This blog is part of our Costa Rica Travel series. If you want to catch up on our backstory, you can go to:
Pink Bear’s Retirement Journey
Pink Bear refused to join our day trip to Poás Volcano after discovering it was one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. She claimed it was a safety concern. Tom and I suspect she simply wanted another day with her new monkey friend.
Pink Bear researching Poás Volcano
Pink Bear loves her new monkey friend
While Pink Bear stayed behind to “supervise” her new friend, the “gang” set off from Jacó for a day filled with volcanoes, waterfalls, tropical birds, and some of the most beautiful scenery we experienced during our Costa Rica adventure. Pink Bear selected Henry from Tours by Locals for this adventure after we enjoyed our Monteverde tour with him so much.
One of the things we quickly learned about Costa Rica is that an entirely different world can be just a few hours away. We started our day in the warm, tropical beach town of Jacó, and in a few hours, we were near the rim of an active volcano, surrounded by cool mountain air and clouds. Along the way, we watched colorful tropical birds, explored spectacular waterfalls, and discovered that Costa Rica can pack an incredible amount of adventure into a single day.
Poas
Due to its elevation in a cloud forest, Poas is most often surrounded by clouds. It is a unique experience to view its glistening crater in its entirety. Although we did not get a clear view of the crater, it was an exciting experience to stand at the cloud-covered rim and gaze into the mouth of the beast!
Welcome to Poas National Park!
Laura at the Visitor Center Entrance
As we walked along the trail to the crater rim, we learned about the recent eruptions and saw the dark ash evidence along the trail. Sulphur scents soon filled the air and it was clear that Poas is an active volcano. I think Pink Bear made the right decision to stay behind with her new friend since she is sensitive to strong scents.
Volcanic ash along the trail to the crater rim
As we climbed toward the rim, the mysterious fog came into view. We were soon standing on the rim of one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica.
With Poas, you need to be patient, so even if it is completely clouded over, sometimes the wind picks up or shifts suddenly, and there it is. Standing on the rim, staring into a wall of clouds, we began to wonder if the crater would ever reveal itself. Then, almost as if the volcano decided we had waited long enough, the clouds parted for a few brief seconds, and we were blessed with a view of the crater floor.
For a brief moment, we glimpsed the crater, and then it was gone!
In Costa Rica, the fury of an active volcano is often contrasted with the beauty of this hummingbird flitting among the trees. This is a video of a lovely hummingbird we found among the trees of the park.
After a brief stop at the information center with its large gift shop, we were off to our next destination.
La Paz Waterfall:
As we wound our way through the mountain roads of the cloud forest, we were soon face-to-face with the La Paz waterfall. The rushing water filled our eyes and our ears. As cloudy and cold as Poas was, the area around La Paz waterfall was the opposite; it was clear and warm. We stood on the edge, gazing down into the water and soaking in the magic.
Here is a video of the magic of La Paz Waterfall.
Overview of La Paz with the gang: Diane, Tony, Tom, Laura, and Kathy
Birds:
Lunch was a unique and authentic Costa Rican restaurant high in the cloud forest. Soda Y Mirador Cinchona is a great place to stop for a bite to eat near La Paz Waterfall. The food is authentic Costa Rican and very reasonably priced. Seven of us had full meals including dessert for under 75USD.
Menu
This place is also a bird watcher’s dream. There are so many different birds that can be viewed here it is unbelievable. Experiencing all these types of birds highlights the wonder of this world. The more I see of this world, the more I want to see. If you can travel in retirement,
Male and female Tanagers
This tour was another magical experience in Costa Rica. Gazing into the cloudy Poas volcano, witnessing the sounds and sights of La Paz waterfall and eating an authentic Costa Rican lunch among the birds was a fulfilling experience. A trip to the central valley is not to be missed attraction in your retirement travel to Costa Rica.
Moments like this are exactly why we dreamed about retirement travel — unforgettable wildlife encounters in beautiful scenery high in the mountains.
Retirement Tour Rating:
⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 9/10 (the sulfur gas and short hike to the Poas volcano are slightly strenuous)
⭐ Adventure Level: Calm
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes, for the human crowd, but she is not fond of sulfur and active volcanos
Tips for Central Valley (Poas/La Paz):
- Bring a light windbreaker, tour goes rain or shine, and it is cool in the cloud forest.
- Bring your camera — many photo opportunities
- Private tours offer great personalized service and flexibility
- People with heart conditions should be aware of the sulfur gas and hike to Poas
If you missed our past adventures and other useful information, you could find them on my blog page