For the last two days now I have had a goal of getting to see the Avatar Tree. I had a “psychic” reading from Tranquil Heart Nick and Spirit came through and said I should live by the Avatar tree and they showed him the visions. (Side note: Nick is more of an Intuitive than a Psychic.). Little did he know that on my November 2024 trip I had driven by this sign for the Avatar tree a couple times and always regretted not stopping. It is close to where I am staying in the condo I want to buy and is just down the road from Mystica where I stayed in November. It was my one regret of that trip last year, not seeing the Avatar Tree. Nick had no idea about all of this back story. He only spoke of what Spirit showed him.
Fast forward to today where I tried two times (two separate bus schedules) to get a ride to a different tree about 90 minutes away from my condo. Universe had a different plan for me though and I see why now. I somehow missed both the 7am and the Noon bus and a local Shuttle driver/Airbnb owner kindly gave me a ride because he was on his way to his Airbnb in that area anyway. However on the drive there I saw the sign I had been looking for - the hand painted AVATAR tree sign on the road I saw in November. I asked him to turn around and stop and he did. He waited in the car for five minutes so I could see the tree I had been dreaming of. I did not have my professional camera, just my iPhone and a selfie stick to get some timer shots and videos. Mission accomplished!
I didn’t realize until uploading my photos to my computer now that on the Avatar photos where I used the timer function on my phone that a HEART shape appeared on my chest area as well (heart chakra area for those who practice reiki or energy healing). This blew my mind! Heart shapes have been my “yellow brick road” since 2014 and they always appear when I need a sign or to show me I am on the right path! WOW Universe, okay -noted!!!!!! (look at the pix with me standing by tree)
After my quick visit to this Avatar tree, he dropped me off at La Tortuga Restaurant where they had Wifi so I could order an Uber and get some lunch. I no longer needed to continue the ride to La Fortuna (another hour away) since I found my tree!
Directions: (all bold type font is linked)
If you are staying at the Lake Arenal Condos it is about a 31 minute drive (22.8km). Here are the google directions. Ask your taxi driver if you don’t have a car to punch in the Ceiba Tree Lodge. You will see hand painted signs at the base of the road and then you drive up a single lane “road” to the top where you can park and pay $4.00 USD to view the tree. If no one is around there is a wooden box with instructions on the side of a shed. It is a short walk from the money box to the tree. The owner speaks English, Spanish and German.
Below are some photos I took with my phone, I also have videos that I will post on my Instagram account: @travelpinup if you want to see more of it.
After viewing the tree I went to La Tortuga just down the road for lunch and an iced coffee and to use their free wifi. They have a 200-year-old Ceiba tree on the property right next to the restaurant. I couldn’t find their website but you can google or trip advisor: Restaurante La Tortuga Arenal
My Google review for the restaurant:
I stumbled upon this place and wow am I glad I did! I was staying at the Lake Arenal Condos and stopped here because the sign said "free wifi" and I wanted lunch. The views are incredible and 5 monkeys were playing in the trees right off to the left of my table. I dined alone (solo female trip) and let the waitress know of my food allergies. I got the Passion Fruit chicken dish, an iced latte and vanilla ice cream which were all tree nut free and gluten free. Perfect portion sizes. After I ate my meal I went to the 200 year old Ceiba tree on the property and took photos. It is just magical! There were no Ubers available to the owner's husband called me a local taxi and I was on my way back to my condo - super helpful! I definitely want to go back at sunset to try and catch some photos of the lake and the Ceiba tree as well as to try more of their chicken dishes. I highly recommend a trip here! - Lorraine Toth (Google Guide)
