Poas Volcano and La Paz Gardens, Costa Rica
January 18-20, 2012
It's always a wonderful treat to have family join us while we're traveling and we encourage people to meet us whenever and wherever possible. Deb's parents decided to meet us in Costa Rica and then onward to Panama. We had a fantastic time filled with many wonderful memories! We began our trip with a stop north of San Jose in the highlands. As you begin to gain elevation, the area begins to change as it becomes more farmland and fertile. The area is filled with coffee plantations, rolling hills and beautiful jungle. We headed to a town named Grecia which was a charming little town. Because we also climbed in elevation as we entered the highlands, the days were warm and sunny but the afternoons and evenings were quite chilly.
Our Accommodations - Hotel Mango Valley
We found a really nice set of individual cabins at a place called Hotel Mango Valley (about 10-15 minutes from Grecia). Set among the rolling hills, the view was amazing. We had pool but unfortunately, it was too chilly to use it. However, the yummy breakfast and stunning scenery made up for it.
Metal Church in Grecia.
Poas Volcano
We hired a private driver and headed out to visit Poas Volcano National Park, about 40 minute drive from our hotel. The volcano is still active and continues to bubble and steam everyday. Inside the crater of the volcano is a lake which is a beautiful turquoise color. There is a lovely jungle path that leads to the lookout point where you are above the volcano and can peer down into its crater.
La Paz Gardens and Waterfalls
Our next stop was the beautiful La Paz Gardens and Waterfalls. It was a magnificant place of manicured paths leading through the jungle along with a section of birds and other animals, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, rrchid garden, and several waterfalls which we walked to. A fun filled day.