Alajuela Province

Main crater at volcán Poás, Costa Rica

Volcán Poás

Considered by most to be one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire country, the Poas Volcano sits high above 14,000 acres (5,666 ha) of various habitats and life zones which make up Poas Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Poas). Rising up to 8,885 ft (2,708 m), Poas remains one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes. This fact alone is enough to attract thousands of visitors per year.

Except for the area around the main caldera, the park is full of dense vegetation and small wildlife. Sightings of the 79 species of birds that have been identified inside the protected zone including the quetzal, emerald toucanet, black guan, sparrow, hummingbird and robin are common. Few large mammals are found inside the park, however, smaller, less conspicuous critters such as marmots, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, frogs and a plethora of insects are present. The different zones inside the protected area mainly include cloud forest, mountain rain forest and very humid low mountain forest. Hiking along the Botos Trail you arrive at Botos Lake, a beautiful crater with a diameter of 1,312 ft (400 m) that has a beautiful jade color and is frequented by many of the bird species in the park.

Exterior view of the Naranjo Basilica in Alajuela, Costa Rica

I shot this by reaching my hand through the bridge while kneeling on the road in front of the falls. It was the only way to get a straight-on shot.

"Dios, agotado de pintar el cielo, tomó un descanso y puso los pinceles en al agua de un río, tiñéndolo de color turquesa"

Así dice la leyenda...

Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, South America

Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, South America

Catarata de La Paz, in Spanish. The waterfall is located immediately alongside the road from Alajuela that leads to the northern plains of Costa Rica

Rio Celeste:

Celeste River is a river that is dyed a light blue chemical reactions of calcium carbonate and a sulfur from the Tenorio Volcano. In addition to the impressive color of your water, Rio Celeste also has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica and natural hot springs in the majestic rainforest.

The legend of the locals says that God after painting the sky in the Creation, washed his brushes on this river. Seeing the blue tinted waters of this river, this legend makes great sense.

The Teñideros are two streams of crystalline water, in combination with volcanic minerals, intense blue coloration produced this spectacular river. Here you can see the difference between natural river water and stained moving downstream.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica, South America

Rodeada de Selva

Catarata del Toro, perhaps the most spectacular waterfall in Costa Rica. (aprox. 180 meters)

La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica, South America

We were in late that day and tired after more than 5 hours driving and I totally forgot that I would see this waterfall. Good surprise !!

La Fortuna is a popular destination for those visiting the Arenal Volcano, the various hot springs, and the surrounding jungle. Though touristy, I...