Blogs from Volcán Poás, Alajuela, Costa Rica, Central America Caribbean

We left Monteverde to stay in San Jose for a couple of days. It is our base to explore the central region. First stop is fantastic Poas volcano. It's a very popular park and for good reasons. The road(s) to get there from Alajuela or San Jose, slowly climb through various farms landscapes and showing superb views. Close to park entrance, there are a couples of farms growing strawberries. All in the car agreed they were as good as ones in Canada!!! Visitor center is well designed and has many interesting displays. The road leading to the crater builds up your expectations... and at the crater itself, you are not deceived. The crater is more than 1km wide, and the view is spectacular! The trails in the park brings to a special forest with short trees, ... read more

This is the second part of the Combo Tour we took in Costa Rica. After the visit to the Doka Coffee Estate our party of 13 with our guide and driver, continued to the Poas Volcano National Park. Again, the journey was mostly uphill along winding roads. I thought to myself at that time that I wouldn't want to do this on foot! On the way we stopped at a store where we were offered free samples of the local wine and fresh strawberries. Although I am not much of a wine drinker I opted for it. It was quite good but didn't really slake my thirst as they were served in tiny cups! Anyhow, after the usual restroom visits we got back into our van and reached our next destination, the Poas National Park in ... read more

Today I'm on my own again and sadly don't get a lie in. I have to be ready for my tour bus which is picking me up at my hotel at silly o'clock (5.55am!). I find that I'm the first to be picked up and we go on a tour of San Jose's central and outlying hotels picking up a full bus by the time we get to the last one - a huge and very posh looking hotel near the airport. Unfortunately it's raining which doesn't bode well for a good view of Poas volcano, but it's early yet so the weather might change. I get chatting to a few of my fellow passengers. There's one guy from the UK who is going on a 5 days per country trip around all of Central America ... read more

Costa Rica for the Weekend Time was limited so we hit the touristy spots near Costa Rica's central valley.... read more

Alarm set for 6 am. Woke up at that time. Completed morning duties by 6:40. I rushed upstairs to get some coffee and oatmeal. I am ready for the "Poas Volcano and La Paz waterfalls" excursion($91 - includes entry fee, breakfast and lunch). I was at the lobby by 7 am with poncho, umbrella, backpack etc. The tour van was 10 minutes late. Tour conductor is "tropicale excursions"? I met a couple, mom and daughter (Maria) from Marriott signed up for the same tour. I did not get a window seat. I sat next to a tall Mexican guy (Beliendo). Our first stop was an overlook, that gives an excellent view of San Jose and neighboring areas. Beliendo graciously gave me the window seat after we got back to the bus. It seems he has done ... read more