Travel to Volcan Poas and Arenal

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Volcan Poas and Arenal, Costa Rica

Whether you are taking a guided tour or travelling independently, you are sure to come across these two famous Costa Rican volcanoes. The Arenal volcano stands in the national park of the same name in the Guanacaste region and it is the country's primary tourist destination thanks to the beauty of its very active, young volcano. Although its summit is still visible, it is often hidden above the clouds, but one thing you'll be sure to experience is the rumbling of this giant's bowels and the appearance of smoke from its core. Of course, this spectacular is all the more impressive at night, when lava can be seen spilling down the sides. Also, nearby is the superb Lake Arenal, the largest in the country, tucked away among the mountains.
Visitors to the very popular Poas Volcano, which peaks at 8,858 ft, will have the opportunity to get right up close to this natural wonder, despite its activity and the smell of sulphur which surrounds it. A green acidic lagoon fills its main crater, whilst two others, including the cold, blue Botos, are also visible. The Poas National Park, which spans some 13,838 acres at the heart of the Central Valley, is a fine example of the beauty of the country's hazy forests and home to some 79 bird species.

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pros

•  The wealth of the fauna and flora
•  The beauty of the natural surroundings
•  The impressive volcanoes

cons

•  There is never a guarantee that you will be able to witness the natural spectacle of the volcanoes due to the changing climate
•  The poorly maintained roads

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Visit Volcan Poas and Arenal

• To see

  The wonderful landscapes provided by Costa Rica's lush nature and the diversity of its wildlife all around you! Explore the Arenal National Park (and visit the 'parqueo interior' to best appreciate its volcano); the beauty of Lake Arenal, spanning several miles; the main crater of the Poas Volcano from the 1,969 ft-high platform at the entrance to the national park; the hazy forests of the Poas National Park; the superb coffee plantations in the central valley; the craftsmen and their work in the village of Sarchi, etc.

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  To do

  The Arenal region offers plenty in the way of excursions whether on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, as well as tree-top activity courses for those who would like to admire the lush vegetation from above. If it's relaxation you're after though, hot springs such as those of Tabacon are ideal.
  Tourists come to Lake Arenal to bathe, fish, surf, row, kayak and wind-surf, among other things.
  Pick up a few punnets of delicious strawberries near Alajuela, stop off at the 'Casa del Café' to sample the exceptional flavour of the hand-picked coffee grains, and take a guided tour of the plantations, right up close to the volcanoes!
  Just a couple of miles from the Poas you'll find the superb and educational 'La Paz Waterfall Gardens' park, a beautiful place to discover the wealth of Costa Rica for those interested in exploring the country's flora and fauna and a rare occasion to see so much in so little time. After a 2-mi walk through dense vegetation (for the bravest among you!) visitors will be delighted to finally see the 5 waterfalls flowing from various heights, as well as the aviary, the butterfly house, the orchid garden, the snake pit, the frog pond, the reconstruction of a traditional Costa Rican house and the trout lake, among other things.

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  To think about

  Driving around a lot, as you will soon notice that signposting here is virtually non-existent. As a result, tourists tend to get lost very quickly on the poor mountain roads, so try and keep to the few resurfaced main roads as far as possible.
  As a result of the mountainous landscape, the days here can be cool and the nights cold, so remember to put a couple of much-needed sweaters in your suitcase!
  It is no longer possible to climb the Arenal Volcano due to the flow of lava.
  Your visit may well coincide with misty or foggy weather conditions preventing you from seeing the summits, in which case the only solution is to graciously accept the situation and find out about the signs in the sky from the Costa Ricans instead! To give yourself the best possible chance of seeing the crater of the Paos it is best to come as early as possible in the morning (the park is open from 8:00 am).

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• To avoid

  Avoid driving at night if you can, as the roads are unlit and the signposting is virtually non-existent. The Costa Ricans are also fast drivers and animals seem to appear on the road from out of nowhere!

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  To try

  Costa Rican cuisine is rather mediocre and does not really have any distinct national dishes. Most of the dishes are based on beef, pork or chicken, which are inevitably served with rice and black beans (sauces and various vegetables can add a bit of variety). Having said that, the grilled fish is excellent, and sweetcorn is used to make many types of pancake. The authentic Costa Rican breakfast is generous and usually consists of 'gallo pinto', a plate of rice and fried beans eaten with cream and 'natillas', corn pancakes. Dishes from the Atlantic side of the country are strongly influenced by Caribbean cuisine, though this is less true of those from the Pacific coast. One thing you will find everywhere, though, is plenty of fruit, particularly watermelon, pineapple, passion fruit, banana, mango, melon, starfruit and guava, among others. The country's internationally renowned coffee (such as the Tres Generaciones brand, for example) is also consumed in large quantities here, and the rum is of excellent quality. You can also eat here without breaking the bank in the 'sodas', which are traditional little diners that serve a set menu. For a bit of refreshment, order a 'Caïpitica', a light cocktail made using lime and sugar cane liqueur (Guaro).

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  To bring back

  There is a wide variety of Costa Rican handicrafts for sale (if you look hard enough!) and often at pretty reasonable prices, including gold and silver replicas of pre-Colombian objects, small wooden decorative items, wicker baskets from Guanacaste and leather goods, not to mention the traditional small wooden painted carts or 'carretas', typical of Sarchi, where these traditional souvenirs are primarily produced. The country is also internationally renowned for its rum and coffee, so stock up whilst you're here!

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Holiday Inn SAN JOSE-AUROLA

 

Score 9/10

susan humphries 17/07/2011 : "This hotel is right in the centre of the city so within very easy walking distance of attractions such as the Gold museum."

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Holiday Inn Express HIEX SAN JOSE AIRPORT

 

Score 7/10

susan humphries 25/06/2011 : "This hotel is VERY close to the airport so great if you have an early flight.Although we were not bothered by aircraft noise at all."

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Laguna Lodge

 

Score 9/10

susan humphries 28/04/2011 : "A great eco lodge on the Carribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is VERY wet there so expect to get damp at some stage over you stay. "

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