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.
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| Coffee growing in the upper highlands |
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| Doda Estate Coffee building |
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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
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| Rainbow Eucalyptus |
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| CU of rainbow bark |
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Soon our guide calls us together for to show us how coffee is processed on the oldest surviving family coffee plantation.
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.
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| Main Crater |
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We opt for the long hike back to the bus. This hike wanders through the cloud forest.
A short bus ride takes us to the
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which was recommended by our driver from the airport.
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| Looking up through lush gardens to the main entry building |
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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).
In one of the large flight cages, we become acquainted with a very friendly
Keel-billed Toucan.
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| Hummm... are these people going to feed me? |
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| I like this guy, but where's my cracker? |
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| All this lady does is talk to me. |
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Parrots? Of course they have parrots, and many other birds as well.
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| Green Parrot ? |
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| Hanging nests of Passerini's Tanager |
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Butterflies are everywhere in another large flight cage.
The spectacular
Blue Morpho butterflies are everywhere...
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| Handing on people |
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| and sharing lunch. |
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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.
Yes - Costa Rica has mammals. Lots of them as a matter of fact.
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.
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| Hummm.. not sure if this traditional ox cart's going to get me back to San Jose by dark |
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| The saddle between volcanoes with San Jose below |
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