heavily husked coconut shell and makes his way up the volcano, braving the potential fury of this thunderous mountain. He treks up the volcano, scoops up a sizzling, steaming rock into the coconut shell and carries it back to the others. The coconut fibers start to smolder and ignite, working together, the group builds their first fire and chase the chilly night air away.
Costa Rica lies on the east side of the Ring of Fire where four of Earth’s plates converge, creating the conditions for the formation of Andesitic type volcanoes. A flight over Costa Rica reveals a surreal, prehistoric landscape. Volcanoes stretch out like a spine over the green mountainous terrain. There are 600 active volcanoes in the world, 42 of these are in Central America. Costa Rica has 7 active and 60 dormant or extinct volcanoes.
The most famous, active volcano in Costa Rica is Arenal. A visit to the Arenal Volcano is the quintessential volcano experience. Its black conical shape rises imposingly from pristine primary rainforest. Imagine yourself rocking gently in a hammock on the porch of your private cabin, sipping a tropical drink while listening to Howler monkeys calling for the afternoon rain. As the sun sets, the smoking boulders that roll down the steep slopes of Arenal become fiery red, creating a magnificent fireworks display, compliments of Mother Nature. Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a new, secluded resort offering spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano’s lava flow from a safe distance.
In the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica you will find three active volcanoes. Rincon de La Viejo (The Corner of the Old Lady): The Guatuso Indians of this region believed there was an old witch who lived at the top of the mountain and sent smoke out of the top when she was angry. The 34,800 acre Rincon de La Vieja National Park could be called the Yellowstone of Costa Rica with its bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. Miravelles: The geothermal activity from this volcano has been harnessed by ICE, the national power company. Tenorio: This towering volcano has 4 peaks and 2 twin craters. The Tenorio Volcano National Park is home of the Rio Celeste. Two crystal clear rivers travel down the slopes of Tenorio, when they merge into one larger river, the Rio Celeste, a chemical reaction takes place and the river turns an astonishing blue. Spots along the river have blue sulfur bubbles rising to the surface like floating globes. The Rio Celeste waterfall is the highlight of this magical place. Tours of the Miravelles geothermal power plant and hikes to the Rio Celeste can be arranged by Leaves and Lizards.
Around the Central Valley are the Poaz, Irazu and Turrialba Volcanoes. You can drive up to the craters of Poas and Irazu. Poaz has the second widest crater in the world, one mile in diameter. Within the smoking, bubbling cauldron a 300 foot, smoking mini-volcano has formed. Irazu is Costa Rica’s highest volcano reaching 3432 meters above sea level. On clear days, the vista reveals the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its crater is filled with jade green sulfurous water. The Turrialba Volcano has been active since 6300 BC. Costa Rica’s most important archeological site, Guayabo National Monument, is located in the rainforest at the base of this ancient mountain. This village housed an estimated 1000 people between 1000-1400 AD. A self guided hike, winds through bird filled forests and petroglyph carved ruins.
A Guayabo Indian women squats by glowing embers, she feeds the fire dry grass and small sticks, keeping the flames alive. In the evenings around the warmth and energy of the fire, the elders of the village pass on the story of a brave chief who many years ago, climbed a mountian of fire and gathered a smoldering stone…..
By Deborah Draves-Legg
Night creeps through the rain forest, mist descends down the sides of the volcano, wrapping dampness and chill around the encampment of prehistoric men and women. The group peers up at the peak of the mountain, wondering where the glow comes from. Red boulders tumble and spark down its steep, ashen slopes. One man, the leader, rises up from the huddle; he motions for the others to stay as they are. He takes a heavily husked coconut shell and makes his way up the volcano, braving the potential fury of this thunderous mountain. He treks up the volcano, scoops up a sizzling, steaming rock into the coconut shell and carries it back to the others. The coconut fibers start to smolder and ignite, working together, the group builds their first fire and chase the chilly night air away.
Costa Rica lies on the east side of the Ring of Fire where four of Earth’s plates converge, creating the conditions for the formation of Andesitic type volcanoes. A flight over Costa Rica reveals a surreal, prehistoric landscape. Volcanoes stretch out like a spine over the green mountainous terrain. There are 600 active volcanoes in the world, 42 of these are in Central America. Costa Rica has 7 active and 60 dormant or extinct volcanoes.
The most famous, active volcano in Costa Rica is Arenal. A visit to the Arenal Volcano is the quintessential volcano experience. Its black conical shape rises imposingly from pristine primary rainforest. Imagine yourself rocking gently in a hammock on the porch of your private cabin, sipping a tropical drink while listening to Howler monkeys calling for the afternoon rain. As the sun sets, the smoking boulders that roll down the steep slopes of Arenal become fiery red, creating a magnificent fireworks display, compliments of Mother Nature. Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a new, secluded resort offering spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano’s lava flow from a safe distance.
In the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica you will find three active volcanoes. Rincon de La Viejo (The Corner of the Old Lady): The Guatuso Indians of this region believed there was an old witch who lived at the top of the mountain and sent smoke out of the top when she was angry. The 34,800 acre Rincon de La Vieja National Park could be called the Yellowstone of Costa Rica with its bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. Miravelles: The geothermal activity from this volcano has been harnessed by ICE, the national power company. Tenorio: This towering volcano has 4 peaks and 2 twin craters. The Tenorio Volcano National Park is home of the Rio Celeste. Two crystal clear rivers travel down the slopes of Tenorio, when they merge into one larger river, the Rio Celeste, a chemical reaction takes place and the river turns an astonishing blue. Spots along the river have blue sulfur bubbles rising to the surface like floating globes. The Rio Celeste waterfall is the highlight of this magical place. Tours of the Miravelles geothermal power plant and hikes to the Rio Celeste can be arranged by Leaves and Lizards.
Around the Central Valley are the Poaz, Irazu and Turrialba Volcanoes. You can drive up to the craters of Poas and Irazu. Poaz has the second widest crater in the world, one mile in diameter. Within the smoking, bubbling cauldron a 300 foot, smoking mini-volcano has formed. Irazu is Costa Rica’s highest volcano reaching 3432 meters above sea level. On clear days, the vista reveals the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its crater is filled with jade green sulfurous water. The Turrialba Volcano has been active since 6300 BC. Costa Rica’s most important archeological site, Guayabo National Monument, is located in the rainforest at the base of this ancient mountain. This village housed an estimated 1000 people between 1000-1400 AD. A self guided hike, winds through bird filled forests and petroglyph carved ruins.
A Guayabo Indian women squats by glowing embers, she feeds the fire dry grass and small sticks, keeping the flames alive. In the evenings around the warmth and energy of the fire, the elders of the village pass on the story of a brave chief who many years ago, climbed a mountian of fire and gathered a smoldering stone…..