Hiking Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica During Covid

Well, in case we haven't been in contact, I wanted to share what I've been up to.  Since October 2021, I've been living in Costa Rica (for likely ~12 months) 

​0:03+ Rio Celeste, Volcano Tenorio, Costa Rica Rio Celeste Water fall (and all the steps it takes to get there). 3 hours north of SJO airport in Costa Rica 0:39+ Rio Celeste River Inception The source of the river's distinctive turquoise color is not due to a chemical species but to a physical phenomenon known as Mie scattering.

Check out our video for a quick timelapse to one of our favorite songs from the Handstep Playlist.

Celeste River is fed by two colorless rivers, the Buenavista River and Sour Creek. Buenavista River carries a large concentration of aluminosilicate particles with a small diameter. Sour Creek, as its name implies, has a high acidity due to volcanic activity.

When these two streams mix to form Celeste River, the drop in pH causes the aluminosilicate particles to aggregate and enlarge to a diameter of about 566 nm. (You can see at 0:50 the river has not mixed yet on the bridge we crossed) These suspended particles produce Mie scattering which gives the river a strong turquoise color.

0:57 The Rio Celeste 'Lagoon' area, which is a bit bright during sunset, but beautiful on the morning. 1:09 many shots of the "Baird's tapir" super common when hiking in most locations in Costa Rica, the rest of the animals you'll want a guide like Jesus at sunrisetourslimon.com to guide you. TRANSITION TO NEXT TOWN (1 HOUR DRIVE) 2:07 a shot of Arenal volcano from the town of La Fortuna downtown area in Costa Rica!

2:11 Entry to Tabacon Hot Springs for the day ($85 including day pass + dinner). Their sales pitch? "the largest network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to symphony of rushing waterfalls. Indulge in a renowned dinner experience."

2:23 Walking towards the Shangri-La gardens inside Tabacon Resort, La Fortuna, Costa Rica 2:46 5 seconds of Yoga immediately followed by cocktails before showers and dinner.

2:57 Day 3 (check-out) and hiking around arenal with the day pass. This includes the peninsula of La Fortuna which is simple 1200 meter walk, plus an extra 600 which you can add on for a steep hike through the forest. Visit mattholmes.io/travel to see more travel stories and adventures like this ​