Costa Rica - Coffee, Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Early the next morning the Combo Tour picks us up to see the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation, the  Poás Volcano, and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Coffee growing in the upper highlands

Doda Estate Coffee building

After a nice breakfast we enjoy strolling through their gardens with many of the same plants we are used to seeing in the coffee growing areas of Hawaii. One surprise was the Rainbow Eucalptus, which we had never seen before

Hanging Lobster Claw

Rainbow Eucalyptus

CU of rainbow bark

Soon our guide calls us together for to show us how coffee is processed on the oldest surviving family coffee plantation.

Our guide in the storage room

Original machinery

Coffee beams drying in the sun

Our next stop is the Poás Volcano. After a short hike we come to the main active crater which last erupted in 2009 killing at least 40 people in the surrounding area. Today the crater is letting off steam, but looks quiet enough for now. We then hike to the inactive crater now filled with Lake Botos.

Main Crater

Lake Botos with Poor Man's Umbrella or Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Manicata)

We opt for the long hike back to the bus. This hike wanders through the cloud forest.

Small orchid in full bloom

Giant tree ferns

and of course more bromeliads.

A short bus ride takes us to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which was recommended by our driver from the airport.

Looking up through lush gardens to the main entry building

We wander down rock paved pathways through the gardens filled with all kinds of amazing plants and flowers (Holly - we sure wish you were with us).

Expanded Lobster Claw

Poor Man's Umbrella

Orchids

Red ginger

In one of the large flight cages, we become acquainted with a very friendly Keel-billed Toucan.

Hummm... are these people going to feed me?

I like this guy, but where's my cracker?

All this lady does is talk to me.

Parrots? Of course they have parrots, and many other birds as well.

Scarlet Macaw

Green Parrot ?

Green Hermit Hummingbird

Passerini's Tanager

Hanging nests of Passerini's Tanager

Butterflies are everywhere in another large flight cage.

Drinking nectar

Eating at feeding stations

Mating

The spectacular Blue Morpho butterflies are everywhere...

Handing on people

and sharing lunch.

Since Costa Rica is home to over 150 species of snakes (22 are poisonous including the infamous Fer-de-Lance), there's also a snake house. Fortunately, all of them are behind glass.

Green Vine Snake

Venomous Eyelash Viper

Tropical Rattlesnake

Yes - Costa Rica has mammals. Lots of them as a matter of fact.

Sloth

Mountain Lions

Jaguar

Margay Cat

At the end of the trails, we see the three waterfalls - each one more spectacular than the previous.
It's getting late, time to saddle up and head back to the hotel.

Hummm.. not sure if this traditional ox cart's going to get me back to San Jose by dark

The saddle between volcanoes with San Jose below

Costa Rica - Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs

Early the next morning we join a tour to see Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs. Along the way to the volcano we are fascinated by Costa Rica's lush vegetation in the central highlands.

Poro Tree with orange blossoms

Bromeliad covered tree branches

After stopping for lunch close to the volcano, we hike up to a view point for a closer look. Although some clouds are covering it's peak, we manage to see most of it. The classic cone shaped Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's youngest at only 7000 years old and the most active. It is known to regularly let off steam, toss out Volkswagen sized rocks, and occasionally light up the night sky with an eruption.  Our guide jokes if the ground starts rumbling, we need to RUN. Fortunately, we are seeing it on a calm day.

Me and Peter at the Arenal Volcano outlook

Not far away is Tabacon Hot Springs where we have the afternoon to play in the pools. These hot springs are formed by a hot river flowing out of Arenal Volcano. At the resort, the river has been landscaped to form a series of small waterfalls dropping into relaxing hot pools. We are delighted by the lush landscaping and beautiful rock work on wall, fountains, waterfalls, and pathways.

Main resort area at Tabacon

Our guide Jose gives us the run down

Bridges, waterfalls, and pool

Who said the Garden of Eden no longer exists? It's here in Costa Rica!

Hot river flowing from Arenal

Asian influenced fountain

Koi live in a side pool

As we follow the pathways up river, the pools become warmer and more inviting. The last and most beautiful are at the Shangri-La Terraces.

Peter relaxes in one of the pools

Path up river

Entrance to Shangri-La

Shangri-La Terraces is wonderfully landscaped with cabana like patio furniture.

Fountains and rock work with lush vegetation

Humm - which cabana should we choose?

Let's take this one

Friendly bartenders will bring you drinks

while Buddha watches

main pool with sitting ledges

We hang out on one of the waterfall benches

Ahhh - Pura Vida!

Ommmmm...

After hanging out for most of the afternoon in Shangri-La, we wander back to the main resort to play in the largest of the waterfalls.

Peter checks out the hollow waterfall

Now this is fun!

Peter sits on the bench behind the waterfall

The main swimming pool by the main resort building has a water slide into it. Even though it's a short slide, we try it out to find out you can get going pretty fast on it.

I check it out first

Then Peter makes a big splash

We meet up with new friends from Oregon at the bar

After showers and getting dressed, we are treated to a truly wonderful meal at the resort's open air dinning room. What a wonderful day. If we ever come back to Costa Rica staying several days in a hotel close to the hot springs is a must.

Sunset over Tabacon Hot Springs.