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La Riviera Hotel
Belen, Costa Rica
Reservations phone:
(506) 2293 0909
How to Get
fax:
(506) 2293 2582
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Poas
Volcano
Poas Volcano, 2,708 meters high, is one of the most
spectacular volcanoes in the country. Poas' crater
is an enormous, gaping hole one kilometer in diameter
and 314 meters deep. At the bottom, there is a circular
hot lake. The long-extinct von Frantzius composite
cone-the oldest eruptive center on the massif, is
at the north of the active crater. Another cone named
Botos is to the southwest. It was the active center
until 7,500 years ago and now contains an astonishingly
beautiful cold water lake some 400 meters in diameter.
Poas
National Park presents four major habitats: an area
of arrayans, a stunted forest, a cloud forest and
areas with little or no vegetation. Small animal life
is scarce, although birds abound. Some of the 79 species
observed include the sotty robin, black guan, resplendent
quetzal, green toucan and flame-throated warbler.
In addition, this park protects various types of forests
containing abundant epiphytes and parasitic plants,
which grow on the tree trunks.
Special
Considerations
At certain times throughout the year, particularly
during the rainy season, both Irazu and Poas Volcanoes
tend to cloud significantly by midmorning, often remaining
covered in clouds for the remainder of the afternoon.
For this reason, we recommend that you choose a tour
operator who departs no later than 8:00 a.m. from
San Jose. This will provide you with your best chances
of seeing the volcanoes before any cloud cover arrives.
Also, due to their heights and barrenness, temperatures
are normally quite cold, but vary significantly. Dress
appropriately!!!
How To Get There
Poas Volcano, approximately one and a quarter to one
and a half hours from San Jose, is far less accessable
than Irazu Volcano. Depart San Jose as if you were
going to the International Airport, however, continue
to the right and follow the sign for San Ramon; this
leads towards Puntarenas. This exit is approximately
9 miles ( 14.4km ) from San Jose. Continue straight
on the main highway and continue throught the town
of Alajuela. At the end of town there is a sign which
reads "Poas Volcano 31 km". From this point
there are several signs which lead you directly to
the volcano.
The
climb is impressive with the road twisting and turning
most of the way. Several small eateries are located
along the way, and there is one gas station located
not long before the volcano entrance. The road is
gernerally in good condition, however, pot holes are
frequent. From the entrance gate the road continues
1 mile ( 1.6 km ) to where you have to pay to view
the volcano. |
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