Tips:
When returning, wait for the bus on the highway.
You can combine a ride through
this park with a visit to the Rainforest Aerial Tram,
a 1-1/2 hour round-trip ride through the forest canopy.
The bus to Guápiles will stop there, just past the
northern border of the park.
If you take the bus to Río Frío/Puerto Viejo
de Sarapiquí, you can ride through the park and then
get off at Horquetas, the connection point to Rara
Avis.
It rains here often. Bring a waterproof hat
and jacket, binoculars, and insect repellent. Rubber
boots are available but you may prefer to bring your
own, especially if your wear a large size.
Lodging:
San José hotels.
Poás
Volcano/Volcán Poás National Park (Province of Alajuela
-- Central Valley)
In
addition to the active volcano (2,700 meters, 8,856
feet), other attractions include nature trails through
a cloud forest, a museum, and bird watching. Quetzáles
and a variety of hummingbirds thrive here. Take either:
A
route 1241 Tuasa bus, leaving daily from C12-C14/A2
opposite Park La Merced at 8:30 am; 2 hours. The bus returns at 2:00 pm. Get on line early;
seats are not reserved. The bus stops in Alajuela
to take on more passengers. Tel: (San José)
2222-5325, (Alajuela) 2442-6900.
Or, a route 200 SWA (Station Wagon Alajuela) or Tuasa bus to Alajuela from C10-C14/A2; then the route 228 bus, the route 254 bus, or the route 254BS minibus, to San Pedro de Poás and a taxi to the volcano. Tel: 2233-7477 or 2233-4481.
Or, a bus to Grecia, then a route 244 bus to San Pedro
de Poás and a taxi to the volcano.
Lodging:
Pura Vida Hotel, Tel: 506-2430-2630 /2430-2624 /8383-2597 (cell). 4 Km from the airport. www.puravidahotel.com.
Hotel Villa Real, C1/A3, Tel: 441-4856.
Hotels in San José.
Poás is an easy day trip.
