A:
Hi Lisa! First, let me say that if you're an athlete, you will probably have no issues tackling this hike. BUT...I would strongly advise against doing anything alone in a Costa Rica jungle. Maybe the likelihood of any trouble is slim, but I will say, there are a few dangerous animals in the rainforest. My tour guide said that on one tour, he was climbing the side of the volcano and reached for a root to pull himself up. He came extremely close to grabbing a Fer-de-Lance, one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. It's called Terciopelo by locals, and the proper name is Bothrops Asper. If you're in the jungle by yourself and you get bit, it will not be pleasant. They're mostly nocturnal, but if you perchance disturb one, it will get very cranky. Most likely, it will go the opposite direction if it can, but if it's cornered, it will strike. And they are FAST. Their venom is a very potent hemotoxin. Like the other reply said, there's often people hiking this, but if there's not, or if you're alone, I'd urge you not to do this, or any hike, unless it's on a groomed trail. I did this hike with a tour guide and another couple from Italy. It was great, but we did it during a torrential tropical downpour, so it was even more challenging for us. We were the only group that climbed into the crater to the lagoon, because our guide (from Red Lava Tours, just a few doors down from the bus terminal in La Fortuna) was a badass. All this being said, as others have pointed out, it's now closed. I'm sure there must be a reason for that. As cool as it is, I'd maybe find another hike in the area. Hit up any Costa Rica tour page on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and they should be able to tell you about other options in the area. Try Desafio Adventure Co, Red Lava Tours, Ecoterra Expeditions, Costa Rica Expeditions, or just Google "tour companies in costa rica." Please enjoy La Fortuna! It's one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Pura vida!
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